Technically a plumber doesn’t need to be licensed, however there are a number of qualifications and accreditations for plumbers, but none are mandatory. None the less, for gas works the engineer needs to be Gas Safe Registered. You can easily see if an engineer is registered on the Gas Safe Register website. 

To find the best plumber, you should always look at the reputation and reviews of a potential candidate, such as Google Reviews, Facebook and trade directory sites like Checkatrade. Word of mouth is also a powerful tool, and family and friends can offer helpful advice and recommendation. 

When shopping for a plumber, it’s good to ask questions about cost and how they set their prices, and then compare to others – it's always good to get at least 3 quotes. It’s important to make sure you have an experienced plumber on your job, so ask them about experience and similar projects they have worked on. Although it’s not mandatory for plumbers to be accredited, qualified or licensed, it’s always worth asking if they have any. 

It is possible to install a new toilet without a plumber, however there are risks such as leaks on the cold feed or the waste to the toilet, resulting in wet and damp ceilings and walls. Cisterns and pans can also have leaks if not joined together correctly. These scenarios often result in the need for professional intervention, where a simple DIY toilet installation can become expensive. It’s best to ask a plumber for help from the outset when installing a new toilet.

There are a variety of ways of unblocking plumbing pipes, and a common technique used by plumbers is to use drain acids (but care must be taken here, as this can be dangerous). Given the dangers that accompany the use of corrosive acids, it’s usually best to ask for advice from an experienced plumber. 

To change a toilet seat, a plumber would normally use their minimum charge, which would be an hour call out (£80 +VAT), however most plumbers would simply give a few helpful tips over the phone. If you need help, Capital Heat Ltd are happy to offer any tips and advice. 

To find water leaks in walls, plumbers would first look for signs of damp, such as stains on walls, paint peeling, skirting boards blown, and discolouring of wood work. Plumbers also use helpful hand-held water meters that can detect even the smallest of leaks. 

Plumbers can charge various amounts to install water heaters, as there are a variety of options to suit the customers needs. Simple water heaters that sit over the sink can be a 2 – 3 hour job, which would be in the region of £200 +VAT. However, larger cylinder water heaters can take up to a day to install, which would cost around £650 +VAT. It should also be considered that parts won’t be included in this, which again will dependent on the water heater.