1. Whilst all reasonable care will be taken during the execution of the works, no responsibility can be accepted for any faults or failures that may occur to existing pipework, fittings, equipment, etc. due to disturbance caused by the proposed works.
2. The attached estimate is based on a non-intrusive survey of the property and, as such, it is assumed that any existing systems that we connect to are in good condition and in working order. Should we find, during the course of the works, any faults with the existing systems we reserve the right to make a charge for correcting same. Should the client fail to mention any relevant facts relating to the existing installation we reserve the right to make a charge for correcting same.
3. Dismantling, clearing and re-instatement of any fitted cupboards, etc. to permit the proposed works to proceed will be charged at extra cost unless specified.
4. If, during the execution of the proposed works it is necessary to gain access into floors below fitted carpets, these will be lifted by us and laid back on completion. No re-stretching or fixing has been allowed for unless specified. For floors covered with thermoplastic tiles, vinyl sheet covering, cork tiles or laminate flooring, no allowance has been made for re-instatement unless specified.
5. During the execution of the proposed works, it may be necessary to isolate various water, gas & electrical services. This will be advised in good time and the period of isolation will be as short as possible.
6. Whilst all holes formed during the execution of the proposed works will be made good on completion, no allowance has been made for re-instatement of decorations. We do not guarantee to match existing brickwork where boiler flue terminals have been removed.
7. No allowance has been made for casing in of pipework or painting/decorating of the new works.
8. It has been assumed that unrestricted access to all relevant parts of the property will be afforded to us during the course of the works. Any delays caused by restricted access not notified at the time of survey may be subject to an extra charge and/or delay in completion.
9. Where other trades are involved in the works and these trades are not under our control any delays that may be caused to our progress by these trades may be subject to an extra charge and/or delay in completion.
10. Unless specified the works will be carried out in one continuous visit. Extra visits at the request of the Client or caused by circumstances beyond our control will be subject to a surcharge and may affect the completion date.
11. Ownership of any materials supplied, whether fixed or unfixed, shall not pass to the Client until payment in full has been received for said materials. We reserve the right to take whatever legal action may be necessary to secure payment for the works carried out and materials supplied either fixed or unfixed.
12. No allowance has been made for out-of-hours working unless specified or to suit our own requirements.
13. All dates or times given for the start of or duration of the works are given in good faith based on the information gained during the survey and our current workload commitments. These times may be varied, however, due to unforeseen circumstances i.e. emergency call-outs, breakdowns, etc. or to circumstances beyond our control. No liability will be accepted if it is not possible to meet clients timescales.
14. The works described in the estimate will be guaranteed for a period of twelve months from date of completion against faulty design and workmanship. The materials supplied will be subject to the
suppliers/manufacturers guarantees. The Client’s Statutory Right in law are not effected by this guarantee. This guarantee does not extend to existing, installed equipment, pipework or fittings.
15. Whilst certain items may be specified by name or model, we reserve the option to supply goods of a different manufacture providing they shall be suitable for the purpose intended.
16. Any items or materials supplied by the Client or others for our fixing will be unpacked and inspected in the presence of the Client. Any faults found will be pointed out to the Client whose responsibility it will be to obtain replacement items. Any delays caused by faulty or damaged items may be chargeable, may result in us withdrawing from site and may affect the completion date of the works.
17. Any additional works that the Client requires to be carried out whilst the specified works are being executed will be charged at extra cost. An indication of such cost will be given and the Client’s agreement to same will be obtained before the additional works proceed.
18. This estimate is open for acceptance for a period of 30 days providing the works can be commenced within 90 days both periods from the date of estimate and thereafter may be subject to revision or withdrawal
19. Terms of payment are given on the estimate for the works and it is a condition of acceptance that these be adhered to. We reserve the right to charge interest at the rate of 5% above Lloyds TSB Bank plc’s current base rate per month on overdue accounts.
20. The price specified in this estimate does not include for the removal of any dangerous waste materials such as asbestos found when carrying out the works. This will be subject to an extra charge.
21. Acceptance of the Estimate confirms acceptance of these conditions.
22. Prior to commencement of work involving gas appliances, the existing gas supply will be subject to a soundness test to check for compliance with Gas Safety Regulations. Any faults found will be advised to the Client and any rectification works required may be subject to additional charges.
23. Should the works include a powerflush of the existing heating system, it must be pointed out that, whilst this treatment is generally harmless, depending on the condition of the existing components the process may find weaknesses in the system. Should any such problems be encountered then any rectification works required may be charged at extra cost. The customer will be asked to sign a waiver confirming this point.
24. Should the works include a new combination heating boiler unit connected to an existing heating system, the Client should be aware that the higher pressures used by this type of boiler may find weaknesses in the existing system. Any repairs required in this respect are not included in this estimate. The customer will be asked to sign a waiver confirming this point.
25. This estimate does not include for any parking fees levied in Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ’s). Any such fees incurred will be passed onto the Client at cost.
26. It is the responsibility of the Client to ensure that all children and pets are kept away from the areas in which we are working.
27. If the proposed works are being carried out in a leasehold property it is the sole responsibility of the Client to ensure that all necessary permissions have been obtained in writing from the landlords/managing agents. We accept no responsibility whatever for any works carried out without the necessary permissions. We can furnish details of the proposed works if so required at possible additional cost.
The core component of a heating system is the boiler. When a boiler is renewed, the boiler manufacturers’ Benchmark scheme requires that the system be thoroughly cleansed to the BS7593:2006 Code of Practice. Currently, best industry practice is considered to be to power flush the system.
Power flushing is the fastest and most effective way to flush heating systems, and involves minimal disruption and dismantling.
We use purpose built power flushing pumps, designed to cure the circulation and boiler noise problems caused by accumulations of sludge, corrosion deposits and scale which are found in most ageing central heating systems.
The power flushing pump is temporarily connected into a heating system during the flushing process. The high water velocity, combined with instantaneous flow reversal, dislodges and mobilises sludge and corrosion deposits.
Having loosened the debris, the pump expels it from the system to waste, using a high velocity flow of fresh water.
Radiators are individually flushed without removal or disconnection from the system. After the power flush, the system is full of clean water, and re- instatement to normal operation takes only a few minutes.
A power flush can be extremely effective in cleaning systems that have corrosion problems as a result of a design fault, but we strongly recommend that any such design faults be rectified before power flushing commences.
The success of a power flush will depend on the level of heating system corrosion which has occurred beforehand. The process will cure most circulation problems, but cannot undo the corrosion and gradual decay that has led to the need to power flush the system.
Whilst it is rare for a heating system to experience leaks after the power flushing process, it is not possible to inspect a system internally beforehand, and the need to use a flushing and dispersing chemical (see Part L of the Building regulations) for effective cleansing means that occasionally we may find a leak.
The advanced stage of corrosion required for such a situation means that the leak would occur imminently even without a power flush. We believe that it is better that it occurs whilst we are present to remedy the problem, rather than for it to arise over a weekend or whilst the house is unoccupied.
Systems which have been neglected over a period of time, or have not been treated with an effective corrosion inhibitor, may have severely compacted corrosion debris, in the pipe work, radiators, or boiler, and it is possible that even after the power flush, some radiators may still not be fully effective, or boilers on the margin of failure may cease working due to sludge and debris later breaking loose and collecting in the heat exchanger.
PLEASE NOTE: The vast majority of power flushes that we carry out are without problem, and result in a cleaner and more efficient heating system, with radiators restored to their original output.
The price that we have stated allows for a standard power flush only, and we will carry this out to best industry practice, according to BS7593 : 2006. However, if any of the above or similar unpredictable problems arise during or after the power flush we will not hold ourselves responsible in any way, and any further work required would be carried out at an additional cost.
These terms and conditions ('terms') apply to the service and maintenance contract ('contract') between the person ordering the services ('customer' or 'you') and Atom Gas Limited ('we' or 'us')
EXCLUSIONS TO THE PLUMBING COVER CONTRACT: The following services are excluded from our cover:
1. Adjustments to time and temperature controls.
2. Replacement of decorative parts.
3. Any domestic water supply from the hot water cylinder or appliances including taps and showers.
4. Any cold-water storage cistern, mains water supply, cold water supply pipework.
5. Inherent defects or inadequacy to the original design and installation of the system/ appliance(s) not apparent at the initial subject to survey visit, or from visual inspection, and consequential damage or loss arising from defects (not applicable if Atom Gas installed the entire heating system).
6. Pipework, wiring or flues buried in the fabric of the building including underfloor heating.
7. Any defects or damage caused through malicious or wilful action, negligence, or third-party interference.
8. Any defects or damage caused by fire, lightning, explosion, flood, storm, frost, impact or other extraneous cause.
9. Any defect or damage occurring from a failure of the public electricity, gas or water supplies.
10. Any work arising from hard water scale deposit, system contamination or damage from aggressive water.
11. Removing asbestos associated with repairing appliance or system.
12. Any unvented cylinder or associated unvented system components.
13. Replacement or repair of thermal-stores, immersion heaters or the repair off a convectors.
14. Replacement of towel rails, LowSurfaceTemperature and designer radiators ,including any associated valves.
15. Replenishment of chemical treatments.
16. Complete appliance replacement for any reason.
17. Replacement of gas supply pipework.
18. Any increased cost of utilities, loss of water services, loss of earnings ,any retrospective cost for items not relating to the repair of the heating components.
19. The cost of any improvements to the heating or hot water systems.
20. Removing sludge from system.
21. Replacing/repairing any steel or iron pipes.
22. Making access to the appliance/system that is not deemed reasonable.
23. The replacement of any internet based controls.
PERIOD OF CONTRACT: The contract will run for a period of one calendar year from the date that your first payment is received (‘initial term’), subject to the outcome of the engineer’s inspection at the initial subject to survey visit being satisfactory to Atom Gas. If it is not, Atom Gas may terminate the contract with immediate effect by notifying you. Any remedial work required following the initial subject to survey visit is not covered by this contract and will be quoted for and charged separately.
ANNUAL SERVICE: A service engineer will inspect the central heating appliance(s) once a year on an agreed date and clean and adjust them as necessary using reasonable care and skill. A visual inspection of the system will also be carried out at this time, and any remedial works actioned or quoted for separately as necessary.
ACCEPTANCE ON TO CONTRACT: Acceptance of a system or appliance(s) on to a contract does not imply that it is installed satisfactorily (not applicable if Atom Gas installed the entire heating system) or to current standards or codes of practice or that any spare parts required are guaranteed to be available for the appliance. Please note that a service (chargeable at £84 Inc. VAT unless otherwise stated) will be carried out at the initial subject to survey visit, regardless of whether Atom Gas agrees to provide cover, unless prior request not to is made by the customer.
PRICE AND PAYMENT: The price payable by you is as notified by Atom Gas at the time the contract is entered into. The price is inclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated. Atom Gas may increase the price at the end of each contract year but you will always be notified of any price increase in advance. Payment is due annually in advance or by monthly instalments and is to be paid as notified by Atom Gas.
Plumbing maintenance cover for your gas central heating boiler and heating system and also includes an annual service.
RENEWAL: The contract renewal date will be the yearly anniversary of the date that your first payment is received. Renewal notices will be sent in advance of this date. The contract remains valid as long as payment is continued. If you pay by direct debit we will communicate with you at least three weeks prior to your renewal date to confirm whether you wish to continue with your contract. We will automatically renew your policy at the end of each contract year unless notified not to, in which case the contract will expire. Atom Gas reserves the right to refuse to renew a contract. Please note if your contract is renewed automatically, you have the statutory right to cancel within 14 days of the renewal date (your ‘cooling off period’).
YOUR RIGHTS: It is our responsibility to supply you with services that meet your consumer rights. If you have any concerns that we have not met our legal obligations please contact us, our contact details are given at the bottom of the page. If you are unclear about your rights or require advice, you can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or www.adviceguide.org.uk
ACCESS: It is your responsibility to let us into your property. If you do not allow us access to your property to perform the services as arranged (and you do not have a good reason for this) we may charge you additional costs incurred by us as a result. If, despite our reasonable efforts, we are unable to contact you or re-arrange access to your property we may end the contract.
LANDLORDS: We will make every reasonable effort to undertake a gas safety inspection at your property. We will also make you aware if we fail to gain access to your tenanted property. Atom Gas Ltd cannot be held responsible if we cannot gain access to carry out your gas safety inspection. It is your legal responsibility as a landlord to ensure that the property has a valid Landlord Gas Safety Record.
CANCELLATION OF CONTRACT: You have a right to cancel the contract between you and us without giving any reason within 14 days of it being entered into. This is known as your ‘cooling off’ period. In order to exercise your right to cancel you must inform us of your decision by a clear statement (e.g. a phone call, letter, fax or email). You may use the cancellation form below but you do not have to. We reserve the right to cancel the contract if you have given any false information or you do not make an agreed payment on the due date or you do not allow us access to your property within a reasonable period of time or you change your boiler or an appliance that the contract covers.
EFFECTS OF CANCELLATION: If you cancel this contract during the cooling off period, we will reimburse you all that you have paid us, subject to certain possible deductions set out below. If you want us to start providing services straight away and before your cooling off period ends, we will need a specific request from you. If we start work before your cooling off period ends, you will still have a right to cancel within 14 days, but you will have to pay labour and parts costs for any work that we have undertaken up to the point when you inform us of your decision to cancel. You do not have the right to cancel where the service is fully performed during the cooling off period. You may use the request to start work form below to inform us of your request to start work, but you do not have to. We will make any reimbursement due to you without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel the contract. You will not incur any fees as a result of the reimbursement. If you cancel your contract outside of the cancellation period, we will not normally give a refund. If you are paying by monthly instalments, any instalments still outstanding shall remain payable until the end of the contract year.
EVENTS BEYOND OUR REASONABLE CONTROL: We cannot accept liability for any delays or non-performance of our obligations under this contract as a result of any event or circumstance beyond our reasonable control. Where possible, we will take all reasonable steps to minimise the effect of the delay.
LATE PAYMENT: If you do not make payment to us when it falls due we may charge interest to you on the overdue amount at the rate of 3% a year above the base lending rate of Lloyds Bank from time to time. This interest shall accrue on a daily basis from the
date the payment falls due until the date of actual payment of the overdue amount, whether before or after judgment. You must pay us interest together with any overdue amount.
LIABILITY: If we fail to comply with these terms, we are responsible for loss or damage you suffer that is a foreseeable result of our breaking this contract or our failing to use reasonable care and skill, but we are not responsible for any loss or damage that is not foreseeable (but we do not exclude or limit in any way our liability to you where it would be unlawful to do so). We will make good any damage to your property negligently caused by us while providing services. However, we are not responsible for the cost of repairing any pre-existing faults or damage to your property that we discover while providing the services (e.g. damage caused by water leaks).
OTHER IMPORTANT TERMS: The following other terms apply to the contract between us:
1. We may transfer our rights and obligations under these terms to another organisation but we will contact you to let you know if we plan to do this.
2. You may only transfer your rights or your obligations under these terms to another person if we agree to this in writing.
3. This contract is between you and us. No other person shall have any rights to enforce any of its terms.
4. If we do not insist immediately that you do anything you are required to do under these terms, or if we delay in taking steps against you in respect of your breaking this contract, that will not mean that you do not have to do those things and it will not prevent us taking steps against you at a later date.
5. These terms are governed by English law and you can bring legal proceedings in respect of the products in the English courts. If you live in Scotland you can bring legal proceedings in respect of the products in either the Scottish or the English courts. If you live in Northern Ireland you can bring legal proceedings in respect of the products in either the Northern Irish or the English courts.
6. Each of the paragraphs of these terms operates separately. If any court or relevant authority decides that any of them are unlawful, the remaining paragraphs will remain in full force and effect.
