Industry Standards

This week #TechTuesday is more a rant (sorry!) than our usual helpful hints and tips. Once you’ve read the rant, it would be great to get feedback on whichever social channel you use or in the comments section on the blog post.   

 The UK Plumbing Industry 

I’ve been wondering a lot lately about where we are with the UK plumbing industry. I have been in the industry since 2006 and feel I’ve been lucky, as I learnt on the job from some fantastic people in our industry whilst doing my apprenticeship for four years. I’m very proud of what I achieved whilst working four days a week and an 11 hour day at college. I have always loved buildings, particularly the services side, which I consider to be the lifeblood of any building. Without plumbing, electrics and HVAC, a house could not become a home.  
 

Spaghetti Plumbing 

When I see a mash of spaghetti of plumbing, I am saddened at the quality of work that is still taking place on a daily basis. At Multipipe, we’re trying to raise standards in the plumbing industry by providing quality products, training and support, so that installers can be proud of their work and homeowners feel confident in the plumbing profession.   

 Regulations  

In the UK, there are various regulations to protect homeowners from damaging themselves and their properties. Some, like Gafesafe, are a requirement (which some homeowners still don’t know!). In contrast, with IET (electrical), you can still do your own work then ask the electrician to sign off to the regulation standard.  
Water safety, however, is pretty much unregulated. You can do anything in your house without an issue or getting it “signed off”, so what is the big worry? 
According to (neo.co.uk), the average cost of a leak in a pipe is £632.00 per time, and last year alone, these leaks cost insurers £13.6 Billion! Of course, some of these are old systems and breakdowns, but most are due to shoddy plumbing works. Couple this with the health risks like dead legs causing legionella risk. Why is water not regulated like other things?  

 WRAS  

Now, WRAS, who look after approvals for products and the water regulations, are making some headway with Watersafe. This approved installer list ensures their work is carried out to the regulation standard. But many homeowners still think to themselves, why should I use an approved installer when I can do the job myself with cheaper products from a DIY store. I find it infuriating! It is time the water companies push the government to regulate the water industry to better it for future generations.  
  
And if you are a homeowner reading this, think carefully before doing your own work and look to use a reputable installer that will protect you and your home. And remember to use this useful tool.  
https://www.watersafe.org.uk/