Andrew Littlewood Gas and plumbing services

Andrew Littlewood Gas and Plumbing Services, based at 40 Britannia Road in Milnsbridge, presents a complex picture for potential customers in the Huddersfield area. The company offers a wide array of services, from general plumbing jobs to specialised gas work, but public feedback reveals deeply contrasting experiences, painting a portrait of a business that can either deliver exceptional results or cause significant frustration. With an overall rating hovering in the lower half of the scale, it appears customers either become staunch advocates or severe critics, with very little middle ground.

A Full Suite of Plumbing and Heating Services

On paper and according to its own marketing, the company is a comprehensive provider for domestic needs. The services listed cover almost every common requirement a homeowner might have. These include:

• Boiler installation, servicing, and boiler repair
• Full central heating system installations and maintenance
• Landlord gas certificates and safety checks
• General plumbing, including leaking pipe repair and tap replacements
• Gas cooker and appliance installation
• More specialised services like power flushing and underfloor heating

The business states it is Gas Safe registered (Reg no. 503184) and a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, credentials designed to assure customers of professional standards and safety compliance. This registration is essential for any gas engineer legally and safely working on boilers and other gas appliances in the UK.

The Case for Excellence: Positive Customer Accounts

Several customers have had overwhelmingly positive experiences, highlighting a proficient and helpful service. One detailed account from a homeowner who had been struggling with a faulty boiler for a decade stands out. They recount how Andrew Littlewood was able to diagnose multiple long-standing issues that other plumbers had missed. The subsequent quotes for a new boiler were reportedly £1,000 to £1,500 cheaper than competitors, a significant saving. The customer praised the professionalism, friendliness, and high standard of the boiler installation, noting they had "never had such hot running water in this house before." This review suggests a tradesperson with deep diagnostic skill and access to competitive pricing.

Another client, who was setting up a new home, described the service as reliable and responsive. They commended Andrew for providing valuable help and advice, strongly recommending his services. These positive testimonials point towards a capable and knowledgeable heating engineer who, when the job goes well, leaves customers thoroughly satisfied and appreciative.

Significant Concerns: Negative Customer Accounts

However, a substantial number of reviews raise serious red flags that cannot be ignored. These negative experiences are not minor complaints but fall into two worrying categories: profound unreliability and alarming quality of work.

1. Communication and Reliability Issues

A recurring theme among dissatisfied customers is a complete failure to show up for scheduled appointments. One potential client reported waiting in on two separate occasions for booked appointments, with the plumber failing to arrive both times and offering no communication or apology. Another review from a landlord echoes this experience, stating that after arranging an annual gas appliance check, the tenant waited in all afternoon, but the tradesperson never arrived. When the landlord's mother tried to call the number she had used for the booking, she was allegedly told she had the wrong number. This pattern of missed appointments, spanning several years, suggests a systemic issue with scheduling and basic professional courtesy. For anyone needing an emergency plumber, this level of unreliability is a critical concern. The company's stated opening hours, which see it close at 3:00 PM on most weekdays, also limit its availability for urgent issues.

2. Quality of Work and Aftercare Allegations

Perhaps the most troubling feedback involves the quality of workmanship and follow-up service. One particularly severe review came from the daughter of an elderly couple. She alleged that a boiler was fitted for her parents, but the plumber disappeared after being paid, never returning to complete the job as promised and subsequently ignoring all calls. When another professional was brought in to inspect the work, they allegedly found that "old parts" had been used in the installation and that the flue had a "massive gap around it." A poorly fitted flue is not just substandard work; it is a serious safety hazard that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. This account portrays a complete disregard for customer safety and professional ethics.

Conclusion: A High-Risk, High-Reward Proposition

Analysing the available information on Andrew Littlewood Gas and Plumbing Services leads to an unavoidable conclusion: hiring this company appears to be a gamble. There is evidence of a highly skilled plumber in Huddersfield capable of excellent work at a competitive price. The detailed positive reviews show a tradesperson who can solve complex problems and leave customers delighted.

Conversely, the negative reports are not trivial. They highlight a consistent pattern of unreliability and, in at least one reported case, work that was allegedly unsafe and unprofessional. The stark contrast between the glowing praise and the serious complaints makes it difficult to form a definitive judgement. A potential customer must weigh the possibility of receiving excellent, cost-effective service against the significant risk of missed appointments, poor communication, and potentially substandard work. The decision rests on an individual's tolerance for that risk when dealing with essential services like plumbing and gas safety.