Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our plumbing services in London and surrounding areas.

We understand that plumbing emergencies require immediate attention. Our team typically responds to urgent calls within 60-90 minutes across central London areas. For burst pipes, severe leaks, or flooding situations, we prioritise these cases and often arrive even faster. Our engineers carry fully equipped vans with common parts and tools, allowing us to start repairs immediately upon arrival. We operate emergency services during weekdays and offer weekend availability for critical situations. When you contact us, we assess the urgency and provide an accurate arrival timeframe based on your location and our current schedule.

Jiciva provides comprehensive plumbing services throughout London and nearby regions. Our primary coverage includes Islington, Camden, Hackney, Westminster, and the City of London. We regularly work in areas such as King's Cross, Angel, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, and Bloomsbury. For projects outside these zones, we evaluate each case individually and can often accommodate requests in outer London boroughs. Our 145 Liverpool Road location in N1 provides convenient access to North and Central London, enabling efficient service delivery. Contact us with your postcode, and we'll confirm coverage for your specific area within our standard service hours.

Yes, we offer complimentary estimates for most standard plumbing projects. For straightforward jobs such as tap replacement, toilet installation, or radiator fitting, we can often provide accurate quotes over the phone after discussing your requirements. For larger projects like bathroom renovations, boiler installations, or complex pipe work, we arrange a site visit to assess the scope and provide a detailed written estimate. This visit allows us to identify any potential complications and ensure the quote covers all necessary work. Our estimates include labour, materials, and VAT, with no hidden charges. Once you approve the estimate, we schedule the work at your convenience.

All our engineers hold relevant qualifications including City & Guilds Level 2 and 3 in Plumbing and Heating. Our gas engineers are registered with Gas Safe, which is legally required for anyone working with gas appliances in the UK. We maintain comprehensive public liability insurance covering up to £2 million, protecting both our team and your property during all work. Our engineers participate in ongoing training to stay current with building regulations, water efficiency standards, and new technologies. We can provide copies of certifications and insurance documents upon request. Each completed job includes proper certification where required by regulations, such as Gas Safe certificates for boiler work.

We accept multiple payment options for your convenience. You can pay by cash, bank transfer, or card payment (debit and credit cards accepted). For larger projects exceeding £1,000, we typically request a 30% deposit to secure materials and schedule the work, with the balance due upon completion. We issue detailed invoices for all work, breaking down labour and materials costs. Payment is expected on the day of completion for smaller jobs. For commercial clients or regular customers, we can arrange monthly invoicing. We do not accept cheques. All our invoices include VAT at the standard rate and provide the necessary documentation for insurance claims if needed.

A standard bathroom installation usually requires 5-7 working days, depending on the scope of work. This timeframe includes removing the old suite, updating pipework, installing new fixtures, and completing tiling and finishing work. A simple like-for-like replacement without major pipe modifications might take 3-4 days. More complex projects involving layout changes, new drainage, or structural modifications can extend to 10-14 days. We work continuously once started, though some tasks like plaster drying or adhesive curing require waiting periods. Before starting, we provide a detailed schedule outlining each phase. We coordinate with other trades if needed, such as electricians for lighting or carpenters for fitted units, ensuring smooth project progression.

We provide a 12-month labour guarantee on all our plumbing work, covering any defects arising from our installation or repairs. Manufacturer warranties on parts and fixtures vary by product, typically ranging from 1-10 years depending on the item. For example, boilers often come with 5-7 year manufacturer warranties, whilst taps might have 2-5 years. We register all relevant products with manufacturers on your behalf and provide you with warranty documentation. If any issue arises during the guarantee period, we return to rectify it at no additional cost, provided the problem results from our workmanship rather than misuse or external damage. This commitment reflects our confidence in the standard of work we deliver.

Low water pressure issues are common in older London properties, and we have extensive experience diagnosing and resolving them. The cause might be partially closed stop valves, limescale buildup in pipes, undersized supply pipes, or problems with your property's internal plumbing system. We start with a thorough assessment, checking pressure at different points and examining your pipe configuration. Solutions range from simple fixes like cleaning aerators or adjusting valves, to more involved work such as replacing corroded pipes or installing pressure pumps. In some cases, the issue relates to the mains supply, which requires coordination with Thames Water. We explain our findings clearly and recommend the most cost-effective solution for your situation.

A burst pipe requires immediate action to minimise water damage. First, turn off your main water supply at the stopcock, usually located under the kitchen sink or where the supply enters your property. Open all taps to drain remaining water from the system. Turn off your central heating and, if safe, switch off electricity to affected areas. Move valuables and furniture away from the leak. Place buckets or towels to catch water. Then contact us immediately on +44 20 3490 1276. Whilst waiting for our arrival, take photos of the damage for insurance purposes. Our engineer will arrive with equipment to make temporary repairs and assess whether a permanent fix can be completed the same day or requires scheduling follow-up work.

We work extensively with landlords, letting agents, and property management companies across London. We understand the specific requirements of rental properties, including compliance with current regulations, quick turnaround times between tenancies, and detailed documentation for records. We can set up account facilities for regular clients, provide monthly consolidated invoicing, and respond to tenant-reported issues within agreed timeframes. Our services include annual gas safety checks, boiler servicing, emergency repairs, and full bathroom or kitchen installations for refurbishments. We maintain clear communication with both property managers and tenants, and provide all necessary certificates and completion reports. Many of our commercial clients have worked with us for several years across multiple properties.

Annual boiler servicing is recommended by manufacturers and often required to maintain warranty coverage. Regular servicing identifies potential issues before they become expensive repairs, ensures efficient operation (reducing energy bills), and maintains safety standards. During a service, we inspect all components, check for leaks, test safety devices, clean the heat exchanger, and verify correct pressure and combustion levels. For rental properties, annual servicing is legally required with a Gas Safe certificate issued to tenants. We recommend scheduling services in summer when demand is lower and before the heating season begins. If your boiler is over 8 years old or showing signs like unusual noises or frequent pressure loss, more frequent checks might be advisable.

Absolutely. We install various water-efficient fixtures that reduce consumption without compromising performance. Options include dual-flush toilets (using 4-6 litres instead of 9-13 litres per flush), low-flow showerheads, aerated taps, and modern cisterns with adjustable flush volumes. We can also fit water-saving devices to existing fixtures in some cases. These upgrades typically reduce household water usage by 20-40%, lowering both water and heating bills. Many water-efficient products qualify for water company rebates in some areas. We advise on the most suitable options based on your current setup and budget. Installation is straightforward for most fixtures, often completed within a few hours, and the long-term savings usually offset the initial investment within 2-3 years.

A dripping tap usually results from worn washers, damaged O-rings, or corroded valve seats inside the tap mechanism. Whilst it might seem minor, a tap dripping once per second wastes approximately 15 litres daily, adding up to over 5,000 litres annually. This increases your water bill and, for hot taps, your heating costs as well. The constant dripping can also stain sinks and baths. Most dripping taps can be repaired by replacing internal components, which costs significantly less than full tap replacement. However, if your taps are old or the body is corroded, replacement might be more economical long-term. We can assess your taps and recommend whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation.

About Jiciva

Providing reliable plumbing solutions across London for over a decade. We handle installations, repairs, and maintenance with precision and care.

Jiciva plumbing team at work

Our Story

Jiciva was established in 2012 when a small group of licensed plumbers in London decided to create a company focused on straightforward, dependable service. We started with residential repairs in Islington and gradually expanded throughout North London. Today, we serve homes and businesses across the city, from Camden to Greenwich.

Our approach is simple: arrive on time, diagnose the problem accurately, and fix it properly the first time. We don't oversell services or recommend unnecessary work. Each job receives the same attention whether it's replacing a tap washer or installing a complete bathroom suite.

The company has grown from three technicians to a team of twelve qualified plumbers, each holding relevant Gas Safe registrations and City & Guilds certifications. We maintain ongoing training to stay current with building regulations and new plumbing technologies.

Modern plumbing equipment and tools

What Guides Our Work

We operate on principles that have remained consistent since we opened. Transparency matters - customers receive detailed explanations of issues and clear pricing before work begins. No hidden fees appear on invoices.

Reliability defines our scheduling. When we book an appointment for Tuesday at 10 AM, our van arrives at that time. Emergency calls receive response within two hours for urgent leaks or heating failures. We stock common parts on every vehicle to complete most repairs during the initial visit.

Workmanship quality comes from proper training and experience. Our plumbers average eight years in the trade. We use materials from established manufacturers like Grohe, Worcester Bosch, and Ideal Standard. All installations include manufacturer warranties plus our own 12-month labour guarantee.

Licensed Professionals

Every technician holds current Gas Safe registration and relevant plumbing qualifications. We carry £5 million public liability insurance and comply with all London building control requirements.

Transparent Pricing

You receive written quotes before work starts. Our hourly rate is £65 for standard jobs, £95 for emergencies. Parts are billed at cost plus 15% handling. No surprise charges.

Prompt Service

Standard appointments scheduled within 48 hours. Emergency response in under two hours for urgent problems. We text 30 minutes before arrival and stay until the job is complete.

12+ Years Operating
8,500+ Jobs Completed
12 Qualified Plumbers
2 Hours Emergency Response