Somervilles
BackBased in Sherborne, Somervilles is a long-standing plumbing and heating company that has built a significant local reputation since its establishment in 2004. As a family-run business, it projects an image of traditional service values combined with comprehensive modern skills. Their services span a wide array of needs, from domestic properties to larger commercial contracts with builders, hotels, and care homes. For any homeowner or business in the Dorset area, understanding the full picture of what Somervilles offers is key to deciding if they are the right fit for your needs.
On-the-Job Performance and Technical Skill
The consensus from a majority of customer feedback points towards a highly proficient and professional team of engineers. When Somervilles staff are on-site, the experience is overwhelmingly positive. Reports frequently describe their heating engineers as polite, efficient, clean, and friendly. One particularly telling account involved a boiler breakdown where an engineer named Tom not only arrived promptly but also implemented a clever temporary fix to restore heat and hot water on the same day. This level of ingenuity and customer care is a significant asset. Following this, the company provided a reasonably priced quote for a permanent solution, cementing a long-term relationship with the client.
This reflects a broader pattern where the company is praised for its reliability across various plumbing services. Whether it's a minor annoyance like a leaking tap repair or a more substantial project like relocating radiators or undertaking a full boiler replacement, the hands-on work is consistently rated as excellent. Customers have noted that the team arrives on schedule, completes work within the projected timeframe, and leaves the property tidy. This dependability in execution is arguably one of the company's strongest selling points.
Accreditations and Range of Expertise
Somervilles is not just proficient in practice; they also hold the necessary qualifications that provide crucial peace of mind. They are Gas Safe registered plumbers (under registration number 185125), which is a legal requirement in the UK for anyone working on gas appliances. This certification ensures that their engineers are competent to work safely and legally on boilers, gas fires, and cookers, protecting clients from the risks of unsafe gas work, including carbon monoxide poisoning. For any customer, verifying a company’s Gas Safe status should be a priority, and Somervilles meets this critical standard.
Furthermore, they are a Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer. This accreditation is awarded by one of the UK's leading boiler manufacturers to companies that have demonstrated a high level of quality and reliability. It means their engineers receive special training on Worcester Bosch products and can often offer extended guarantees on installations, which is a valuable benefit for anyone investing in a new boiler.
Their full range of services includes:
- Boiler repair, servicing, and new installations
- Full design and installation of central heating systems
- General domestic plumbing, from taps to toilets
- Complete bathroom design and installation
- Underfloor heating systems
- Renewable energy solutions, including Air Source Heat Pumps
- Gas safety checks for landlords
- Commercial plumbing and heating projects
This extensive list shows they are equipped to handle a wide spectrum of tasks, positioning themselves as a comprehensive solution for almost any plumbing or heating requirement in the Sherborne area.
A Point of Concern: Customer Communication
While the on-site work receives high praise, it is important to present a balanced view. A notable area of criticism highlighted in customer feedback revolves around the company's initial communication and administrative processes. At least one detailed account describes a frustrating experience when attempting to get a plumbing quote. The potential customer reported a lack of proactive contact from the company, stating they had to chase the office for a response. After an initial scheduling conflict, their attempts to offer alternative dates were allegedly met with silence. This experience left them feeling ignored and led them to warn others about potential communication issues.
This stands in stark contrast to the glowing reviews of their engineering work and suggests a potential disconnect between the office-based administrative team and the on-the-ground engineers. For prospective customers, this feedback is valuable. It indicates that while the quality of the eventual work is likely to be high, one might need to be persistent and proactive in communication during the initial enquiry and booking stages to ensure their request doesn't fall through the cracks.
Operational Hours and Emergency Availability
Somervilles operates during standard business hours, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, and is closed on weekends. This schedule is well-suited for planned maintenance, installations, and non-urgent repairs. However, it is a critical factor for those facing an unexpected crisis. Homeowners in need of an emergency plumber for a burst pipe on a Saturday night or a complete heating failure on a Sunday morning would likely need to look elsewhere for immediate, out-of-hours assistance.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Experiences
In summary, Somervilles presents itself as a tale of two distinct experiences. On one hand, you have a team of highly skilled, professional, and courteous local plumbers and engineers who deliver exceptional quality work on-site. Their technical expertise, backed by essential accreditations like Gas Safe registration, makes them a very strong contender for any planned plumbing or heating project. The positive feedback from satisfied customers who now consider them their 'go-to' service speaks volumes about the quality of their craftsmanship.
On the other hand, the documented issues with front-end communication are a valid concern that potential customers should be aware of. The journey from initial enquiry to getting an engineer through the door may require more patience and follow-up than expected. For those who prioritise seamless and responsive customer service from the very first phone call, this could be a deciding factor. Ultimately, Somervilles appears to be an excellent choice for those who value expert workmanship and are prepared to navigate a potentially flawed booking process to secure it.
