On the whole, the plumbing industry has suffered from a significant skills shortage in recent years. This skills drought has led to a number of individuals offering plumbing services and carrying out work that they are unqualified to fulfil. If you commission a plumber to come and undertake work at your home or business property, how do you know if they are appropriately qualified?
Gas can be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands, so do not allow just anyone through the door without carrying out the proper checks. It is estimated that rogue traders tackle a quarter of a million illegal plumbing projects each year. Don’t be the next victim. The great British public wastes around £100 million each year trying to rectify illegal bodge jobs, and it is not just the financial cost that is worrying.
Paul Johnston, who is the chief executive of the Gas Safe Register explains: “All too often our investigations team find illegal gas fitters preying on the public, using charm tactics. Many use the Gas Safe logo on their van, adverts or paperwork when they are not registered. If you have a boiler, cooker or fire fitted by a gas engineer who isn’t registered to do the work, then you may end up paying to have it ripped out and start again which may cost you thousands of pounds, or worse, cost you your life… it is vital that people always check that the engineer they use is on the Gas Safe Register or they could be putting their lives and pocket at risk.”
Synergy Plumbing Services is proud to be on the Gas Safe register
The Gas Safe register is the official gas registration group in the United Kingdom, replacing CORGI in 2009. Synergy Plumbing Services can offer a Gas Safe registered engineer. When you need a central heating boiler replacing, or when you need gas appliance installations, the work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It is not acceptable for someone who is not Gas Safe registered to fit a gas appliance even if it will be checked by a registered person later. In addition to being registered online, Gas Safe registered engineers carry an ID card so always feel free to ask to see it.
The good news is that once you have found a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, it is possible to cut approximately 30% off your energy bills in many cases. Don’t forget, all your gas appliances such as a gas fire and a gas boiler should be safety checked annually, and serviced regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
To discuss your gas appliances or have them serviced, count on Synergy Plumbing Services – your local and well-reviewed plumbing service for Loughborough, Hathern, Shepshed, Kegworth and the East Midlands.
