WaterSafe Plumber Profile: Kev Bate

We chat with WaterSafe member Kev Bate, from K B Plumbing & Heating, about running a family business, the importance of continuous training and why he’s supporting our lead-free solder campaign.

A commitment to lead-free and professionalism

“I've worked in the plumbing and heating industry for 18 years and set up my own business in 2014. I've always prioritised qualifications and ongoing training to ensure quality work. My qualifications include Level 3 Plumbing and Heating, Gas Safe (Natural gas and LPG), Unvented hot water systems, formal Water Regs training, Air Source Heat Pumps, and IOSH (health and safety).

“We run a family plumbing and heating business built on experience, professionalism and reliability. We take great pride in treating every customer’s home as if it were our own. Reputation means everything to us and as a result, the majority of our work comes from repeat customers and word-of-mouth recommendations.

“Every day is different. I start by consulting the diary and arranging parts if required. Each day brings something completely new, from a leaking tap to fitting bathrooms or carrying out a full boiler installation. We spend quite a lot of time travelling between jobs and diagnosing or fixing problems. Once home, the work doesn't stop - there are phone calls to make, quotes to submit and invoicing to be done.”

Why did you sign our lead-free solder pledge?

“I signed the pledge to highlight the importance of only using and carrying lead-free solder. There is simply no need for a plumber to be using lead solder today and I personally feel it should be banned and not sold at all. It’s an absolutely important campaign.”

“We use lead-free solder in all solder fittings across potable water systems, heating and gas pipe work. It's the only material we carry. Lead is a toxic heavy metal and poses many serious health risks. These risks include everything from memory loss, headaches and fatigue to, in extreme cases, affecting reproduction. We have a duty of care to protect our customers' health.”

Keeping it in the family

“My plans are to continue to train my son in the trade and eventually employ my other son as well. We plan to keep growing the business and continue to deliver excellent customer service along the way.”

Quick-fire questions

• Name three qualities that make a great plumber. Reliable, trustworthy and knowledgeable.

• Best way to unwind after a hard day’s work? Spending time with my family and dog. Perhaps a pint. 

• Tea or coffee? Coffee.

• Fish and chips or curry? Curry.

• Plastic pipe or copper pipe? Copper.

• Early bird or night owl? More like ‘early starts or working late’! Early starts. 

• X or Facebook? Facebook.

• Self-employed or part of a team? Self-employed. 

• Pipework or paperwork? Pipework.

• Pipe wrench v spanner? Spanner.