Central heating in Emsworth from Alan Kemish Plumbing, Heating & Fires covers radiators, hot water cylinders, zone valves, pumps, controls and magnetic system filters. We add, move and replace radiators, fit vented and unvented cylinders, and fix cold radiators and noisy pipes. Every job starts with a free, no-obligation quote.
Last reviewed: by Alan Kemish Plumbing, Heating & Fires.
Good central heating in Emsworth means every room warms up evenly, your hot water keeps up with the household, and the boiler does not work harder than it needs to. We look at the whole system, not just the part that has failed.
If the problem is the boiler itself, see our boiler servicing and repair or boiler installation pages.
At a glance
- Who
- Alan Kemish Plumbing, Heating & Fires, based in Emsworth, Hampshire
- What
- Radiators, hot water cylinders, zone valves, pumps, controls and system filters
- Where
- Emsworth, Havant, Hayling Island and nearby towns
- How long
- Most radiator jobs take a few hours; cylinder replacements usually take a day or more
- Rules
- Unvented hot water cylinders must be fitted by a competent person and meet Building Regulations Part G
- How to book
- Call 01243 371665 or use the quote form

What central heating work do we carry out in Emsworth?
We carry out most central heating work in Emsworth homes, from a single radiator to a new hot water system:
- Radiators: new radiators, replacement radiators, moving radiators and thermostatic radiator valves.
- Hot water cylinders: replacing old copper cylinders and fitting vented and unvented cylinders.
- Zone valves and pumps: replacing faulty valves and pumps and setting up separate heating zones.
- Controls: programmers, room thermostats and wiring centres.
- System protection: magnetic system filters to catch sludge before it reaches the boiler.
- Fault finding: cold radiators, noisy pipes, leaks and heating that will not switch on or off.
Why are my radiators cold at the top or the bottom?
A radiator that is cold at the top usually has trapped air, and bleeding it normally fixes the problem. A radiator that is cold at the bottom usually has sludge in it, which needs cleaning out of the system. If a whole radiator stays cold, the valve may be stuck or the system may need balancing.
If you need to top up the system pressure after bleeding radiators, check the boiler manual for the right pressure, which is usually between 1 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold.
Should I choose a vented or unvented hot water cylinder?
An unvented cylinder gives mains-pressure hot water and frees up the loft, while a vented cylinder is simpler and works with existing loft tanks. This table sets out the main differences:
| Cylinder | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Vented cylinder | Fed by a cold water tank in the loft; pressure depends on the height of the tank. | Simple and low maintenance, but showers can be weak upstairs. |
| Unvented cylinder | Fed directly from the mains, so hot water comes out at mains pressure. | Needs good mains pressure, a qualified installer and a yearly check. |
Hard water is common around Emsworth, so we also look at limescale protection. Our domestic plumbing service includes water softener installation.
How can I make my central heating more efficient?
The easiest ways to make central heating more efficient are better controls and clean system water. Try these steps:
- Fit thermostatic radiator valves so each room only heats to the temperature you need.
- Use a programmer and room thermostat to heat the house only when you are in.
- Have a magnetic system filter fitted to protect the boiler from sludge.
- Bleed radiators when they are cold at the top.
- Have the boiler serviced every year.
Recent central heating and hot water work
These photos are from jobs we have completed for customers. You can see more on our recent plumbing, heating and fire projects page.




What do customers say about our work?
Most of our work comes from word-of-mouth recommendations. Here is what customers have said on Facebook. Read more on our customer reviews page.
100% recommend Alan, serviced my boiler and moved and supplied new radiator! Thanks Alan!
Alan is very reliable and honest, I highly recommend him.
Related services
- Boiler installation in Emsworth
- Boiler servicing and repairs
- Domestic plumbing, cold water tanks and water softeners
- All our plumbing and heating services
Sources and further reading
Central heating in Emsworth: frequently asked questions
How much does central heating work in Emsworth cost?
The cost of central heating work in Emsworth depends on the job, from a single radiator valve to a new hot water cylinder. We look at what you need and give you a free, no-obligation quote before any work starts.
Can you move a radiator to a different wall?
Yes. Moving a radiator means draining the system, running new pipework to the new position and refilling and bleeding the system. Most radiator moves are done in a few hours.
How long does it take to fit a new radiator?
Swapping a radiator for one of a similar size usually takes a few hours, including draining down and refilling the system. Adding a radiator in a new position takes longer because new pipework is needed.
Do I still need a water tank in the loft?
Not always. Combi boilers and unvented hot water cylinders run from the mains, so the loft tanks can often be removed. We check your mains pressure and flow first to make sure it can supply your home.
Why are my heating pipes noisy?
Banging or ticking pipes are usually caused by pipes expanding against joists, air in the system or a pump set too high. Gurgling often means trapped air. We find the cause and fix it so the noise stops.
Free, no-obligation quotes
Need central heating work in Emsworth?
Call 01243 371665, or 07973 283 356 on the mobile, or send us a message. We work Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm. We cover Emsworth, Havant, Hayling Island, Westbourne, Southbourne, Rowlands Castle, Bosham, Chichester and Waterlooville.
