Advice from our Maidstone engineers
The blog
Plumbing and heating tips, guides and advice to fix common issues and keep your home warm, safe and efficient.
Latest guides and advice
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Vaillant F22 Fault Code: Low Water Pressure Explained
A Vaillant boiler showing F22 (or F.22) is telling you there is not enough water in the heating system. Vaillant calls this a dry fire fault. The boiler shuts down to stop itself overheating with too little water inside. What causes F22?* Low system pressure, the most common cause by far * A leak somewhere on the heating system, such as a radiator valve or pipe joint * Water released through the pressure relief valve * Recently bled radiators, which lets water out as well as air * A faulty...
Read the guide →
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
How Much Does a Boiler Service Cost?
A standard boiler service with Phoenix Plumbing & Heating costs £95, including VAT. We publish all our servicing prices so you know exactly what you will pay before we arrive. Our servicing prices* Boiler service: £95 * Boiler service and gas safety check: £130 * Gas safety check on its own: £66 * Two boilers serviced: £160 * Back boiler service: £160 * Boiler and cylinder service: £140 * Boiler and gas fire service: £170 * Gas fire service: £110 * Cylinder service: £70 * Air source heat pump...
Read the guide →
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Ideal Boiler L2 Fault Code: What It Means and What to Do
L2 on an Ideal boiler, such as the Logic, Logic+ or Vogue, is an ignition lockout. The boiler has tried to light and has not detected a flame, so it shuts down for safety. Why does L2 appear?* No gas getting to the boiler, often a prepayment meter out of credit or a closed gas valve * A frozen or blocked condensate pipe in cold weather * A faulty ignition electrode or flame sensor * A faulty gas valve * A control board fault Checks you can make1. Check another gas appliance in the house...
Read the guide →
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
How Much Does a New Boiler Cost?
A new gas or LPG boiler supplied and fitted by Phoenix starts from £2,499. The final price depends on the type of boiler your home needs and how much work is involved, so we always give a fixed quote after a free survey. What affects the cost of a new boiler?* Boiler type: combi, system or regular (heat only) * The make and model, and the length of warranty * Whether the boiler stays in the same place or moves * Converting from a tank-fed system to a combi, which means removing tanks and a...
Read the guide →
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Worcester Bosch EA227 Fault Code: Causes and Fixes
EA 227 on a Worcester Bosch boiler means the boiler tried to light but did not detect a flame, so it has locked out for safety. On some displays it appears as EA with 227 underneath. You will normally have no heating or hot water until it is reset or repaired. Common causes of EA 227* A frozen or blocked condensate pipe, a very common cause in freezing weather * No gas reaching the boiler, for example an empty prepayment meter or a closed gas valve * A faulty ignition electrode or flame...
Read the guide →
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Vaillant F28 Fault Code: What It Means and How to Fix It
If your Vaillant ecoTEC boiler is showing F28 (sometimes shown as F.28), it has tried to light several times and not detected a flame. To protect itself, the boiler locks out and stops trying. You will usually have no heating and no hot water until the fault is cleared. F28 is one of the most common Vaillant fault codes we see in Maidstone and across Kent, especially in winter. The good news is that a few of the causes are simple to check yourself. What causes a Vaillant F28 fault?* No gas...
Read the guide →
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
How Much Does a Combi Boiler Cost to Install?
A new combi boiler supplied and fitted by Phoenix starts from £2,499. A straight swap of an old combi for a new one is the simplest and usually the lowest-cost job. Converting from an older system is more work, so it costs more. Combi swap or conversion?A like-for-like combi swap uses the existing pipework and flue position where possible and is often finished in a day. A conversion from a regular or system boiler means removing the loft tanks and hot water cylinder, changing pipework and...
Read the guide →
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
How Often Should a Boiler Be Serviced?
The short answer is once a year. Every boiler manufacturer recommends an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and most make it a condition of the warranty. Why every 12 months?* Safety: a service checks the boiler is burning gas safely and the flue is clearing fumes, which protects you from carbon monoxide * Warranty: miss a service and many manufacturers can refuse a warranty claim * Efficiency: a clean, well set-up boiler uses less gas * Fewer breakdowns: worn seals, scaled...
Read the guide →
Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read
How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost?
The cost of an air source heat pump depends on the size of your home, how well it holds heat and how much of your heating system needs upgrading. Every Phoenix heat pump installation starts with a survey and heat loss calculation, then a fixed quote. Most homeowners in England can take £7,500 off that price with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grantThe Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air source heat pump in England and Wales. The grant is paid...
Read the guide →
Sep 29, 2026 · 9 min read
Thermostatic Radiator Valve Stuck: Causes and Solutions
Thermostatic radiator valves are an essential component of any central heating system. These valves help regulate the temperature in individual rooms by controlling the flow of hot water to the radiators. However, there are times when the valve may become stuck, causing the radiator to either stay on or off, regardless of the desired temperature. There are several reasons why a thermostatic radiator valve may become stuck. One common cause is a build-up of dirt or debris inside the valve,...
Read the guide →
Sep 29, 2026 · 10 min read
How to Fix a Dripping Shower: Simple Steps to Solve the Problem
A dripping shower is more than just an annoyance; it can lead to higher water bills and potential water damage. The quickest fix often involves replacing a worn-out washer or cartridge inside the shower faucet. By addressing this issue promptly, homeowners can save money and prevent further complications. There are several common causes of a dripping shower, from a faulty shower head to a damaged valve or worn seals. Identifying the specific problem is key to efficient repair. Sometimes,...
Read the guide →
Sep 29, 2026 · 11 min read
How to Replace a Kitchen Sink: A Step-by-Step Guide
Replacing a kitchen sink can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, it is a DIY project that can be tackled by anyone. Whether you are updating the look of your kitchen or simply need to replace a worn-out sink, we are here to guide you through the process. First and foremost, it is important to choose the right sink for your kitchen. Consider the size and shape of your current sink and countertop, as well as your personal style preferences. Once you have...
Read the guide →
Sep 29, 2026 · 11 min read
Why Is My Boiler Losing Pressure? Common Causes and Solutions
Boilers are an essential part of any central heating system, providing warmth and comfort throughout the year. However, one issue that many homeowners face is a loss of pressure in their boiler. This can be a frustrating problem, as it can cause your heating system to stop working altogether. In this article, we will explore the reasons why your boiler may be losing pressure and what you can do to fix it. Firstly, it's important to understand what boiler pressure is and why it's important....
Read the guide →
Sep 29, 2026 · 3 min read
Plumbers' advice on Chalky Water
When it comes to the water flowing through your taps, its quality can significantly impact the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing fixtures. While water may seem harmless, its composition can vary greatly depending on your location. In Maidstone, Kent, residents often encounter what's normally referred to as "chalky water." While it might sound harmless, this type of water can pose significant risks to your plumbing system, including showers and other fixtures. Understanding Chalky...
Read the guide →Free quotes · No call-out charge for quotations
Need a hand?
If a guide doesn't fix it, our Gas Safe engineers will. Tell us what's going on and we'll be in touch.