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Approved plumbers

While many simple plumbing jobs can be safely tackled by someone with competent DIY skills, more complex tasks should be completed by a professionally-qualified plumber.

Cambridge Water, along with the majority of water companies, subscribes to the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) whose members have demonstrated their experience of plumbing work and knowledge of the water regulations. They will also have public liability insurance cover. This scheme is run by the Water Regulations Advisory Service (WRAS) on the water company's behalf.

Find an approved plumber

Alternatively look for members of an approved plumber scheme or recognised plumbing professional or trade association. Examples include:

• The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering
• The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors
• Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association
• Firms belonging to the Government-sponsored TrustMark scheme

Remember!

Whether you decide to appoint an approved plumber, or undertake a spot of DIY, only use materials that have been approved for use in contact with drinking water.

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approved logo shows produce such as pipes and water fittings, the water companies have checked and endorsed as complying with regulations to ensure they do not affect drinking water quality. For details click here.

What is an approved plumber?

Approved plumbers (also known as approved contractors) will self-certify their installation or maintenance work satisfies the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations.

If breaches of Regulations are then found in the certified work, the legal responsibility falls upon the Approved Plumber and not on the owner or occupier. If you are using an Approved Plumber be sure that you receive a certificate for the work carried out.

Under Regulation 5, if someone proposes to carry out work on anything other than a house they have a choice.

They can either notify their local water company or use an approved plumber /contractor who will always issue a Water Regulation Compliance certificate.

This certificate is important as it states the work has been carried out and the fittings used meet the requirements of the regulations. It is similar to the CORGI gas safety certificate.

Please note: Non-approved plumbers/contractors are unable to issue such certificates.

For further information on the regulations click here