Are You a Proper Plumber? WaterSafe Launches Film to Recruit Qualified Plumbers in England

National accreditation body WaterSafe has launched a film starring its members to recruit more qualified plumbers in England to its register, which is free to join.

The film highlights the vital role that qualified, approved plumbers carry out every day to keep tap water safe and healthy.

Plumber brothers and WaterSafe members Mike and Dave Turnbull are encouraging qualified plumbers to sign up to WaterSafe, which offers customers a trusted route to a professional plumber.

The plumbers highlight how membership boosts their business, with a listing on the largest online directory for approved plumbers in the UK, which is promoted by all water companies and drinking water regulators.

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, said: “Our new England-wide recruitment film encourages qualified plumbers to get the recognition they deserve by gaining WaterSafe approval. Helping them stand out to customers.

Using WaterSafe’s online database of over 6,000 approved plumbers gives customers peace of mind that they’re fully qualified to do a competent, professional job.”

A water company spokesperson added: “Being WaterSafe approved is a great way to reassure customers that you’re specifically trained in the regulations that help keep drinking water healthy in homes and businesses.

“That’s why all UK water companies support WaterSafe members and promote them to their customers.”

Water companies also trust WaterSafe approved plumbers to self-notify certain types of plumbing work and support them with free advice on the water regulations.

Mike Turnbull, plumber and WaterSafe member said: “I think every qualified plumber should get WaterSafe approved – being able to self-notify plumbing work is such an advantage, and I get regular jobs coming my way from my local water company.”

To join WaterSafe plumbers must be qualified, have a recognised water fittings regulations certificate, and be a member of one of the seven Approved Contractors’ Schemes that make up WaterSafe.

In England these schemes are:

• Anglian Water’s APLUS scheme;
• The Association of Heating and Plumbing Contractors (APHC),
• The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE),
• Thames Water’s TAPS scheme;
• The Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme (WIAPS)
• Severn Trent Water’s Approved Plumber WaterMark scheme.

Membership of WIAPS and Thames Water’s TAPS scheme is free. Charges apply to join APLUS, APHC, CIPHE and WaterMark, which offer wider benefits and support.

WaterSafe also has versions of its recruitment film available for qualified plumbers in Wales and Northern Ireland, with a Scottish version in the pipeline.

For more information on joining WaterSafe, the UK register of approved plumbers, visit watersafe.org.uk/howtojoin.