FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common plumbing and heating questions

Below are answers to some of the most common questions our customers ask. If you have a question that is not covered here, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Skilful Hands Ltd team.

Gas Safe Registered
Fully Insured
Kent Plumbing & Heating Specialists
Are Skilful Hands Ltd Gas Safe registered?

Yes, all of our engineers are fully Gas Safe registered, which means they are legally qualified to carry out gas work safely and to the highest standards. You can verify our registration at the official Gas Safe Register website.

What areas do Skilful Hands Ltd cover?

We cover a wide range of areas across Kent, including Chatham, Sittingbourne, Gillingham, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, West Malling, Tenterden, and Maidstone, as well as many surrounding towns and villages. Contact us to confirm coverage in your area.

Do you offer emergency plumbing services?

Yes, we offer emergency plumbing callouts across all of our service areas. Whether you have a burst pipe, a boiler breakdown, or a serious leak, our team will respond as quickly as possible to resolve the problem and minimise damage to your home.

How much does a new boiler installation cost?

The cost of a new boiler installation varies depending on the type of boiler, the size of your property, and the complexity of the installation. We provide free, no-obligation quotes, so please get in touch and one of our engineers will visit to assess your requirements and give you a transparent, competitive price.

Do you service all makes and models of boiler?

Yes, our Gas Safe registered engineers are experienced in servicing, repairing, and installing all major boiler brands, including Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal, Baxi, Viessmann, Alpha, and many more. We carry a wide range of parts to enable same-visit repairs wherever possible.

How often should I have my boiler serviced?

We recommend having your boiler serviced annually to ensure it operates safely and efficiently, maintain your manufacturer warranty, and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Regular servicing also helps keep your energy bills down by keeping the boiler running at peak efficiency.

Can you provide a landlord gas safety certificate, also known as CP12?

Yes, we issue CP12 landlord gas safety certificates for rental properties across all of our service areas, including Chatham, Maidstone, Gillingham, and beyond. Landlords are legally required to have gas appliances inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Do you offer free quotes?

Yes, we are happy to provide free, no-obligation quotes for all plumbing and heating work. Simply contact us by phone or through our website, and we will arrange a convenient time to assess the job and provide a clear, itemised quote with no hidden charges.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept a range of payment methods including bank transfer, debit and credit card, and cash. We will always confirm payment terms clearly before starting any work so there are no surprises.

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

Yes, all work carried out by Skilful Hands Ltd is fully guaranteed. We stand behind the quality of our workmanship, and any manufacturer warranties on parts and boilers we install are passed directly to you as the customer. Your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities.

Can you help with a bathroom renovation or installation?

Absolutely. Our team can handle full bathroom installations, including removing old suites, fitting new baths, showers, toilets, basins, and all associated plumbing work. We work across all of our service areas in Kent and can provide a full quote for your bathroom project.

What should I do if I smell gas?

If you smell gas, do not use any electrical switches, open flames, or light switches. Leave the property immediately, leaving doors and windows open if safe to do so, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Once it is safe to return, contact Skilful Hands Ltd and a Gas Safe registered engineer will inspect your appliances and pipework.

Important: If you smell gas, leave the property immediately and call 0800 111 999.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate and do I need one?

A landlord gas safety certificate, also known as a CP12, is an official document issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer confirming that all gas appliances, pipework, and flues in a rental property have been inspected and are safe to use. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, all landlords in the UK are legally required to have a valid CP12 in place for every rental property. The certificate must be renewed every 12 months, and a copy must be provided to your tenants within 28 days of the inspection, or to new tenants before they move in. Skilful Hands Ltd carries out CP12 inspections across all of our service areas in Kent.

How long does a landlord gas safety inspection take?

A standard landlord gas safety inspection typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of gas appliances in the property. Our engineer will check each appliance, inspect the pipework and flues for safety, and test that all appliances are burning correctly and ventilating properly. Once the inspection is complete and everything is satisfactory, we issue the CP12 certificate on the same visit. If any issues are found, we will advise you on the remedial work required before the certificate can be issued.

Can Skilful Hands Ltd carry out the gas safety check if my tenant is living in the property?

Yes, absolutely. We are experienced in carrying out landlord gas safety inspections in occupied rental properties and always treat tenants with courtesy and respect. We recommend that landlords give their tenants at least 24 hours’ written notice before the visit. As a landlord, you are entitled to access the property to carry out the annual gas safety check, and tenants are obliged to allow reasonable access. If you are having difficulty arranging access, we are happy to advise you on the correct process.

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Still have a question?

Ready to book a plumber or heating engineer in Kent? Get in touch with the Skilful Hands Ltd team today. We are happy to answer any questions, provide free quotes, or book you in for a visit at a time that suits you.