New one-stop-shop consumer advice for watertight plumbing work

WaterSafe is helping homeowners and businesses to make the right consumer choices when it comes to finding and hiring a plumber.

It has developed a `one-stop-shop’ of consumer dos and don’ts for its website, to make sure any plumbing work is watertight from start to finish – and consumers are protected from rogue traders and the consequences of sub-standard, potentially dangerous, work.

The advice has been developed with John Peerless, Principal Trading Standards Officer at Brighton and Hove City Council and a former Chair of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. He advises the WaterSafe Board on all consumer protection issues.

The consumer advice section covers everything a home or business owner needs to know – from when it’s best to hire a plumber and how to find a good one, to then getting more than one quote so you can choose the best plumber for your job. The advice also covers contractual issues such as getting the work agreed and resolving disputes.

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, said: “When undertaking any plumbing work at home or work – whether it’s planned or an emergency – it’s important consumers know who and what to look for, so we’re delighted to have teamed up with consumer advocate John Peerless whose advice is based on many years’ trading standards experience.

“As a result, our new consumer advice pages provide a `one-stop-shop’ of excellent tips and help so that consumers make informed choices – ones that will ensure the plumber they choose is fully qualified and won’t risk their home or business’ water quality from poor installation or sub-standard materials.”

John Peerless said: “We all want to have a worry-free experience when hiring a plumber, but many consumers simply don’t know enough about the process to feel comfortable.

“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.

“If you’ve used the WaterSafe postcode search, then you’re guaranteed that the plumber you’ve found is already accredited as a member in good standing with their trade association, which is an important first step in the process.”

Finding a WaterSafe approved plumber couldn’t be easier – simply use the postcode search facility to find local approved plumbing businesses on the WaterSafe site.

Using a WaterSafe approved plumber also provides further peace of mind as all members of WaterSafe carry agreed levels of public liability insurance and operate a customer re-dress scheme if there are any disputes.

Before you get started, always make sure your plumber can provide:

• a physical address
  
• a contact telephone number
  
• an established time in business
  
• proof of insurance
  
• their WaterSafe registration
  
• their Gas Safe registration (if they work on gas systems)
  
• their Competent Person Scheme Registration – if applicable. This means they are qualified to carry out certain types of work (such as installing a new heating system or boiler) in accordance with Building Regulations.
  

For more advice go to watersafe.org.uk/hiringaplumber for tips on finding and hiring a plumber.