Q: Why is it impossible to get a plumber in Manchester?
A: Extremely high demand. One Manchester resident tried for 8 months to fix their shower. Good plumbers stay fully booked through word-of-mouth recommendations. Online aggregator sites often disappoint.
Q: How do I find a trustworthy plumber in Manchester/Sale area?
A: Skip Checkatrade/MyBuilder - unreliable reviews. Best methods:
- Ask neighbors directly
- Join local Sale/Manchester WhatsApp groups
- Check WaterSafe/CIPHE national registers
- Personal recommendations beat online searches
Q: Have I been scammed by a dodgy plumber?
A: Common in Manchester. Red flags: took payment but didn't complete work, no Gas Safe certificate shown, avoided giving receipts. Document everything and check their credentials before paying.
Q: Do I need a plumber or boiler engineer in Manchester?
A: For boilers, you MUST use a Gas Safe registered heating engineer, not just a general plumber. Boilers are complex and dangerous - only Gas Safe engineers can legally work on them.
Q: How do I find a trustworthy emergency boiler engineer in Manchester?
A: Emergency boiler repairs are difficult to find quickly. Don't use the first Google result. Ask neighbors, check Gas Safe register directly, or use engineers who've done your annual service. Emergency rates are premium (£150+).
Q: What's a fair price for annual boiler service in Manchester?
A: £60-120 depending on engineer and boiler type. Cheap services (under £60) may only do basic gas safety checks. If your boiler is under warranty, annual servicing by Gas Safe engineer is required.
Q: My boiler has broken down - what should I do?
A: For no heating in winter (genuine emergency), expect £150+ call-out fees. For non-emergencies, book ahead as good engineers are booked weeks in advance. Always verify Gas Safe registration.
Q: How much should a new boiler cost in Manchester?
A: Typical range:
- Budget: £2,300-£2,800 (basic combi, standard install)
- Mid-range: £3,000-£3,650 (quality boiler + flue + warranty)
- Premium: £4,200-£4,500 (top brands, complex install)
British Gas often quotes £3,000-£3,500+ (many consider overpriced).
Q: Is £4,200 for a new combi boiler reasonable?
A: Depends on what's included. Breakdown should show:
- Boiler unit cost (£800-£1,500)
- Labour (£1,500-£2,500)
- Flue/parts (£200-£500)
- Warranty/certification
Get 3 quotes minimum. If labour is over £2,500 for standard install, question it.
Q: British Gas quoted £3,300 but the boiler costs £800 - am I being ripped off?
A: Common complaint. £2,500 labour seems high for standard install. Compare with:
- Local Gas Safe engineers (often £1,500-£2,000 labour)
- BOXT (online installer, typically cheaper)
- Get 3 quotes to compare
Q: How much does it cost to relocate a combi boiler?
A: Extra piping adds up quickly. Relocation typically adds £500-£1,500 to standard install depending on distance and pipework complexity.
Q: Is 70% deposit normal for boiler installation (£1,800 on £2,600 job)?
A: 50-70% deposit is common for jobs over £3,000 due to boiler purchase costs. BUT:
- Ensure written contract
- Verify Gas Safe registration
- Check reviews/references
- Never pay 100% upfront
Q: Which boiler brand should I choose - Worcester, Ideal, or Vaillant?
A: Mixed opinions:
- Worcester: Some Manchester plumbers recommend AGAINST due to parts availability and repair difficulty
- Ideal: Generally reliable, mid-price
- Vaillant: Quality brand, can be pricey
- Warning: Avoid boilers with plastic internals that split easily
Ask your local Gas Safe engineer - they see which brands cause repeat problems.
Q: My plumber recommends against Worcester boilers - why?
A: Common feedback: difficult to repair, parts issues, RSL (Reduced Spares List) means parts may become unavailable, making future repairs impossible.
Q: Worcester Bosch fixed-fee repair - is £250 reasonable if parts available?
A: Yes, if parts are included. Many Worcester repairs fail because parts aren't available (RSL issue). Confirm what £250 covers before agreeing.
Q: My boiler broke down right after exchange/moving in - what are my options?
A: If sellers lied about boiler condition:
- Check what survey said
- Review seller's Property Information Form
- If they knowingly lied, you may have legal recourse
- Get engineer report documenting issues
Negotiate repair costs or consider legal advice if significant misrepresentation.
Q: Faulty electric cylinder timer on boiler - do I need specialist in Manchester?
A: Not all plumbers do electrical work. You need someone who is BOTH:
- Gas Safe registered (for boiler)
- Qualified electrician (for timer/electrics)
Ask specifically if they handle electrical components.
Q: Boiler repair is dragging on for weeks - engineers are impossible to find. What do I do?
A: Ongoing Manchester problem:
- Try multiple local Gas Safe engineers
- Explain it's a repair (not full install) - some prioritize these
- Consider emergency call-out if no heating
- Check if under warranty - manufacturer may send engineer
Q: British Gas not honoring their "fixed price guarantee" on new boiler - what can I do?
A: Major complaint. Steps:
- Screenshot all advertising showing guarantee
- Complain formally to British Gas in writing
- Report to ASA (Advertising Standards Authority)
- Consider switching to independent Gas Safe engineer
- Share experience to warn others
Q: British Gas pushing expensive combi boiler - are they ripping me off?
A: Common sales tactic. They often:
- Overstate urgency
- Push most expensive options
- Quote £3,000+ when independents charge £2,300-£2,800
Get independent Gas Safe engineer quote before deciding.
Q: Are boiler quotes in Manchester inflated/high right now?
A: Yes, post-2020 material costs and labour rates increased significantly. However:
- Still get 3+ quotes
- Check what's included
- Question labour over £2,000 for standard install
- British Gas typically most expensive
Q: My landlord is refusing to fix the broken boiler and ignoring my messages - what can I do?
A: Legal issue:
- No heating/hot water = breach of tenancy obligations
- Document all communication attempts
- Send formal written complaint (email/letter)
- Contact local council Environmental Health
- May withhold rent legally (get advice first)
- Consider contacting Citizens Advice
Landlords MUST provide working heating.
Q: Why did my plumber charge for the full hour when job took 3 minutes?
A: Standard Manchester practice:
- Minimum call-out fee: £70-£180
- Hourly rate: £40-£90/hour
- Covers travel time, expertise, diagnosis
- Always confirm pricing upfront
Q: Do all plumbers charge for diagnosis even if I don't proceed?
A: Yes. You pay for:
- Call-out (£70-£180)
- Diagnosis time
- Then additional costs for parts/labour if you proceed
Q: Should I pay my plumber in cash?
A: Common, but ALWAYS get receipt/invoice for:
- Warranty claims
- Proof of Gas Safe work
- Protection if issues arise
Q: What's considered a plumbing emergency?
A: Genuine emergencies:
- Burst pipes/major leaks
- No heating in winter
- Complete water loss
- Sewage backup
Expect premium rates (£150+ call-outs). Don't waste emergency fees on non-urgent issues.
Q: Can I get a plumber within 24 hours in Manchester?
A: Very difficult for non-emergencies. Good plumbers booked weeks ahead. Reserve 24-hour callouts for genuine flooding/emergency only.
Q: How much does a new bathroom cost in Manchester/Sale?
A: Full renovation:
- Labour only: £2,000-£6,000
- With materials: £10,000-£15,000+
- Complex tiling can add £3,000-£5,000
Get multiple detailed quotes.
Q: Where should I buy bathroom fixtures in Sale/Manchester?
A: Plumbers recommend:
- Plumbers' merchants (not B&Q)
- Showrooms where you can see items
- Better quality, trade discounts
- Staff understand specifications
Q: Do I need Building Regulations approval?
A: Major work requires compliance:
- New bathrooms
- Moving soil stacks
- Gas work
Your plumber should advise and arrange certifications.
Q: Are sites like MyBuilder/Checkatrade reliable for Manchester plumbers?
A: Very mixed results:
- Reviews can be misleading
- May show 10/10 for small jobs, then mess up big ones
- Tradesmen pay a lot for leads with no work guarantee
Word-of-mouth from trusted neighbors more reliable.
Q: How do I avoid dodgy plumbers in Manchester?
A: Essential checks:
- Gas Safe register (for gas/boiler work)
- Get 3+ quotes minimum
- Ask for recent job references
- Avoid pressure tactics
- Never pay 100% upfront
- Demand proper invoices/receipts
- Check WaterSafe/CIPHE registers
Q: Can plumbers charge more than the original quote?
A: Only if:
- Additional genuine work needed
- They inform you BEFORE proceeding
- You approve extra costs
Get written estimates. If they find extra issues, approve costs before work continues.
Q: My shower hasn't worked for months - is this normal waiting time in Manchester?
A: No, but sadly common due to high demand. Try:
- Book small jobs with bigger ones
- Use heating engineers (not just general plumbers)
- Emergency services for urgent issues
- Join local groups for recommendations
Q: Leak from upstairs flat affecting my Manchester property - what do I do?
A: Steps:
- Contact building management immediately
- Upstairs flat's insurance covers your damage
- Document everything with photos
- If managing agents unresponsive, consider legal advice
- They have duty of care
Q: Can a handyman do boiler work instead of certified engineer?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. Gas work is illegal without Gas Safe registration. For boilers, you MUST use Gas Safe registered engineer. It's a legal and safety requirement.
Q: Why are plumber rates higher in Manchester than other areas?
A: Combination of:
- High demand (growing city)
- Limited supply of Gas Safe engineers
- Insurance and certification costs
- Van/tools/training expenses
Expect £40-£90/hour (£60-£90 for emergency).
Q: Any specific areas in Sale (M33) to look for plumbers?
A: Focus on local Gas Safe engineers in:
- Sale (M33)
- Stretford
- Trafford area
Local plumbers understand regional issues like:
- Hard water problems
- Victorian housing pipework
- Area-specific building regulations
Q: Cheap boiler servicing (£60) - is it safe if Gas Safe registered?
A: Yes IF:
- They're genuinely Gas Safe registered (check card)
- They give you service record
- It covers all safety checks
Cheap services may only do basic gas safety, not full maintenance.
Q: What's RSL on a boiler and why should I care?
A: Reduced Spares List = manufacturer no longer guarantees parts availability. Your boiler may develop a fault that can't be fixed because parts don't exist. Factor this into replacement decisions.
