S Dewhurst Plumbing, Heating & Fireplaces

S Dewhurst Plumbing, Heating & Fireplaces is a family-run business based in Burnley that has cultivated an exceptionally strong reputation over its 20+ years of operation. While the company name indicates a broad scope of services, customer testimonials and their primary area of expertise point towards a significant specialisation in the installation and maintenance of fireplaces, particularly wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves. This doesn't exclude their other services, but it is the central pillar of their public acclaim. The firm is operated by Steve Dewhurst, who is consistently named in reviews and praised for his professional and personable approach.

The Hallmarks of Service: What Customers Value

The feedback available for S Dewhurst is overwhelmingly positive, painting a picture of a business that excels in several key areas. A deep dive into customer experiences reveals a consistent pattern of high-quality workmanship, professionalism, and a customer-first attitude. Homeowners repeatedly highlight the team's punctuality, respectful conduct, and diligent work ethic. Phrases like "brilliant workmanship," "clean & tidy job," and "fantastic job" are recurrent themes. This suggests that for anyone seeking a plumber or installer who values precision and care, this company meets a very high standard.

One of the most telling aspects of their service is a willingness to go beyond the specified task. In one instance, a customer noted that Steve fixed a missing roof tile he spotted while on the job—a task entirely unrelated to the stove installation he was hired for. This level of proactive service demonstrates a rare commitment to overall customer satisfaction and property care, fostering a significant amount of trust and goodwill. Another client, who had a "terrible experience" with a different firm, turned to S Dewhurst to rectify the situation, stating Steve "saved the day." This capacity to not only perform new installations but also to solve problems created by others makes them a reliable choice for complex or remedial work.

Specialist Expertise: Fireplaces and Stoves

The core of S Dewhurst's celebrated work lies in fireplace and stove installation. The company is confirmed to be HETAS qualified, an essential accreditation for anyone installing solid fuel domestic heating appliances. They handle a range of installations, including multi-fuel stoves, woodburners, and complete stone fireplaces with mantelpieces. Customers express delight with the results, often mentioning how the new installation has transformed their living space. The expertise isn't just technical; reviews praise Steve's "superb service and knowledge," indicating he provides valuable advice to help clients make informed decisions. This advisory role is crucial for homeowners navigating the complexities of choosing the right heating appliance and flue system. The business offers both a 'supply and install' service and an 'install only' option, providing flexibility for customers who may have already purchased a stove.

A Broader Spectrum of Services

While stove installation is their most-reviewed service, S Dewhurst is also a registered Gas Safe engineer, legally qualified to work on all gas appliances. This is a critical credential for any heating engineer and a legal requirement in the UK for anyone working with gas. Their website confirms they offer full central heating installation, boiler services, and repairs. They state they can manage the entire process, from recommending a suitable boiler for the property and budget to completing the installation. Furthermore, they provide a general plumbing service. This includes everything from fixing leaks and burst pipes to installing new taps, sinks, toilets, showers, and undertaking full bathroom installations. The business positions itself as a "good old fashioned plumbing company," capable of handling jobs of any size.

Points for Consideration

While the business enjoys a stellar reputation, potential customers should consider a few points to ensure it's the right fit for their specific needs. The most apparent observation is the heavy weighting of public reviews towards fireplace installations. A customer seeking an emergency plumber for a burst pipe or a complex boiler repair will find fewer specific testimonials related to these services. While the company is fully qualified to perform this work, the volume of feedback on stoves may suggest this is where their passion and primary focus lie. It would be prudent for customers with urgent or complex plumbing and heating needs to inquire directly about the team's current availability and recent experience in those areas.

Another point to consider is the nature of a small, family-run operation. The personal touch and direct accountability from Steve and his team (including his colleague Joe and wife Heather, who are mentioned appreciatively in reviews) are clear benefits. However, high demand for a small, reputable team can sometimes lead to a waiting list for non-urgent work. Booking in advance, especially ahead of the colder months when demand for heating and fireplace services peaks, is likely a wise strategy.

Finally, the perfect 5-star rating across numerous reviews is a testament to quality, but it also means there is no public record of how the company resolves disputes or handles a job that has gone wrong. One review on an external site mentioned a delay in registering an installation with HETAS, to which the business publicly responded, clarifying that the issue was an administrative one on HETAS's end that had been resolved. This isolated incident, and the professional response it received, is the only visible deviation from flawless feedback and suggests a proactive approach to resolving issues.

Operating Hours and Contact

The business lists its operating hours as 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week. This availability on weekends is a significant advantage for customers who may find it difficult to schedule appointments during the standard working week. However, as with any service, it is always best to call ahead to confirm availability, especially for weekend and non-emergency inquiries. The primary contact number is 01282 435148, and the business is located at 4 Norfolk Ave, Burnley BB12 6DG.

Summary of Services:

• Fireplace and Stove Services: HETAS qualified installation of wood burners and multi-fuel stoves, flue systems, and full fireplace construction.
• Heating Services: Full central heating installation, boiler repair, boiler installation, and servicing by Gas Safe registered engineers.
• Plumbing Services: General plumbing maintenance, leak and pipe repairs, and installation of bathroom fixtures including toilets, sinks, and showers.