WaterSafe is a free online directory of competent and qualified local plumbers in in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The scheme is a national accreditation body, which checks and approves businesses and their plumbers to give customers reassurance about the tradespeople undertaking work for them. It brings together thousands of qualified contractors employed by plumbing businesses
from the seven existing Approved Contractors’ Schemes in the UK. Using an approved plumber/plumbing business helps prevent the risk of drinking water being contaminated by poor plumbing practices or sub-standard products. The scheme is funded by the water industry and supported by the government watchdogs for drinking water, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in England and Wales, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (Northern Ireland), and the Drinking Water Quality Regulator in Scotland. WaterSafe is also backed by all UK water companies who will refer their customers to the Scheme if they require a reputable local plumber. NHS guidance advises all hospital trusts to only use approved WaterSafe approved plumbers in their premises, in order to safeguard public health. Plumbers approved through WaterSafe have specific training in the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws in Scotland, to ensure they meet the strict legal requirements for installing water pipes and fittings. WaterSafe approved businesses must adhere to the WaterSafe conditions of membership, scheme rules, customer commitments and customer redress arrangements.
