Steve McDonald Plumbing & Heating

New boiler installed and as per manufacturer instructions full system chemical clean/flush done with the Adey Magnacleanse kit.

A good few inches of black sludge removed (when scraped into a bucket) from the radiators and pipes.

This property should be much more efficiently heated going forwards! No more cold spots at the bottom of the old iron radiators 👌🏻

Cannot believe the amount of black sludge removed cleansing radiator to radiator.

You don’t have to wait until you need a new boiler to have your system cleansed and flushed, contact me for prices 👍🏻

It's finally happened, well, it was bound to sooner or later 🤣

A couple of years ago I had the privilege of being asked not only to replace an old tired heating system including boiler and ALL pipework, radiators etc, on a tight budget, but also to be filmed for a Channel 4 show called 'The Great House Giveaway'.

Well, yesterday, Tuesday 17th October I've finally become famous, although not strictly a leading... or speaking part in the show, they have realised that a few random shots of me at work on that particular job would be absolutely key to raising the ratings for that particular episode! 😂

Anyway, if you've not already seen it, its on the All 4 catchup service on your smart telly, box, or stick thing.

It's series 4 and you can find it because its title is 'Derby'.

Enjoy!

Thank you to all of my customers for asking me to work in your homes/businesses over the last few years, it’s very much appreciated.

I’ve recently joined Derbyshire Trusted Traders, for those of you who have submitted a review since then, thank you so much, it is absolutely instrumental for my business 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

For anyone who I’ve worked for that hasn’t submitted a review, if you are able to spare a few minutes of your time, it would be amazing if you could submit a review for me.

Thanks everyone,

Steve.

https://apps.derbyshire.gov.uk/applications/trusted-trader/profile.asp?tid=77211&d=20&p=DE76JS&q=Plumber

Following the rise in fire alarm, CCTV and intruder alarm jobs, we have decided to pursue this sector of the trade further. With this in mind, we have decided to re brand.

We would like to introduce “JS Electrical Fire & Security”, our new trading name, nothing changes in regards with the type of work we undertake, we do still carry out domestic, commercial and industrial electrical installation, maintenance and testing, but we intend on expanding and therefore specialising in “Fire & Security”.

We are fully insured and accredited in all of the mentioned sectors, ensuring work is carried out to all relevant British Standards, all electrical work is carried out to BS7671, access control systems to BS60839-11, intruder alarms to EN50131 and fire alarms to BS5389.

Feel free to contact us for any electrical, fire alarm, intruder alarm, access control or CCTV queries.

After a couple of weeks of the Derbyshire Trusted Trader/Trading Standards teams’ rigorous checks, I’ve been accepted as a Derbyshire Trusted Trader 😀😀😀

Reviews/feedback - if any of my customers fancy leaving me a review/feedback, you can visit my profile and do so here:

https://apps.derbyshire.gov.uk/applications/trusted-trader/profile.asp?tid=77211&d=5&p=DE76JS&q=Plumber

Any review would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for everyone’s custom so far! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Save money, save the planet!
It's time for us all to think SMARTER when it comes to our heating controls 🌎🌎🌎
As an approved Wiser installer, contact me for a free, no obligation quote to upgrade your existing heating controls.

Wiser Heating Controls by Drayton | Drayton Wiser Smart meets Wiser. Introducing the new Wiser heating controls range from Drayton. The easier, smarter, heating system.Benefit from over seventy years of engi...

This evening, this happened! 😃

Be sure to give me a wave if you see me out and about!

*SMART HEATING CONTROLS*

In addition to having the latest super energy efficient condensing boiler, there are other ways in which you can optimise your home heating setup and save even more £££'s each year.

Those of you who know me, know I could talk about Drayton Wiser products until the cows come home! 😂😂😂

The truth is however, they are, in my honest opinion the smartest, most affordable, dynamic and expandable heating controls on the market today.

As an approved Wiser installer, any products supplied/installed by me will be registered for a 5 YEAR WARRANTY.

Check out the range of products here:

https://wiser.draytoncontrols.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjwscGjBhAXEiwAswQqNFNWaoElOQE_zPq2SKhJ8OMBuXBPuadD_5QUj59In19LAvpqeLWlshoCxE8QAvD_BwE

In a nutshell, the Drayton Wiser core Thermostat kit connects to your home internet and uses weather forecasts to optimise heating, it has a wireless, colour, touch controlled room thermostat that can be moved around the house with you on it's handy stand, or fixed to the wall in a specific location.

The Wiser Home smartphone app allows you to set all your schedules for heating (and water if you have water storage cylinder) directly on your phone.

Another app, IFTTT have teamed up with Wiser to allow the Wiser system/app to geofence - basically the system knows whether you are at home or not, in real time and therefore will only heat the home to the desired home or away temperatures, not wasting heating whilst you're out and about, or on holiday!

The internet connectivity allows the thermostat and any other Wiser devices to be controlled via smart home assistants "Alexa, set the temperature to 20 Degrees"

If you want to expand the system and have room by room smart heating, you can add smart radiator thermostats to the mix, these also connect to the internet and can individually call for heat from the boiler - any rooms that are already up to temperature will close the valves so that heat is only being used in the rooms that need it - Super efficient!

Anyway, as I said above, I could talk about this stuff all day if given half the chance, if I've peaked your interest though and you'd like to know more, drop me a message or give me a call.

Happy Heating everyone!

Another new boiler fitted. A high efficiency condensing Worcester Bosch Greenstar 32 CDi Compact combination boiler, along with:

- Greenstar System Filter to catch any magnetite (sludge) from the radiators before it clogs up the boiler.

- In-line Limescale inhibitor so that the boiler is not affected by limescale build up internally.

- 10 year Worcester guarantee on boiler and system filter.

- Drayton Wiser thermostat kit 1 - internet connected, app controlled smart thermostat that ensures your heating system is as efficient as possible.

- Drayton Wiser smart radiator thermostats, to make the Wiser controlled heating system even more efficient!

Message with any questions or for a free, no obligation quote!

So, it's been a busy 2023 so far!

Condensing boilers vs Non-condensing boilers...

What's the difference?

Condensing boilers are far more efficient than non-condensing boilers, with newer models able to reach over 90% efficiency. Non-condensing boilers are only able to achieve between 70-80% efficiency.

As a result, condensing boilers are much more cost-effective and can save a homeowner hundreds of pounds in heating bills each year. By burning less units of fuel and reducing a home’s carbon emissions the condensing boiler is also a greener option.

If you're looking at upgrading your boiler to a newer, more efficient one, get in touch!

*Photo credit - Worcester Bosch

Busy Saturday. Central heating circulation issues, identified the boilers diverter valve as the culprit so swapped that out for a new one, all radiators toasty warm now.

Call out to a report of water running down the wall… both sides of the customers patio doors.

Carpet and a couple of floorboards up, revealed mice had decided to make a meal of the plastic push fit elbows above. Temporary fix implemented to isolate the chewed fittings, central heating repressurised and heating/hot water up and running again.

All in a days work!

Not every day you get a call to say there’s a little bird has found it’s way down a vertical flue and is trapped inside a fully sealed gas stove!

Luckily the home owner heard the bird before lighting the stove 😬

Stove dismantled, bird coaxed out, still healthy and now free, new seals, stove re-assembled and tested.

Everyone is happy 😊

BOILER SERVICE
BOILER REPAIR
BOILER REPLACEMENT/UPGRADE
CENTRAL HEATING MAINTENANCE
CENTRAL HEATING BREAKDOWN
HOT WATER ISSUES
UNVENTED HOT WATER CYLINDERS
RADIATOR REPLACEMENT/UPGRADE
MAGNETIC SYSTEM FILTERS
LIMESCALE FILTERS

If you need or are interested in any of the above, or anything else heating & plumbing related, drop me a message or give me a call to discuss.

COMPETITIVE PRICING.

VERY LIMITED availability for boiler services before Christmas.

Taking bookings for the new year.

Thank you to all my existing customers for your support!

Prevention is better than cure...
..especially when boilers are concerned (as they cost a lot!)

Having your boiler serviced annually ensures the appliance is working safely and efficiently. Looking after your boiler will also increase its lifespan and reliability.

Any number of potential issues can be picked up early before a breakdown causes you inconvenience in the colder months and/or potentially expensive repair bills!

Boiler services are currently £60.

Contact me to book your service for peace of mind 👍🏻

Warm Hall!

Earlier in the year I was asked to replace all radiators in a local hall used for Girl Guiding and other community based clubs/events including overnight stays.

The old radiators were inefficient, so I calculated the British Thermal Units required for the hall space and put a plan in place.

The Hall had recently had a new roof with insulation, so the last part of the heating puzzle was to effectively heat the space.

All ageing pipework and all radiators were replaced around the hall.

I'm proud as punch to have received a message in the last week to thank me, as now the heating is required, the hall is lovely and warm (and efficient!).

Contact me for any plumbing or heating jobs, large or small 👍🏻

Another lovely new efficient condensing boiler installed to replace an old, broken and inefficient one.

Worcester Bosch Greenstar 2000 fitted to a bungalow, as the Greenstar is Worcesters entry level combination boiler for small properties, it was a perfect match for this customer.

As usual, a Worcester system filter fitted to the heating return to catch any sludge dragged out of the existing radiators/pipework before hitting the narrow water channels in the plate heat exchanger in the boiler and a limescale filter fitted to the cold supply to ensure the other side of the plate heat exchanger is protected from furring up with limescale.

I am Gas Safe registered, you can find or check my details at GasSafeRegister.co.uk 👍🏻

A lovely young couple moved into a stunning house in an amazing rural location, but they inherited an ageing Glow Worm Hideaway (floor standing, 24/7 pilot light) gas boiler and an open vented cylinder, giving poor water pressure for the mixer shower that was installed at the property.

I removed the old boiler, adjusted all pipework to accommodate a new wall hung, efficient/condensing Worcester Bosch boiler and fitted a Worcester Bosch system filter to drag out any sludge from the radiators before finding its way into the boilers primary heat exchanger.

I also removed the old open vented cylinder from the bathroom airing cupboard and fitted a modern unvented cylinder in the loft.

They now have efficient heating and hot water, maintaining the mains pressure for their hot as well as cold water, making their shower much more powerful!

It’s been a ’little while’ since I’ve posted on here, it’s been a busy few months!

A customer had a smart gas meter fitted late on a Friday afternoon. The Lowri Beck meter installer discovered a gas leak somewhere on the system and capped off the gas at the meter for safety.

I visited the property on that Friday evening and confirmed there was a significant 2.5mbar drop in pressure. I proceeded to isolate all gas appliances within the property, but the drop remained. I then tested all visible gas pipework and fittings with leak detection fluid to no avail 😩

The conclusion was that it was a significant leak on the pipework that is hidden within the property walls/floor/ceiling! This house is only just over 15 years old, so was surprising to find such a leak.

It was agreed with the customer that the gas would remain capped overnight but that the following day all internal pipework was to be condemned/capped and a new high level external gas pipe was to be run from the meter around to the boiler and gas hob, both of which are in the kitchen.

A Saturday afternoon and Monday morning later and the boiler and hob are back up and running safely and efficiently, with the pipe sizing meaning both appliances are receiving the correct gas pressures when operational.

I’ll be returning this week to drop a 15mm spur down and through the wall to reconnect the gas fire, but the priority was to get the hot water and hob working for them asap.

Bathroom, done 👍🏻

I removed the old bathroom suite & radiator and installed the new shower tray, the customer then tiled the walls and floor (amazing job!) I then returned to install the new toilet, basin + vanity unit, towel radiator and shower enclosure.

They’ve since added plants, a mirror, wall light, a blind, a shelf and a cheeky loo roll holder to finish it all off.

Loved getting this sorted for them. Also had to replace the waste pipe and change some of the external pipework into the main soil waste to ensure everything drains well.

Happy bathrooming! ☺️

Boiler and toilet repairs this morning (I didn’t take photos of the toilet 😂).

Faulty expansion vessel was full of water. The purpose of the expansion vessel is to take up expansion of the central heating water in the system when it heats up, one half of the vessel is pressurised air and the other the CH water. When the water expands, the air contracts (science type stuff) and when the water cools and contracts the air expands to keep the system happy.

If the expansion vessel is faulty and is full of water, there is nowhere for the expansion to go when the water heats up, except out of the pressure relief valve. When the system cools, it’s lost water and the pressure is therefore lower... repeat this a few times and you end up with 0 pressure and a boiler that won’t fire.

Vessel & PRV replaced and system re-pressurised for this customer. Happy days 👍🏻

Worktop replaced with solid Beech, retained the original sink and fitted new pillar taps. Changed under sink plumbing to move washer/dryer to the other side for easier access. Another happy customer 😊

Downstairs W/C refresh completed today for a happy customer. They did an amazing job with tiling and flooring and I enjoyed replacing the toilet and sink for nice fresh modern units ☺️

When hobby meets profession 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

A customer bought a replacement tap for his bath. The existing hole for the tap was far too big 😩😩😩

After failing to find an off the shelf solution, I offered to design and 3D print an adapter base plate to allow the new tap to be fitted.

If it works it could be spray painted/chromed etc to match the tap.

I’ll find out later today if it’s up to the job!

Lovely day for a bit of plumbing based carpentry! There are always plenty of ways to level stud work and I’m going old school!

All this just to fit a shower tray and shower wall boards for a customer! 😮

Magnetic Filters. I’m passionate about keeping central heating systems clean, the insides of radiators will inevitably degrade over time and the ‘ferrous’ (metal that rusts off over time) can sit in the bottom of your radiators, but eventually find its way into your boiler, valves and pumps and cause issues when it builds up.

The photos show the inside of a magnetic filter, the amount of ferrous that is removed from the circulating central heating water. The magnetic filters should be fitted on the heating return pipe, after the last radiator to catch all the sludge just before the water gets pumped back through the boiler. As part of your annual service, the magnetic filter should be checked and cleaned, ready to strip out the next 12 months of gunge 👍🏻

Well, that’s my work wrapped up for 2020!

It’s been a tough year for many and my thoughts are with anyone affected by the situation created by Coronavirus, or the virus itself ❤️

It’s the end of my first full year of self employment and I’d like to thank everyone that has asked me to do work for them and who have helped me along the way, it’s been amazing, so thank you!
🙏🏻

I’m going to pour myself a nice pint of ale and relax now, I’ll be back on 4 January, so anything you might need doing in the new year, drop me a message and I’ll get back to you ☺️

All that’s left to say is MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year to you all! 🎄🎄🎄🥳🥳🥳

See you all in 2021!

Cheers, Steve 🍺🍻

My first (supervised) boiler swap. We went to investigate an issue with the hot water (not staying hot) earlier in the week. Unfortunately the old boiler had to be condemned 😢 but we managed to fit the new combi boiler on Friday. The householders now have heating AND hot water again 👍🏻 More experience to put towards my Gas Safe qualification ☺️

Still working towards my Gas Safe qualification. Returned to a 7 year old combi today where the service was abandoned previously due to the negative fan pressure being out of tolerance. A deep clean of the heat exchanger was needed. So much material was removed and cleaned out! Now the boiler can breathe again and all gas analyser readings are spot on. All good for another year!