February 2005
The big freeze?
You never know where you are with weather in the UK. One minute you think Spring has arrived early and the next it’s snowing. One thing is for sure, countless homes will suffer a plumbing emergency before the warm weather arrives.
So, what do you do in such an emergency? How do you avoid hiring a cowboy who is going to make the situation worse and then charge you a small fortune? Obviously, if water is pouring through your ceiling it is difficult not to panic. We all know prevention is better than cure, but it doesn’t help much when you find yourself in such a crisis. The Institute of and Heating Engineering (IPHE) gives the following advice:
- If water is leaking, turn off your stopcock.
- If you have been lucky enough to find a trustworthy, competent plumber in the past, they should be your first port of call.
- If you haven’t, visit www.iphe.org.uk for a list of Registered Plumbers in your area. The database is updated daily.
- Or look in Yellow Pages, Thomson Directories for the Institute’s corporate advertisements
- If you are using a local paper, look for plumbers displaying the Institute’s logo.
The Chief Executive, Andy Watts, adds the following warning. “It is important for householders to choose plumbers who will carry out work, professionally, competently and responsibly. Cowboys may promise to do the job cheaper, but in the long run it could prove to be very expensive if work has to be put right afterwards.”
And remember, if you are going away on a winter’s holiday, leave the thermostat set low to help prevent pipes from freezing.
ENDS (289 WORDS)
FEBUARY 2005
‘Super’ Mario Martin Is Britain’s Favourite Plumber
Leeds-based ‘Super’ Mario Martin has today officially been announced as Britain’s Favourite Plumber. In a year long search by the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE), Mario has finally triumphed over some 1,000 nominees to clinch the title in 2005.
The prestigious awards are organised by the IPHE and are supported by Hepworth Plumbing Products, Plumb Center, Worcester Bosch and Yellow Pages. Held every three years, they are designed to recognise the skills and service of the very best of Britain’s plumbing and heating engineers and to alert the public to the importance of maintaining the highest standards in the interests of public health and safety. The accolade is a tribute to Mario’s technical ability, professionalism, knowledge and commitment to customer service.
To take part in the competition, plumbers had to initially be nominated by their customers. They then went through a number of progressively rigorous selection stages including the County and Area rounds where participants were judged closely through telephone and face-to-face interviews.
After winning the North East round, Mario faced stiff competition in the national final with all Area winners demonstrating the highest standards of knowledge and professionalism. The judging itself lasted for four hours with the panel then retiring for detailed discussions on each of the contenders before finally announcing Mario as the overall winner of the title. As the national champion and new holder of the Britain’s Favourite Plumber title, Mario will embark on a trip of a lifetime for two to New Zealand in March that includes a visit to the World Plumbing Conference in Auckland.
Others to become Area winners and finalists were: David Darge from Highland, Scotland Area; Julian Astbury from Mold, North West Area; David Clifford of Bromsgrove, Midlands Area; Ian Voce of Dorset, South West Area and James Luck from Godalming, South East Area.
Mario began his plumbing career in 1975 as a 16-year-old apprentice and, after a period of 10 years, set up the business which he successfully runs today. Mario plans to put his title to good use by undertaking voluntary work within schools; drumming up interest and enthusiasm for the plumbing industry at a young age and focusing on the benefits of entering the profession.
Citing some of the highlights of his work, Mario commented, “I particularly enjoy the customer service element to my job and like to find time to chat about shared interest. I work for several clients that have fought in the war, which is a real interest of mine.”
Commented Andy Watts, Chief Executive and Secretary of the Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering: “This year we had a terrific group of contenders, each with their own particular strengths. It is a tremendous achievement to reach the finals and all those participating can be justly proud of their Area awards. As for the winner, Mario epitomises what this competition is all about; he is dedicated, responsible and competent – a true professional and an asset to the profession.”
ENDS (502 WORDS)
FEBUARY 2005