being qualified
We tend to use the term 'installer' or 'gas central heating engineer' rather than 'plumber' because to install any gas appliance including central heating, tradesmen must be registered with CORGI, the UK watchdog for gas safety. CORGI training courses are rigorous and require installers to prove a high level of competence.
Always ask to see a CORGI membership card...and read it!
The CORGI members' card has an orange shield. It is important that you read it carefully as the back of the card also shows what type of work they are qualified to do (e.g. they may be qualified to work on gas fires but not gas boilers). If you are in any doubt, please contact CORGI on 0800 915 0485.
How to find a reliable installer
- Use the tool on this site - it contains a list of installers we recommend.
- By word of mouth - often the best way of finding someone you can trust is to ask family or friends as they'll be able to give you a first hand account of their experiences.
- Try the professional bodies - you could also contact one of the professional trade bodies: Institute of Plumbing, Association of Plumbers and Heating Contractors or CORGI.
- Use the phone directory - you can't always tell that much from someone's advert so to reassure yourself about an installer's track record and competence you can ask a few simple questions such as:
- Are you CORGI registered to fit gas boilers?
- How long they have been in business?
- Do they have any references, or is it possible to view any similar work they may have done.
- Find out whether he or she is a member of one of the trade bodies such as the Institute of Plumbing or the Association of Plumbers and Heating Contractors (APHC).
- Ask if they have insurance to cover your property (and your neighbours).
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