Watersafe Partner Announces Quality Plumber Week

The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) is launching its first Quality Plumber Week. The week - which runs from September 29 to October 5 - aims to celebrate the skilled work quality plumbing and heating engineers carry out everyday and recognise the diverse range of skills that approved plumbers have. The week will also raise consumer awareness of using properly qualified, trained and accredited plumbers in a bid to reduce the number of rogue traders operating.

John Thompson, Chief Executive, APHC said: “There are thousands of excellent plumbers working throughout England and Wales who provide exceptional service and advice to homes and business.

"Unfortunately for them, rogue traders seem to grab the headlines which tarnishes the entire industry. On behalf of not only our members, but also every hardworking plumber, we want to recognise the hard work and strong skill-set behind the work that they do.

“Throughout our first ever Quality Plumber Week, we call on plumbers to help highlight the invaluable work that plumbers do.”

Recent research commissioned by APHC found that despite 83% of homeowners stating that professional qualifications are an important factor in choosing a plumbing professional, nearly half (43%) did not request information on their trades person’s qualifications or experience. Reasons for not checking these included embarrassment to ask for further details and trusting that credentials displayed on websites and work vehicles were correct. 

This trust is leaving consumers vulnerable to rogue traders, unsatisfactory work and potentially dangerous appliances.

APHC and fellow WaterSafe Approved Contractors' Scheme partners, Severn Trent Water, also recently collaborated to launch a six-month pilot scheme, putting WaterSafe plumbers in touch with the water company directly to help them report potentially dangerous plumbing installations. 

Water companies in England and Wales enforce the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and and will take action if a contravention is found. The aim is to identify rogue tradespeople and help the water company discover and clamp down on high-risk, defective installations.