September 2006
Choose a professional!
As summer fades and dark, chilly nights set in it won’t be long before householders are firing up the central heating. This is usually the time when plumbing and heating problems come to light.
The Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (IPHE) is urging consumers to make sure they employ professional, competent plumbing and heating practitioners to carry out work in their homes. Otherwise it could cost them dearly.
Danny Davis, Technical Officer for the IPHE commented: “Unfortunately, plumbing isn’t regulated in this country as it is in America, Australia and some European Countries. Anyone in the UK can call themselves a plumber even if they don’t have any qualifications or experience.
“I’d advise consumers to be very careful when choosing someone to carry out work on their plumbing and heating system – it could well be someone who has only tackled the occasional DIY job. Remember, it may be tempting to pay someone cash in hand with no questions asked, but it may end up costing twice as much to get the job put right by a professional!”
Recommendation is always the best route, but consumers can get a list of IPHE Registered Plumbers in their area by either visiting www.iphe.org.uk or ringing 01708 472791 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
ENDS (213 WORDS)
SEPTEMBER 2006
Don't quibble over quality
Don’t let your plans for a luxury bathroom go down the plug hole by choosing an unqualified tradesperson. Instead, make the most of your investment by using a professional who will install your bathroom to the highest standards and ensure all regulations are adhered to. This is the advice from the Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (IPHE), the UK’s professional body for the plumbing and heating industry.
Danny Davis, Technical Officer at the IPHE advises, “Always make sure you use a professional, whether it’s to repair a burst pipe, or install a brand new central heating system or bathroom. Using a cheap tradesperson without relevant qualifications or experience can be very expensive in the long run.”
Fuelled by misconceptions about high earnings, the plumbing industry has been bombarded by a flood of new entrants – some sadly without industry recognised qualifications and limited experience. “Consumers should be very careful about the tradespeople they let into their homes,” continued Danny. “Many well qualified and experienced tradespeople are being undercut by those entering the marketplace. Quality installers will be continually investing in their education and spend vast amounts of money undergoing assessments to be qualified to work in areas such as gas and electrics. It often means the quality installer will have to charge higher prices to cover his/her overheads.”
The Institute advises that consumers should get at least three written quotes when searching for a tradesperson. Finding an installer by recommendation of friends and family is highly advised, as is contacting the Institute on 01708 472791 for a list of members in your area. You can also search online via postcode at www.iphe.org.uk. After paying good money for the bathroom of your dreams it makes sense to put quality over price when it comes to the installation.
ENDS (300 WORDS)
SEPTEMBER 2006
Promoting Excellence
The IPHE’s Women in Plumbing Group in conjunction with Yellow Pages, will be hosting its fourth Conference at the Union Jack Club, London SE1 on Wednesday 22nd November 2006. The theme for this year’s event will be ‘Promoting Excellence’ and it is anticipated that over 100 delegates will attend.
As usual, our line up of speakers will talk about topics that will have an impact on women in the plumbing and heating industry, including employment prospects and what is happening in the industry as a whole in respect of diversity.
Following on from previous years, there will be an interactive session and so everyone will get a chance to make their views known. The WPG Conference is free and includes refreshments and buffet lunch. Afterwards everyone is given the opportunity to network over a glass of wine.
Guy Hayne, Manager Consumer Development, Yellow Pages, made the following comment: We are delighted to be working with the Institute’s Women in Plumbing Group. This conference is becoming an important industry event and it has our full support.”
Who should attend? Anyone in the plumbing and heating industry, men and women, are welcome to attend. This includes trainees, employers, manufacturers, local government - anyone who would benefit from hearing the views of women in the industry.
To reserve your place, please contact Carol Cannavan for a booking form at carolc@iphe.org.uk or ring 01708 463114.
ENDS (195 WORDS)
SEPTEMBER 2006