How to Find a Good Plumber 

When undertaking any plumbing work, either scheduled or emergency, it’s important to take a planned approach in order to get a good plumber who delivers what you need; and to protect yourself from rogue traders and the consequences of sub-standard, potentially dangerous, work.

In this article, John Peerless, Principal Trading Standards Officer at Brighton and Hove City Council, and a former Chair of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, shares his tips on how to find a good plumber who’s properly qualified, trustworthy and backed by the right approvals, so you can be confident your water and your home are in safe hands:

We all want to have a worry-free experience when hiring a plumber to complete work on our homes and businesses, but many consumers simply don’t know enough about the process to feel comfortable.

What makes a good plumber? A good plumber should be:

• Reliable - Turns up when agreed and keeps you informed

• Qualified - Trained, insured, and compliant with regulations

• Respectful - Keeps the workspace tidy and treats your home with care

• Transparent - Clear about pricing and next steps

By following a few simple guidelines, you can be sure you’re hiring the right person for your job and protecting yourself from unscrupulous traders and businesses.

Firstly, identify a few potential plumbers and verify their credentials. If you’ve used the WaterSafe postcode search, you can be confident that the plumber is fully qualified and a member in good standing of their trade association.

It’s also worth checking if they belong to other recognised bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) or the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC).

If your job involves work on gas appliances or central heating systems, always check they are Gas Safe registered and ask to see their Gas Safe ID card before work begins.

WaterSafe have already done the vetting for you. Otherwise, you would need to contact the trade association yourself to verify the plumber’s membership and qualifications.

That’s why I’m delighted to be part associated with WaterSafe, advising its Board of Directors on consumer protection issues. As a consumer, you can be reassured that WaterSafe approved plumbing businesses are fully qualified to carry out plumbing work in homes and business premises. They are specifically trained in Water Fittings Regulations, which enables them to ensure there should be no risk from poor installation or sub-standard materials that could cause contamination of the drinking water supply.

WaterSafe approved plumbing businesses must also adhere to the WaterSafe code of conduct and customer commitments – where they fail to meet these standards, a disciplinary process applies. Furthermore, a WaterSafe approved plumbing business which fails to uphold the standards will be subject to a range of penalties; in serious cases, this would result in its membership of WaterSafe being revoked.

You may also choose to get referrals or references. If possible, always ask to look at the work done, and be wary of any refusals or delays.

Before agreeing to any work, ask for at least two or three written quotes so you can compare prices and scope. A professional plumber will be clear about their charges and happy to explain what’s included. You should also be cautious of unusually low prices or requests for cash-only payments; the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. A clear written estimate protects both you and the plumber.

Always choose a plumber who provides a physical business address, contact details, proof of experience, and relevant registrations (WaterSafe and Gas Safe, where applicable). These details give you confidence that they’re accountable if anything needs correcting later.

Even reputable professionals can make mistakes.If you’re unhappy with the work, contact the plumber first to give them a chance to put things right.

If they’re a WaterSafe approved business, you can raise a complaint through WaterSafe’s official process. WaterSafe will investigate and can take disciplinary action, including removing membership if standards aren’t met.

Read John Peerless's tips for how to make your working relationship with your chosen plumber water tight here.