Answers to common questions

General questions about CB7 Oil & Gas

Where are you based?

CB7 Oil and Gas is based in Wicken, providing heating and plumbing services to local homes and businesses.

 

Who are your engineers?

Our team consists of Gas Safe registered gas engineers and OFTEC registered oil engineers, fully insured and trained for all domestic heating and plumbing services.

 

What areas do you cover?

We cover Soham, Wicken, Isleham, Fordham, Newmarket, Exning, Ely, Littleport, Burwell, and nearby villages. For certain jobs, we also travel to Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds.

 

Are you insured and qualified?

Yes, all our engineers are fully insured, Gas Safe and OFTEC registered, with extensive experience in domestic heating and plumbing.

 

Do you provide estimates before work starts?

Yes, we offer free, no-obligation estimates for most services so you can make an informed decision before booking.

How can I get in contact CB7 Oil & Gas for a service or quote?

You can call, email, or use the contact form on our website to request a quote, ask questions, or book a service.

 

Do you offer emergency call-outs for urgent heating or plumbing problems?

Yes, we provide emergency call-outs for boiler breakdowns, urgent leaks, or heating issues, aiming for same-day attendance whenever possible.

 

Questions about Boiler Servicing

Do service records matter?

Yes. Records help with warranty claims, insurance, and selling the property.

What does a boiler service include?

Inspection of internal components, cleaning burners, checking for leaks or corrosion, testing controls and safety devices, checking flues, examining pressures, and cleaning filters. Oil boilers: replacing nozzles, inspecting oil tanks, checking combustion, cleaning soot buildup.

How long does a boiler service take?

About 1 hour for standard gas boilers. Oil boiler services usually take 2-3 hours, longer if cleaning or parts replacement is needed.

Will I get a certificate after servicing?

Yes. Oil boilers: OFTEC service report (CD/11). Gas boilers: Homeowner/Landlord Inspection Record.

 

How much does a boiler service cost?

Gas boilers: £90-£140. Oil boilers: £115-£160. Price depends on type, condition, location, and parts.

Who is qualified to do a boiler service?

Gas boilers: Gas Safe registered engineer. Oil boilers: OFTEC-registered engineer. Always ask to see registration ID.

Is there a best time of year to service?

Summer or late spring is best, to get ahead of winter when heating demand is high.

Do I legally HAVE to service my boiler?

If you’re a landlord, annual safety checks are legally required. Servicing itself isn’t law for homeowners, but skipping it can make things unsafe and void warranties.

 

Will a service resolve any boiler issues?

Not necessarily. A service is not a repair visit. If boiler issues exist, a separate repair may be required.

 

Does servicing affect my boiler warranty?

Yes. Most manufacturers require regular servicing to maintain warranty.

 

Do I need to be present during the service?

Usually yes. The engineer can show issues, ask about boiler behaviour, and leave paperwork. If not present, we make a record.

 

 

How often should I have my boiler serviced?

Annually is standard for both gas and oil boilers. It keeps things safe, efficient, and ensures warranties remain valid.

Can a service avoid emergency breakdowns?

It reduces the chances. Servicing helps spot minor issues before they become full failures, though nothing is 100% guaranteed.

 

Will servicing my boiler reduce my energy bills?

Yes. A well-serviced boiler runs efficiently, wastes less fuel, and avoids issues.

 

What happens if I don’t service my boiler regularly?

Risks: breakdowns, unsafe operation, decreased lifespan, higher fuel use, voided warranties, higher repair costs.

 

What safety checks are performed during a service?

Checking gas leaks, flue and ventilation, carbon monoxide risk, burner flame, pressure relief valves, seals, oil lines, and safety devices.

 

 

What do I need to do to prepare before the engineer arrives?

Clear access to boiler/fuel tank, boiler on but thermostat off for ~1 hour, have last service report, know any issues, secure pets, and switch off interfering devices.

 

What extra checks are done on oil boilers compared to gas ones?

Oil boilers: check tank condition, replace nozzles, check combustion, soot buildup, burner and flame inspections.

What kind of parts or consumables might need replacing during a service?

Filters, burner nozzles (oil), seals/gaskets, flame sensors, oil hoses, sometimes heat exchanger or secondary components if worn.

 

Questions about Boiler Breakdowns

Do you offer emergency call-outs?

Yes, we respond quickly to no-heat or no-hot-water situations, especially in winter or for vulnerable customers.

 

Do repairs come with a guarantee?

Yes. Workmanship guaranteed for 12 months; parts covered by manufacturer warranty.

 

What if my boiler is beyond repair?

We provide an honest assessment and quote for replacement if necessary, letting the customer make the final decision.

 

What counts as a boiler breakdown?

Any fault stopping your boiler from providing heating or hot water, or making it unsafe to use.

 

Do you give a fixed price for repairs?

Simple faults: fixed price once diagnosed. Complex jobs: estimate provided and updated if costs change.

 

What brands/models can you repair?

Most major gas and oil brands: Worcester Bosch, Ideal, Baxi, Vaillant, Grant, Warmflow, etc.

 

 

Are you qualified to work on my boiler?

We’re Gas Safe registered for gas and OFTEC registered for oil boilers. We currently work only on Natural Gas, not LPG.

 

How much does a breakdown visit cost?

Call-out fee for first hour, reduced hourly rate thereafter, parts charged separately. Price provided before fitting.

 

What happens during a breakdown visit?

Inspection, diagnostics, fault identification, explanation of work, and repair on-site if possible.

 

How can I avoid breakdowns in the future?

Annual servicing, correct system pressure, magnetic filter, quality fuel (oil), prompt attention to minor issues, and maintaining water quality in the system.

 

 

Do you work for landlords/businesses too?

We focus on domestic homeowners, but attend breakdowns and safety checks for landlords as well.

 

Will you be able to fix the fault on the first visit?

We carry common parts and aim to repair on the first visit. Special parts are ordered for a return visit.

 

Will you service my boiler at the same time as repairing it?

Service visits are separate. We can schedule a service after a repair if time allows.

 

Is it safe to keep using my boiler if it’s showing a fault code?

Some codes are minor (low pressure); others indicate serious faults. Turn off boiler and call if unsure.

 

Do you offer temporary heating if my boiler can’t be fixed straight away?

For vulnerable customers, we may loan electric heaters while waiting for parts.

 

 

Questions about General Plumbing Work

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes. No-obligation estimates for larger jobs or planned work. Some surveys may be charged but deducted if work proceeds.

 

Will you tidy up after the job?

Yes. We protect surfaces while working and clean up afterwards.

 

Do you charge for travel time?

Yes, our call-out fee includes travel time.

 

Are you insured and qualified?

Yes, fully insured, Gas Safe and OFTEC registered, with extensive domestic plumbing experience.

 

Do you repair toilets and cisterns?

Yes. We can fix running toilets, faulty flushes, leaking cisterns, fill valves, siphons, and so on.

 

Do you work evenings or weekends?

We can sometimes offer out-of-hours visits for emergencies; call to check availability.

 

Can you give me a fixed price for a repair?

For straightforward jobs, yes. Complex jobs: we provide an estimate after inspection and update you if anything changes.

 

What should I do if I discover a major leak?

Turn off the stopcock and your boiler if heating pipe involved, then call us. We may advise opening taps to drain water safely.

 

 

How can I prevent future leaks or pipe bursts?

Regularly check under sinks and around toilets for leaks, insulate pipes in cold areas, and replace ageing hoses. We can advise upgrades to reduce risk.

 

Do you do small jobs like fixing a dripping tap?

Yes. No job is too small. We can quickly sort out annoying drips and leaks.

 

What types of plumbing repairs do you handle?

We cover leaking taps, toilets, burst pipes, faulty stopcocks, noisy cisterns, showers, replacement taps, waste pipes, outside taps, and more.

 

 

Do you do bathroom renovations as well as repairs?

Yes. Full bathroom renovations can be carried out on request with a detailed estimate.

 

Do you repair pipework under floors or behind walls?

We assess and advise. Hidden pipework can be repaired but may require some access work.

 

 

Can you install or replace taps, showers, or appliances?

Absolutely. We fit new taps, showers, washing machine hoses, dishwashers, and other water-using appliances.

 

Questions about New Boiler Installations

Can I install a boiler myself?

No. Installing a gas boiler is legally restricted to Gas Safe registered engineers. Trying to do it yourself is dangerous and illegal.

 

How do I know the price is fair?

We offer the best service possible, with installations carried out the way manufacturers require, ensuring the warranties will remain valid. Labour costs are calculated based on wages, overheads, and running costs. Always compare “like for like” quotes and check reviews.

 

 

How much will a new boiler cost?

Costs vary greatly by boiler type, fuel type, brand, size (kW rating), complexity of the installation (boiler and flue location, pipework needed), and any extras (like magnetic filters, system cleanses, etc.).

Who is qualified to install a boiler?

Only Gas Safe registered engineers can legally install gas boilers. Always ask to see our Gas Safe ID card and check what appliances we are qualified to work on.

 

How long will the installation take?

For a like‐for‐like swap (same type, same place), usually 1 to 2 days. If you’re changing the boiler type or relocating pipework/tanks, it could take 2-4 days or more.

 

How do I know if I need a new boiler?

If your boiler is over 10-15 years old, has frequent breakdowns, is inefficient, makes unusual noises, parts are hard to get, or your service engineer has suggested replacing it, it’s often more cost-effective to replace rather than repair. You also get a brand new warranty.

Is my property suitable for a combi boiler?

That depends on water pressure, existing hot water demand, space constraints, and whether there’s a loft/storage cylinder already. We will assess the suitability and advise as necessary.

What happens after the installation is complete?

The boiler will be commissioned (set up), safety checks done, user manuals handed over. Once the job is complete, we will register the boiler for its warranty with the manufacturer and notify the local authority and Gas Safe or Oftec.

 

What do I need? (Combi, system, conventional, etc.)

We install combi boilers, system boilers, and conventional/regular boilers. The best type depends on mains water pressure, flow rates, your home layout, hot water demand, and budget.

 

Do I need to move out during rising damp treatment?

Size of your home, number of bathrooms, number of radiators, insulation levels, and hot water demand. Installing a boiler that’s too small won’t heat rooms properly, while oversizing wastes money and energy.

Will replacing my boiler save me money / reduce bills?

If you replace an old, inefficient boiler with a modern high-efficiency model, yes. Savings depend on the inefficiency of your old boiler, property size, insulation, and usage. Lowered maintenance and repair costs also help over time.

 

Will I still have heating and hot water during installation?

Often there’s a brief period without hot water or heating, especially while removing the old boiler and commissioning the new one. But we will always try our best to minimize downtime. Plan with this in mind. You might need temporary arrangements depending on the job, especially if we change the type of boiler or its location.

What sort of warranty or guarantee comes with a new boiler?

Manufacturers typically offer parts warranty (2-12 years) and labour may be included for a period. Some warranties require you to have the boiler serviced annually, which we will do.

 

 

Do I need planning permission or Building Regulations approval?

Usually you won’t need planning permission, but you should check. A Building Regulations compliance certificate is issued after notifying Gas Safe or Oftec and the local authority.

 

What kind of maintenance or servicing will my new boiler need?

Regular servicing (usually annually), checking pressures, flues/exhausts, replacing seals or parts as needed. Failing to service your boiler voids warranties and can let safety issues go unnoticed.

 

 

What about flue placement & condensation / venting requirements?

Flue routes must follow regulations (distance from windows, doors, obstacles). Condensate pipe routing must be correct and insulated where they exit your house. Ventilation requirements must be met. If relocating flue or boiler, additional work may be needed.

 

 

Still have questions?

Contact us by clicking the button below, and we’ll be happy to answer them for you.

Our Services

CB7 Oil & Gas provides expert new boiler installations across Ely, Cambridge and Newmarket. Our qualified engineers fit reliable oil and gas systems that maximise efficiency and comply with OFTEC and Gas Safe standards. From advice through to installation and aftercare, we ensure every system is safe, cost-effective and built to last.

  • Free advice

  • Professional fitting

  • Full installation support

  • Complete system testing

  • Extended warranty cover

Annual boiler servicing from CB7 Oil & Gas ensures safe and efficient heating. We check, clean and test vital components to prevent breakdowns and extend your system’s lifespan. Servicing reduces energy waste, improves performance and gives peace of mind that your boiler is running safely all year round, protecting both your home and your household.

  • Full cleaning

  • Annual safety test

  • Detailed service report

  • Essential parts checking

  • Improved system efficiency

CB7 Oil & Gas offers a fast, professional breakdown response service throughout Ely, Cambridge and Newmarket. Our engineers diagnose problems quickly, carry common replacement parts and repair faults to restore heating and hot water. We work with full transparency and provide clear guidance to get your system up and running again with minimal disruption to your home.

  • Emergency callouts

  • Accurate fault checks

  • Rapid repair service

  • Transparent clear pricing

  • Full emergency cover

CB7 Oil & Gas covers all aspects of general plumbing, from quick repairs to larger installations. We fix leaks, unblock drains, replace pipework and maintain radiators with efficiency and attention to detail. Our trusted plumbing services keep your home safe, functional and comfortable, with reliable workmanship carried out by experienced engineers across Ely, Cambridge and Newmarket.

  • Quick repairs

  • Minor leak fixes

  • Reliable pipework jobs

  • Efficient radiator work

  • Complete bathroom installs

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CB7 Oil & Gas is a trusted, local business providing professional boiler and heating services across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and Norfolk. Owned and operated by Christian Hough, who trained as a plumber in 2013 and became an OFTEC-certified oil-boiler technician in 2017, we’ve built a reputation for honest advice, skilled workmanship, and friendly service. Whether you need a new boiler installation, emergency breakdown attention, annual servicing, or plumbing repairs, our qualified team is here to ensure your home stays safe and warm.

We cover Ely, Soham, Newmarket, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, and all surrounding towns and villages. Wherever you are in the region, you can count on CB7 Oil & Gas for dependable solutions that last.