First Call Plumbing offers a wide range of services including bathroom design and installation, general plumbing maintenance and an unbeatable 24 hour emergency plumber service. The emergency service is available 365 days a year with a maximum response time of 1 hour for customers in the Edinburgh area and no call out charge.

We also offer an all trades service including joinery, tiling, plastering, electrics and of course plumbers. This allows each project to be carried out from start to finish by First Call. Commercial maintenance contracts are also undertaken by First Call for companies in and around the Edinburgh area. These contracts range from general maintenance incorporating all of the trades mentioned above, to full plumbing maintenance including the 24 hour emergency service.

Call 0131 669 1007.

If you have problems with CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, LEAKS, BURST PIPES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, WASTE PIPES, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

People only tend to think of plumbing or plumbers when something goes wrong. Most people will regularly have their cars serviced, but do you have your central heating and plumbing systems checked each year? Think of the value of your car compared with your home. Many disasters can be avoided if discovered soon enough. The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering advises that you take the time to get your heating and plumbing systems checked over once a year to find any faults before they turn into major problems.

Unfortunately sometimes plumbing emergencies such as burst and frozen pipes do happen, but you can take steps to limit the damage while you are waiting for your plumber to arrive. Keep in mind that if you are a regular customer a plumber is more likely to drop other work for you in times of emergency.

Burst Pipes
Try not to panic! The first thing to do is to prevent water passing the point of the leak. Start by turning off all stop valves (sometimes called stop cocks, often found under the kitchen sink) and if the escaping water cannot be controlled immediately, open all cold water taps so that the pipework and storage system drains quickly. DON’T TURN ON HOT TAPS. Turn off the central heating system and, if it uses a solid fuel boiler, allow the fire to die out. Switch off any electric immersion heater, then call your plumber.

Frozen Pipes
If a pipe freezes, turn off the mains water supply at the stop valve inside your home (if fitted) - these are often sited under the kitchen sink. If there isn’t an internal valve, turn off the water at the external valve which may be under a cover in your garden or path. If the frozen pipe runs from a storage cistern and is not controlled by a valve, check that it hasn’t split. If it has, empty the cold water storage cistern either by opening the cold water taps and flushing the WC or by siphoning the water from the cistern with a garden hose, then call your plumber. If the pipe isn’t split, thaw it out by applying hot water bottles or by careful use of an electric hair dryer.

Don’t try to thaw it too quickly as there may be splits in the pipe which are not immediately noticeable.

Never use a naked flame to thaw a pipe.

Always start thawing a pipe at the end nearest the tap.

If any part of the hot water system is frozen, there could be a risk of explosion if the boiler (or other heat source) is kept alight, so ensure it is turned off, or for solid fuel systems, extinguish the fire.

Be careful because although water may be flowing from taps, other parts of the system may still be frozen.

If you do not have a regular plumber you can take steps to ensure you employ a competent person.

If you have an emergency such as a burst or frozen pipe, first take the actions described above. Call First Call Plumber if you are in Edinburgh, Fife or the Lothians on 0131-669-1007. They have to have qualifications, experience and a 24 hour emergency service without call-out charges.

If you have the situation under control for the time being, it is always a good idea to get at least three different quotes. When you are describing the problem on the phone be as clear as you can.
Do not pay money before the job is completed.

If the problem involves an appliance that uses gas, you must use a CORGI registered engineer.

Smell gas?
Transco operate a free emergency 24 hour telephone number that you can call if you believe you have a gas leak on 0800 111 999.

If you can smell gas you must:

Never light a naked flame/smoke/strike a match etc

Never turn on or off any electrical switches

Always put out naked flames

Always open doors and windows

Keep people away from the affected area

Turn off the gas meter at the control valve

Transco is the UK gas transportation and emergency service, for more information please visit their website by clicking here.

If you have problems with CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, LEAKS, BURST PIPES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, WASTE PIPES, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

Call 0131 669 1007.

Our clients, and the long term relationships we nurture, are testimony to the type of company we are; reliable, honest, professional.

Our clients include:

• The Witchery by the Castle - Restaurant
• Aberdeen Asset Managers limited - Office
• The Olive Branch - Restaurant
• Dream House Apartments -
• Alzheimer Scotland - Voluntary Sector
• Cross Reach
• Pagen Osborne
• Dingbros
• Rock Trust
• Dem solutions
• The yard
• Blue Triangle
• Le Cafe St. Honor
• Gala Coral Group
• The Law Society of Scotland
• Charles White Ltd.
• Riccarton Garden Center
• UTV Radio
• Blue Cafe
• Esso
• Potten Computer School
• C Buchanan
• Bank of Scotland
• Reviva
• NHS Scotland
• Apex Property
• Thyme
• Sushi Bar
• No1 Kitchen
• Bluecafe
• Vipondfireprotection
• Atrium
• Archibald Campbell and Harley
• Mcdonalds
• Food 4u

Call 0131 669 1007.

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

A bidet stands around 40cm high, about adult knee-height, and is connected to a hot and cold water supply and waste outlet in the same way as your bathroom sink. The most popular way to do this is with a single mixer tap and pop-up plug, although some bidet taps also have a variable fountain spray. The bowl area is longer than it is wide, but is fairly shallow, allowing you to crouch over it with your feet either side to wash and refresh yourself.

More and more people are asking their plumber or bathroom designer to add bidets to their toilet and bathroom designs.

Look to the menu on the right to find out the different types of bidet available.

Call 0131 669 1007.

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

When shopping for baths, there are basically four different styles that you can choose from, the corner, recessed, drop-in and the freestanding, all of which generally reflects the methods of installation. Aside from that, you also need to choose if you prefer the traditional baths or the whirlpools, both comes in a large variety of sizes, colors, shapes and materials. So in order to make a more informed choice, you need to have a deeper understanding of the different types and styles available.

Recessed Baths

This type is also popularly known as the three-wall alcove tub and has become a popular choice mainly because of its affordability, space efficiency, and availability. Only the front part of the tub features any decorative finish since the alcove walls will conceal the other end. You will usually find this type of tubs made of enameled steel, which is an inexpensive material and known to be relatively lightweight. However, the main downside of steel enamel is its tendency to create noise and prone to chipping after long use. A better alternative to this is the enameled cast iron, which comes significantly more expensive and heavy that might require your bathroom floor additional reinforcements to support the extra weight.

Corner Baths

Although, the term might have been specifically used to triangular bathtubs that features two unfinished sides and one finished part, it is generally used to tubs that come it any shape but installed in a corner with two sides backed against the wall.

Drop-In Baths

This particular style is largely available in a number of configurations and designs and is mounted on a raised platform, but is make to sink below the floor level. Some people prefer to overlap the decks, others want the undermounted varieties, depending on your floor area as well as your personal preference. This type of tubs is usually made with a lightweight fiberglass and reinforced plastic or acrylic, which may be probe to scratches and dulling. If budget is not a concern, then it’s best to choose the enameled cast iron, known to be resilient but may also require structural reinforcements.

Freestanding

As its name suggests, this bath comes with four legs with complete finished exteriors. Among the popular choices of this are the reproductions of the antique claw-foot bathtubs that are made with lightweight materials such as the reconditioned antiques. The authentic antique baths are usually made with cast iron materials and would require buttressing the bathroom floor.

Whirlpool Baths

Whirlpool baths are enjoying increasing popularity throughout the years, since it offers motorized water circulation jets that provide the users that wonderful soothing hydromassage. Whirlpools are also available in different installation styles, such as recessed drop-in, freestanding but the most people prefer the platform installation. This type of bath may require some special framing and extra dedicated water heaters or electrical circuit. Others feature the variable speed pumps that have electronic controls that can efficiently adjust the power of the massage. It also varies in sizes depending of course on your available space and personal preference.

Now that you have a better idea on the specific types of baths that you can choose from, you can now easily determine which one would best suit your bathroom.

Call 0131 669 1007.

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *

When planning your bathroom, you need to use the space wisely and keep the fixtures and fittings in proportion to the size of the room. If you are fitting a small bathroom, cloakroom or en-suite, there are sinks which are designed specifically for that purpose. Larger bathrooms can carry the more modern oversized sinks, or maybe you want to install more than one to speed up those busy mornings!

Taps

Flexibility and choice are very important so sinks may be supplied with 1, 2 or 3 tapholes which allows you to select alternative tap configurations to the conventional pair of pillar taps. Remember though to check that the taps you choose will fit the sink, because although the size of the taphole will be constant from sink to sink, the amount of space the base of the tap takes up may differ. This is particularly important with sinks with a narrow tapledge. Of course if you opt for a sink without tapholes, you could install wall-mounted taps instead.

Materials

Ceramic is by far the most popular and affordable material used in the manufacture of sinks, and is the most hygienic and durable. Provided you look after it properly, remove limescale buildup and take care to avoid any accidental damage it will still look as good as new after 10 years use.

Stylish alternatives such as glass or steel will need more work to keep them looking good. Toughened glass is a strong as ceramic and no longer carries the high price ticket it used to, but needs to be wiped clean after every use to remove watermarks. Steel has an industrial chic quality to it and is impossible to chip, but it can be easily scratched, so take care when cleaning the surface. Stone and marble may look fantastic and make your bathroom the envy of all your friends, but it is extremely heavy and will definitely blow the budget.

Wood has begun to be used to produce very individual sinks in an organic twist to the ‘neutral and natural’ theme to bathroom design, with the advantage that it will not break if you drop something into it. The colour will change though and generally darken with age, although strong sunlight will bleach the wood, so if you prefer a consistent look then it probably won’t be your first choice.

Freestanding or Roll-Top Bath

As its name suggests, this bath comes either with four legs or stands on the floor. It also comes with complete finished exteriors. Among the popular choices of this are the reproductions of the antique claw-foot bathtubs that are made with lightweight materials such as the reconditioned antiques. The authentic antique baths are usually made with cast iron materials and would require buttressing the bathroom floor.

Freestanding or Roll-Top bath sizes are normally slightly larger than the standard 1700×700mm and because the baths are very deep they tend to hold a lot of water - up to 250litres.

An important distinction amongst baths is how they sit on the floor.

Feet
The classic traditional cast iron ball and claw foot is the one the instantly spings to mind but there are many more styles, both traditional and contemporary, in all sorts of finishes including cast iron, chrome, brass, gold and paintable. Be aware that bath feet by different manufacturers are not interchangeable and you must have the right feet for the right bath, some manufacturers do however provide a wide variety of foot styles for many of their baths and you may have a choice of six or seven styles in two or three finishes. For some baths front and back feet may be different and you should always be careful to refer to the manufacturers instructions provided with the bath when fitting them. If in doubt ring us on 0131 669 1007.

Wooden Plinth
The wooden plinth is a more or less contemporary style often but not always associated with an Oriental or Japanese style of bath. We include in this category baths on four wooden blocks or feet. Wooden parts for baths are usually veneers of beech, maple, oak, wenge, cherry or chestnut on a wood composite or in some cases solid wooden blocks.

Metal Cradles
Another contemporary design is to have the bath supported by a metal cradle of one style or another. Good in a clean-lined ultra minimalist bathroom or wherever else your imagination can put it.

To Floor
Within the category of baths that go right down to the floor we also include baths that sit on single long plinths made of the same material as the bath, this includes many of the traditional boat baths. Most of the other baths the go right down to the floor without feet or plinths or cradle are more or less contemporary styles.

The shower enclosure has undergone a complete revolution of late. Showers enclosures and shower cubicles have become an individual style statement, the dreams of having a shower enclosure like the rich & famous, is now a reality.

It is difficult to resist a warm shower in a stylish setting. Designers and manufactures have left no stone unturned in catering to the customer’s desire to be pampered.

Shower enclosures come in many different sizes and finishes, so whatever the size of your bathroom or the colour of your bath taps you will be able to find a shower enclosure to suit you. Shower trays may also be used in bespoke shower installations, so if a wet room floor is not possible why not choose a larger than standard shower tray to fit into your bespoke bathroom..

If a syphon type of cistern has never flushed properly, the likelihood is that the water level is too low - it should be about 12mm (half inch) below the overflow outlet. To correct this, raise the height of the float, the method depends upon the type of valve/ball fitted.

If a linkage has become detached within the cistern, this should be fairly obvious as the handle/chain will loose its normal ‘feel’ - i.e. the handle or chain won’t return to its normal position. Most linkages which have come loose can just be refitted and tightened after removing the top of the cistern.
# If the cistern is a direct action type syphon type, the flexible diaphragm on top of the perforated disc may have become torn.

If a cistern fills very slowly, more than 2 minutes,

This problem would normally be associated with the ball valve which fills the cistern with water, possible causes include:

• The wrong type of valve nozzle is fitted, a mains valve nozzle fitted where the valve is fed from a water tank - most valves are supplied with both nozzles, the appropriate one needs fitting at the time of installation.
• Low water pressure in the feed pipe - either a valve has not been turned fully on or there is an obstruction in the pipe.
• The valve itself may have become clogged by scale or muck in the water supply.

If a cistern does not flush when handle/chain is operated and if a syphon type of cistern has never flushed properly, the likelihood is that the water level is too low - it should be about 12mm (half inch) below the overflow outlet. To correct this, raise the height of the float, the method depends upon the type of valve/ball fitted. On some set-ups there is a hinge in the arm between the valve and the ball with a lock nut/screw - loosen off the nut/screw and adjust the hinge. The final arrangement is where there is a solid brass rod between the valve and ball without any adjustment; in this case, the rod needs to be physically bent.

If you have any problems at all with your cistern, call First Call Plumbers on 0131 669 1007. If you have problems with pipes, burst pipes or even CYLINDERS, IMMERSIONS, STOPCOCKS, OVERFLOWS, BALL VALVES, TANKS, BOILER REPAIRS, SHOWERS, SINKS, OUTSIDE TAPS, TOILETS, BATHS, BASINS, SANIFLOWS, TRAPS and if you live in any of the following areas, we aim to be with you within the hour: Abbeyhill • Alnwickhill • Ardmillan • Baberton • Balerno • Balgreen • Bankhead • Barnton • Beechmount • Bingham • Blackford • Blackhall • Bonaly • Bonnington • Burghmuirhead • Braepark • Braid Hills • Broomhouse • Broughton • Brunstane • Bruntsfield • Bughtlin • Burdiehouse • The Calders • Calton Hill • Cameron Toll • Cammo • Canongate • Canonmills • Chesser • Church Hill • Clermiston • Clerwood • Colinton • Comely Bank • Comiston • Corstorphine • Cowgate • Craigcrook • Craigentinny • Craigleith • Craiglockhart • Craigmillar • Cramond • Crewe Toll • Currie • Curriehill • Dalmeny • Dalmahoy • Dalry • Davidson’s Mains • Dean Village • Drumbrae • Drylaw • Duddingston • Dumbiedykes • East Craigs • East Pilton • Easter Road • Eastfield • Edinburgh Park • Fairmilehead • Ferniehill • Ferry Road • Firrhill • Forrester • Fountainbridge • Gilmerton • Gogar • Gogarloch • Goldenacre • Gorgie • The Grange • Grassmarket • Granton • Greenbank • Greendykes • Greenhill • Haymarket • Hermiston • Holy Corner • Holyrood • Holyrood Park • Hunter’s Tryst • Ingliston • Inverleith • Jock’s Lodge • Joppa • Juniper Green • Kaimes • Kingsknowe • Kirkliston • Lauriston • Leith • Liberton • Little France • Lochend • Lochrin • Longstone • Marchmont • Maybury • Mayfield • Meadowbank • The Meadows • Merchiston • Moredun • Morningside • Mortonhall • Mountcastle • Muirhouse • Murrayfield • New Town • Newbridge • Newcraighall • Newhaven • Newington • Niddrie • Northfield • Old Town • Oxgangs • Parkgrove • Parkhead • Piershill • Pilrig • Pilton • Polwarth • Portobello • Powderhall • Prestonfield • Ratho • Ratho Station • Ravelston • Redford • Restalrig • Riccarton • Roseburn • Saughton • Sciennes • Seafield • Sighthill • Silverknowes • Slateford • South Gyle • South Queensferry • Stenhouse • Stockbridge • Swanston • Tollcross • Torphin • Trinity • Turnhouse • Tynecastle • Warriston • West Coates • West Craigs • West Pilton • Wester Hailes • Wester Broom • Western Harbour • Westfield

* No call out charge * Free estimates * Free consultations * Installation and Fitting * Surveys and Inspections * Servicing and repairs * Residential * Domestic * Commercial * Insurance work * 7 Days a week *