Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our gas, heating and plumbing services in Tunbridge Wells and Kent
General Questions
We cover Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Crowborough, Edenbridge, Pembury, East Grinstead, Wadhurst, Paddock Wood, Uckfield and surrounding areas. If you're unsure if we cover your location, please contact us.
Yes, APL Gas & Heating Services is fully Gas Safe registered (registration number 660157). All our engineers carry their Gas Safe ID cards and you can verify our registration on the Gas Safe Register website.
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency call-out services for gas leaks, boiler breakdowns and heating failures. Call 07903 815901 for immediate assistance.
For emergencies in our core service areas (Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks), we typically respond within 1-2 hours. Response times may vary for locations further afield.
Yes, we provide free, no-obligation quotes for all our services. We offer fixed-price quotes with no hidden charges so you know exactly what to expect.
Boiler Questions
We recommend annual boiler servicing to maintain efficiency, ensure safety and keep your warranty valid. Regular servicing can extend your boiler's lifespan and prevent costly breakdowns.
Our standard boiler service starts from £75. The exact price depends on your boiler type and location. Contact us for a specific quote for your property.
A straightforward boiler replacement typically takes 1-2 days. If additional work is needed (new piping, relocation, system upgrades), it may take 2-3 days. We'll provide a clear timeline in your quote.
We install all major boiler brands including Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Baxi, Ideal and Viessmann. We can advise on the best boiler for your home and budget.
A well-maintained boiler typically lasts 10-15 years. If your boiler is over 10 years old and requiring frequent repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a modern, energy-efficient model.
Signs include frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, strange noises, uneven heating, yellow flames instead of blue, and the boiler being over 15 years old. If you notice any of these, contact us for an assessment.
Gas Safety Questions
A Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is a legal document confirming that gas appliances and installations in a property have been checked and are safe. Landlords are legally required to have one for rented properties.
Landlords must have a Gas Safety Certificate renewed annually (every 12 months) for all rented properties with gas appliances. Failure to comply can result in fines up to £6,000 or imprisonment.
Our landlord Gas Safety Certificates start from £65 for a single appliance. We offer discounts for multiple properties and can arrange certificates for letting agents managing portfolios.
A gas safety check includes inspecting all gas appliances, checking for gas leaks, testing ventilation and flues, verifying safety devices work correctly, and checking gas pressure and combustion.
Warning signs include a yellow or orange boiler flame (should be blue), black soot marks around appliances, pilot lights frequently blowing out, and symptoms like headaches, dizziness or nausea. Install a CO alarm and evacuate immediately if you suspect a leak.
Heating Questions
Cold radiators at the bottom usually indicate sludge buildup in your system. This can be fixed with a powerflush or chemical cleanse. We can assess your system and recommend the best solution.
Turn off your heating, use a radiator key to open the bleed valve at the top corner until water comes out (have a cloth ready), then close it. If you need to bleed radiators frequently, there may be an underlying issue we can diagnose.
A powerflush is a deep cleaning process that removes sludge, rust and debris from your central heating system. It improves efficiency, reduces energy bills and can extend the life of your boiler and radiators.
Noisy heating can be caused by air in the system, pump problems, limescale buildup, or loose components. Different sounds indicate different issues - contact us for a diagnosis.
It's generally more efficient to use a programmer or smart thermostat to heat your home only when needed. Modern condensing boilers are designed to work efficiently when cycling on and off.
Plumbing Questions
Yes, we handle all domestic plumbing repairs including leaking taps, running toilets, burst pipes, blocked drains and bathroom installations. No job is too small.
Turn off your water at the stopcock immediately (usually under the kitchen sink). Turn off your boiler and heating. Open taps to drain the system. Call us for emergency repair - we offer 24/7 service.
Keep your heating on low during very cold weather, insulate exposed pipes, fix dripping taps, and know where your stopcock is. If pipes freeze, call us immediately - don't try to thaw them yourself.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our friendly team is here to help with any questions about gas, heating or plumbing services.
Emergency Heating & Plumbing
Available 24/7 for urgent repairs and breakdowns