According to a new survey from WaterSafe, almost a third of businesses have suffered from a plumbing ‘botch job’ and have had to employ a second contractor to put things right. The poll of 250 business leaders found that the healthcare sector was most at risk of poor plumbing, with 50% of survey respondents reporting a that the plumbing work was not up to scratch. The leisure sector follows this at 46% and financial services at 40%.

The most common reasons given for hiring a second tradesperson were:

  • Wrongly-connected pipework – 46%
  • The first contractor didn’t solve the problem they were hired to fix – 33%
  • It caused a water leak – 29%
  • The water didn’t smell or taste right – 28%

When it comes to using an approved plumber, 88% of respondents said that they would be more likely to trust a plumber on a register promoted by their local water company and 75% were more likely to trust a WaterSafe-approved contractor. However, only 30% say they only ever use an approved contractor.

Julie Spinks, director at WaterSafe, comments: “It’s alarming to hear almost a third of people interviewed said the rogue installer they employed did not carry out the work properly. It gives reputable, qualified plumbers a bad name. 

“However, our research shows that having the WaterSafe badge of approval does make installers appear more trustworthy, and for good reason, as it demonstrates they are qualified, belong to an approved contractors’ scheme, and carry Public Liability Insurance.”

The WaterSafe register is promoted by UK water companies and drinking water regulators and was set up to help keep the UK’s drinking water safe in homes and businesses. Approved plumbers will issue a Certificate of Compliance, stating their plumbing work complies with the regulations – giving customers a legal defence if something is later found to be wrong. Membership also allows contractors to self-notify certain types of work to the local water supplier and access free advice on the water regulations.

To find out more about becoming a member of WaterSafe, head to www.watersafe.org.uk