Plumbing ‘botch jobs’ are a concern for water trade body

ALMOST one in 10 Midlands households have experienced a plumbing “botch job”, according to a survey by WaterSafe, the national register of approved contractors.

Research shows nine per cent of households surveyed had to employ a second plumber to rectify poor work.

However, the region fares slightly better than the rest of the UK, as 11 per cent of the nation’s households have experienced a rogue plumber.

Common problems included wrongly connected pipework, water tasting or looking unpleasant, water smelling off or the work causing a water leak or damage.

Julie Spinks, director at WaterSafe, said: “It’s alarming to hear that so many people interviewed said the rogue installer they employed did not do the work properly. It gives reputable, qualified plumbers a bad name.

“It’s not just the inconvenience, but with the increased cost of living, paying more to put things right is unacceptable.

“Unfortunately, regardless of qualifications or experience, anyone can set up a plumbing business. I would urge households who need a plumber to use an approved contractor registered with WaterSafe and follow our advice for employing a professional.

“If a contractor is a member of WaterSafe, the customer can be reassured they are qualified, belong to an approved contractors’ scheme and carry Public Liability Insurance,”

Julie added.

For advice on how to tell if a plumber is qualified to perform the work, visit watersafe.org.uk/advice/ hiring_a_plumber.

The WaterSafe register is promoted by all UK water companies and drinking water regulators and was set up to help keep the UK’s drinking water safe in homes and businesses.

WaterSafe-approved plumbers are all trained to meet the strict regulations.