Here are just a few common questions we get asked on a day-to-day basis, we hope this blog answers any questions you may have. If not, simply contact us and we will work hard to help you with any queries.

Q There is no water in the house

There are a number of reasons why this can happen, such as an airlock. However, sometimes the water board have to turn off the water supply in the area if there is a burst water-main nearby.

First test to see if there is water to your kitchen tap – this is normally mains water supply coming into the house. If there is no water at this point it would be a good idea to either check with your neighbours to see if they have water or contact your local water board.  If there is water to your kitchen tap then there is probably an issue in your property, if this is the case then call Chaps.

Q I can smell gas

If you think you have a gas leak or can smell gas, leave the house and phone the National Gas Emergencies number immediately on 0800 111 999. If you’re at home, and you can do it safely, turn off your gas supply. … Move the handle a quarter turn until it’s at 90 degrees from the pipe to shut off the gas supply

Q I live in a flat and have a leak coming through my ceiling from the flat above

The chances are that there is a leak in the flat above. Try contacting the occupiers of the flat above as it may be their responsibility to arrange for their own plumber to attend. If you have a communal area where the water meters are fitted you could look at your neighbours’ meter to see if it is running constantly, if it is you could try to turn the water off at this point but you will need to be careful just in case your neighbours are in the shower or their washing machine is running.  Alternatively you could call Chaps so that we can assess the situation.

Q Should I turn my water off when I go on holiday?

If you are planning on leaving your property empty for a few days then you should turn off your incoming water supply. This is normally done on the stopcock where the water enters the property. You may not be covered under some insurance policies if you do not do this. If you find you cannot turn off the water then just call Chaps. We can locate the stopcock and check that it is working correctly for you.

Q I cannot turn off the water supply to my property

There should be two isolating points to your property. The external one normally on your drive or pavement belongs to the water board so if you cannot find this or it is difficult to use then you should contact them. The other one is where the water supply enters your house.

Q My heating is not working

Check that the programmer is set correctly and your room thermostat is set to high. We have many calls asking for an engineer to attend and it could be something simple like this. If it still does not work then give us a call.

Q My oil boiler has stopped running

The most common oil boiler breakdown is due to no oil. If you are confident that you have oil and the boiler is still not working then call Chaps and we will arrange for one of our specialists to attend.

Q My heating won’t turn off

The likely cause is due to a faulty motorised valve which is fitted on the pipework between your boiler and the heating system. Unfortunately all you can do is turn off the electrics to your boiler system and give Chaps a call.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.