Water Regs UK is urging installers to apply for approved contractor status, after its new survey revealed that millions of domestic customers check to see if installers are approved.
Over 2,000 UK householders were asked by Water Regs UK how they know they can trust a plumber to do work in their home, with one in seven saying they check to see if the installer is registered with an approved contractors’ scheme.
That’s more than the number of people who check recommendations on social media, 12%, or third party review sites, 12%.
Julie Spinks, pictured, managing director of Water Regs UK, believes the findings show that approved contractor status has risen in importance among domestic customers.
She said: “Word of mouth and personal recommendation has always been important, but it’s clear that millions of people now want an official channel to check if they can rely on an installer.
“Approved contractor status through schemes such as WIAPS is one of the things people are turning to for that assurance.”
WIAPS (Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme) is the largest of the seven UK approved contractors’ schemes. WIAPS is administered by Water Regs UK on behalf of 14 of the UK water undertakers.
It provides water industry backed accreditation to qualified plumbers and other sector workers, including groundworkers.
WIAPS approved installers have their businesses promoted via the Water Regs UK website and online directory.
WIAPS members are also automatically signed up to WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers from all seven approved contractors’ schemes.