Over 60s Encouraged to Employ Approved Plumbers as Confidence Returns to Catch Up With Jobs at Home

WaterSafe is encouraging the use of qualified, approved plumbers supported by their local water company this World Plumbing Day (11 March) – particularly when it comes to older households.

The UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme is in full swing and most over 60s have now received a first dose.

This is good news for older homeowners, many of whom have been reticent about hiring a plumber to tackle plumbing work during the pandemic.

A survey by WaterSafe, the UK register of approved plumbers, with 2,000 UK homeowners showed only 11% of those aged 65+ had hired a plumber since the first lockdown in March 2020, compared to nearly 40% in younger age groups.

These were urgent jobs, such as fixing toilets, boilers and leaks.

As plumbing jobs now move up the priority list, WaterSafe is encouraging households to trust their work to approved plumbers listed on its free online register, which is supported by the UK’s drinking water regulators.

WaterSafe is also supported by all UK water companies, who promote its members to their customers – giving peace-of-mind for those looking for a qualified, insured professional.

All plumbers approved on the WaterSafe register have specific training in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Byelaws, to ensure they meet the strict legal requirements for installing water pipes and fittings.

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, said: “With more people being vaccinated every day, we hope older homeowners will feel more confident about hiring a plumber for those niggly jobs they’ve been putting off.

“While all tradespeople must continue to follow government safety guidelines, using a plumber approved by WaterSafe and supported by their local water company also gives homeowners extra reassurance about their qualifications and competence.”

WaterSafe’s survey revealed the safety actions the over 65s most appreciated plumbers taking if working in their homes are social distancing (82%), wearing a mask (76%) and using hand sanitiser (70%).

To find a local, approved plumber trained in the water regulations and byelaws, use the postcode search at right.