Heat pumps and eco-friendly heating options
Some plumbers also work on or alongside heat pump installations, though this is often a joint job with a heating engineer for the heat pump unit itself. If you're considering moving away from a gas boiler, it's worth asking whether your plumber does this work directly or partners with someone who does.
Common plumbing jobs
Plumbers handle everything from a dripping tap to a full bathroom re-pipe: fixing leaks, clearing blocked drains, replacing taps and valves, fitting new bathroom suites, repairing or replacing radiators, and connecting appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. Emergency work (burst pipes, no hot water) is usually handled separately from planned jobs like a bathroom refit.
When plumbing work needs a Gas Safe engineer instead
Plumbers can install and repair most water systems, but any work on a gas appliance or gas pipework — a boiler, a gas fire, a gas hob — is illegal for anyone who isn't on the Gas Safe Register, by law. If a job involves both plumbing and a gas connection (moving a boiler, for example), check whether your plumber is also Gas Safe registered before booking.
Three steps to hiring the right plumber
First, check they're registered with a WaterSafe scheme (or Gas Safe too, if the job needs it) and ask for the registration number. Second, get a written quote that separates labour from parts. Third, ask what happens if the job uncovers a bigger problem — a good plumber will tell you before continuing, not after.
Outside taps and garden plumbing
An outside tap needs its own isolation valve and, in colder areas, either an internal shut-off you can drain down for winter or a proper anti-frost design — a poorly installed one is a common cause of a burst pipe in cold weather. This is separate from the electrical requirements for any pond or irrigation pump also being installed.
How many quotes should you get?
Three is a reasonable number for most plumbing jobs — enough to spot an outlier without asking too many people to visit for a straightforward repair. For a planned job like a bathroom refit, make sure each quote covers the same scope, since a lower price sometimes means less is included, not better value.
Plumbing regulations, FAQ
Do I need a certificate for a new bathroom? There's no single certificate like Part P for electrics, but any work must comply with Water Fittings Regulations, and gas-connected work needs a Gas Safe engineer. Can I do my own plumbing? Straightforward repairs, yes; anything affecting the public water supply (like a new connection) should go through a WaterSafe-approved plumber.
Background checks and identity verification
Before booking, it's worth checking a plumber's trading history and identity, not just their registration — a landline or verifiable business address and reviews referencing specific jobs are stronger signals than a mobile number and a van sign alone.