Mortlock & Sons

Based in Westergate, Chichester, Mortlock & Sons is a plumbing and heating firm that has garnered a substantial amount of customer feedback over its years of operation. While not currently an actively vetted member of trade sites like Checkatrade, a significant history of 95 reviews on that platform provides a useful, albeit mixed, insight into the services they offer. For homeowners and potential clients, understanding this feedback is crucial when considering them for plumbing and heating needs, from a routine boiler service to more complex installations. The business is listed as operational and maintains a physical address at 44 Elm Road, Westergate, Chichester PO20 3RQ.

A deep dive into customer experiences reveals a recurring theme of satisfaction, particularly concerning boiler maintenance and smaller repair jobs. The single review provided in the initial business data, describing a "Great and efficient boiler service," is echoed in much of the historical feedback found online. For instance, multiple reviews from 2021 praise the company for being fast and efficient. One client was very pleased after Paul, presumably from Mortlock & Sons, arrived on time, serviced their boiler, and fixed a dripping tap in a single visit. This points towards a reliable service for common household plumbing issues and routine checks, positioning them as a potentially dependable choice for local residents seeking a local plumber for annual maintenance tasks. Another long-term customer noted that Mr. Mortlock had first installed their Vaillant boiler in 2004 and had serviced it every year since before replacing it with a new model, highlighting a long-standing relationship built on consistent service.

Expertise in Heating and Boiler Systems

The emphasis on boilers and heating systems appears to be a core part of their service. Positive reviews frequently mention boiler service, repairs, and replacements. Testimonials describe the work as professional and the engineer as friendly and experienced. One customer, pleased with a ground floor washroom installation, commented on the firm's extensive experience in all aspects of plumbing and heating engineering. This suggests a solid foundation of technical knowledge, especially in traditional and common domestic heating systems. For anyone experiencing issues with their central heating or needing a certified professional to conduct annual checks, the evidence suggests Mortlock & Sons has historically been a strong contender in the Chichester area.

However, the narrative is not uniformly positive. A significant counterpoint exists in the form of a detailed and highly critical review from mid-2021. This review stands in stark contrast to the numerous positive but brief comments. The client rated their experience as "Appalling," detailing a series of serious issues with a complete installation of an unvented cylinder and a new bathroom. The problems cited included a regularly dropping pressure, ill-fitted tanks, and, most critically, safety discharge pipes that were not fully connected or run correctly to the outside. According to the review, the client had to hire another plumber to rectify these significant and potentially dangerous faults, including a shower tray installed without a proper drain. This single, detailed piece of negative feedback raises important questions about the company's capabilities with larger, more complex projects versus smaller, routine jobs.

Assessing the Mixed Feedback

For a potential customer, this creates a complex picture. On one hand, there are dozens of reviews attesting to prompt, efficient, and reliable service for jobs like fixing leaks, servicing boilers, and checking gas supplies. On the other hand, a very serious complaint about a major installation project suggests that there may be limitations to their scope of expertise or potential inconsistencies in their quality of work. It is important to note that the company has not received any new reviews on the Checkatrade platform in the last 12 months, which is why an overall rating is not available. This lack of recent, publicly available feedback makes it harder to assess their current standards of practice. Potential clients should weigh the volume of positive reviews for smaller jobs against the severity of the negative review for a large-scale installation.

The business is formally recognised, with a listing for MORTLOCK AND SONS LIMITED on the official Companies House register, indicating it is a legitimate entity. Their services, as categorised by business directories like Kompass, fall under "Plumbing, heat and air-conditioning installation," covering maintenance, repair, and installation of sanitary and heating equipment. This breadth of services is typical for a central heating engineer. However, prospective clients looking for major work, such as a full bathroom renovation or the installation of complex systems like unvented cylinders, might be advised to seek further clarification, perhaps requesting references for similar recent projects. It would also be prudent to ensure any engineer attending is Gas Safe registered, a legal requirement in the UK for any work on gas appliances.

Conclusion for Potential Customers

In summary, Mortlock & Sons presents as a long-established local plumbing firm with a strong track record in boiler servicing and general repairs. The majority of available feedback points to a reliable and efficient service that has cultivated long-term relationships with customers. However, the presence of a severe complaint regarding a complex installation cannot be overlooked. It introduces an element of risk, particularly for larger, high-value projects. The lack of recent reviews on major platforms also means that potential customers are working with a slightly dated picture of the company's performance. Therefore, while they appear to be a solid choice for routine maintenance and emergency repairs where speed and efficiency are praised, customers seeking a firm for a major installation project should proceed with caution. It would be wise to have a detailed discussion about the scope of the work, check credentials and insurance, and potentially seek out more recent, direct references before committing to significant expenditure. They may not be the right fit for someone needing a 24-hour emergency plumber service, as no information confirms this offering, but for scheduled work, the historical data is largely favourable.