How to choose a plumber

Anyone can call themselves a plumber, so a few checks before you hire save a lot of trouble later.

Anything involving gas: Gas Safe, always

By law, anyone working on gas appliances or pipework, including boilers, gas fires and hobs, must be on the Gas Safe Register. Ask for their Gas Safe ID card, check the back to see which types of work they're qualified for, and look them up on the register before work starts.

Water work: look for WaterSafe

For water pipes, bathrooms and outside taps, membership of WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, is voluntary but a good sign. Members are trained in the water fittings rules and must hold public liability insurance. You can search WaterSafe by postcode.

Get it in writing

Ask two or three plumbers for a written quote. A good quote says:

• exactly what work is included, and what isn't
• whether materials are included, and which brands
• the total price including VAT, or whether it's an estimate
• when they can start and how long it should take
• how and when you'll pay

Questions worth asking

Ask	Why it matters
Are you insured?	Public liability insurance covers damage to your home
Do you guarantee your work?	A written guarantee shows they'll come back if something fails
Who will do the work?	Check the person who turns up is qualified, not only the owner
Will you register the work?	New boilers must be registered with Building Control, usually through Gas Safe

Red flags

• Asking for full payment up front, or cash only
• No written quote, or a quote that changes once they've started
• Pressure to decide on the spot
• Can't show a Gas Safe ID for gas work

Your rights

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a trader must carry out work with reasonable care and skill. If they don't, you can ask them to put it right at no extra cost.