Most Irish people will agree that there is nothing better than coming in from the cold of the night and relaxing in a warm sitting room that’s cosy and comfy. Do you agree? If so, you’ll know just how important having the right heating system is to achieve this optimum level of warmth and comfort.

There are many ways of heating a household and if you are still undecided as to which one to pick, we hope that the pointers below will help with your decision-making. Whether your preference lies with under floor heating or traditional heating, let’s take a look at some of the factors that you’ll need to take into account when making your decision between the two.

Visual Appeal

When it comes to visual appeal, there is one clear winner between these two contenders. While traditional heating radiators have come a long way in terms of appearance and although they can be concealed by implementing various interior design tricks, it’s the under floor heating method that comes out on top.

Forget wires, forget having to paint radiators the same colour as your walls, forget a bulky appearance as you can avail of a virtually invisible heating system when you choose under floor heating.

Eco-friendly Aspect

Again, it’s the under floor heating option that triumphs when it comes to eco-friendliness. The reason why is that under floor heating requires much less energy to run, as it emanates heat over a wide surface area providing a more consistent temperature throughout a room. In contrast, radiators can heat up a small area much quicker but they need to be positioned correctly so as to not lose heat and even if they are positioned correctly, they can still lose heat quicker.

Heating Capability

When it comes to heating capability, traditional heating using radiators is relatively quick and can warm up a room much faster than under floor heating. For this reason, if time efficiency is important to you, it’s the traditional method that should win on this vote.

Installation Cost

Traditional heating is one of the most common systems that’s fitted in homes and this is mostly because it is an easily installed system that’s not overly expensive to do. In contrast, when it comes to installation, under floor heating is considerably more expensive and, as it’s quite a big job to do, it’s usually installed during the building or the complete renovation of a property.

Cleanliness

Who cleans behind their radiators often? Unfortunately, dust has a tendency to accumulate behind radiators while, on the other hand, under floor heating makes wet floors dry quickly, they’re free of dust and they ensure low moisture within the home. For all of these reasons, under floor heating wins easily when it comes to cleanliness.

Taking these factors into account should help you see which type of heating would best suit your lifestyle and own personal taste. So, whether you’d prefer a minimalistic design where walking barefoot over warm tiles is your thing or if a more traditional radiator that’s a bit bulky but warms up ever so swiftly ticks all of your boxes, make sure to find a reputable company to complete the project for you.

The post Under Floor Heating vs. Traditional Heating appeared first on EcoScene Ltd.

However difficult it may be to access your boiler, you should know that inspecting it on a regular basis is an absolute must if you want to avoid the situation that we’ve just talked about above. Chances are that you’re not an expert when it comes to boilers and their common problems, which is why we’ve outlined five of the most obvious signs that are telling you that you need to replace your boiler.

You’ll need to replace your boiler if it’s:

More than a decade old 

The average lifespan of a boiler is ten years, give or take. After that time period, a boiler is past its prime and may begin to cause small problems at first, which will only lead to bigger and more serious issues down the road.

Needing constant repairs or replacement parts

If you are spending more time resetting your boiler in the morning or cleaning up leaking water that has come from it, it’s time to call in a professional to see what the underlying issue is. If constant repairing and getting replacement parts are on-going problems, chances are that your boiler needs replacing.

Not heating as efficiently as it used to

Is your boiler not heating your home like it used to? If so, this is a sure sign that it needs some attention – and fast. Avoid wasting energy, time and money by getting it seen to straight away as not doing so could end up costing you in the long-term.

Making strange noises

If your boiler is making strange noises, it’s most likely trying to tell you that something is wrong. The uneven distribution of water in a boiler can create pockets of water, which often generate the eerie sounds of knocking, popping, rattling or hissing so pay particular attention to these noises.

Making you question how high your energy bill has become

The cost of heating your home, especially during the colder months of the year, makes up approximately 60% of your energy bills. If you’ve recently noticed a dramatic increase in your electricity bill but are not feeling the effects of extra warmth in your home, it could well be down to the inefficiency of your boiler.

Should your boiler be showing any, some, or even all of these described signs, it’s most definitely time to consider getting it replaced. Once you do so, you can then return to enjoying lower electricity bills, better temperature control, greater heating efficiency, quieter boiler operation, improved reliability and safety and all of the other benefits that a new boiler provides.

The post 5 Signs you need to Replace your Boiler appeared first on EcoScene Ltd.

All homeowners know that one of the best and easiest ways to give a kitchen an instant touch of new life and revitalisation is to replace their kitchen sink. Over time, our beloved kitchen sinks have to withstand an awful lot of wear and tear. And given the fact that they have to deal with lime scale and rust and saucepans, dishes and multitudes of different liquids thrown into them, it’s no surprise that the original glean and shine of a new kitchen sink usually doesn’t last very long.

Do you want to give your kitchen a makeover by replacing your sink, but you’re worried because you’re not DIY savvy? Don’t stress, as someone with basic plumbing skills can easily and quickly install a new kitchen sink by following these simple steps:

1.Measure up

The first thing you should do is to measure up the size of your existing sink unit to make sure that the replacement sink is the right size and fit for its intended location. A sink that is either too big or too small will cause you nothing but difficulty so make sure you measure it as accurately as possible.

2.Shut off the water supply

Next, locate the shutoff valves beneath the sink and shut off the water supply to your home. If you forget to do this, you will be left with water cascading all over you and your kitchen so this is an important step.

3.Disconnect the taps

In order to take your existing sink out of its place, you will need to disconnect the taps from the water pipes. You can do this using a crescent wrench or basin wrench. Make sure you have a towel or bucket to hand as some water will escape when you disconnect the pipes from the taps.

4.Lift out the sink

Once you have disconnected the taps, you will be able to lift out the sink. Use a screwdriver or knife to lift the edges of the sink away from the counter top and lift it out of place once you have a safe grip of it. You may need another person to help you with this, as some sinks can be quite heavy and awkward to lift.

5.Install tap

Take the taps that you removed from your old sink and install them into your new sink. It is much easier to do this now rather than after the new sink is in place, as you’ll have greater access and ease of movement.

6.Fit the new sink

With the old sink removed, you can now apply sealant around the edges of the sink opening. Then, gently place the new sink and press firmly to ensure a good contact. Make sure to wipe off any excess sealant that spills over, as it will leave the finished project looking unsightly.

7.Re-connect taps

Now that your new sink is in place, go back underneath it and reconnect the taps to the water pipes. Turn on the water using the tap and make sure there are no leaks present.

At this point, all that will be left to do is give yourself a big pat on the back as you’ll have successfully replaced your old sink with a brand spanking new one – and all without having to call a plumber. Your shiny new sink is sure to revitalise the look of your kitchen and hopefully will serve you and your kitchen well.

The post DIY Tip: How to replace your kitchen sink appeared first on EcoScene Ltd.

While it is useful to have some plumbing knowledge that will allow you to look after the basic plumbing jobs in your home, you should make sure that you have the contact details of a professional plumber to hand for those bigger, more complicated issues. After all, you never know when you are going to come up against a plumbing issue that you aren’t able to deal with or worse still, that you could make worse if you attempt to repair it yourself!

As well as saving you from causing considerable damage to your plumbing system, the following are just another few reasons why you should hire a professional plumber:

Expert knowledge and training

A professional plumber will have received all the essential training that’s needed to enable him to carry out any plumbing works ably and adequately. A good plumber will carry all the necessary certification and accreditation, which will demonstrate to their potential clients that they are fully qualified to carry out plumbing works in homes and businesses. In this way, you have peace of mind that the job will be done correctly and to the right standard.

Safety

Rectifying a plumbing problem can carry a degree of risk, especially if you have to use tools that you are unfamiliar with and inexperienced in using. Some plumbing jobs involve welding for which a blowtorch is required, and unless you’re qualified to use one, you should not attempt to use such a tool. So to minimise the risk of damage to your property and of injury to yourself, you should hire a professional plumber in instances like these.

Warranty

A professional plumber will always offer a warranty that will cover any plumbing works that they carry out. A warranty will give you peace of mind in the sense that you’ll know should there be any issue after the work is carried out, your plumber will rectify it as soon as possible. On the other hand, if you carry out a spot of DIY plumbing and it goes wrong – you will have no one to fall back on but yourself!

Cost-effective

While doing your own plumbing may seem like it’s the most cost effective option in the short-term, you could find yourself handing over a lot more money than you anticipated. An inexperienced or DIY plumber could end up turning a small leak into some major water damage that will end up costing an awful lot more than if a professional plumber were hired in the first place.

Convenience

When you hire an expert plumber to carry out some plumbing work for you, you take the stress and hassle out of trying to address the issue yourself. There’s no need to research the problem or how to remedy it and you will not have to spend money on materials or tools and perhaps what’s best of all, you will know that the work has been carried out correctly.

It’s always helpful to know a little bit about the basics of plumbing but always remember that the plumbing system in your home is an intricate and complex one. If you think that a particular job requires an expert touch and you feel you are out of your depth to give it that, it’s always best to call in the help of a professional plumber!

The post Why you should hire a professional plumber appeared first on EcoScene Ltd.

Everybody is talking about the recently introduced water charges and many homeowners across the country have already received their very first water bill. While the introduction of water charges has been contentious, it has had a resounding effect on the way in which people now tend to consume their water. Given the fact that water is now something that will have to be paid for, people are becoming a lot more conscious of the amount of water that they use and the way in which they actually use it.

This is the very reason why we’ve compiled the below guide outlining some of the easiest and most effective ways that one can implement to save on their water bill. Let’s start with reusing water…

Reuse water

Reusing water (when safe to do so of course) for a variety of different purposes will allow homeowners to reap huge dividends on their water bills. Some savvy tips include using a basin to wash dishes instead of filling the sink, and once you’re finished washing, recycle the water by using it to water your houseplants, window boxes and garden planters.

Take a shower over a bath

It’s well known that taking a shower uses a lot less water than taking a bath does. To put that into context, a standard bath on average uses 35 to 50 gallons of water while a ten-minute shower uses approximately 25 gallons. And, if you make your shower even quicker, you will use even less water.

Turn off the tap

Many of us are guilty of leaving the tap running while we shave or while brushing our teeth. Sound familiar? If so, the simple act of turning off the tap while doing both of these things will save you a considerable amount of money in the long-term scale of things.

Toilet tip!

If you have recently moved into a new home, it’s most likely fitted with low flow toilets which are much more economical as they use a lot less water to function in comparison to older fixtures. If this isn’t applicable to you and you simply can’t afford to replace your old toilet with one of these newer models, an often-used trick is to put a plastic bottle filled with water into the cistern of your toilet. This has the effect of raising the level of the water meaning less water is used when you flush.

Fix leaking taps

A leaking tap can see you lose a significant amount of water down the drain, all of which you are paying for! Fixing a leaking tap is quick and easy and a short online video tutorial will take you through it. Alternatively, you can purchase a plumbing DIY book that will also help you learn how to carry out this simple plumbing job.

Check for leaks

Check your toilet for leaks by pouring some food colouring into the tank and waiting for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. If the water in the toilet bowl becomes coloured, then you have a leak in your toilet and you should get it repaired as soon as possible.

Saving money on your water bill is a combination of common sense and being that little bit more practical. With a few small changes in your home, you will start to make real savings on your water bill. And, while you’ll be saving money from disappearing from your bank balance, you’ll also be doing your bit to save a very valuable and natural resource.

The post Simple Tips To Save On Your Water Bill appeared first on EcoScene Ltd.

The whole art of home plumbing might seem like something you will never get the hang of and maybe you have resigned yourself to the fact that you will always need a plumber should anything ever go wrong. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to realise that having a negative attitude like this is not the right approach to take. As the wise old saying goes, a little bit of knowledge can go a long way and this is especially true when it comes to trying your hand at a bit of home plumbing. But before you reach for that wrench, take a minute to read through our handy home plumbing tips for the novice plumber!

Invest in some basic tools

Before you undertake any sort of plumbing task, you will need to invest in some basic plumbing tools. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but you should buy an adjustable wrench, a pliers, a plunger, a small hacksaw and some plumber’s putty. In addition, plumbing jobs can get dirty so either buy a pair of coveralls or put some old clothes aside for such jobs.

Know how to turn off the water

If your home plumbing springs a leak, the very first action you should take is to turn off the water supply entering your home. By doing this first, you are minimising the extent of damage to your home and making for an easier environment in which to carry out a repair. The stopcock controls the entry of water into your home and one of the first things you should learn is how to disable it when necessary.

Fix a leaky tap

A leaky tap is usually the result of a washer that has perished and requires replacing. This is a very straightforward plumbing job and there’s no real need to call in a plumber for this. First things first, purchase your new washer in your local hardware store and then return home to turn off the water beneath the sink. Next, remove the tap from the sink, pop in the new washer and replace the tap back to the sink.

Clearing a clogged drain

A clogged drain is a nuisance, but it is not a reason to call your local plumber! If any one of your drains is blocked, you can unblock it by using a plunger and plunging up and down as vigorously as possible. You can also use a solution of baking soda and vinegar, a solution that is widely known for its effectiveness in unclogging drains.

Prevent your pipes from freezing

Pipes that freeze over in the colder months are an extreme headache because frozen pipes can cut off the supply of water to a property. To prevent this from happening, insulate the pipes entering your home with an insulating material – any good hardware shop should be able to advise you of the most suitable type of pipe insulation.

These few home plumbing tips are good to know and they will see you rectify many plumbing problems. However great these tips are for simple plumbing issues, make sure to contact a professional plumber if you feel the job is too big or complicated for you.

The post Home Plumbing Tips For The Novice Plumber appeared first on EcoScene Ltd.

This is the very reason why we’ve compiled the below guide outlining some of the easiest and most effective ways that one can implement to save on their water bill. Let’s start with reusing water…

1. Reuse water

Reusing water (when safe to do so of course) for a variety of different purposes will allow homeowners to reap huge dividends on their water bills. Some savvy tips include using a basin to wash dishes instead of filling the sink, and once you’re finished washing, recycle the water by using it to water your houseplants, window boxes and garden planters.

2. Take a shower over a bath

It’s well known that taking a shower uses a lot less water than taking a bath does. To put that into context, a standard bath on average uses 35 to 50 gallons of water while a ten-minute shower uses approximately 25 gallons. And, if you make your shower even quicker, you will use even less water.

3. Turn off the tap

Many of us are guilty of leaving the tap running while we shave or while brushing our teeth. Sound familiar? If so, the simple act of turning off the tap while doing both of these things will save you a considerable amount of money in the long-term scale of things.

4. Toilet tip!

If you have recently moved into a new home, it’s most likely fitted with low flow toilets which are much more economical as they use a lot less water to function in comparison to older fixtures. If this isn’t applicable to you and you simply can’t afford to replace your old toilet with one of these newer models, an often-used trick is to put a plastic bottle filled with water into the cistern of your toilet. This has the effect of raising the level of the water meaning less water is used when you flush.

5. Fix leaking taps

A leaking tap can see you lose a significant amount of water down the drain, all of which you are paying for! Fixing a leaking tap is quick and easy and a short online video tutorial will take you through it. Alternatively, you can purchase a plumbing DIY book that will also help you learn how to carry out this simple plumbing job.

6. Check for leaks

Check your toilet for leaks by pouring some food colouring into the tank and waiting for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. If the water in the toilet bowl becomes coloured, then you have a leak in your toilet and you should get it repaired as soon as possible.

Saving money on your water bill is a combination of common sense and being that little bit more practical. With a few small changes in your home, you will start to make real savings on your water bill. And, while you’ll be saving money from disappearing from your bank balance, you’ll also be doing your bit to save a very valuable and natural resource.

The post Simple Tips To Save On Your Water Bill appeared first on EcoScene Ltd.

1. Invest in some basic tools

Before you undertake any sort of plumbing task, you will need to invest in some basic plumbing tools. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but you should buy an adjustable wrench, a pliers, a plunger, a small hacksaw and some plumber’s putty. In addition, plumbing jobs can get dirty so either buy a pair of coveralls or put some old clothes aside for such jobs.

2. Know how to turn off the water

If your home plumbing springs a leak, the very first action you should take is to turn off the water supply entering your home. By doing this first, you are minimising the extent of damage to your home and making for an easier environment in which to carry out a repair. The stopcock controls the entry of water into your home and one of the first things you should learn is how to disable it when necessary.

3. Fix a leaky tap

A leaky tap is usually the result of a washer that has perished and requires replacing. This is a very straightforward plumbing job and there’s no real need to call in a plumber for this. First things first, purchase your new washer in your local hardware store and then return home to turn off the water beneath the sink. Next, remove the tap from the sink, pop in the new washer and replace the tap back to the sink.

4. Clearing a clogged drain

A clogged drain is a nuisance, but it is not a reason to call your local plumber! If any one of your drains is blocked, you can unblock it by using a plunger and plunging up and down as vigorously as possible. You can also use a solution of baking soda and vinegar, a solution that is widely known for its effectiveness in unclogging drains.

5. Prevent your pipes from freezing

Pipes that freeze over in the colder months are an extreme headache because frozen pipes can cut off the supply of water to a property. To prevent this from happening, insulate the pipes entering your home with an insulating material – any good hardware shop should be able to advise you of the most suitable type of pipe insulation.

These few home plumbing tips are good to know and they will see you rectify many plumbing problems. However great these tips are for simple plumbing issues, make sure to contact a professional plumber if you feel the job is too big or complicated for you.

The post Home Plumbing Tips For The Novice Plumber appeared first on EcoScene Ltd.

1. Go Online

If you are looking for a true professional who will cater for all your plumbing needs, you can now go online and access websites on the Internet – websites that contain the contact details for quality tradesmen in your area. You can also view testimonials and reviews from previous customers who can give you an indication of the level of service you can expect to receive. And with some trade websites, you can even request a quote online.

2. Personal Recommendations

If you find yourself in need of a plumber, you should get in contact with friends, family members and even neighbours to ask if they have any personal recommendations as to whom you should employ. One of the best ways to choose a plumber is to follow the recommendation of someone who has used a particular plumber in the past and who is happy to commend them to other people. There is no better way to ascertain the skill and dependability of a plumber than to go on a past customer’s experience.

3. Ask a Professional

The majority of people have dealt with a professional tradesperson of some sort at some point or other. If you have engaged the services of a tradesperson in the past and were satisfied with the service you received, it is highly likely that they will have contacts in other trades such as the plumbing trade that they would be willing to recommend to you.

4. Ask about a Warranty or Guarantee

Most reliable plumbers will offer you either a warranty or a guarantee on the work that they carry out. A plumber that offers you a warranty or guarantee on their work gives you additional peace of mind and less stress as you have something to fall back on should you be unsatisfied with the work.

5. Get more than one Quote

Getting a quote for the plumbing work that you need done is an important consideration in choosing the right plumber. Having said this, you should make sure to get more than one quote as this will help you to compare like with like and make the right decision. Remember – the lowest quote may not always be the best quote to go with and shouldn’t be looked at in isolation.

Choosing the right plumber is an important decision and one that warrants the appropriate level of thought and deliberation. The plumber you choose will be working in your home, and for this reason he should be reliable and trustworthy as well as offering a high quality service at a reasonable price.

The post How to Choose the Right Plumber appeared first on EcoScene Ltd.

Regularly Check for Leaks

To check for a toilet leak, simply remove the top of the tank behind the bowl and put a few drops of food colouring in the tank water. Don’t flush the toilet for an hour and then check the water in the bowl. If the water in the bowl contains the food colouring, you have a leak somewhere in your toilet that needs to be seen to.

Take Precautions to Prevent Frozen Pipes

During wintertime, it is important to take every precaution to prevent frozen pipes. Shut off the water supply if you intend to be away from home for an extended period of time. Ensure that your pipes are properly insulated with foam padding sleeves and insulation tape. Make sure that every section of each pipe is covered. It is also important to insulate the water tank.

Shut Off Water Supply

If you find a leak, suspect a plumbing issue or need to perform plumbing works, the first thing that you need to do is shut off the water supply to your home. The shut off valve is usually located underneath your kitchen sink. If you do not know where to find it in your home, we recommend that you become aware of the location of the shut off valve and get accustomed to shutting it on and off. It is advised that you test the shut off valve at least once a year as they can become stiff and potentially even lock up.

Use Sealant…and Plenty of It!

Only soldered or glued joints do not require sealant, every other joint or crevice of your piping system needs to be sealed. Use tape or brush on sealant to seal any crevices and joints to prevent water from leaking through your piping system.

Don’t Over Tighten Valves

When tending to valves or plumbing components, it may seem like tightening them as tight as you can is the best option. However, a properly cut and fitted sealed joint that has been sealed does not need to be extensively tightened. The majority of the time, after bringing the components together with a firm turn with the wrench, often all it takes after that is just another half a turn. Brass–copper fittings are particularly liable to damage from over-tightening with a wrench.

We hope you find our tips useful in helping you tackle some plumbing tasks around the home. Have you got any simple home plumbing tips? Feel free to share them with us!

Alternatively if you have any plumbing issues that need to be solved get in touch with Ecoscene Plumbing & Heating today!

The post 5 Handy Plumbing Tips appeared first on EcoScene Ltd.