What is the difference between Approved Contractor and an approved plumber?

An Approved Contractor is a type of competent person defined in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Water Byelaws. These are more formally known as Approved Contractors.

An Approved Plumber is one type of Approved Contractor. Approved Plumbers can issue certificates of compliance for all types of plumbing work with a premises. Other types of Approved Contractors have limited scopes, so can only issue certificates of compliance for specific types of work.

Including WIAPS, there are five Approved Contractor Persons’ Schemes operating across the UK and for ease of recognition for consumers they are often referred to as Approved Plumbers. All seven UK schemes are essentially the same as they have the same entrance criteria and are recognised by all of the UK water suppliers.