I’ll always go for green

David White, of Alpha Plumbing, was one of the first to sign WaterSafe’s pledge to only carry and use lead-free solder following the launch of our lead-free campaign.

In our latest plumber profile he shares why ‘going green’ is important and his experience in the industry.

You signed WaterSafe’s pledge to only carry and use lead-free solder – can you tell us why you did this and why it’s important?

I signed the lead-free pledge because it’s somethings that’s stuck with me from when I was an apprentice. My mentor at the time was an old school plumber who was passionate about all things plumbing and one of the first things he told me was only use lead-free solder.

“Don’t even carry the other stuff” he said “because you’ll use it inadvertently on potable water supplies”. At the time I wasn’t paying much attention as to why but later in my career, when I delved more into the impact lead can have on the water supply, I decided it’s something I’d always stick by.

Apart from hot to the left it’s one of the few rules I’ve passed on to my own apprentices over the years.

Tell us about your use of lead-free solder and lead solder?

I’ve never purchased lead solder; I’ll always go for green. This means I don’t have to worry about what pipe I’m working on; I have peace of mind that my work won’t be responsible for any type of contamination associated with soldering.

Do you know the health risks of using lead solder

I’m aware that exposure of lead soldering is ingestion based and can cause several symptoms from headaches to stomach pain with many more in between.

Do you think it’s an important campaign?

Campaign wise, when I initially saw the first post I was intrigued enough to take an interest and sign up. Being a plumber it’s part of my responsibility to protect my customers and support the industry and this campaign is a great opportunity to get involved in making a change.

Would you like to see the use of lead solder banned in the UK?

I think removing the lead solder from the market is indeed a good idea, it just takes away the option and potential risk element.

How long have you worked in the plumbing industry and what are your qualifications?

I’ve worked in the plumbing industry since 1999 starting at Severn Trent water digging holes as a labourer to assist with water mains repairs. After that I managed to get a plumbing apprenticeship on the local council where I did my level 2 and 3 NVQ. I’ve also got my G3 unvented qualification, RQF level 3 air source heat pumps, RQF level 3 solar thermal and I’m also currently doing my gas portfolio. I’ve been passionate about the industry for many years and now I’m working for myself it was important to me to register with WaterSafe.

Please tell us about your business

I started my business in 2021 and my main duties involve all aspects of plumbing and heating. From minor repairs to full bathroom renovations. I also specialise in leak detection and external water supply work. I will hopefully soon finish my gas portfolio and take my assessment towards being Gas Safe.

Describe a typical day in your working life

A typical day starts at 8.30am where I’ll arrive at my first job. This could be anything from a radiator replacement to a toilet not flushing. I’ll usually try and fit in 5-6 jobs locally throughout the day.

What are your plans for the future?

My plan is to keep expanding my company with more training and hopefully I’ll be looking for an apprentice in the new year to train.

Quick-fire questions

Name three qualities that make a great plumber?

Patience, knowledge and practice

Best way to unwind after a hard day’s work?

Takeaway and TV

Tea or coffee?

Tea

Plastic pipe or copper pipe?

Copper

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird

Pipework or paperwork?

Pipework

Pipe wrench v spanner?

Pipe wrench