Plumbing & boiler questions — answered honestly.
Real answers to the questions Kildare homeowners ask us every week. Written by an RGII-registered engineer, with current Irish pricing.
Boilers
How much does a boiler service cost in Ireland?
A standard gas boiler service in Ireland costs €149 and an oil boiler service costs €199. The price includes a full strip, clean, flue-gas analysis and a signed service certificate from an RGII-registered engineer.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Every gas and oil boiler in Ireland should be serviced once every 12 months. Annual servicing is a condition of nearly every manufacturer warranty (Worcester Bosch, Ideal) and is a legal requirement for landlords.
How much does a boiler replacement cost in Ireland?
The cost of a new A-rated boiler replacement in Ireland depends on the boiler, your existing system and the controls you choose, so we quote in writing after a free survey. Every quote includes the boiler, installation, RGII certification, manufacturer warranty registration and removal of the old unit.
How long does a boiler installation take?
A like-for-like combi boiler swap usually takes one working day (6–8 hours). A full system upgrade — new flue route, new controls, system flush — typically takes 1 to 2 days.
What are the signs my boiler needs replacing?
The clearest signs your boiler needs replacing are: it is over 10 years old, your gas bills have crept up, it breaks down more than once a year, the flame is yellow instead of blue, it leaks water, it kettles or rumbles, or parts are no longer available.
How much does a new boiler cost in Kildare?
Boiler replacement packages we install typically start from €3,500. The final price depends on the boiler size, the condition of your existing system, the flue route and the controls you choose — which is why we survey the property before quoting.
When and why do you need a yearly boiler service?
Book a boiler service once a year, ideally before winter. It keeps your manufacturer warranty valid, confirms the boiler is burning safely and catches small faults before they become breakdowns.
Combi or system boiler — which suits an Irish home?
A combi boiler suits most homes with one or two bathrooms: hot water on demand and no cylinder. A system boiler with a hot-water cylinder suits larger homes where several taps or showers run at once.
Heating
Why is my boiler losing pressure?
A boiler losing pressure almost always means a small leak somewhere in the sealed heating circuit. The four common causes are a leaking radiator or valve, a failed expansion vessel, a weeping pressure-relief valve (PRV), or a pinhole leak in pipework.
What is powerflushing?
Powerflushing is a deep clean of your central heating system using a high-flow pump, chemical cleaner and magnetic filtration to remove built-up sludge and rust. It restores full radiator output, lowers gas bills and protects your boiler warranty.
Why are my radiators cold?
Cold radiators have one of three causes: cold at the bottom (sludge build-up — needs a powerflush), cold at the top (trapped air — needs bleeding), or completely cold (closed valve, seized lockshield or pump fault).
How can I save money on my central heating bills?
The biggest savings come from good controls, a clean system and a well-serviced boiler. Turning the boiler flow temperature down, using a timer and room thermostat, and keeping radiators sludge-free all reduce fuel use.
Do smart thermostats work with a combi boiler?
Yes — most modern combi boilers work with smart thermostats. The thermostat controls when the heating runs; the combi still gives hot water on demand.
Plumbing
Why is my immersion not heating water?
An immersion not heating water is almost always one of four things: a tripped overheat thermostat, a burnt-out heating element, a faulty timer/switch, or a tripped RCD in the consumer unit.
How much does a plumber cost in Kildare?
Freeman Plumbing charges €149 for the first hour on site, covering your call-out and full diagnosis. After the first hour, labour is billed in 20-minute increments — you only pay for the time we actually work. We then provide a fixed-price quote before any repair begins, so there are no surprises.
Safety
Still got a question?
Call us directly — straightforward advice with no pressure.