R F Blount & Sons Ltd
BackEstablished in 1945, R F Blount & Sons Ltd is a deeply rooted, family-run business that has become a fixture in Kettering's plumbing and heating landscape. With decades of experience, the company has evolved from its early days of staff using bicycles and handcarts to a modern, multi-faceted operation. It uniquely positions itself by operating not only as a provider of installation and repair services but also as a dedicated plumbers' merchant, serving both trade professionals and the public from its base at the M1 Business Centre.
This dual identity is arguably the company's greatest strength. Customers benefit from a seamless integration of service and supply. When you engage their plumbers for a job, there's an inherent efficiency in their access to a comprehensive stock of parts. Conversely, those tackling a DIY project can visit their trade counter and receive advice from staff who possess practical, hands-on knowledge, not just retail experience. This expertise is a recurring theme in customer feedback, with one client noting they solved a problem that five other local merchants could not, highlighting a deep level of product knowledge and a commitment to genuine problem-solving.
Installation and Repair Services: A Deep Dive
R F Blount & Sons offers a wide array of services that cover plumbing, heating, electrical, and even renewable energy sectors. Their team consists of qualified and experienced heating engineers and electricians capable of handling everything from a simple leaking tap to a full-scale central heating installation. The company proudly holds numerous industry-leading accreditations, which should provide significant peace of mind to potential clients. They are Gas Safe registered (No. 3672) for work on natural gas and LPG systems, OFTEC registered for oil-fired systems, and NICEIC approved contractors for electrical work. This level of certification demonstrates a serious commitment to safety, quality, and ongoing professional development.
The Positive Experiences
Customer testimonials frequently praise the professionalism and efficiency of the engineering team. Reports describe engineers as polite, tidy, and highly competent. One homeowner recounted how an engineer fitting a new kitchen tap was 'outstandingly polite and efficient'. Another praised a technician named Chris for replacing radiators, noting that he worked so cleanly it was as if he had 'never been'. This attention to detail in leaving a customer's home tidy is a small but significant factor that builds trust and satisfaction.
The company’s responsiveness, particularly in urgent situations, is another area of commendation. A notable review describes a central heating boiler failure just days before Christmas. R F Blount & Sons dispatched an engineer within hours. Although a part needed to be ordered, the engineer returned promptly the next morning to complete the boiler repair. This level of service during a high-stress period indicates a reliable and customer-focused operation, making them a strong candidate when you need an emergency plumber. This reliability is further echoed by a customer who turned to them after another firm was unresponsive, finding Blount's service to be professional, fast, and of a high standard from start to finish.
The Merchant and Trade Counter
Beyond their direct services, the on-site store is a significant asset. For both seasoned tradespeople and ambitious homeowners, the ability to find the right plumbing supplies is critical. The feedback suggests that the staff at R F Blount's trade counter are not just salespeople; they are knowledgeable advisors. Their ability to diagnose issues and recommend correct parts, even for complex or unusual problems, sets them apart from larger, more generic hardware stores. This makes their premises a valuable resource for anyone undertaking plumbing work in the Kettering area, potentially saving customers hours of frustration and driving around searching for specific components.
Potential Drawbacks and Criticisms
No business is without its areas for improvement, and a balanced view requires acknowledging potential downsides. The most prominent limitation for R F Blount & Sons is their operating hours. The business is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and is closed entirely on Saturdays and Sundays. While they offer an emergency call-out service, their website specifies this is for existing or contract customers only. This schedule can be inconvenient for domestic customers who work standard office hours and may struggle to schedule non-urgent appointments or visit the trade counter during the week. The lack of weekend availability, especially for emergency situations for new customers, is a significant consideration.
While the vast majority of online feedback is positive, a few negative reviews point to issues with communication and billing. One customer in 2024 expressed frustration over a £216 charge for a visit that they felt did not resolve the issue, citing a lack of follow-up communication. Another older review from 2017 mentioned difficulty in getting a response after initial contact. These appear to be isolated incidents when measured against the large volume of positive ratings, but they serve as a reminder that clear communication regarding visit outcomes, next steps, and charges is crucial. It suggests that prospective customers should be proactive in asking for detailed summaries and follow-up plans after a diagnostic visit.
Conclusion: A Trusted and Knowledgeable Local Firm
R F Blount & Sons Ltd has built a formidable reputation over more than 75 years in business. Their key strengths lie in the certified expertise of their workforce, a strong track record of professional and reliable service, and the unique advantage of an in-house trade counter staffed by knowledgeable experts. For those seeking local plumbers for anything from routine maintenance to complex installations, the evidence points to a highly capable and trustworthy company.
The primary consideration for potential customers is the operational structure. The weekday-only business hours may not suit everyone, and the emergency service being restricted to existing clients is a notable policy. However, for those whose schedules align, the combination of skilled tradesmanship and expert parts supply in one place makes R F Blount & Sons a compelling and highly recommended choice for plumbing and heating needs in Kettering.
