As active members of Neighbourhood Watch, you're brilliant at looking out for your community. But home safety isn't just about security alarms - it also means protecting your water supply and your wallet from unqualified traders.
This article, brought to you by WaterSafe, the national register for approved plumbers, offers simple, friendly advice to help you avoid rogue plumbers and choose a qualified professional you can trust.
Why approved plumbers are important
While most traders are honest, rogue traders operate across all industries. Data from consumer safety charities shows thousands of suspected rogue trader reports are made across the UK every year. Our own recent WaterSafe research shows a fifth of residents in parts of the UK have fallen foul of a trader in the last five years who has not carried out the work properly, resulting in them having to employ another plumber to put things right, at an average cost of nearly £400.
For homeowners, this can lead to major distress:
- Financial Loss: Unqualified individuals often charge high prices for poor-quality or even unnecessary work. In serious cases, like one recently prosecuted by Shropshire Trading Standards, a rogue plumber scammed customers out of tens of thousands of pounds.
- Substandard Work: Their work can be faulty, leading to expensive water leaks, damaged property and more problems down the line. Our research shows when things did go wrong for customers, nearly half had to contend with a water leak.
- Health Risk: In the worst cases, poor plumbing practices can cause contamination of your drinking water – a serious risk to your family's health and safety.
Rogue traders often use scare tactics, claiming there's an "urgent" problem with your water supply to pressure you into immediate decisions. Knowing how to spot them is your best defence.
Four simple steps to stay safe
The good news is that protecting your home from rogue traders is straightforward. By following these easy steps, you can stay one step ahead:
- Don’t Be Pressured: A trustworthy, reputable professional will never demand immediate payment or pressure you into agreeing to work on the spot. If someone suggests "urgent" work, take a moment to pause, think and seek a second opinion before you part with any cash.
- Ask for ID: A genuine tradesperson will be happy to show their identification. This should clearly show their name and the logo of the approved scheme they belong to. Always ask to see it.
- Get a Written Quote: For any significant work, ask for at least three quotes in writing. This helps you compare costs fairly and prevents you from being surprised by hidden charges later.
- Use an Approved Professional: This is the most effective way to guarantee a safe job. By choosing a WaterSafe-approved contractor, you are guaranteed to be hiring a professional who is fully:
- Qualified
- Insured and
- Trained in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, which are in place to keep our drinking water safe.
Take action today
Don't wait until you have a plumbing emergency. Take these two key steps right now:
- Find your local pro: Use our easy online directory at www.watersafe.org.uk to find a local approved plumber near you. Save their number in your phone today for when you need it most.
- Spread the word: Share this advice with your friends, family, and neighbours.
- By working together and staying vigilant, we can make it much harder for rogue traders to operate in our community. Let’s keep our homes and our water safe, one street at a time!
www.watersafe.org.uk