![]() ![]() present the contract in a professional manner, along with the terms and conditions.ĭan Morris from Your Plumber told us consumers should watch out for traders who are difficult to get hold of.describe the costs involved, plus how and when they expect to be paid.explain the goods and services they will provide to meet those needs.clearly set out an understanding of the customer’s needs.Customers should expect a written quote and contract from their trader, in the format they prefer, whether that’s via an app, an email or in a letter. The days when plumbers would turn up and scribble a price on the back of an envelope are on their way out. It’s important to find a trader who is reliable and professional in their approach. A large part of good customer service is around clear communication. It’s no good knowing a technically adept plumber who you can never get hold of. Technical competence is only half the story – customer service is equally important. The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) are both well respected in the industry. ![]() Generally speaking, trade-association membership is a badge of professionalism, as trade associations encourage high standards for technical ability and customer service. It’s a good sign if a plumber is a member of a trade association, although some reputable plumbers will choose not to join them. While most of us aren’t plumbing specialists, we can all look out for someone who exudes confidence in any repair or work they’re doing. It’s also possible to check details of the business, such as how long it has been trading and who owns it, and look for testimonials or examples of their work online. You can easily see how other customers rate a particular plumber or heating engineer. All the customer reviews of traders on our site are moderated, to ensure they are genuine. The Code of Conduct covers established standard practice in areas such as contracts, complaint procedures and payment handling. You can use our site to find a plumber or heating engineer in your area who we’ve endorsed using our Which? Trusted Trader Code of Conduct to ensure they treat you fairly. Find out more in our guide to the Gas Safe Register. Whenever you hire anyone to work with gas, you should check what type of gas-related work they are qualified to undertake before going ahead. If your plumbing work involves gas, you must use a plumber who is on the Gas Safe Register. The difference is, they have a background in plumbing and water-based systems which can be helpful when dealing with boilers and water-heating systems. These multi-faceted plumbers must be Gas Safe registered and qualified to work on gas appliances in the same way as heating engineers. There are regulations covering the level of competence they must reach.Ĭonfusion arises because many plumbers have also taken the necessary qualifications and steps to be able to work on boilers and central-heating systems, as well as being experts in dealing with water and plumbing systems. This is the official list of gas engineers who are registered to work safely and legally on boilers and all other gas appliances. All heating engineers will have completed specific training and will be on the Gas Safe Register. They deal with areas such as boiler servicing and repairs, installing and monitoring chimney flues, and servicing and repairing gas fires. They are not necessarily experts on water and plumbing systems. Heating engineers focus on the heating systems within a building. If you need help with something related to your boiler or central heating, you need a heating engineer. Plumbers can be extremely competent so, if your home has drips or leaks, a plumber could be ideal as they may charge less than someone who also has heating qualifications. And there isn’t a registry of plumbers in the UK. While there are recognised training schemes, such as NVQs and City & Guilds, that will show your plumber has a basic level of competence, there are no regulations governing the qualifications plumbers must have. They work with both dry and wet pipes, and are generally the people to call if you have any kind of drips or leaks. Plumbers deal with water around the home. The first thing to consider is whether you need a plumber or a heating engineer. Read on for our expert advice, then use our trader search to find a Which? Trusted Trader-endorsed plumber in your area. So how can you ensure you find the best plumber for the job? We’ve all heard horror stories about traders who’ve failed to show up, left work half finished, made a big mess or just failed to fix the problem. There are bad apples in every industry, and the plumbing trade is no different. ![]()
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