Get a heat pump, or else…

The Government’s Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) If you were considering having a traditional gas boiler installed, the release of this industry news will be of particular interest to you. In March 2023, the Government’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero published its proposal for a Clean Heat Market Mechanism. Its purpose: “To set out policy proposals and invite stakeholder views on the introduction of a market-based mechanism to support the development of the Read More…

Ask Samuele: March 2024

This month, Sandra from Ashford asks… Dear Samuele, I like to be prepared in the event of an emergency, so it got me thinking: In an emergency plumbing situation, what steps can a homeowner take to reduce any damage before a professional arrives? Yours preventatively, Sandra Ciao, Sandra. And grazie mille for your question! Firstly, in the event of you smelling gas, or you know there’s a leak, make sure you know where your gas Read More…

plumber with bad back getting older

I’m gonna have the runs

Well, it was always on the cards. You get older, and things start going wrong. You get aches, you find lumpy bits, the downstairs’ plumbing becomes sporadic… things just generally begin to decay. In such times, there’s only one thing you can do – take action! That’s why I’ve decided to run. A proper run. I’m training for a marathon. It’ll be in Winchester. If it goes well, I might even do the Amsterdam marathon Read More…

Ask Samuele: November 2023

This month, Leonardo from Putney asks… Dear Samuele, With the onset of old-age, my mother is now becoming quite frail and has developed arthritis. I’m looking for ways to make improve the quality of her life. Is there any way I could make it more comfortable for her to adjust the heat setting on her radiators? The current valves are very stiff, and she can no longer grip them. Many thanks. Leonardo   Ciao, Leonardo. Read More…

Why I’m raising our plumbing service prices

For the past three years I’ve done everything I can to keep my plumbing and heating service price increases to an absolute minimum. The ten years previous to that saw virtually no increases at all. In the pursuit of maintaining this, I’ve looked at cost efficiencies, cheaper suppliers, reduced marketing costs – pretty much anything I could do to stave off a major price increase. But there comes a time when, enough-is-enough, and you have Read More…

Meet the team: Spotlight on Brian

He’s happy-go-lucky. He laughs a lot. And don’t even get him started on musical theatre… the man can’t get enough of it. Meet Brian, the latest addition to the Italian Plumber team.   What do you do at IP? I’m a plumbing and heating engineer. I do mainly boiler repairs, plumbing systems – and changing related components such as air vents and the like. Oh, and issuing Gas Safety certificates, too.   Where are you Read More…

Ask Samuele: August 2023

This month, Romana from Richmond asks… Dear Samuele, I always like to be prepared around the house, just in case I have a little emergency. Are there any basic tools you could recommend, just in case I have to deal with a plumbing issue? Please also tell me, what kind of things I’d be able to fix myself? Yours sincerely, Romana Samuele says: Ciao, Ramona! And grazie mille for your question. That’s wise thinking. It’s Read More…

sock monster

Why do my socks disappear from the washing machine?

As a plumber, I often get asked: “Where do half my socks go, once they’ve been put in the wash?” As far as I know, they get caught up in the back of the washing machine, or simply go missing from the washing line. But my young daughter told me it was something much more magical than that. Here’s her story: There was a girl, called Isabel. She was 8-years old, and lived in a Read More…

Meet the team: Spotlight on Thomas

He tinkers with 3D printers. He plays the guitar, and don’t even get him started on microbiology. This man loves his hobbies… and his work. Let’s meet Thomas and find out what he’s all about.   Hi Thomas, it’s lovely to meet you. It’s great to meet you, too.   What do you do at the Italian Plumber? I’m what you could call a ‘through-and-through’ plumber. It means that I don’t get involved with gas Read More…

Ask Samuele: May 2023

This month, Christopher from Mortlake asks… Dear Samuele, I recently saw a product that made the job of removing radiators much cleaner and simpler. It was invented by someone in your trade. It got me thinking: Have you ever had an idea for a plumbing tool invention that you think would make plumbers’ lives easier? Yours sincerely, Christopher   Ciao, Christopher. And grazie mille for your question! I’ve not had any ideas specifically for a Read More…