Consumer FAQ
- Is there a set hourly rate for plumbers across the UK ?
- What does it mean to be a CORGI registered installer and why use one ?
- I want to become a plumber, what should I do ?
- What qualifications should a plumber have ?
- Why choose an IPHE Registered Plumber ?
- I used a non-Registered Plumber who offered to drop the VAT from the final bill if I paid cash in hand, is this legal ?
- Does the Institute deal with complaints about a plumber's work ?
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Q: Is there a set hourly rate for plumbers across the UK ?
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| No. Different plumbers give different types of service and operate in different areas. A plumber working in London will have larger overheads (higher cost of living, higher wages, cost of parking while dealing with a job, Central London Congestion Charge etc) than a plumber in Lancaster, so you have to expect to pay more for a plumber in London. Depending on the type of job plumbers may have to hire equipment, or may be called out at very unsociable times. The IPHE recommends you get at least three quotes when finding a plumber so you know what rates are like in your area, you can then decide who you employ. NOTE: 24 hour emergency plumbing firms will often charge higher hourly rates and call out fees. Make sure you have been quoted what you will be paying before the work is done. |
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Q: What does it mean to be a CORGI registered installer and why use one ?
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| CORGI stands for the Council of Registered Gas Installers which is a regulatory body for those working with gas. It is illegal to work on gas without being CORGI registered. CORGI registered gas installers have passed recognised exams to prove their competence. Always look for a CORGI logo and ID badge when employing someone to work on gas. However, you should be aware CORGI registration does not mean a gas installer is a highly competent plumber. The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has many members who are both Registered Plumbers with the Institute and CORGI Registered. To search for an IPHE member it will state by the member's name if they are qualified to work on gas. Alternatively you can search CORGI's database at www.corgi-gas.com. |
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Q: I want to become a plumber, what should I do ?
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| Plumbing is a practical and hands on career but there is a lot of maths and science involved. To become a qualified plumber you will need to enrol yourself on a plumbing course at a technical college and you will have to arrange yourself some work based experience. Plumbing courses are available throughout the UK, talk to your Local Educational Authority to find out where the courses are in your area. For information on training see the Institute's career pages or please go to www.bpec.org.uk. You can also phone the British Plumbing Employers Council (Training) on 0131 225 2255. |
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Q: What qualifications should a plumber have ?
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| Many recently qualified plumbers will have gone through the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) route. The IPHE recommends they hold NVQ Level 2 as a minimum with NVQ Level 3 being the ideal qualification. Many older members of the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering hold City and Guilds qualifications in plumbing up to Advanced Craft level. Members of the IPHE have to hold qualifications and experience to join. For those who have no formal qualifications (mainly those older plumbers who were apprentices for many years but attained no qualification) extensive experience along with evidence of competence can enable them to join the IPHE. |
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Q: Why choose an IPHE Registered Plumber ?
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| All members of the IPHE are vetted for qualifications and experience before they can join. All members are expected to keep up to date with the latest industry advances and changes in Regulations through Professional Development. Members of the Institute voluntarily join the professional body of the plumbing industry and voluntarily commit themselves to the Code of Professional Standards. As they are governed by this code, the Institute holds a complaints procedure. All members will carry an Institute ID card. If you are unsure if a plumber is a member of the IPHE, or want to find out more on Registered Plumbers, please contact Head Office on 01708 472791, fax: 01708 448987 or email: info@iphe.org.uk. |
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Q: I used a non-Registered Plumber who offered to drop the VAT from the final bill if I paid cash in hand, is this legal ?
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| No, if an installer/company is VAT registered, which is compulsory when a business supplies goods and services amounting to more than £60,000 in the last twelve month period, they must charge VAT on any plumbing and heating work they have completed. Anyone offering to waive their VAT responsibilities when they are VAT registered is certainly not a reputable trades-person. Cowboys operate in this way as there would be no record of the VAT, therefore the job would simply not exist in the eyes of the taxman. There are of course bona fide trades-people whose turnover does not exceed the current VAT threshold of £60,000 and therefore the above does not apply. However it is important to remember that if they are not VAT registered they must not charge VAT on the work they do. If/when things go wrong (and you do not have a record of payment made such as a VAT receipt) you would have nothing to fall back on as the tradesperson can deny all knowledge of the work and you have nothing to prove otherwise. |
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Q: Does the Institute deal with complaints about a plumber's work ?
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The Institute has a complaints procedure governing its members. Unfortunately the Institute has no powers over those who are non-members. If you have a complaint to make, the Institute advises that you:
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