There’s a lot of confusion about the difference between plumbers and heating engineers. Both have skills that can be useful in the home, but it’s important to know which is right for you!
A plumber is a tradesperson who deals with anything to do with water in your home. This includes your toilets, sinks, dishwashers and drains.
Plumbing
Plumbers install, service, and repair water supply and sewage plumbing systems. They also work on drainage and venting systems.
They can also fix and repair faulty gas and oil heating equipment and appliances. This is why it’s important to make sure your plumber is Gas Safe registered before allowing them to come into your home to fix your boiler or heating system.
Unlike a plumber, a heating engineer specialises solely in heating systems in domestic and commercial properties. This means they’re more familiar with the type of work you need carried out in your property and the issues you face.
They also have the qualifications and experience to work with both heating and gas in your home, although this is rare. To do this, they’ll need to have completed relevant industry qualifications and be Gas Safe registered. This will give them an edge over unqualified tradesmen who could be offering you a poor service when it comes to your home heating.
Heating
When your boiler is faulty and you’re wondering whom to call to fix it, it can be confusing to decide which professional is best suited. However, it’s important to understand the difference between a plumber and a heating engineer so you can be sure that you’re getting a qualified and experienced professional to do the job right.
When it comes to water, a plumber will work on the installation and repairs of all plumbing appliances (sinks, taps, bathrooms, drains, toilets and more). They also handle the pipework that carries potable (drinking) water throughout your property.
A heating engineer, on the other hand, focuses only on the installation, repair and maintenance of heating systems such as boilers, radiators, hot water cylinders, and more. It’s a good idea to check that the heating engineer you choose is Gas Safe registered before you hire them to carry out work on your system.
Gas
Most homeowners understand the importance of plumbers as professionals who deal with issues related to water and sewage systems, but there’s more to the job than that. Plumbing also includes gas piping, which is a critical part of the home’s energy efficiency and comfort.
When it comes to deciding on a plumber, you need to make sure they’re certified in gas plumbing. This is because gas pipes are much more dangerous than normal pipe systems that carry water.
A good plumber should be able to provide references from previous clients that can attest to their work quality and experience. They should also be able to provide copies of their licensing registration and insurance certificates.
Insurance
Insurance is a financial safety net that helps people pay for losses from things like fire, theft and accidents. It works by replacing a regular amount of money, called a premium, with a promise to pay if something bad happens.
Typically, insurance is the best way to protect yourself against unexpected costs, such as a medical bill or a lost car. The key to effective insurance is to find a policy that covers the major risks in your life, such as your home, car and business.
The best way to determine which type of insurance you need is to shop around and read up on the different types of coverage available. For example, many homeowners insurance policies have a special water damage protection section that will pay to repair damaged or destroyed property and replace the contents of the home. It will also cover your additional living expenses if you need to stay away from home while repairs are underway.
