SEVERN Trent Water is reminding its customers to make sure any plumbing work is done properly.

Working with WaterSafe, the company is warning homeowners about the costly risks of using a dodgy tradesperson.

Ian Mitchell, water fittings regulations manager for Severn Trent Water, said: “Research shows that most people these days tend to choose a plumber based on cost alone and don’t often think to check if they’re properly qualified to do a job.

"With the summer holidays in full swing, a lot of people might be thinking about tackling a bit of DIY around the house themselves.

“Not using a properly qualified plumber is not only dangerous, it’s a false economy and could end up costing the homeowner a lot of money and a lot of hassle to put right.

"The average cost to put a job right comes in at a whopping £426. Furthermore, there are the safety implications. Water safety in the home is of paramount importance and by using a dodgy tradesman, homeowners are not considering the risk that contaminated water poses. When it comes to a gas job, we know to look for a Gas Safe fitter, why not the same for water?”

Helping to pull the plug on rogue plumbers is WaterSafe - a national register, accreditation body and online directory designed to provide home and business owners with a trusted, credible source of approved plumbing businesses in their area.

Severn Trent Water is supporting the campaign to get the nation clued up to only using trusted plumbers.

Mr Mitchell added: “WaterSafe’s website allows customers to search for an approved plumber in their area, making sure that they’re getting a safe and competent tradesman to carry out work in their home.

"By using a properly qualified professional with this scheme, we can work together to drive out unethical plumbers and raise safety standards. For us, the motto is ’be safe, be Watersafe’.”

For further information visit watersafe.org.uk