Steven Heane plumbing & heating

Based in Leicester, Steven Heane Plumbing & Heating operates as a sole trader providing a range of plumbing and heating solutions to local residents and businesses. One of the most significant features of this service is its advertised 24/7 availability, positioning it as a go-to option for unexpected issues that require an emergency plumber. This round-the-clock service is a considerable advantage for anyone facing a sudden leak, a boiler breakdown in the middle of winter, or any other urgent plumbing crisis. The business covers a variety of services, as evidenced by customer feedback, including boiler installations, radiator repairs, toilet fixes, and dealing with expansion tanks.

Praise for Service, Speed, and Pricing

Numerous customers have shared positive experiences, often highlighting three recurring themes: rapid response times, fair pricing, and professional conduct. One client, in urgent need of a radiator repair, noted that their call was answered within 10 minutes, a remarkably swift reply for any trade service. This experience, coupled with what they described as "no rip off prices," left them impressed, particularly valuing the accessibility of a reliable local plumber. This sentiment is echoed by others who have required assistance outside of standard working hours. A customer who needed a new expansion tank fitted on a Sunday praised the service for being prompt and clean, and importantly, offering a fair price for an emergency call-out. These accounts suggest that for urgent and common household plumbing problems, Steven Heane delivers a dependable and cost-effective service.

The positive feedback extends to more significant jobs, such as full boiler replacements. A long-term client, who uses the service for both their home and business, detailed a recent boiler failure. They reported that Steve was able to fit them in quickly to install a new boiler, ensuring they weren't left without heating and hot water for an extended period. The work was described as highly professional and completed to a high standard. Crucially, this customer mentioned that because Steve is a "registered fitter," their new boiler came with a 12-year warranty. This is a vital piece of information for potential customers, as extended warranties are often only available when an appliance is installed by an accredited or manufacturer-approved heating engineer, indicating a recognised level of competence and adherence to specific standards.

Key Strengths Highlighted by Customers:

• 24/7 Availability: A clear benefit for those needing an emergency plumber in Leicester at any time of day or night.
• Prompt Responses: Customers report very quick callbacks and fast attendance for urgent jobs.
• Fair and Transparent Pricing: Multiple reviews commend the reasonable costs, even for weekend and emergency call-outs.
• Professionalism on the Job: Work is often described as clean, efficient, and to a high standard.
• Accreditation: The ability to secure a 12-year warranty on a new boiler suggests the necessary qualifications for specific brands, a sign of a competent boiler installation service.

A Serious Allegation Raises Safety Concerns

However, the overall picture of the business is complicated by a very serious and detailed negative review. This account comes from an individual who purchased a property where Steven Heane had previously carried out work for the vendor. The new homeowner raised two distinct and alarming issues. The first concerned an immersion heater installation. According to the reviewer, the switch was old, cracked, and would become very hot during use, emitting a strange "fishy smell"—a classic sign of overheating electrical components. The installation was later examined by another engineer who allegedly described it as "shoddy work" and a potential fire hazard.

The second, and arguably more severe, allegation relates to gas safety. The same reviewer discovered that the gas safety certificate for the property had been signed off by Steven Heane. However, upon moving in, they found the gas fire would not light. A subsequent inspection by their own chosen engineer revealed that the appliance was faulty and that the ignition battery was completely corroded, suggesting it could not have been properly tested. The certificate, however, stated that the gas fire had passed all checks. As a result, the appliance was condemned by the new engineer. This is a grave accusation, as a Gas Safe registered engineer has a legal and moral responsibility to ensure all gas appliances they certify are safe for use. Issuing a certificate for a faulty appliance represents a significant breach of trust and safety protocols.

Weighing the Contradictory Evidence

This leaves potential customers in a difficult position. On one hand, there is a body of positive feedback from clients who have directly engaged the service for specific jobs, praising the speed, cost, and quality of the work. These reviews paint a picture of a reliable and skilled tradesperson, particularly for emergency repairs and boiler fittings. The mention of securing an extended warranty on a new boiler adds weight to the argument of professional competence.

On the other hand, the detailed negative review raises fundamental questions about safety standards and due diligence, particularly concerning electrical work and gas certification. While it is a single account and relates to work done for a previous homeowner, the nature of the allegations—a potential fire hazard and a questionable gas safety check—cannot be easily dismissed. For any homeowner, but especially for landlords who have a legal duty of care to their tenants, the integrity of a gas safety certificate is paramount.

In conclusion, Steven Heane Plumbing & Heating presents a mixed but compelling profile. The 24-hour service and positive reports on responsiveness and fair pricing make it an attractive option for those in Leicester facing unexpected plumbing or heating faults. However, the serious safety concerns raised in one detailed account warrant careful consideration. Prospective clients, particularly those requiring major electrical work or a landlord gas safety certificate, would be well-advised to conduct their own due diligence. It may be prudent to ask for proof of current Gas Safe registration and to discuss the specifics of any safety checks or certifications before commissioning work, allowing the positive reports of good service to be weighed against the need for absolute assurance on safety standards.