A plumber is a person who fits and repairs the pipes and fittings of water supply, sanitation, or heating systems.
What does the work of a plumber involve?
Plumbers can work on plumbing systems in domestic, industrial or commercial premises. Tasks include:
fitting / repairing hot and cold water systems, tanks, pipework etc
fitting and servicing gas / oil-fired central heating, boilers and radiators
installing and repairing domestic appliances such as showers
installing and servicing air-conditioning and ventilation units
preparing / fitting sheeting, joints & flashings on roofs, chimneys etc
fixing and clearing drainage and guttering
Remember that in order to estimate for plumbing installation, most plumbers need to be supplied with detailed specification including which fixtures need to go where. However some will be happy do this for you if you.
What's the difference between a plumber and a heating engineer?
Some plumbers work as 'wet only plumbers', dealing with piped systems for water such as fitting bathrooms, radiators and sprinkler systems. Others choose to branch out into the gas industry so they can install gas central heating systems along with other wet plumbing systems.
These plumbers are legally obliged to become registered with CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers), after passing their Approved Certification Scheme (ACS).
It is illegal and potentially dangerous for people to work with gas unless they are CORGI Registered. If you need gas installation or maintenance, make sure that you employ a CORGI Registered installer with the appropriate training and credentials. They must carry a photo ID card that will show a CORGI registration number - this can be checked on the CORGI website.
Finding a plumber
- Search on JuggleFrogs
- Ask friends / relatives / neighbours who they use
- Use people who have recognised qualifications in plumbing and / or extensive experience
- Get at least three written quotes
N.B. Clearly explain all of the work you need doing - write it all down! If you later change the position of your fittings it will be costly. For more advice on bathroom design click here.
Questions to ask:
- How many people will be doing the job?
- How long will the job take?
- When did they start in business?
- Have they done this kind of work before?
- What is the process if there are extra costs?
Plumbing is a highly skilled trade and if done incorrectly can result in huge costs from flooding and leaks. Spend time to make sure you get a plumber who is reputable, has the right qualifications and where required is CORGI Registered.
Thinking about becoming a plumber get some advice here!