Home Page

WHAT'S IN IT 4 ME?

 Some benefits of being a WIAPS Approved Plumber

Some bullet points to remember for Approved Plumbers in the WIAPS Scheme.

• Approved Plumbers do not have to pay for membership - It is free of charge.

• Approved Plumbers may start work immediately on some kinds of work, in particular the extension or alteration of a water system on any premises.

• Approved Plumber status may reduce inspection of your work by water suppliers.

• Some organisations will use only Approved Plumbers for their plumbing contracts.

• Approved Plumbers will receive technical updates free of charge.

• Approved Plumber status may be used to sell your business to potential customers.

• Approved Plumbers will have an ID card to confirm their validity.

• Approved Plumbers can advertise their membership by the WIAPS logo on their letteheads and by the free vehicle stickers provided.

• Approved plumbers my purchase Water Regulations Guidance Documents and the Water Fittings and Materials Directory at a discount.

Why should I use an Approved Plumber for my installation work?

Owners and occupiers of premises, building managers, building developers etc, may well ask 'why should I use an approved plumber to do my installation work?

• Assured compliance and workmanship

WIAPS members have demonstrated their knowledge of the Regulations. Using an Approved Plumber will provide reassurance that the work will comply with the requirements of the Regulations, including being done 'in a workmanlike manner'.

• Fits in with your Quality Assurance objectives.

Using a WIAPS plumber will support your Organisation's quality assurance objectives.

• Limit to your legal liability for infringements and compliance

The certificate of compliance which an Approved Plumber must provide to you, the customer, for the work carried out is your 'Get Out of Jail Free' card. The certificate is a legal defence in the event of a prosecution for non-compliance. It allows the owner or occupier of the premises to walk away from the court.

• You may qualify for a reduction in the Water Supplier's connection charge.

Some Water Suppliers recognise that by developers using Approved Plumbers for plumbing installations in new premises, there is a reduction in the cost of administration, which they share with the developer. by reducing the connection charge for the new supply.

• Work may start immediately for some instances.

When using an approved plumber for installation of certain types of fittings and for extensions or alterations to any water system, work can start immediately without notification or waiting for consent.

• Less notification paperwork in advance of installation, depending on the work to be done.

• May speed up connection of the water supply.

• Where the work has been done by Approved Plumbers, Water Suppliers may not need to delay the connection of the supply until the installation has been inspected.