PHG Direct

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our plumbing, heating and gas services.

Getting started

Do I need a contract to use PHG Direct?

No. We work on a per-job basis with no contracts, subscriptions, or ongoing commitments. You call when you need us, we quote a fixed price, and that is it.

How do I book a plumber?

Use our online quote form to tell us what is wrong, where you are, and how urgent it is. We will come back to you with a fixed-price quote. For emergencies, we aim to respond within the hour.

What areas do you cover?

We cover the whole of the UK through our network of Gas Safe registered engineers. Enter your postcode on the homepage to check availability in your area.

Are your engineers Gas Safe registered?

Yes. Every engineer who carries out gas work holds a valid Gas Safe registration. You can ask to see their ID card before any work starts, and we encourage you to do so.

Pricing and payment

How much does an emergency plumber cost?

Pricing depends on the type of work, the time of day, and parts needed. We always provide a fixed-price quote before starting any chargeable work. There are no hidden fees. As a guide, standard callouts start from around £80-£120, with emergency out-of-hours rates higher.

Is there a call-out fee?

We do not charge a separate call-out fee. The cost of attending your property is included in the fixed-price quote we give you for the work.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as bank transfers. Payment is taken on completion of the work.

Do you offer finance or payment plans?

For larger jobs such as boiler installations or full central heating systems, we can arrange finance options. Ask us for details when you receive your quote.

Emergency plumbing

What counts as a plumbing emergency?

Any situation that risks damage to your property or poses a safety hazard. This includes burst pipes, uncontrollable leaks, flooding, complete loss of heating in cold weather, and gas leaks. If you are unsure, contact us and we will advise.

How quickly can you attend an emergency?

For genuine emergencies, we aim to have an engineer at your door within 60 minutes. Response times vary by location and demand, but we will always give you an honest estimate when you book.

Do you work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays?

Yes. Our emergency service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. That includes Christmas Day, New Year, and every bank holiday.

What should I do while I wait for a plumber?

Turn off the water at the stopcock if there is a leak or burst pipe. If you smell gas, turn off the gas at the meter, open windows, and do not use any electrical switches. Move valuables away from the affected area. Our team will walk you through these steps when you book.

Boilers and heating

What boiler brands do you repair?

We repair all major brands including Vaillant, Worcester Bosch, Baxi, Ideal, Glow-worm, Viessmann, and Potterton. If your boiler brand is not listed, get in touch and we will confirm whether we can help.

My boiler is showing an error code. What should I do?

Note down the error code displayed on your boiler. You can look it up on our fault code pages, or include it when you submit a quote request and our engineer will come prepared with the likely parts needed.

How often should I service my boiler?

Once a year. Annual servicing keeps your boiler running efficiently, maintains your manufacturer warranty, and catches small problems before they become expensive repairs. It is also a legal requirement for landlords.

Can you install a new boiler?

Yes. We supply and install boilers from all major manufacturers. Every installation includes a full system assessment, removal of your old boiler, and commissioning of the new unit. Warranties of up to 12 years are available depending on the brand.

What is a power flush and do I need one?

A power flush clears sludge, rust, and debris from your central heating system. Signs you might need one include cold spots on radiators, a noisy boiler, slow heating, or discoloured water when you bleed a radiator. It is also recommended before installing a new boiler.

Gas safety

What is a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)?

A CP12 is a legal document confirming that all gas appliances in a property have been inspected and are safe to use. Landlords are legally required to have one issued every 12 months for each rental property.

How much does a Gas Safety Certificate cost?

A standard gas safety check for a single appliance typically costs between £60 and £90. The price may be higher for properties with multiple gas appliances. We include the certificate in the price.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Turn off the gas supply at the meter. Open all windows and doors. Do not use any electrical switches, light matches, or smoke. Leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Once the area is confirmed safe, contact us for the repair.

Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?

It is strongly recommended and required by law in some types of property. Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, making it impossible to detect without an alarm. We can supply and install CO detectors as part of any gas safety visit.

Guarantees and aftercare

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes. All repairs come with a 12-month workmanship guarantee. Boiler installations carry the manufacturer warranty, which can be up to 12 years. If anything goes wrong with a repair we have carried out, we will come back and fix it at no extra cost.

What if the problem comes back after a repair?

Contact us and reference your original job. If the same fault recurs within the guarantee period, we will attend and resolve it free of charge.

Do you provide invoices and receipts?

Yes. You will receive a detailed invoice for every job, including a breakdown of parts and labour. This is emailed to you on completion.

Still have questions?

Our team is available around the clock to help.