What is an approved contractor? 

For the purposes of the water fittings regulations/byelaws an approved contractor, sometimes referred to as an approved plumber, is a member of one of the four approved contractor schemes. 

Membership is voluntary rather than mandatory. Some schemes operate nationally and others in defined areas. 

Only those with qualifications recognised by that scheme, as demonstrating competency to install in compliance with the water fittings regulations/byelaws, and suitable liability insurance can join a scheme.  

Using an approved contractor means the plumbing work they undertake should be compliant with the water fittings regulations, byelaws in Scotland, but if not, the certificate of compliance, sometimes called a work completed certificate, they issue on completion can be used as a legal defence. 

The water fittings regulations/byelaws include some notification exemptions for approved contractors, where this is the case, they do not have to provide advanced notification although it should be encouraged.

For further information about each, including how to join and the benefits of membership and using and approved contractor please contact the schemes or refer to the WaterSafe website. 

FAQs

What are approved contractor schemes?

For the purposes of the water fittings regulations/byelaws approved contractor schemes are voluntary organisations for plumbers and plumbing contractors set up in accordance with regulation 1(2) of the water fittings regulations/byelaws. Approved contractors are either approved by a water undertaker or an organisation appointed by a regulator.

There is no mandatory requirement for plumbers to join a scheme.

There are currently four approved contractor schemes, some operate nationally and others in defined areas.

Some schemes restrict membership to qualified plumbers who can certify all types of plumbing work in any premises, whilst others offer sector schemes open to plumbing contractors who can certify a limited scope of plumbing work

FAQs

What is an approved contractor sector scheme?

An approved contractor sector scheme is different to an approved contractor scheme in that its members are only recognised as being qualified to certify some plumbing work i.e. that defined in the sector scheme scope of accreditation.

Not all approved contractor schemes operate sector schemes.

One of the acceptance criteria for sector scheme membership is having a recognised qualification which demonstrates they are competent to undertake specific plumbing work in compliance with the water fittings regulations/byelaws.

There are a number of sector schemes including:

• Groundworkers: these can work on supply pipes up to the internal stop valve

• Catering Installers: these install commercial catering equipment

• Point of use installers: these install cold water chillers connected directly to mains

• RPZ valve testers: these undertake commissioning and compliance testing of RPZ valves

FAQs

What is the difference between an approved contractor and member of a sector scheme?

An approved contractor is a qualified plumber belonging to an approved contractor scheme. They can certify all types of plumbing work in any premises as being compliant with the water fittings regulations/byelaws.

A sector scheme member is not recognised as being a plumber but rather someone who does limited specific plumbing work. Sector scheme members can only certify the plumbing within the scope of that sector scheme i.e. some but not all types of plumbing work.

FAQs

Where can you find an approved contractor?

You can search for approved contractors via the individual approved contractor schemes or WaterSafe.

WaterSafe is not an approved contractor scheme, it is a free website which the general public can use to search for a local approved contractor.

For further information please refer to WaterSafe.

FAQs

What is WaterSafe?

WaterSafe it is not an approved contractor scheme. It is a website which lists members of approved contractor schemes and a ‘brand name’ for promotion of approved contractors.

Its purpose is to provide a free online directory which the general public can use to find a competent qualified contractor in their area.

FAQs

When do approved contractors have to notify in England & Wales? 

For the purpose of the water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, byelaws in Scotland an approved contractor is a member of one of the following schemes. 

• Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)

• Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)

• Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)

• The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)
  

Providing:

• Their scheme is recognised by the local water undertaker

• The proposed work is not a material change of use

• The scope of their membership covers the type of plumbing work undertaken 

• They comply with their scheme terms and conditions

An approved contractor installing the items highlighted in the list below, may not have to provide advanced notification before starting work. However, on completion they will be required to send a certificate of compliance for the work to the local water undertaker as well as issuing one to their client.

Please note: notification exemptions for those approved contractors who are members of sector schemes is typically restricted to the alteration or extension of plumbing systems. For further information contact the scheme

Please note: due to both differences in notification requirements across the UK and variation in individual approved contractor schemes terms and conditions it is important to check whether advanced notification is required. 

FAQs

When do approved contractors have to notify in Scotland? 

For the purpose of the water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, byelaws in Scotland an approved contractor is a member of one of the following schemes. 

• Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)

• Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)

• Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)

• The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)
  

Providing:

• Their scheme is recognised by Scottish Water

• The proposed work is not a material change of use

• The scope of their membership covers the type of plumbing work undertaken 

• They comply with their scheme terms and conditions

An approved contractor installing the items highlighted in the list below, may not have to provide Scottish Water with advanced notification before starting work. However, on completion they will be required to send a certificate of compliance for the work to Scottish Water as well as issuing one to their client.

Any questions please contact the Scottish Water for advice.

Please note: notification exemptions for those approved contractors who are members of sector schemes is typically restricted to the alteration or extension of plumbing systems. For further information contact the scheme

Please note: due to both differences in notification requirements across the UK and variation in individual approved contractor schemes terms and conditions it is important to check whether advanced notification is required. 

FAQs

When do approved contractors have to notify in Northern Ireland? 

For the purpose of the water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, byelaws in Scotland an approved contractor is a member of one of the following schemes. 

• Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)

• Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)

• Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)

• The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)
  

Providing:

• Their scheme is recognised by Northern Ireland Water

• The proposed work is not a material change of use

• The scope of their membership covers the type of plumbing work undertaken 

• They comply with their scheme terms and conditions

An approved contractor installing the items highlighted in the list below, may not have to provide Northern Ireland Water with advanced notification before starting work. However, on completion they will be required to send a certificate of compliance for the work to Northern Ireland Water as well as issuing one to their client.

Any questions please contact the Northern Ireland Water for advice.

Please note: notification exemptions for those approved contractors who are members of sector schemes is typically restricted to the alteration or extension of plumbing systems. For further information contact the scheme

Please note: due to both differences in notification requirements across the UK and variation in individual approved contractor schemes terms and conditions it is important to check whether advanced notification is required. 

FAQs