WaterSafe Plumber Profile: Steven Ladd

Sole Trader Championing Safety in Bristol

We talk to a seasoned plumber and sole trader, Steven Ladd from S L Plumbing in Bristol about juggling a busy schedule, the challenge of old lead pipework in his area, and his simple, effective strategy for eliminating lead solder risks.

Tell us about your background in the industry

“I've been trading for 18 years. My qualifications are comprehensive and up-to-date, including an NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing and the 6129 and 6128 Level 2 City & Guilds. Crucially, I have my Water Regs qualification, as well as certifications for Unvented systems, Legionella Risk Assessments, and Domestic Air Source Heat Pumps. I'm also a Gas Safe registered engineer (570742).”

Describe a typical working day

“I'm up around 06:30, and coffee is a must! I always wake up with the intention of making a healthy packed lunch but rarely ever do, so I end up grabbing a bite from Greggs or Parsons around 10 am after the first job. A good proportion of my days are taken up with boiler services or landlord safety checks, but it’s never quite the same. I could be doing anything from digging a trench for a new water mains feed, installing a boiler, fitting a bathroom, or removing old lead pipes—there are still a lot of properties in Bristol with lead. Once home, the work doesn't stop, with quoting and invoicing to do.”

You only use lead-free solder, even for non-drinking water systems - why is this so important to you?

“It’s a toxic heavy metal, and prolonged exposure can cause health problems, especially in children. Also, when soldering with lead-based alloys, the fumes pose a risk as they can be inhaled. It is critically important to keep the plumbing industry and the general public informed about the risk of using lead. It absolutely should be banned within the plumbing industry.”

“It's a simple policy: I only ever use and buy lead-free solder. I do this even on central heating. That way, I can't mistakenly use lead solder by accident, which completely eliminates the risk of contamination.”

What are three qualities that make a great plumber?

1. Good communication and timekeeping. “If you're going to be late to a job, simply let the customer know. This goes a long way with people and is the polite thing to do.”

2. Admit your mistakes. “We are all human and sometimes mistakes happen. So long as you rectify your mistakes and put them right at your time and cost if absolutely necessary, customers will respect your honesty and use you time and time again.”

3. Be prepared to be continuously learning. “We're in an industry that is constantly evolving, and we must spend time training and keeping up with regulation. It's important to invest in yourself and your business. I'd also like to progress into commercial gas in the future.”

Future plans

“My plans are to grow my business and reputation as highly professional company that puts the plumbing and heating needs of the people in Bristol and surrounding areas first and to a high standard. The aim is to become a household name. I would also like to progress into commercial gas.” 

Quick-fire questions

• Tea or coffee? Coffee.

• Fish and chips or curry? Curry.

• Plastic pipe or copper pipe? Copper! But it really depends on the job? 

• Early bird or night owl?  Early bird.

• X or Facebook? Facebook, indeed.

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

• Pipework or paperwork? Pipework.

• Pipe wrench v spanner? Always used Spanner, but I'm about to invest in some wera wrenches, so we will see!