Plumbers & Heating Engineers
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For over 30 years, TM Hughes & Son have been providing domestic and commercial plumbing services.
We are reputable plumbers who pride ourselves on our competence and honesty and are available for your heating and plumbing needs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Whatever your plumbing needs, we will undertake any job, whether it’s unblocking a drain or installing a full commercial plumbing system.
Plumbing & Heating Services
- Plumbing
- Heating
- Bathroom Installation/Refurbishment
- Boiler Installation
- Boiler Repair
- Boiler Servicing
- Power Flushing
- Underfloor Heating
- Gas Safety Inspections/Certificates
- Gas Fire Servicing
- Gas Cooker Fitting/Disconnection
Excellent Rates
All Plumbing includes good rates regularly reviewed to ensure you only pay the going rate with no call out charges or hidden extras. We always provide our customers with a high standard of work.
Gas Safe Registered
All TM Hughes Plumbers are also Gas Safe Registered engineers and have been working in and around the Essex area for many years. Our Plumbers have the real-world experience to solve any plumbing problem that may arise.
Plumbing Services
- Bathroom Installation
- Bathroom Repairs
- Bathroom Refurbishment
- Blockages
- Burst Pipes
- Gas heating
- Leaks
- Pipe Fitting
- Pipe Repair
- Pipe Replacement
- Saniflo Installation
- Saniflo Repair
- Sink Installation
- Shower Installation
- Shower Servicing
- Shower Repair
- Shower Pump Installation
- Shower Pump Servicing
- Shower Pump Repair
- Tap Installation
- Tap Replacement
- Tap Repair
- Waste Disposal Installation
- Waste Disposal Servicing
- Waste Disposal Repair
- Waste & Overflow Installation
- Waste & Overflow Replacement
- Water Tank Installation
- Water Tank Repair
- Water Tank Servicing
- Water Tank Setting
- And lots more
There’s no Plumbing job we can’t do
Domestic homes have a technical system of pipes, tanks, valves and other parts that supply water for drinking, washing, heating and sanitation. Essex & Suffolk water ensures you have a constant water supply that enters your home and is controlled by the mains stopcock. The stopcock turns your mains water supply on or off.
In the event of a Plumbing emergency, the first thing you need to do before calling a Plumber is to turn off the mains water supply using the mains stopcock. Shutting off water stops any damage (or further damage) to your home.
Make sure you know where your mains stopcock is located and make sure it works so you can shut off your water supply should an emergency occur. We can quickly free or replace your mains stopcock if it has seized up (a common problem).
A carefully structured Plumbing system provides water through some pipes to your taps, showers, baths, water tank and central heating system.
All water that comes in has to go out again, so waste systems are in place to quickly dispose of used water down the drain. Water is the bedrock of comfortable modern living, so your Plumbing system needs to be looked after, but sometimes leaks and blockages occur. This is where your local Plumber (who covers all aspects of plumbing) comes in.
Bathroom Plumbing
The bathroom features the most plumbing in any home; all have a bath or shower (usually both), a toilet and basin, many homes have multiple bathrooms/cloakrooms, which at times will succumb to Plumbing problems.
Toilets
Blocked Toilets are one of the most common issues we are called out for; blockages occur in nearly all homes at some time or another. Households with multiple bathrooms/cloakrooms will still have a functioning toilet (if they’re lucky). If one blocks, it will depend on where the blockage’s located.
Obstructions further down the soil pipe or sewer can render all toilets unusable, which’s very unpleasant but don’t worry, we’ll swiftly unblock them. Blockages are not the only issue that arises with toilets non-flushing, continuous filling (even when the cistern’s full) and even worse, overfilling can occur.
We work on all types of toilet, these include common close coupled toilets, and space-saving wall hung and corner toilets, although these are not as common in homes. While Toilets come in different shapes, sizes and designs internally, they all use the same mechanism. The cistern stores water when flushed waste is pushed down the soil pipe into the sewer.
The cistern will refill automatically thanks to the float that controls the water. When waters expelled, the float drops, opening the water valve. As the water’s filled into the cistern, the float rises, closing the valve when adequately filled. Supplying you with enough water for the next flush and preventing overfilling and flooding.
Bathroom Blockages
Blockages occur in the bathroom. Any slow draining water’s a clear indication you have a blockage and should be looked at before the drain blocks fully.
Some blockages you might be able to remove yourself by hand or with a plunger in the event you can’t or won’t remove a blockage (after all, it’s an unpleasant job best left to professional plumbers who’ll remove a blockage properly) we’re more than happy to look at it for you.
Baths, Basins & Taps
Baths and basins feature taps supplied by hot and cold water supply; designs include monobloc, mixer or pillar. Unlike Toilets, not all Taps use the same mechanism.
A bathroom tap will use a disc, washer, cartridge or ball system to supply water. Taps are prone to failing and leaking if this is the case, you’ll need to repair the tap by replacing the internal mechanism or replace the tap. Whatever you choose to do, we can fix or replace worn-out taps in your bathroom.
Showers & Pumps
Most Bathrooms have a shower, whether on its own or installed over a bath. Whatever your shower or new shower requirement,s we supply and fit all types of a shower, including eco, electric, digital, power showers, mixe,r and thermostatic.
We also specialise in shower pumps, whether they are standard or universal. We can solve any shower or pump problem also, let us know if you’re suffering from a failing pump, low water pressure, leaky heads, extreme temperature fluctuations or if your shower’s delivering no water at all.
Saniflo Systems
Our Plumbers are good with Saniflo systems. Also, you might already have one in your home or might require one so you can fit a toilet, bath, shower, sink or dishwasher anywhere you want in your home. Any waste can be ground up and pumped into the drain via pipes with a Saniflo system which we can supply, install and repair.
Bathroom Design & Installation
The TM Hughes team includes experienced bathroom fitters fully skilled in the design, refurbishment and installation of bathrooms. We can design and build any bathroom you want, ranging from traditional to modern, from budget fittings to top-end luxury fittings. Our bathroom designer works with our tilers, plumbers, gas engineers and electricians to create any bathroom.
Free Bathroom Survey
Get a free survey and no-obligation quote. You can speak to us over the phone, to begin with, or a bathroom fitter can come to visit your home. The fitter will inspect and measure up your space, answer all your questions/ideas then go through what’s possible and the options available.
The possibilities are endless with bathrooms; we can design something new or unique or copy an existing design you have seen online. There are many bathroom suites to choose from, ranging from classic rounded designs to modern squarish shapes. Tiles and flooring both come in a range of colours, designs and materials each have their pro’s and con’s and will need to be chosen carefully, something our experienced staff can guide you with.
Most bathrooms require lighting, fixtures, fittings, furniture and heating, lots to consider. Bathroom installation ranges from fitting a new suite in existing bathrooms to a full-blown refurbishment. Whatever your needs, we’re happy to help.
Kitchen Plumbing
Kitchen waste disposals are similar to Saniflo’s, except they grind up food waste instead of bathroom waste. Waste food’s ground mixed with water and pumped down the drain.
You might want a waste disposal unit in your kitchen, or you might have one that’s blocked or needs a service. Whatever your waste disposal needs, we can help you. We have worked on many over the years.
Both hot and cold water supply the Kitchen; the cold water comes from the mains while your Boiler provides hot water. Hot and cold water supplies your kitchen taps which we can install and repair. It’s also a good idea to have flexible hoses fitted to your taps so you can isolate them if the tap ever fails and starts leaking.
Hoses make tap replacement quicker (and cheaper). We have found some older homes lack this simple but beneficial part; we always fit them when we do tap replacements.
We plumb in washing machines and dishwashers, something to bear in mind if you’re not confident to fit and level them yourself. Whatever your kitchen Plumbing requirements, we can help you.
Other Plumbing
Other Plumbing includes the replacement and repair of water tanks. Whether or not you already have a water tank will depend on your Boiler. If you have any water tank problems, such as overfilling, we can send our local Plumber round to solve them and check that the systems appropriately set. If you need a water tank, we will install the best size for your home and system.
All TM Hughes Plumbers are Gas Safe Registered engineers qualified to install and work on any heating system, so there are no problems. If any plumbing issues cross over to your central heating system (which they sometimes do).
Emergency Plumbing
Our Plumbers are available 24/7. They will be with you within 2 hours to deal with any Plumbing emergencies that may occur in your home. There is no call out charges for emergencies; we offer a quick response with fair rates as well, so you can rest assured you won’t be ripped off.
In the event of an emergency, you’ll need to carry out some procedures to prevent any damage (or make any current damage worse). You can follow these steps before calling us, or you can call us so we can walk you through these actions.
Gas Leaks
You should know where your Gas Shut Off Valve is if you smell Gas, evacuate everyone in the property, shut your supply off immediately (only if it’s safe to do so), open all your windows and doors do not smoke or turn on any electrical appliances.
Phone Us, and we’ll be with you immediately. Stay out of your home, don’t re-enter and don’t switch on the gas until we (or another Gas Safe Registered Engineer) have told you it’s safe to do so.
Carbon Monoxide
Known as the ‘silent killer’, any home with a fuel-burning appliance (that’s most homes) is at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning. You must have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home (we can supply and install one for you if you’re unsure)
In the event, your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, don’t ignore it. Evacuate everyone from your home and call us. If you or any members of your family feel ill and are experiencing vomiting, dizziness, headaches, confusion, or nausea, call an ambulance. Do not re-enter your home until you are given the ok to do so (by another Gas Safe Registered Engineer or us)
Burst Pipes
Burst Pipes usually occur in winter when an unlagged pipe vulnerable to harsh winter weather freezes. The frozen water expands, causing the pipe to split when the frozen water defrosts water flows freely out of the split. Water starts leaking through the ceiling, or a build-up (in a void) bursts the ceiling.
Either way, both instances have the potential to cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to your home. Shut off your mains water supply (at the mains stopcock mentioned earlier) and call us.
Don’t leave any frozen pipes to chance if you feel you have a frozen pipe. We can defrost it for you before it bursts. Make sure your pipes are adequately lagged to prevent a pipe from bursting in the first place. Our Plumbers are very good at insulating pipes.
Blockages
Blockages are not always emergencies, but they can quickly become emergencies. For example, your toilet could overflow, damaging your bathroom floor in the process. Also, blockages prevent you from using your toilet (very inconvenient and unpleasant).
Water draining away slowly in your toilet, sink, bath, shower or basin, along with gurgling noises and bad smells, indicate there’s a blockage somewhere in your pipes. Do not ignore these signs; we can come round at a convenient time for you and remove the obstruction before it becomes an emergency.
In the event of a total blockage, call us at any time, and our 24 hour Plumber will be with you in no time.
Heating Services
All TM Hughes & Son Plumbers are Gas Safe Registered Heating Engineers with many years of experience. Many homes are connected to the gas grid and thus have gas-powered central heating systems, which are greener and cheaper to run than electric Heating.
Modern condensing boilers are capable of 99% efficiency (99% of the fuel burned is used, only 1% is wasted). As boilers age, they become less efficient (as low as 60%) and more damaging to the environment. We can work with any type of central heating system whether you have gas, LPG, oil or electric.
We install all types and kinds of Boiler as well as service and repair (see below). This includes all other central heating system components such as pipes, radiators, cylinders (vented & unvented) and pumps. All Boiler makes are covered, including Alpha, Ariston, Baxi, Ferolli, Glow-worm, Grundfos, Heat-line, Ideal, Keston, Potterton, Saunier Duval, Vaillant, Viessman and Vokera.
The Three Boiler Types
- Combi
- System
- Regular
The Boiler is the main component of any central heating system. The Boiler heats the water, which is then distributed through your pipes, radiators and underfloor heating. The continuous flow of hot water heats your home. The Boiler is essential; it must be installed correctly and looked after regularly (annual) servicing.
Combi – Combination Boilers are more suited to smaller homes with a lack of storage space. Everythings built-in, including the pump, there’s no need for a storage cylinder or separate pump, saving space. Combi’s heat water instantly, and they are the easiest to install and maintain. Very popular, accounting for around 50% of homes.
System – Bigger homes with higher hot water requirements commonly utilise System Boilers. Waters heated and used to heat the radiators. Hot water’s also taken to a storage cylinder, so there’s always a good supply of hot water available for the hot taps and shower.
Regular – Regular Boilers are becoming less common in the area nowadays. They are only installed in the largest of homes. The regular Boiler used to be installed in homes of all sizes, not anymore. These Boilers requires a storage cylinder, water tank and expansion tank. All take up precious storage space. Regular Boilers have the advantage of supplying large amounts of hot water simultaneously at multiple points.
Choosing A Boiler – The Boiler you want will depend entirely on your budget, preferences, existing system and requirements. Choosing a Boiler can be a minefield but don’t worry, our engineers are on hand to help you. Please see our Boiler Installation page for more details.
Getting The Most From Your Heating System
Most heating systems are not set optimally; in fact, we often find most components are totally out of sync with each other. Balancing your system ensures optimal heat output, comfort and efficiency.
Most find central heating systems are mind-boggling, and with good reason, the systems made up of Boiler, pipes, pump, radiators, radiator valves, controls, water heaters and cylinder. As the years pass, central heating systems are becoming better and better but more complex to install and set properly.
Controls
Poorly set controls will lead to inefficient Heating. An engineer will set your existing controls correctly, so your system runs brilliantly or upgraded (Old thermostats can become inaccurate)
Pressure
One of our engineers can go over your central heating system and make set everything set as it should be. An annual boiler service, along with a periodic cylinder service, will allow an engineer to check your boiler pressure which should be between 1.-1.5 bar. Outside this range and you’ll have problems.
Radiators & Valves
Radiator valves allow you to adjust the heat output from each radiator. If you have thermostatic valves, adjust each as necessary to set the temperature of your room. Sometimes valves stick, stopping radiators from Heating. Let us know we’ll unstick them for you. Older systems have manual valves, which are nowhere near as versatile as thermostatic valves and far less energy efficient. Ideally, your valves need upgrading. You may like some new radiators as well, which we can fit your existing system. We supply and fit all radiator types, including flat panel, designer, column, low surface and towel radiators.
Dirty Water
The most simple and effective form of central heating optimisation is bleeding the radiators. Releasing trapped air allows your radiators to heat fully. You may notice dirty water when you bleed your radiators, and after bleeding, maybe some radiators are not heating sufficiently? A sign of sludge in the system can be removed with Powerflushing (see below)
Pumps
The pump works hard to circulate water around your central heating system. After ten years, their performance will likely decline, affecting the functioning of your heating system. We can set and replace all types of central heating pump.
Underfloor
If you have an existing Underfloor heating system, we can check the manifold and pump to ensure everything works properly. In the unlikely event you damage your Underfloor Heating. We can diagnose faults and repair them. We also install Underfloor Heating.
Insulation
Protect yourself from plumbing and heating emergencies by vulnerable insulating pipes, the prime cause of boiler failure and split pipes. One of our engineers can advise and carry out the insulating if you’re unsure.
Boiler Installation
Are you thinking of getting a new boiler installed? Or has your old Boiler failed beyond repair? We offer a full Boiler installation service and a free survey. Our Gas Safe Registered engineers are highly skilled in Boiler installation, having carried out thousands over the past 30 years.
New boilers always result in better energy efficiency, lowering your carbon footprint and heating bills. Boilers slowly but surely lose their effectiveness as they age and become more likely to break down.
All Types Of Boiler Fitted
We fit all types of Boiler and fuel type. When upgrading, your old Boiler can be removed with a new one of the same kind put in its place. This way, your Boiler will work with your existing system. Alternatively, we can fit a different Boiler type if your hot water and heating demands have changed over the years. Your current system can be converted to work with a different kind of Boiler. Allowing you to free up space or increase your hot water/heating capacity.
Everyone has their unique demands, and engineer can visit, go through your requirements, inspect your existing system and go through all the options with you. A free no-obligation survey will determine your ideal Boiler for your budget.
Boiler Servicing
Boilers work extremely hard to provide your home with the required heat and hot water. As such, it’s highly recommended by gas engineers and boiler manufacturers to have your Boiler serviced every 12 months. We offer boiler servicing at a very reasonable price.
Annual servicing ensures your Boiler runs smoothly, burning the correct amount of fuel and minimising the risk of breakdown. All servicing’s undertaken to the required standards according to Gas Safe and your Boiler manufacturer. A stringent procedure’s followed, and all parts are thoroughly checked and cleaned.
If we find any signs of seals leaking, seals are replaced there and then to prevent the leak from worsening. Pipes are inspected, for we’ll ensure no leaks or corrosion cause problems in the future. Pipeworks corrected if necessary.
Boilers incorporate safety devices to prevent damage in case of sudden stopping or overload. Safety devices are tested. Boiler pressure and gas pressure are checked as well as the flue that expels all exhaust gasses—ensuring your boilers running correctly and isn’t a carbon monoxide risk.
After servicing, your Boiler will run efficiently, and you can relax in the knowledge it’s safe and won’t break down anytime soon.
Boiler Repair
Sometimes Boilers break down. It’s usually the old Boilers that fail, and it’s generally during winter when Boilers are running 24 hours a day. Boiler breakdowns are never convenient; you need your Boiler back up and running ASAP. Give us a call we can have an engineer to you within two hours. Our engineers are on standby to assist homeowners, tenants, landlords and business owners in the event of a broken boiler.
All Boilers Repaired
Boiler faults are an indication of a breakdown in the not too distant future. Unusual noises, Boiler keeps switching off, or the continuous extinguishing of the pilot light are all a sign of a Boiler fault. Get the fault rectified before the boiler breaks. You won’t have to experience a breakdown or any potential damage (which can be costly)
An engineer will inspect your Boiler quickly, diagnosing any faults. Most repairs are carried out on the spot and are rectified there and then. Otherwise, parts will be obtained promptly. Sometimes the Boilers, ok and it’s a fault with the central heating system causing problems with the Boiler. Again we’ll rectify any issues.
- Our engineers can repair any type and make of Boiler
- Boiler repairs and breakdowns include no call out charges
Powerflushing
Want to restore your central heating system to its former glory? Powerflushing’s the answer. Flushing your system will clear out all limescale and debris, a build-up we call sludge. Sludge is a mud-like substance that builds up in pipes and radiators, preventing the system from heating properly.
Radiators that don’t get hot at the bottom (or worse, the middle and bottom) are built up with sludge. Backed up systems are inefficient and expensive to run and can even damage boilers and central heating components. We can remove the debris with a Powerflushing machine.
The machines attached to your central heating system. A mix of chemicals and water is pumped through the system at a gentle pressure, which will remove all the excess sludge, cleansing your system over the course of a few hours. Excess waters removed and taken away. New water’s added with a corrosion inhibitor.
Afterwards, your radiators will emit the full heat, feeling lovely and warm. You Boiler will thank you for running more efficiently with a reduced chance of breaking down.
Powerflushing should be carried out every five years. If your radiators warm up slowly or expel dirty water when bleeding, you may need a Powerflush.
Underfloor Heating
We install, upgrade, service and repair Underfloor heating systems, whether they are gas or electric. This efficient form of heating has become very popular in the area over the past 15 years. Underfloor heating distributes heat evenly over the entire surface area and is incredibly energy efficient.
As pipes are hidden under the floor, radiators are eliminated, creating space. Damage rarely occurs with Underfloor Heating. The pipes are very safe underfoot. We do survey and repair damage if needed. We use thermography to establish damaged areas without having to remove flooring and floorboards.
Installations can be undertaken in any property, whether you have a modern home or a grade 2 listed building. The system works with most flooring types and can be fitted to most existing boilers and central heating systems.
For those with existing systems, we offer servicing and repair. When problems occur, it’s usually with the working parts above the ground. Parts are inspected, repaired or upgraded to get your system back to full working order.
Even if you’re experiencing no issues, we can check over your system and replace any worn parts if necessary. It’s good practice to have your underfloor heating checked at least once a year. During your Boiler service, an engineer can undergo a quick inspection.
If you’re thinking of having Underfloor Heating installed, get in touch for a free no-obligation survey and quote
Gas Safety Inspections, Landlords Certificates, CP12
If you’re a landlord letting a property, we can help you. You’re well aware as a landlord. Your property must be safe for your tenants, a vital legal requirement. As such, the gas system and appliances must be deemed safe, complying with the gas safety installation and use regulations 1998.
Our gas engineers undertake Gas Safety inspections in rented properties (if you’re a homeowner, we can check your gas appliances too for peace of mind).
An engineer visits your property and thoroughly checks the gas system and appliances. The engineer checks the gas is burned correctly and exhaust gasses are expelled properly. The tests make sure appliances are not a gas leak or carbon monoxide risk.
Once satisfied, everything’s safe and in good working order, a Gas Safety Certificates issued. You can rent your property legally, validate landlords insurance and relax in the knowledge your tenants are safe.
When appliances fail and certificates cannot be issued, we can advise and price repairs. Often we can carry out repairs on the day of the inspection and pass your property. Otherwise, we can arrange a later date.
Gas safety certificates must be issued every time the property’s rented to new tenants or every twelve months. We’ll write to you before the certificate expires to remind you.
Gas Fire Servicing
Gas Fires are a common feature in many living rooms. Nothing beats sitting by the fire on a cold winters evening. As a fuel-burning appliance, gas fires need maintaining servicing your fire every 12 months will ensure it’s in good working order.
When gas fires don’t burn fuel at the required rate or flues/chimneys are dysfunctional, carbon monoxide’s a real risk. A service will uncover any issues which are rectified to ensure your fires safe. (Please ensure you have a carbon monoxide alarm in the same room as your fire)
All internal parts are cleaned during the service, which will allow your fire to run full and efficiently, wasting less fuel, saving you more money.
If you haven’t had your fire serviced over the past 12 months, have noticed soot stains, excess smoke or your fires difficult to light, then a service is in order. We offer a full gas fire service at a low price.
Gas Cooker Services
If you have a new gas cooker, you’ll need your old cooker disconnecting and the new one put in its place. We offer Gas cooker disconnection and connection. This service also applies to gas ovens and gas hobs (and most other gas appliances, for that matter).
Always use Gas Safe Registered engineer when installing or disconnecting gas cookers, ovens and hobs. Improper disconnection/connection can cause Gas leaks which can be fatal.
We’ll ensure your new cooker’s adequately installed, to a high standard and works as per the manufacturer’s instructions after fitting a service record’s written so you can validate any warranties on your new appliance and prove the installations safe and legal. Accessories can also be fitted if required.
When installing a new gas cooker, oven or hob, specific requirements need to be met beforehand to ensure the proper installation. Please get in touch or read our Gas Cooker Installation page (follow the link below)
Get In Touch With Your Plumber
We have gone through Plumbing jobs and issues our team deal with regularly. If your Plumbing requirements or problem are not listed here, get in touch anyway. Our friendly Plumbers have many years of experience and have seen and dealt with every Plumbing job/problem you can think of; there’s nothing Plumbing wise we can’t do.
We are always happy to give you the advice to solve small Plumbing issues yourself or give you a no-obligation quote or estimate for those jobs that need to be done by a professional.
- All Plumbers are Gas Safe Registered with many years of experience
- Our prices are regularly evaluated, making sure they are among the best in the area, fair with no call out charges
- Our Plumbers are friendly and professional they carry the tools and parts to complete most jobs
- Parts we don’t carry can usually be sourced the same day
- Work’s done to the highest possible standard our goal is to ensure you’re satisfied with the work and price
- We value our customers and have built good relationships with many residents over the years
Areas Covered
Our Plumbers and Heating Engineers cover Basildon, Canvey Island, Rayleigh, Benfleet, Wickford, and the rest of Essex.
Hi, I’m Terry the founder and owner of TM Hughes & Son Gas Services
If you would like a quick and free no-obligation estimate or quote or would like to speak or book a plumber, please contact us using the phone number or contact form below.