We will encourage and support people to achieve their potential 
Renfrewshire Community Plan 2008 - 2017 Choosing a plumber
Home > Services > Community and living > Consumer advice and protection
- Plumbers require as much general building acumen as an understanding of plumbing. For example, for fitting showers, a plumber needs to be able to lay pipes, chop out plaster/bricks and tiles, drill through walls, ensure that a bath is level and lay large pipes for waste.
For this type of work, a plumber doesn’t currently need any type of qualification. For example, they could have trained as an apprentice on-site or with another plumber. However, most have a City and Guilds plumbing qualification or an NVQ Level 2 in plumbing.
Another type of plumber is one that is able to fit a boiler and work with gas installations, as well as water. Typically, these plumbers have a qualification level that allows them to work with electricity as well, or a colleague that is qualified to do so, and can certify that the work is accurate and safe.
To do this level of work, the plumber needs to be qualified not only in plumbing, but also on the Gas Safe Register and registered with an electrical organisation. Other qualifications, such as a Bpec in unvented hot water storage, may be also required.
Renfrewshire Trusted Trader Scheme
Renfrewshire traders have signed up to become members of our Trusted Trader Scheme. We have a directory of consumer rated businesses that have agreed to abide by a specific code, as set out by Trading Standards. You will see their average score out of 10 for their previous jobs and also a compiled list of customer comments to help you make a decision when choosing a trader.
Fake plumber qualifications
Some plumbers falsely claim to be members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. It is essential that you contact the relevant trade bodies to check that your plumber is a member before he or she starts work.
The growth in demand for plumbers has led some people to set up training courses lasting just a few weeks. Be aware that someone who has taken this path may not be especially well trained – check with one of the trade bodies that they approve of the course the plumber has taken.
Plumbing industry information
Other relevant websites for the plumbing industry are the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors; and in Scotland and Northern Ireland you can also visit needaplumber.org.
You can use our trader checklist to help you select a reliable trader and guide you through the process of forming a contract.
Trader Checklist (PDF 788kb)You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents. Download Acrobat Reader here.
How to record a complaint against a trader
- In the first instance, you should contact the trader in writing and give them the opportunity to resolve any issues you may have.
- Send your complaint letter by Recorded Delivery and keep a copy of the letter and the Recorded Delivery receipt for records.
- Consumer Direct and Directgov have produced template letters to make a complaint.
If your letter fails to resolve the complaint and you require to speak with an adviser for further consumer advice:
- contact our partners, Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
- If Consumer Direct advice does not resolve your complaint, they will refer it on to us for further investigation. Please note that, depending on the circumstances, it may take up to 10 working days before we can contact you.
- For further consumer advice please visit the Directgov website.
Alternatively, you can complete the following form and submit direct to Trading Standards:
- Consumer Complaint Reporting Form (PDF - 604kb)
Contact us
- email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- call in or write to us at:
- Trading Standards
Environmental Services
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1BR
