D F Plumbing & Heating

Based in Deepcar, Sheffield, D F Plumbing & Heating is a family-run business that has been operating for over three decades, extending its services across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and Derbyshire. The company presents itself as a comprehensive provider of plumbing and heating solutions, handling everything from general repairs to large-scale installations. However, a closer look at customer feedback reveals a business with two distinct reputations: one as a capable installer for significant projects, and another as a contentious choice for smaller, reactive repair work.

A Wide Range of Services

On paper, D F Plumbing & Heating offers an extensive list of services that should cover nearly any homeowner's needs. Their expertise is advertised to include bathroom installations, power flushing, landlord safety certificates, and managing burst pipes and leaks. Specifically, they are involved in boiler installations, repairs, and servicing for gas, LPG, and oil appliances. This is a crucial point, as being proficient in oil systems is a specialism not all heating engineers possess. The company is listed as a member of both the Gas Safe Register and OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association), which are essential accreditations for ensuring work is performed legally and safely. Customer experiences confirm their work in specialised areas such as fitting oil boilers and tanks, installing new radiators, and setting up complex underfloor heating specialists systems, often coordinating effectively with other contractors on larger refurbishment projects.

Positive Experiences with Installations

For clients undertaking planned projects, the feedback is often positive. Several customers have expressed high satisfaction with installation work. For instance, one client praised the "solid advice" and "great service" they received from start to finish during a multi-radiator installation. Another commended the "great work" completed by the team when fitting a new oil boiler and tank. This suggests that when it comes to scheduled, large-scale jobs, the company's plumbers and engineers demonstrate considerable skill and professionalism. A particularly strong endorsement came from a customer whose underfloor heating system was installed as part of a major refurbishment; they highlighted the "great and personal service" and the team's ability to work well alongside other tradespeople, which is a critical component of a smooth and successful renovation.

Customer Service and Pricing Concerns

Despite the praise for their installation work, a significant number of reviews paint a very different picture, particularly when it comes to urgent or diagnostic jobs. A recurring and concerning theme relates to the company's pricing structure for call-outs and troubleshooting. One customer, faced with a boiler leak, reported being charged £200 for what they described as a visit of 10 minutes or less, simply to diagnose the problem. The subsequent quote for the repair was over £700. The customer felt this initial diagnostic fee was an "absolute rip off," leading them to strongly advise against using the company.

This was not an isolated incident. Another client detailed being charged £70 for a 30-minute visit where no actual repair was performed. They were told that parts were needed and that the team would return after the initial payment was made. However, this is where the service reportedly broke down completely. The customer claims that after two and a half weeks with no follow-up, their calls to the company were met with confusion and a "bad attitude," as if they were an inconvenience. This account points to serious issues in communication, job tracking, and customer relations, leaving the client feeling dismissed and out of pocket.

Communication and Reliability Issues

The sentiment that the company may prioritise larger, more lucrative jobs over smaller repairs is echoed in other feedback. One review bluntly states they are "mainly interested in the big jobs," citing "very poor communication" and a failure to turn up for an arranged job as major failings. This creates a significant dilemma for potential customers. While their technical ability on installations seems sound, the reliability for smaller but often more urgent tasks like a leaking pipe repair or a sudden boiler repair appears to be questionable based on these accounts. The frustration is compounded by reports of a dismissive attitude from staff when challenged, which can erode trust and leave customers feeling powerless.

Operational Strengths and Considerations

One of the most significant advantages offered by D F Plumbing & Heating is their remarkably convenient operating hours. They are listed as open from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, seven days a week. In an industry where finding an available tradesperson over the weekend can be a challenge, this level of availability is a major asset. It provides flexibility for those with demanding schedules and offers a potential lifeline for weekend emergencies, positioning them as a viable option for those searching for an emergency plumber.

However, the mixed reviews suggest that potential clients should approach with caution. For those considering D F Plumbing & Heating for a large project like a full central heating installation or a bathroom refurbishment, the evidence of their high-quality work is encouraging. In these scenarios, it would be wise to engage in detailed consultations, secure a comprehensive written quote, and establish clear timelines. For those in need of urgent repairs, it is imperative to clarify the call-out and diagnostic fee structure *before* agreeing to a visit. Asking for a clear breakdown of what the initial charge covers and the process for follow-up work could prevent the kind of misunderstandings and frustrations reported by other customers.

Conclusion

D F Plumbing & Heating of Sheffield operates as a business of two halves. On one hand, it is a team of experienced and accredited gas safe registered engineers capable of delivering high-quality, specialised installations from oil boilers to underfloor heating. On the other hand, reports from a portion of its customer base raise serious questions about its pricing transparency, communication, and reliability for smaller, reactive repair jobs. The extensive seven-day-a-week opening hours are a clear benefit, but this must be weighed against the risk of high diagnostic charges and poor follow-up service. Ultimately, the decision to hire them may depend entirely on the nature of the job at hand. For planned, large-scale projects, they appear to be a competent choice. For urgent or minor repairs, customers would be well-advised to proceed with diligence and seek absolute clarity on costs and commitments upfront.