Wheildon’s

Established in 1972, Wheildon's has cultivated a long-standing presence in the plumbing and heating sector, serving North Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, and the surrounding regions. Operating from Low Bentham, near Lancaster, this family-run firm has expanded significantly from its origins, evolving from a single plumber to a comprehensive team of tradespeople. The company offers a broad spectrum of services that cover traditional plumbing and heating as well as modern renewable energy solutions for both domestic and commercial clients.

Core Plumbing and Heating Services

Wheildon's provides a complete range of traditional plumbing services. This includes general maintenance and repairs, cylinder maintenance for hot water systems, and plumbing for new builds and extensions. Their team of qualified plumbers is equipped to handle everything from minor leaks to full-scale commercial plumbing projects. For those looking to upgrade their homes, the company also specialises in plumbing system upgrades, installing more efficient pipework and modern radiators to improve overall performance and energy usage.

In the realm of heating, Wheildon's are proficient heating engineers offering comprehensive services for various fuel types, including gas, oil, and LPG. A significant part of their work involves boiler installation, boiler repair, and routine boiler servicing. As Vaillant Approved Installers and Gas Safe registered engineers, they adhere to strict safety and quality standards, which is a crucial consideration for any homeowner. Their expertise also extends to issuing landlord safety certificates, ensuring rental properties comply with legal requirements.

Specialisation in Renewable Energy

A key differentiator for Wheildon's is their strong focus on renewable energy technologies. This forward-thinking approach positions them as a key installer for clients interested in reducing their carbon footprint and long-term energy bills. The company is MCS accredited for the installation of heat pumps and solar panels, a critical certification that ensures eligibility for government incentive schemes and guarantees a high standard of installation. Their portfolio of green technologies is extensive and includes:

• Air source heat pump installation: These systems extract heat from the outside air to warm the home and provide hot water, offering an efficient alternative to traditional boilers.
• Ground source heat pumps: By utilising latent heat from the ground, these systems provide consistent heating and hot water throughout the year. Wheildon's even uses a ground source heat pump in its own office, allowing potential customers to see the technology in action.
• Solar Thermal Water Heating: This technology uses solar panels to capture energy from the sun to heat water, which can significantly reduce reliance on conventional water heating methods.
• Biomass Heating Systems: They are also qualified to install systems that burn logs or pellets, providing another sustainable heating option.

Their commitment is further demonstrated by their on-site showroom where clients can view these renewable systems in full operation, providing a tangible understanding of how they work.

Bathroom Design and Installation

Beyond pipes and boilers, Wheildon's offers a complete bathroom installation service. Marketed as 'Bathrooms by Jane Morgan', this part of the business handles projects from the initial design phase through to the final touches. Their team of bathroom fitters can manage all aspects of a renovation, including building work, plastering, and tiling, in addition to the core plumbing. They have experience with a variety of installations, from wet rooms and en-suites to mobility bathrooms, catering to both domestic and larger commercial projects like schools and hotels. Customer testimonials frequently praise the design process, noting the team's helpful input and patience in helping clients select layouts and fittings.

Customer Reputation: The Good and The Bad

Analysing customer feedback provides a clearer picture of the client experience with Wheildon's. The majority of online reviews are highly positive, building a strong reputation over many years of service. Many long-term customers express high levels of satisfaction, stating they have used the company across multiple properties for many years without disappointment. Recurring themes in positive feedback include the professionalism, knowledge, and helpfulness of the engineers. The office staff, particularly Sarah, are often mentioned for being responsive, informative, and efficient at organising appointments, even at short notice for urgent jobs like a broken oil boiler.

However, no business is without its criticisms, and it is important for potential customers to be aware of the less positive experiences. A small number of negative reviews highlight issues with communication and project suitability. One customer reported a frustrating experience where an engineer arrived late only to state immediately that the company did not undertake the type of small job requested (fitting new taps with a broken stop tap), suggesting a breakdown in initial communication. Another review from 2019 mentioned receiving no instructions on how to operate a newly fitted boiler, which led to confusion and blown fuses. While these negative accounts appear to be in the minority compared to the volume of positive feedback, they point to potential inconsistencies in service, particularly concerning smaller domestic jobs and post-installation handover.

Company Ethos and Accreditations

Wheildon's presents itself as a company that is "small enough to care" but experienced enough to manage large projects. This ethos is backed by a considerable number of industry accreditations which serve as a measure of their competence and commitment to standards. Besides being on the Gas Safe Register, they are OFTEC registered (for oil heating), MCS accredited (for renewables), and members of the Renewable Energy Assurance Scheme (REA). These certifications provide customers with peace of mind that the work is guaranteed and carried out by qualified professionals. Having been founded in 1972, their longevity in the industry suggests a stable and resilient business model that has adapted over decades, notably by embracing renewable technologies and even expanding into electrical services to offer a more integrated project management experience.