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Plumbing Services

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.

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.

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.

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.

Call – 0800 234 3075