Plumbing & heating questions, answered

We provide a full range of plumbing services for homes and businesses in Reading, including general repairs, leaking and burst pipes, blocked sinks and toilets, shower installations, bathroom plumbing and emergency plumbing. We also offer boiler and central heating services.

It depends on the type of work, how complex the problem is and whether you need emergency help. Minor repairs, such as fixing a leaking tap, generally cost less than extensive pipework or major installations. Call us on 07878 495926 to discuss the job and get pricing information.

Look for an established local business with relevant experience, genuine customer reviews and the right qualifications. Check that they offer the service you need and are clear about pricing. KV Plumbing & Heating has over 20 years of industry experience serving customers across Reading.

Yes. We work with both domestic and commercial customers in Reading, from repairs at home to heating maintenance for rental properties and plumbing systems in commercial premises.

Yes. Low water pressure can be caused by leaking pipes, blocked fittings, faulty valves or a problem with the incoming supply. A plumber can find the cause and recommend the right repair. If you’ve noticed a sudden drop in pressure, it’s worth arranging an inspection.

A dripping tap is usually caused by a worn washer, a damaged ceramic cartridge or a faulty internal seal. Even a small drip wastes a lot of water over time. Replacing the worn part often fixes it, although older or badly worn taps may need replacing.

A toilet that keeps running after flushing may have a faulty fill valve, flush valve or damaged seal inside the cistern. This wastes water and can push up your bills. A plumber can identify the faulty part and repair or replace it.

Start by removing any visible debris around the plughole. Avoid repeatedly using chemical drain cleaners, especially if you’ve already tried another product. Persistent blockages are often caused by grease, food waste, soap residue or an obstruction further along the waste pipe. We can investigate and recommend a suitable fix.

Yes. We offer a 24-hour emergency plumbing service in Reading for urgent problems such as burst pipes, significant leaks and serious plumbing failures. Call 07878 495926 to explain the problem and check engineer availability.

A plumbing emergency is a problem that could cause significant water damage, create a safety risk or stop you using essential facilities. Examples include burst pipes, uncontrolled leaks, overflowing toilets, serious drain blockages and water coming through ceilings or walls.

Turn off the main water supply at the internal stopcock, usually found under the kitchen sink or where the supply enters the building. If it’s safe, switch off electricity to affected areas and keep away from wet electrical equipment. Then call an emergency plumber as soon as possible.

Yes. Depending on where the pipe is and its condition, an emergency plumber may repair the damaged section, replace faulty fittings or install new pipework. The priority is to stop the leak, prevent further damage and restore your plumbing safely.

Turn off the water supply if you suspect a plumbing leak. Avoid electrical fittings and don’t stand beneath a bulging or damaged ceiling. Where safe, catch the dripping water and contact an emergency plumber. Water through a ceiling can point to leaking pipes or bathroom plumbing faults that need urgent attention.

Yes, particularly if it’s the only toilet in the property or wastewater is escaping onto the floor. Stop flushing and avoid adding more water. Professional help may be needed to find and clear the blockage.

Response times depend on engineer availability, the nature of the problem, traffic and your location. As we’re based in Earley, Reading, we’re well placed to respond to local call-outs. Call 07878 495926 for an estimated arrival time.

Common causes include low system pressure, electrical faults, thermostat problems, ignition failures or faulty internal components. Check the boiler display for error codes and make sure the controls are set correctly. If the problem continues, arrange an inspection by a suitably qualified engineer.

Repeated pressure loss can point to a leak in the heating system, a faulty pressure relief valve or a problem with the expansion vessel. Occasional repressurising can be normal, but pressure that keeps falling should be investigated to fix the underlying cause.

Many sealed domestic heating systems run at roughly 1 to 1.5 bar when cold, although the right figure varies by boiler model. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If the pressure is consistently too high, too low or keeps changing, a qualified heating engineer can investigate.

Unusual noises can be caused by trapped air, circulation problems, faulty components or restrictions in the heating system. Banging, whistling and gurgling shouldn’t be ignored, especially if your heating isn’t performing as well as it should. An experienced heating engineer can diagnose the cause.

If your radiators heat up but the taps run cold, the problem may be a diverter valve, thermostat, sensor or another part of the boiler or hot water system. The exact cause depends on the type of boiler you have, so a professional inspection is recommended.

Once a year, in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular servicing keeps the boiler running safely and efficiently, picks up developing faults early and helps it last longer. Some manufacturer warranties also require an annual service.

It depends on the boiler’s age and condition, the cost of the repair and whether parts are still available. A minor fault is often worth repairing, while an ageing boiler with repeated breakdowns may be better replaced. A heating engineer can assess it and explain your options.

Yes. We provide boiler repairs in Reading. Loss of hot water can be caused by faulty boiler components, pressure problems or heating controls. Tell us the symptoms and we’ll arrange a suitable assessment.

Radiators that stay cold or only partly warm up may have trapped air, sludge build-up, balancing problems or faulty valves. The cause often depends on whether one radiator is affected or the whole property. A heating engineer can inspect the system and recommend repairs.

This usually means trapped air. Bleeding the radiator can help restore circulation. If the problem comes back, the wider heating system may need checking.

A radiator that’s warm at the top but cold at the bottom may have sludge or debris restricting the flow of water. This reduces efficiency and leaves rooms colder. Depending on how severe it is, a system clean or other maintenance may be needed.

Boilers should generally be serviced every year. Radiators, valves, pipework and controls should also be checked whenever faults appear or performance drops. Regular maintenance helps catch small issues before they become expensive repairs.

Heating can switch off unexpectedly because of thermostat settings, timer problems, low boiler pressure, a faulty pump or an internal boiler fault. Check that your controls are programmed correctly. If it keeps happening, a heating engineer can diagnose the problem.

Yes. We provide central heating installation and maintenance in Reading, including radiators, associated pipework and complete heating systems. Get in touch to discuss your property and what you need.

A Gas Safe registered engineer is legally registered to carry out the types of gas work they’re qualified for. In the UK, anyone doing gas work must be on the Gas Safe Register. You can check an engineer’s registration at gassaferegister.co.uk (opens in a new tab).

Yes. Gas work on a boiler installation must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for that type of appliance. Correct installation is essential for safety, compliance and reliable operation.

Avoid naked flames and don’t operate electrical switches. Open doors and windows if it’s safe, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Don’t try to investigate or repair the gas installation yourself.

Search for the engineer on the official Gas Safe Register website. Engineers should also carry a Gas Safe ID card showing their registration details and the types of gas work they’re qualified to do.

A gas safety check inspects your gas appliances and installation for safe operation. Depending on the appliances, this can include gas tightness, ventilation, flue performance, safety devices and combustion. Exact requirements vary with the installation.

A plumber can handle all the plumbing for a bathroom installation, including pipework, basins, toilets, baths and showers. Complete projects may also involve tiling, electrical work and decorating. We provide bathroom installations in Reading and can talk through what your project needs.

It depends on the size of the room, the fixtures you choose, the condition of the existing plumbing and how much work is involved. Replacing fittings in the same positions is usually simpler than changing the layout or moving pipework. Contact us to discuss your plans.

It depends on the size and complexity of the project. Swapping existing fixtures takes considerably less time than a full refurbishment with new pipework and a new layout. We can give you a realistic timeframe once we’ve seen what’s involved.

Yes. We provide shower installations in Reading, whether you’re replacing an existing shower or planning new shower plumbing. We’ll discuss your requirements and help you choose the right option for your bathroom.

Low shower pressure may be caused by limescale, a blocked shower head, restricted pipework, faulty valves or low pressure from the water supply itself. The fix depends on your plumbing and hot water system. A plumber can investigate and advise on improvements.

Often, yes, depending on the space, existing pipework and drainage. Moving a toilet is usually more involved than moving a basin because of the soil pipe. A plumber can assess whether your proposed layout is practical.

Yes. Landlords of rented homes with gas appliances covered by the regulations must arrange a gas safety check, normally every 12 months. The check must be carried out by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, and tenants must be given a copy of the record.

CP12 is the common name for a landlord gas safety record. It documents the results of the required safety checks on the gas appliances and installation in a rented property.

In most residential tenancies, the landlord is responsible for maintaining installations that provide heating and hot water, including the boiler. Tenants should report faults promptly so repairs can be arranged.

Yes. We support landlords and letting agents in Reading with general plumbing repairs, boiler maintenance, heating problems and property plumbing systems. Get in touch to discuss your maintenance needs.

Annual servicing is recommended for gas boilers, in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Landlords must also meet their legal gas safety obligations. Note that a boiler service and a landlord gas safety check are not necessarily the same thing.

Yes. Landlords and letting agents can book emergency help when tenants have serious leaks, burst pipes or other urgent problems. Our 24-hour emergency service covers Reading. Call 07878 495926 to check availability.

We’re based at 332a London Road, Earley, Reading, and provide plumbing and heating services throughout Reading and the surrounding areas.

We have over 20 years of industry experience serving domestic and commercial customers, covering general plumbing, central heating, boilers, bathroom installations and gas work.

Call 07878 495926 or email kvplumbingheating@gmail.com. Whether you need an emergency plumber, a boiler repair, central heating help or a new bathroom, we’re happy to talk it through.