Frequently asked questions
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Bathrooms
- Battery Storage
- Boilers
- Energy Grants
- Heating
- Landlord Services
- Plumbing
- Property Management
- Solar PV
Plumbwise provides a comprehensive range of bathroom services, including full bathroom design, installation, and refurbishment. We cater to all tastes and budgets, ensuring your bathroom meets your needs in both style and functionality.
Our showroom and head office is based in Skewen/Neath and we work as far afield as Carmarthen and Newport, covering Swansea, Ammanford, Llanelli, Neath, Maesteg, Bridgend, Porthcawl, Barry, Penarth, Cardiff, Caerphilly and Cwmbran.
Our free CAD/3D renderings allow you to view and customize your bathroom layout and design before any work starts. This service ensures that you’re confident with your choices and that everything fits perfectly in your space. It’s a great way to envision the final product!
Yes! At Plumbwise, we offer bathrooms to suit all tastes—from modern minimalist to classic traditional designs. Whether you prefer sleek contemporary aesthetics or a timeless look, we have a wide range of options to meet your style preferences.
The cost of designing and installing a bathroom depends on your budget, design choices, and the complexity of the installation. We offer bathrooms for all price ranges, and our team will work with you to create a solution that fits your needs and budget. Contact us for a personalised quote!
Yes, Plumbwise handles every aspect of the bathroom design and installation process in-house. From initial design to plumbing, electrical work, tiling, and finishing, our expert team manages it all. You can trust that every detail will be taken care of by professionals.
The time required to install your new bathroom can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the scope of work. Typically, installation takes between 1-2 weeks, but we will provide a more accurate timeline after your initial consultation.
Plumbwise offers both full bathroom installations for new builds and renovations for existing bathrooms. Whether you’re updating an outdated space or completely redesigning your bathroom, we’ve got you covered.
Yes! We encourage you to visit our showroom in Neath to see live displays of the bathrooms we’ve designed and installed. Additionally, we can provide you with photos of previous projects or show you examples during your consultation.
No! All plumbing and electrical work is handled by our qualified in-house experts. From start to finish, we ensure that all work complies with safety regulations and is completed to the highest standard.
Yes, ECO4 is still open and eligible households can currently apply, subject to funding availability.
Yes, ECO4 is expected to end in 2026 and will not continue in its current form after that date.
The Government plans to introduce the Warm Homes Plan, which will offer energy efficiency grants through a different delivery model.
Typically households on qualifying benefits, low incomes, or with low EPC ratings may be eligible.
ECO4 can fund insulation, boiler upgrades, air source heat pumps and solar PV installations.
Some households may qualify for fully funded or part-funded boiler replacements, depending on eligibility.
In some cases, private landlords can access ECO4 funding if their tenants meet eligibility criteria.
Yes, tenants may qualify with landlord permission and if household eligibility requirements are met.
You may need to wait for new schemes such as the Warm Homes Plan, which may have different rules.
Plumbwise can check eligibility, explain current funding options and arrange approved energy efficiency upgrades.
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a low-carbon heating system that extracts heat from the outside air and uses it to heat your home and hot water.
Yes. They work efficiently even in temperatures well below freezing. Modern systems are designed for the UK climate and can still extract heat from cold air.
They can be cheaper to run, especially in well-insulated homes and when paired with solar panels or a heat pump tariff. Running costs depend on electricity prices and your home’s efficiency.
Possibly. Heat pumps work best with larger radiators or underfloor heating because they run at lower temperatures than gas boilers. A heat loss survey will show what upgrades are needed.
Installation typically costs between £8,000 and £14,000, depending on the size of your home and any upgrades required. In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can provide a £7,500 grant.
They are very efficient. For every unit of electricity used, they can produce 3–4 units of heat, giving them an efficiency of 300–400%.
Noisy models were an issue in the past, but modern heat pumps are very quiet — similar to a fridge or a gentle hum. They must meet strict noise regulations.
Most systems last around 15–20 years with proper maintenance, which is comparable to a good-quality boiler.
Yes. It can heat both your home and your domestic hot water using a hot water cylinder designed for heat pumps.
Most homes are suitable, but they work best in well-insulated properties. A professional survey will assess insulation, radiator size, and outdoor space for the unit.
Battery storage allows you to store excess electricity generated by your solar panels instead of exporting it back to the grid. This stored energy can then be used later in the day or evening when your solar panels are no longer producing power, helping you maximise the benefit of your system.
Adding a battery lets you use more of the energy you generate, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your electricity bills. It’s one of the most effective ways to increase the return on your solar PV investment.
Yes. Plumbwise can assess your existing solar PV system and recommend a battery solution that is fully compatible. We carry out a full site survey and handle the complete installation process for you.
Battery capacity varies depending on your household usage and system size. Plumbwise designs each battery system to suit your home’s energy needs, ensuring you get the right balance of storage and performance.
Some battery systems can provide backup power during a power cut, depending on the model and configuration. Plumbwise will advise you on the best options if backup capability is important to you.
Yes. Modern battery systems are very safe when installed correctly. Plumbwise only installs high-quality, certified battery systems and all work is carried out by qualified engineers in line with current regulations.
Most battery systems are designed to last between 10 and 15 years, with performance warranties provided by the manufacturer. Plumbwise will talk you through lifespan, warranties and ongoing maintenance at the design stage.
Yes. By storing your own solar energy and using it when electricity prices are higher, you can significantly reduce the amount of power you buy from the grid. Batteries can also be set up to charge during cheaper off-peak tariffs for even greater savings.
Yes. Plumbwise provides a complete service including site survey, system design, project management and professional installation. We make the process simple and ensure your battery system is set up for maximum performance.
Battery storage is ideal for households that want to increase their solar self-consumption and protect themselves from rising energy costs. Plumbwise will carry out a full assessment of your property and energy usage to confirm whether battery storage is the right solution for you.
If your boiler is over 10–15 years old, breaking down regularly, making unusual noises, or your energy bills are rising, it’s likely time to upgrade. Modern systems are far more efficient and reliable.
It depends on your property size, water demand, and existing system. Combi boilers suit smaller homes, while system or regular boilers are better for larger households with multiple bathrooms. A professional assessment ensures the correct fit.
Most modern boilers are over 90% efficient, meaning less wasted energy and lower heating bills compared to older models that can run below 70% efficiency.
A straightforward replacement typically takes one day. More complex system upgrades or relocations may take 2–3 days.
Yes. By law, all gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure safety, compliance, and warranty protection.
Annually. Regular servicing keeps your boiler safe, efficient, and helps prevent costly breakdowns while maintaining the manufacturer’s warranty.
In most cases, yes. Upgrading to an efficient system and correctly sizing it for your home can significantly lower monthly running costs.
Absolutely. We assess your home, recommend the right setup, and design a complete heating solution — ensuring every component works together for maximum comfort and efficiency.
A properly designed system ensures your home heats evenly, runs efficiently, and keeps energy bills under control. Simply replacing a boiler or adding radiators without correct planning can lead to poor performance and wasted money.
Not always. We assess your current system first and recommend the most cost-effective solution — whether that’s an upgrade, repair, or full replacement.
This depends on your lifestyle and property. Options range from basic wired thermostats to smart, app-controlled systems that allow zoning, scheduling, and remote control for maximum efficiency.
Yes. Smart controls optimise heating schedules, reduce unnecessary usage, and give you better visibility of your energy consumption, which can lower running costs over time.
Yes. We provide a complete service — design, supply, installation, and commissioning — so everything works together seamlessly.
Timescales vary depending on the size and complexity of the system, but most domestic installations are completed within a few days. We’ll always provide a clear timeline upfront.
Absolutely. Our engineers are fully trained, experienced, and Gas Safe registered, ensuring all work is completed safely and to the highest standards.
Yes. We take time to understand your home, needs, and budget first, then provide honest, practical recommendations — no pressure, just the right solution.
We handle everything from small repairs and maintenance to full first-time installations, including kitchens, bathrooms, pipework, hot and cold water systems, and general household plumbing.
Yes. Whether it’s fixing a leak or installing a complete new plumbing system, we provide the same high standard of workmanship on every job.
We aim to respond promptly and resolve issues efficiently, minimising disruption and preventing further damage to your home.
Absolutely. We regularly work on full renovations, managing all plumbing elements from first fix to final installation.
Yes. Our team is trained, experienced, and knowledgeable, ensuring every job is completed safely and to professional standards.
Always. We assess your requirements, explain your options clearly, and recommend the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Yes. We upgrade ageing or inefficient systems to improve reliability, performance, and water efficiency.
Definitely. We focus on doing the job properly the first time, using quality materials and proven methods.
Yes. We respect your home and ensure all workspaces are left clean and safe once the job is complete.
Simply contact us to discuss your needs, and we’ll arrange a convenient time to assess the work and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.
A correctly designed system can significantly cut your electricity costs by generating free power during the day and reducing what you buy from the grid. Many households offset 40–70% of their annual usage, and even more when battery storage is added. The exact saving depends on system size, usage habits, and roof space.
System sizing should be based on your real energy consumption, not guesswork. At Plumbwise, we analyse your bills, roof orientation, and property layout to design a system that maximises return without overspending on unnecessary panels.
Yes. Solar PV generates electricity from daylight, not just sunshine. Panels still perform on cloudy days, making them highly effective year-round across Wales and the wider UK.
If you’re out during the day, a battery stores excess power for evening use, increasing savings and reducing reliance on the grid. It’s one of the fastest ways to improve system efficiency and long-term value.
Most panels last 25–30+ years with minimal maintenance. Inverters and batteries have shorter lifespans but are easily replaceable. A properly installed system delivers decades of reliable performance.
Very little. Panels are self-cleaning in rain, and we recommend periodic checks to ensure everything is operating efficiently. Monitoring systems also flag any issues early.
Most residential installs are completed within 1–3 days, depending on system size and complexity. We plan carefully to minimise disruption to your home.
Poor layout, incorrect sizing, or substandard installation reduces output and savings. A professionally engineered system generates more energy, lasts longer, and delivers a faster payback — which is exactly why we take a design-first approach.
We offer a complete compliance and maintenance solution including Gas Safety Certificates, servicing, plumbing and heating repairs, EPCs, electrical checks, and optional full property management.
Yes. Our Gas Safe registered engineers complete inspections and issue CP12 certificates to ensure your property meets all legal requirements.
Absolutely. We provide planned and reactive maintenance packages to keep your property safe, compliant, and tenant-ready all year round.
Yes. We assess and produce EPCs to help you meet minimum energy efficiency standards and improve your property’s rating.
Yes. We arrange and carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) to keep your property compliant with current regulations.
Yes. We respond quickly to urgent plumbing, heating, and safety issues to minimise disruption for tenants and protect your asset.
Yes. We streamline everything under one roof, saving you time, reducing contractor juggling, and ensuring consistent quality.
We do. As licensed letting agents, we can manage and let your property, handle tenants, and oversee day-to-day operations.
Gas Safety Certificates are required annually, EICRs typically every five years, and EPCs every ten years (or sooner if improvements are made).
One team, one point of accountability, faster response times, and complete compliance coverage — it’s simpler, safer, and more cost-effective.
You’ll have a dedicated account manager at Plumbwise who acts as your single point of contact. They oversee tenants, maintenance, compliance, and communication — so you’re never chasing multiple suppliers.
Our packages cover marketing, tenant referencing, compliance checks, maintenance coordination, rent collection, and ongoing property oversight. We also include a free annual Gas Safety Certificate and EPC as standard.
We professionally market your property, conduct viewings, and carry out thorough referencing, credit checks, and background screening to secure reliable, long-term tenants.
We provide direct access to our in-house plumbing, heating, and maintenance trades. Issues are resolved quickly and cost-effectively without third-party delays.
Yes. We ensure your property meets all current regulations, including gas safety, EPC requirements, and electrical checks — keeping you fully compliant and protected.
Our optional rent guarantee protects your income by covering missed payments, giving you predictable cash flow and added financial security.
Absolutely. We offer a complete hands-off service, managing everything from tenant move-in to maintenance and renewals, giving you total peace of mind.
