UK plumbing register WaterSafe is welcoming up to 1,500 approved water supply pipe installers, also known as groundworkers, to its membership.
It comes as the organisation urges customers to always use an approved contractor to work on their underground supply pipe, to make sure they get safe and wholesome drinking water and help prevent leaks.
Research by WaterSafe found that around 80% of those surveyed would be more likely to trust a tradesperson or company to work on their water supply pipe if they were backed by their local water company.
Almost a third of homeowners, and over a quarter of non-domestic customers, weren’t aware that they’re usually responsible for their property’s water supply pipe.
Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome these approved water supply pipe installers to our membership, making it even easier for people to visit our website watersafe.org.uk and find someone they can trust to do a good job.
“Becoming a WaterSafe member is free, if you’re already signed up to one of the seven Approved Contractor schemes in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. There are lots of benefits, including free promotion and branding, with a listing on the largest online directory for approved drinking water contractors in the UK, promoted to thousands of people each day, and by your local water company.”
To join WaterSafe, water supply pipe installers must have a recognised water fittings regulations certificate and be a member of one of the seven Approved Contractor schemes that make up WaterSafe.