Protect yourself from rogue traders

Falling foul of a rogue trader can not only be distressing, and costly, but poses a real threat to the quality of your drinking water.

Our research shows almost one in 10 people in the UK have fallen foul of a rogue trader in the last five years, resulting in them employing a second professional to put things right.

The most common reasons for this were the contractor not solving the issue they were employed to fix, or causing a water leak – both at 41 per cent. In a third of cases, pipework was wrongly connected.

If plumbing work isn’t carried out correctly, it’s easy to cause contamination or leaks.

Choosing a WaterSafe-approved contractor makes sure all work adheres to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations which keep tap water safe, by using approved methods and fittings which have been tested to make sure they are compatible with drinking water.

Remember – anyone can call themselves a plumber, regardless of their experience or qualifications.

WaterSafe has almost 8,000 qualified contractors and our plumbers are trained in the water regulations, hold public liability insurance and have appropriate complaint procedures – just in case.

Follow advice from the Trading Standards Institute to protect yourself from botch jobs:

1. Use an approved contractor: Find a plumber who belongs to an approved contractor scheme, such as WaterSafe, to make sure any work completed complies with the water regulations which keep drinking water safe

2. Ask for ID: When a tradesperson arrives, ask for identification and make sure their details match those on the approved contractor register

3. Be wary of scare tactics: Rogue traders often use fear-driven tactics to pressure vulnerable homeowners into paying for unnecessary repairs. If a tradesperson suggests “urgent” work, seek a second opinion before parting with your cash

4. Get written quotes: Always ask for at least three quotes in writing. Cowboy traders may avoid providing formal quotes, so having a paper trail helps prevent unexpected costs

5. Make sure you receive a work completed certificate. This document gives you a legal defence, should anything later go wrong, if the contractor is approved for the type of work completed.

It’s easy to find an approved plumber day or night, via our online directory at www.watersafe.org.uk.