What to look for in a plumber
- Gas Safe registration — Any plumber working on gas appliances, boilers, or gas pipework must be on the Gas Safe Register. Ask for their card and verify the number online at GasSafeRegister.co.uk. This is a legal requirement, not optional.
- CIPHE membership — Membership in the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering shows a commitment to professional standards and ongoing training.
- Public liability insurance — A reputable plumber carries at least £2 million in public liability cover. Ask to see the certificate — a professional will not hesitate to show it.
- WaterSafe listing — For work on mains water supply or connections, check that the plumber is WaterSafe-approved. This means they are authorised by your local water company.
- Transparent quoting — Look for plumbers who provide itemised written quotes that separate labour, materials, and VAT. Verbal estimates invite disputes later.
- Relevant experience — A plumber who mainly fits bathrooms may not be the right choice for boiler servicing. Ask about experience specific to your job — underfloor heating, unvented cylinders, or whatever applies.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Are you Gas Safe registered for this specific type of work? Gas Safe registration covers different categories. A plumber registered for boiler servicing may not be registered for LPG or gas fires. Check the card matches the job.
- Can you provide a written, itemised quote including materials? This protects both parties. The quote should specify the make and model of parts (e.g., Hive thermostat vs. a generic brand) and whether VAT is included.
- Do you know where the isolation valves and stopcock are? A good plumber will want to locate these before starting. If they skip this step, they may struggle in an emergency during the job.
- What guarantee do you offer on your work? Most reputable plumbers offer 12 months minimum on labour. Manufacturer warranties on parts (boilers, cylinders) are separate and should be registered.
- Will you handle Building Regulations notification for unvented cylinders? Installing an unvented hot-water cylinder requires Building Control notification. The plumber should either self-certify through a competent-person scheme or arrange the notification for you.
Red flags to watch for
- Refuses to provide a written quote. Any plumber who insists on a verbal-only price is making it easy to inflate costs later. Always get it in writing before work begins.
- Cannot produce a Gas Safe card. If they claim to be registered but cannot show the card on site, do not let them touch gas appliances. Verify online independently.
- Demands a large upfront deposit. A 10-20% deposit for materials is reasonable on large jobs. Asking for 50% or more upfront before starting is a warning sign.
- No public liability insurance. Without insurance, you could be personally liable for damage to your property or injuries on site. Walk away.
- Pressure to skip Part-P compliant work. If a plumber suggests bypassing building regulations for electrical work connected to a bathroom refit, they are cutting corners that could be dangerous and affect your home insurance.
What to expect on costs
Plumbing costs vary widely depending on the job. A dripping tap repair might run £60–£120, while a full bathroom plumbing first-fix can exceed £1,500. Boiler installations typically range from £2,000–£4,500 depending on the model and complexity.
For a detailed breakdown, see our full cost guide.
Find rated plumbers in Kent
- Plumbers in Kent — county-level directory
- Plumbers in Maidstone
- Plumbers in Canterbury
- Plumbers in Dartford
- Plumbers in Tunbridge Wells
- Plumbers in Ashford
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