Friday 13th warning over plumbing horror stories

With Friday the 13th just around the corner, households are being urged to avoid plumbing horror stories by choosing a qualified tradesperson.

WaterSafe Register, the UK’s largest online directory of registered plumbers, has issued the warning as research reveals one in five homeowners have used a plumber who didn’t carry out the work properly, requiring a second plumber to put it right.

The reported problems included:

• Causing a water leak (44 per cent)

• Incorrectly connected pipework  (41 per cent)

• Property damage (30 per cent)

• Unpleasant taste, smell or appearance of tap water (29 per cent)

Worryingly, almost a third (29 per cent) of those who used a rogue trader reported drinking water that tasted, looked or smelled unpleasant. 

The average cost of rectifying the poor workmanship was £388.

The results further reveal:

• Half of homeowners aged 18–24 had fallen foul of a rogue trader, compared with just 5 per cent of those aged 65 and over.

•  Londoners were the most likely to have used a rogue plumber (41 per cent).

• Scots were the most likely to report a water leak caused by a rogue plumber (59 per cent).

• Incorrectly connected pipework and property damage were most reported in Northern Ireland (60 per cent each).

• Changes in tap water’s taste, smell or appearance were most common in Wales (53 per cent).

Jonathan Samuel, Director of WaterSafe Register, said: "An unqualified installer can leave households facing a nightmare.

“Incorrectly connected pipes can not only cause leaks, but they can also contaminate drinking water and put your family’s health at risk. We want to spare households these horror stories. 

“Anyone in the UK can call themselves a plumber, whatever their qualifications, but WaterSafe-registered contractors have verified plumbing qualifications and have passed specific training in drinking water safety regulations.”

WaterSafe-registered contractors provide a ‘Certificate of Compliance’ confirming that the work meets water safety regulations. Registered plumbers must also put right their work if it is later found to breach legal requirements.

Visit watersafe.org.uk to find a local, qualified plumber.