BLUEFLAME
PLUMBING & HEATING
Terms and Conditions
Supply of Heating & Plumbing Services (Consumer)
Supply of Heating & Plumbing Services (Consumer)
1. Introduction
1.1 These terms and conditions apply to all heating, plumbing, and gas services provided by BlueFlame Plumbing and Heating Ltd ("we", "us", "our") to consumers ("you", "your") for purposes outside of your business.1.2 By accepting a quotation or allowing work to commence, you agree to be legally bound by this contract.1.3 If you are purchasing services in the course of business, our separate business terms will apply.1.4 We are registered with Gas Safe (Registration No. 633735) and comply with all applicable Building Regulations and industry standards.1.5 Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 or any other legislation that cannot be excluded or restricted by contract. Where these terms provide remedies, those remedies are in addition to not a replacement for- your statutory rights.2. Pre-Contract Information
2.1 As required by the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, we will provide you with key information before any legally binding contract is made, including the main characteristics of the services, pricing, payment details, your right to cancel, and our complaints procedure.2.2 This information will be provided in writing (including by email) before you commit to the service.3. Your Privacy
3.1 We handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and comply with all applicable data protection laws including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.3.2 Personal data will only be processed as necessary to deliver our services. If a data breach occurs, we will notify you promptly. Our Privacy Policy is available at www.blueflameplumbingandheating.co.uk and is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office.4. Quotations, Estimates and Contract Formation
4.1 All pricing provided is an estimate based on the information available at the time of quotation. A legally binding contract is formed only when we confirm acceptance of your order in writing or when work commences with your agreement.4.2 Quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated. We reserve the right to withdraw or revise a quotation before acceptance if material or labour costs change significantly.4.3 Estimates vs Fixed Quotes: Unless expressly stated as a "fixed price quotation", all pricing is an estimate. Additional labour, materials, or unforeseen complications discovered during the work will result in additional charges, which we will communicate to you before proceeding.4.4 If we cannot accept your order (due to availability, pricing errors, or other reasons), we will notify you promptly.4.5 If the project scope changes due to your requests or unforeseen work, this will be quoted separately. Work will not proceed on variations until you provide written or verbal confirmation.4.6 If additional works are required and you are unable or unwilling to proceed, we reserve the right to withdraw from the contract. You will remain responsible for all work completed to that point.5. Your Right to Cancel
5.1 You have the right to cancel this contract within 14 days of formation without giving any reason, unless services have already been fully performed.5.2 Waiver of Cancellation Rights: If you would like us to begin work within the 14-day cancellation period, you must provide us with an express written request to do so (by email or signed document). By making this request, you acknowledge that:- You may be liable for the proportion of services completed if you later cancel
- If services are fully completed within the cancellation period, you lose your right to cancel and will be liable for the full contract price
6. Scope of Work and Exclusions
6.1 Our quotation covers only the work specifically described. Unless explicitly included in our quotation, the following are not part of the agreed scope:- Making good decorations (plastering, painting, tiling, wallpapering)
- Removal or disposal of asbestos or hazardous materials
- Electrical work beyond basic boiler/controls connections
- Structural alterations or building work
- Remediation of pre-existing defects (including corroded pipework, failed fittings, or non-compliant previous work)
- Boxing in or concealing pipework
- Fireplace restoration or reinstatement following back boiler removal
- Scaffolding, cherry picker hire, or specialist access equipment
- Condensate pipe routing beyond the nearest practical drainage point
7. Permissions and Consents
7.1 Before work begins, you must confirm that you have obtained all necessary permissions for the work to be carried out. This includes (where applicable):- Landlord or freeholder consent (if you are a leaseholder or tenant)
- Planning permission or listed building consent
- Party Wall Act agreements with adjoining property owners
- Any permissions required by a management company or residents' association
8. Photographing Existing Conditions
8.1 Before starting work, we will photograph the existing condition of the work area and any equipment we will be working on or near. These photographs form part of our project records.8.2 We do this to protect both you and us it provides a clear record of the condition of your property and systems before we begin, which helps resolve any questions that may arise later.8.3 If you have any concerns about photography in your home, please let us know before work starts.9. Goods and Products We Supply
9.1 Where we supply goods as part of our services (such as boilers, radiators, cylinders, valves, or other components), those goods will be of satisfactory quality, fit for their intended purpose, and as described, in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015.9.2 Your rights regarding goods we supply include the right to reject faulty goods within 30 days, the right to a repair or replacement, and the right to a price reduction as set out in the Consumer Rights Act 2015.9.3 These rights apply to the goods themselves. Our workmanship warranty (Section 19) covers the quality of our installation work separately.10. Damage, Decoration and Making Good
10.1 Unavoidable Disturbance: Heating and plumbing work necessarily involves some disturbance to your property. We want to be upfront about this so there are no surprises. The following types of minor damage are a normal and unavoidable part of the work:- Plaster disturbance around boiler, cylinder, or pipework removal/installation
- Minor paintwork scuffs on walls, ceilings, or door frames from carrying equipment
- Tile removal or damage when accessing pipework behind tiled surfaces
- Skirting board, floorboard, or ceiling panel removal for pipe routing
- Hairline cracks in external render around flue penetrations
- Dust and debris from cutting and drilling (we will clean up, but some residue is inevitable)
- Minor garden disturbance from scaffold bases or access routes
11. Powerflushing and System Cleaning
11.1 What Powerflushing Is: Powerflushing is a cleaning process that circulates water and specialist chemicals through your heating system to remove sludge, rust, and debris. It is widely recommended by boiler manufacturers and can significantly improve system performance.11.2 Why We Explain the Risks: We want you to make an informed decision. Powerflushing is beneficial, but your heating system contains components that may have been in place for many years. The cleaning process can reveal weaknesses in older parts that were previously masked by the sludge itself. This is not a fault with the flushing it is the existing condition of the system being uncovered.11.3 Known Risks: Provided we carry out the powerflush with reasonable care and skill, we do not accept liability for the following issues that can arise naturally from the removal of pre-existing sludge or the failure of aged components:- Radiators developing pinhole leaks once the protective sludge layer is removed (particularly common in radiators over 15 years old)
- Radiator valves (TRVs, lockshields, manual valves) leaking or seizing after disturbance
- Microbore pipework (8mm/10mm) becoming blocked with dislodged debris
- Heat exchanger damage where existing scale or corrosion is disturbed
- Old compression fittings and solder joints beginning to weep
- Pump seals failing after debris passes through
- Sludge redistribution causing temporary blockages in other parts of the system
- System performance changing if components were already near the end of their serviceable life
12. System Disturbance and Pre-Existing Defects
12.1 System Disturbance: When we work on your heating system, we need to drain, pressurise, and work with components that may have been undisturbed for years. This can reveal or cause issues with existing components including radiator valves that begin to leak, old compression fittings that weep under renewed system pressure, and pump seals that fail after disturbance.12.2 We are not responsible for the failure of existing components that were in poor condition before our work. If such issues arise, we will let you know straight away and provide a quotation for remedial work.12.3 If we discover pre-existing defects, non-compliant work, or hazardous materials (including asbestos) during our work, we will notify you immediately. Additional costs for making the system safe or compliant will be quoted separately.12.4 If we discover structural issues (such as notched or compromised floor joists, damaged lintels, or unsafe supports) that make it unsafe or impractical to proceed, we will suspend work until you have arranged for a competent builder or structural engineer to assess and rectify the issue. We cannot accept liability for delays or costs arising from pre-existing structural defects.13. Gas Safety Obligations
13.1 All gas work carried out by BlueFlame is performed by Gas Safe registered engineers in accordance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. We take our gas safety responsibilities extremely seriously - they are legal obligations, not commercial choices.Safety Classifications
13.2 During any gas work, service, or safety inspection, our engineers are legally required to assess the safety of every gas appliance they work on. If we identify a safety concern, we must classify it under one of the following Gas Safe categories:- Immediately Dangerous (ID): The appliance poses an immediate risk to life. We are legally required to disconnect the appliance and the gas supply to it. We cannot reconnect it until the fault is rectified. This is not optional- it is a legal duty to protect you and your household.
- At Risk (AR): The appliance is not immediately dangerous but does not meet current safety standards and could become dangerous over time. We will advise you of the risk and recommend remedial action. If you choose not to act, we will record your decision.
- Not to Current Standards (NCS): The installation does not meet current regulations but is not unsafe. We will advise you of any recommended improvements.
Gas Leaks and Carbon Monoxide
13.4 If at any point during our work or otherwise you suspect a gas leak (smell of gas, hissing near pipework or appliances), you should immediately open windows, avoid using electrical switches or naked flames, leave the property, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Do not wait for us to attend this is always a 999-level emergency.13.5 Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas produced by faulty or poorly ventilated gas appliances. We strongly recommend that you install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a gas appliance. During our servicing and installation work, we will check for carbon monoxide as part of our standard safety procedures.13.6 If during a service or inspection we detect carbon monoxide levels outside safe parameters, we will take immediate action to make the situation safe, which may include disconnecting the appliance. We will explain our findings and provide you with a written record.Abortive Gas Safety Visits
13.7 If we attend a scheduled boiler service, gas safety check (CP12/LGSR), or inspection appointment and are unable to carry out the work due to circumstances within your control for example, the appliance is inaccessible (blocked by furniture or stored items), there is no gas supply to the property, the meter has been capped, or access to the property is not provided an abortive visit charge of £50 will apply. This covers our engineer's travel and allocated time.13.8 We will always try to resolve access issues on the day where possible. The abortive visit charge only applies where we genuinely cannot carry out the work and the reason is outside our control.14. Plumbing Services - Additional Terms
14.1 When we isolate your water supply, we use your existing stopcocks and valves. If a stopcock or valve seizes, fails to reseal, or breaks during normal operation (due to age, corrosion, or lack of use), this is not a result of our work. Repair or replacement will be quoted as additional work.14.2 When working on pressurised water supplies, there is always a risk of minor water escape. While we take all reasonable precautions, small amounts of water spillage during work are unavoidable. We are not liable for water damage unless caused by our negligence.14.3 Properties with old pipework (lead, iron, early plastic/polybutylene, or aged copper) may experience failures when disturbed. We are not responsible for leaks that develop in existing pipework away from our immediate work area.14.4 Customer-Supplied Materials: If you supply your own taps, sanitaryware, appliances, or fittings for us to install, our warranty covers our installation work only not the product itself. We reserve the right to refuse to install customer-supplied materials if, in our professional opinion, they do not meet UK regulatory standards (such as WRAS approval under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999) or pose a safety risk. We will explain our reasons if this situation arises.14.5 Silicone sealant is a maintenance item with a limited lifespan (typically 3-5 years). Discolouration, shrinkage, or deterioration of sealant over time is normal wear and tear, not a defect in our work.14.6 Our quotation covers connecting waste pipes to the existing drainage system. We are not responsible for blockages in existing drains, shared drainage issues, or problems requiring excavation or drainage surveys.15. Smart Controls, Thermostats and WiFi
15.1 Where we install smart thermostats, programmers, or WiFi-connected controls as part of our work, we will commission the device and confirm it is communicating correctly at the time of installation.15.2 Ongoing WiFi connectivity, app functionality, and software updates are the responsibility of the device manufacturer and your internet service provider. We cannot guarantee continued connectivity after we leave site, as this depends on your broadband, router, and network configuration.15.3 If a smart control requires reconfiguration after a broadband change, router replacement, or firmware update, this falls outside our workmanship warranty but we are happy to assist at our standard hourly rate.16. Payment Terms
16.1 All prices include VAT at the prevailing rate.16.2 Payment on Completion: Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due on completion of the work and will be taken on site. We accept card payment and bank transfer.16.3 Stage Payments for Larger Projects: For work with a total value exceeding £1,000, payment is structured as follows:- 20% deposit - payable when you accept the quotation and we schedule the work
- 30% stage payment payable before work commences on site
- 50% final balance payable on practical completion (see 16.4)
17. Carrying Out the Services
17.1 We will begin services at the agreed time or, if no time is specified, within a reasonable period.17.2 Services may be delayed due to circumstances beyond our control including weather, supplier delays, or previous jobs overrunning. We will notify you of significant delays and work with you to reschedule.17.3 You must provide clear, safe access to the work area(s) on agreed dates. This includes ensuring someone over 18 is present to provide access at the agreed time.17.4 Late Cancellation: If you cancel or reschedule with less than 24 hours' notice, a late cancellation fee will apply. This is a genuine pre-estimate of our unrecoverable costs, including the lost booking slot (which we are unlikely to fill at short notice), wasted travel time, and any materials already prepared or collected for your job. The cancellation fee is:- £75 for service, repair, or diagnostic appointments
- £150 for installation or project work (full-day bookings)
18. Temporary Loss of Service
18.1 During installation or major works, your heating and/or hot water will be unavailable for the duration of the work (typically 1-3 days for boiler installations).18.2 We will work to minimise disruption and restore services as quickly as possible. However, we are not responsible for providing temporary heating or hot water arrangements during the works.18.3 If work is delayed due to unforeseen issues or parts availability, we will keep you informed but cannot accept liability for the extended loss of service.19. Warranties
Our Workmanship Warranty
19.1 We provide a 12-month warranty on our workmanship and the ancillary materials we supply (fittings, pipework, sundries, etc.), starting from the date of practical completion.19.2 This warranty covers defects in our work and materials we have supplied. It does not cover:- Normal wear and tear
- Damage caused by misuse, neglect, or interference by others (including other tradespeople)
- Issues arising from pre-existing defects in your property or systems
- Failure of existing components (radiators, valves, cylinders) that were not installed by us
- Limescale damage in hard water areas
- Damage resulting from failure to arrange required annual servicing
Manufacturer Warranties - All Supplied Products
19.3 Manufacturer warranties are separate from our workmanship warranty. They are provided directly by the manufacturer and are governed by the manufacturer's own terms.19.4 Manufacturer warranties apply to all major products we supply and install, including boilers, radiators, cylinders, unvented systems, and specialist heating products. Each carries the manufacturer's own warranty period (typically 2-10 years for boilers; typically 5 years for quality radiators). Our 12-month workmanship warranty and the manufacturer's product warranty run at the same time but cover different things:- Our warranty covers the quality of our installation work
- The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in the product itself
Warranty Claims Process
19.8 If you believe there is a defect in our work, please notify us in writing (by email to enquiries@blueflameplumbingandheating.co.uk) as soon as reasonably practicable after discovery.19.9 We will respond to warranty claims within 48 hours. If you have a complete loss of heating or hot water during the winter months (November-March), we will respond within 24 hours.19.10 Our remedies under this warranty are repair, re-performance, or if neither is possible within a reasonable time an appropriate price reduction. These remedies are provided in addition to, and do not affect, your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.20. Defects, Pre-Notification and Remedies
20.1 Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if services are not performed with reasonable care and skill, you are entitled to require us to re-perform the service or, if that is not possible or not done within a reasonable time, to receive a price reduction. Nothing in these terms limits those rights.20.2 Pre-Notification Our Workmanship: If you have any concern about the quality of our work, we ask that you notify us in writing (by email to enquiries@blueflameplumbingandheating.co.uk) and give us a reasonable opportunity to inspect and put things right before instructing another tradesperson to carry out remedial work. This is important because:- We need to see the issue to understand what went wrong
- Third-party work can disturb our installation, making it difficult to assess the original problem
- We cannot accept responsibility for another tradesperson's charges if we were not given the chance to inspect and remedy the issue ourselves
21. Limitation of Liability
21.1 Our total liability under this contract is limited to the higher of: (a) the contract price, or (b) the limit of our public liability insurance (currently £10,000,000 see Section 24).21.2 We are not liable for:- Indirect or consequential losses that were not reasonably foreseeable to both you and us at the time the contract was formed
- Losses arising from pre-existing defects, system disturbance, or powerflushing as described in Sections 11-12, except where caused by our negligence
- Unavoidable disturbance as described in Section 10
- Damage caused by third parties, other contractors, or work carried out by you
- Any business losses (including loss of profit, loss of earnings, or business interruption) these terms apply to consumer contracts only
22. Standard of Work
22.1 Services will be carried out with reasonable care and skill, in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and applicable Building Regulations.22.2 Any goods we supply will be of satisfactory quality, fit for their intended purpose, and as described, in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015.22.3 All notifiable gas work will be registered with Gas Safe and, where required, with Local Authority Building Control. You will receive certificates confirming registration within 30 days of work completion.23. Health and Safety
23.1 We will comply with all relevant health and safety regulations while on site, including assuming the duties of the Client under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 for domestic projects.23.2 You must inform us of any known hazards (asbestos, unsafe structures, aggressive animals, etc.) before work commences. We reserve the right to halt work if the site is unsafe and will not resume until it is made safe.23.3 For everyone's safety, please keep children and pets away from the work area during our visit.24. Insurance
24.1 We carry public liability insurance of £10,000,000, professional indemnity insurance of £1,000,000, and employer's liability insurance. Proof of insurance is available on request.24.2 You are responsible for maintaining your own buildings and contents insurance. We recommend checking that your policy covers building works being carried out on the property.25. Asbestos
25.1 Properties built before 2000 may contain asbestos materials. We are not licensed asbestos removal contractors and cannot remove asbestos.25.2 If we discover or suspect asbestos during our work, we will stop work immediately, make the area safe, and notify you. An asbestos survey may be required before we can proceed.25.3 If asbestos removal is required, this must be carried out by a licensed contractor at your cost before we can continue. We are not liable for delays arising from asbestos discovery.26. Unvented Hot Water Cylinders
26.1 Installation and maintenance of unvented hot water cylinders is restricted to engineers holding a current G3 qualification. All unvented work carried out by BlueFlame is performed by G3-qualified engineers.26.2 Unvented cylinder installations are notifiable under Building Regulations. We will notify your Local Authority Building Control and you will receive a certificate within 30 days of completion.26.3 Unvented cylinders require annual servicing to maintain safe operation and warranty validity. Failure to maintain annual servicing is both dangerous and will void manufacturer warranties.27. Force Majeure
27.1 We are not liable for any delay or failure to perform if caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, pandemic, supplier failure, government action, or labour disputes.27.2 In such circumstances, we will notify you as soon as possible and work with you to agree a revised schedule.28. Photographs and Marketing
28.1 We may photograph completed work for our records and marketing purposes (website, social media, promotional materials).28.2 Photographs will not identify your property address. If you would prefer us not to use photographs of your installation for marketing, please let us know in writing before work commences and we will respect your wishes.29. Complaints and Disputes
29.1 We take complaints seriously and aim to resolve any concerns quickly. If you are dissatisfied with our service, please contact us in writing with full details:- Email: enquiries@blueflameplumbingandheating.co.uk
- Post: BlueFlame Plumbing and Heating Ltd, Flat 18, Hermes House, 59a Josephine Avenue, London SW2 2JG
30. Third Party Rights
30.1 No person other than you and us has any right to enforce any term of this contract under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.31. Electronic Signatures
31.1 Electronic signatures (including typed names, scanned signatures, or e-signature platforms) are valid and binding for all purposes under this contract.32. Entire Agreement
32.1 This contract, together with our quotation/estimate, constitutes the entire agreement between us. Any variation must be agreed in writing.32.2 If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force.Appendix: Model Cancellation Form
(Complete and return this form only if you wish to cancel the contract)To: BlueFlame Plumbing and Heating Ltd, Flat 18, Hermes House, 59a Josephine Avenue, London SW2 2JGEmail: enquiries@blueflameplumbingandheating.co.ukI hereby give notice that I cancel my contract for the supply of the following services:Services: Ordered on / Received on: Customer Name: Customer Address: Signature (if sent on paper): Date: