To mark World Plumbing Day, national plumbing register Watersafe is celebrating its register of qualified, approved plumbers. It is  is encouraging people to make sure they ‘pick a proper plumber’ when it comes to plumbing jobs, by using its free online database of around 6000 professional, approved contractors.

All WaterSafe approved plumbers are trained in the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws – which help prevent the risk of contamination of drinking water from poor plumbing practices and sub-standard fittings and products. The national register is the only one in the UK supported by all water companies and the drinking water regulators.

According to the latest WaterSafe survey, 81% of UK consumers feel more confident in using an approved plumber who is on a list promoted by their local water company.

Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, says: “This World Plumbing Day, we’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the plumbers on our register, who work hard every day to help make sure that our tap water stays fresh and healthy. We’re reminding everyone of the importance of putting your property’s plumbing in safe hands by choosing a plumber with the right qualifications and training for the job, no matter how small – from fixing a leaky tap, to installing a new kitchen.”

WaterSafe approved plumbers offer:

• Peace-of-mind with a name you can trust – all WaterSafe approved plumbers are members of an Approved Contractors’ Scheme, ensuring plumbing work meets the highest standards.

• A ‘Certificate of Compliance’ stating that their plumbing work complies with the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws – giving consumers a legal defence if something is later found to be wrong.

• Time saved on your plumbing project – WaterSafe approved plumbers are trusted by their local water company to carry out certain types of work without the need to give advanced notification.

WaterSafe approved plumbers are also trained not to waste water and can help property-owners save energy and reduce their carbon footprint by offering advice on water-saving fixtures and fittings.