Approved Contractors

For the purposes of the water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, byelaws in Scotland, approved contractor schemes are voluntary organisations for plumbers and plumbing contractors set up in accordance with regulation/byelaw 1(2) of the water. 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 six 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.

Related FAQs

What are approved contractor schemes?

<h1 id="what-are-approved-contractor-schemes">What are approved contractor schemes?</h1><hr><h4 class="p1" id="what-are-approved-contractor-schemes"></h4><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; width: 375px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/acs_logos.png" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>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 <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/regulation/1">regulation 1(2)</a> of the water fittings regulations/byelaws. Approved contractors are either approved by a water undertaker or an organisation appointed by a regulator.</p><p>There is no mandatory requirement for plumbers to join a scheme.</p><p>There are currently five approved contractor schemes, some operate nationally and others in defined areas.</p><p>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<br></p><p> </p><div class="tablewrapper"><table class="t1 table table-bordered table-striped table-responsive"><tbody><tr><td class="td1"><h4 class="p6" id="water-industry-approved">Water Industry Approved </h4></td><td class="td2"><h4 class="p6" id="approved-by-regulator">Approved by Regulator </h4></td></tr><tr><td class="td3"><p class="p7"><a href="https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/developers/water-services/approved-plumbers/aplus-approved-plumbers/">A Plus</a> (Anglian Water) </p></td><td class="td4"><p class="p8"><a href="https://aphc.co.uk/">Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)</a><br></p></td></tr><tr><td class="td5"><p class="p7"><a href="https://www.waips.org.uk">Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme</a> (WIAPS) operated on behalf of 17 water undertakers </p></td><td class="td6"><p class="p8"><a href="http://www.ciphe.org.uk/">Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)</a> <br></p></td></tr><tr><td class="td3"><p class="p7"><br></p></td><td class="td4"><p class="p8"><a href="http://www.snipef.org/">Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)</a> <br></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What is an approved contractor?

<h1 id="what-is-an-approved-contractor">What is an approved contractor? </h1><hr><p><br></p><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; width: 375px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/acs_logos.png" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>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 five approved contractor schemes. </p><p>Membership is voluntary rather than mandatory. Some schemes operate nationally and others in defined areas. </p><p>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.  </p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://www.watersafe.org.uk/">WaterSafe</a> website. </p><p> </p><div class="tablewrapper"><table class="t1 table table-bordered table-striped table-responsive"><tbody><tr><td class="td1"><h4 class="p6" id="water-industry-approved">Water Industry Approved </h4></td><td class="td2"><h4 class="p6" id="approved-by-regulator">Approved by Regulator </h4></td></tr><tr><td class="td3"><p class="p7"><a href="https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/developers/water-services/approved-plumbers/aplus-approved-plumbers/">A Plus</a> (Anglian Water) </p></td><td class="td4"><p class="p8"><a href="https://aphc.co.uk/">Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)</a><br></p></td></tr><tr><td class="td5"><p class="p7"><a href="https://www.wiaps.org.uk">Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme</a> (WIAPS) operated on behalf of 17 water undertakers </p></td><td class="td6"><p class="p8"><a href="http://www.ciphe.org.uk/">Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)</a> <br></p></td></tr><tr><td class="td3"><p class="p7"><br></p></td><td class="td4"><p class="p8"><a href="http://www.snipef.org/">Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)</a> <br></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p> </p><p><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What is an approved contractor sector scheme?

<h1 id="what-is-an-approved-contractor-sector">What is an approved contractor sector scheme?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-is-an-approved-contractor-sector"></h4><p>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.</p><p>Not all approved contractor schemes operate sector schemes.</p><p>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.</p><p>There are a number of sector schemes including:</p><ul><li><p>Groundworkers: these can work on supply pipes up to the internal stop valve</p></li><li><p>Catering Installers: these install commercial catering equipment</p></li><li><p>Point of use installers: these install cold water chillers connected directly to mains</p></li><li><p>RPZ valve testers: these undertake commissioning and compliance testing of RPZ valves</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

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

<h1 id="what-is-the-difference-between-an">What is the difference between an approved contractor and member of a sector scheme?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-is-the-difference-between-an"></h4><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What is WaterSafe?

<h1 id="approved-contractor-faqs">What is WaterSafe?</h1><hr><p><br></p><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; width: 375px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/slide1.png" style="width: 100%"></figure><p><a href="https://www.watersafe.org.uk/">WaterSafe</a> 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.</p><p>Its purpose is to provide a free online directory which the general public can use to find a competent qualified contractor in their area.</p><p> </p><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: left; margin-left: 100px; width: 217px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/watersafe_local_approved_contractors_rgb.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

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

<h1 id="when-do-approved-contractors-have-to">When do approved contractors have to notify in England & Wales? </h1><hr><h4 class="p1" id="when-do-approved-contractors-have-to"></h4><p class="p3">For the purpose of the water fittings regulations in <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents/made">England, Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/contents/made">Northern Ireland</a>, <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent/170718swbyelawsexplained.pdf">byelaws in Scotland</a> an approved contractor is a member of one of the following schemes. </p><ul><li><p><a href="http://www.aphc.co.uk/">Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/developers/water-services/approved-plumbers/aplus-approved-plumbers/">Anglian Water’s APLUS</a>,</p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.ciphe.org.uk/">Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.snipef.org/">Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.wiaps.org.uk">The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)</a><br></p></li></ul><p class="p3">Providing:</p><ul><li><p>Their scheme is recognised by the local water undertaker</p></li><li><p>The proposed work is not a material change of use</p></li><li><p>The scope of their membership covers the type of plumbing work undertaken </p></li><li><p>They comply with their scheme terms and conditions</p></li></ul><p class="p1">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.</p><p class="p1"><strong>Please note:</strong> 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</p><p class="p8"><strong>Please note</strong>: 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. </p><p> </p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notice-ac-ew-_6_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

When do approved contractors have to notify in Scotland?

<h1 id="when-do-approved-contractors-have-to">When do approved contractors have to notify in Scotland? </h1><hr><h4 class="p1" id="when-do-approved-contractors-have-to"></h4><p class="p3">For the purpose of the water fittings regulations in <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents/made">England, Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/contents/made">Northern Ireland</a>, <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent/170718swbyelawsexplained.pdf">byelaws in Scotland</a> an approved contractor is a member of one of the following schemes. </p><ul><li><p><a href="http://www.aphc.co.uk/">Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/developers/water-services/approved-plumbers/aplus-approved-plumbers/">Anglian Water’s APLUS</a>,</p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.ciphe.org.uk/">Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.snipef.org/">Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.wiaps.org.uk">The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)</a><br></p></li></ul><p class="p3">Providing:</p><ul><li><p>Their scheme is recognised by Scottish Water</p></li><li><p>The proposed work is not a material change of use</p></li><li><p>The scope of their membership covers the type of plumbing work undertaken </p></li><li><p>They comply with their scheme terms and conditions</p></li></ul><p class="p1">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.</p><p class="p1">Any questions please contact the Scottish Water for advice.</p><p class="p1"><strong>Please note:</strong> 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</p><p class="p8"><strong>Please note</strong>: 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. </p><p> </p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notice-ac-s-_7_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

When do approved contractors have to notify in Northern Ireland?

<h1 id="when-do-approved-contractors-have-to">When do approved contractors have to notify in Northern Ireland? </h1><hr><h4 class="p1" id="when-do-approved-contractors-have-to"></h4><p>For the purpose of the water fittings regulations in <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents/made">England, Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2009/255/contents/made">Northern Ireland</a>, <a href="https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Business-and-Developers/Byelaws-and-Trade-Effluent/170718swbyelawsexplained.pdf">byelaws in Scotland</a> an approved contractor is a member of one of the following schemes. </p><ul><li><p><a href="http://www.aphc.co.uk/">Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/developers/water-services/approved-plumbers/aplus-approved-plumbers/">Anglian Water’s APLUS</a>,</p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.ciphe.org.uk/">Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="http://www.snipef.org/">Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.wiaps.org.uk">The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)</a><br></p></li></ul><p class="p3">Providing:</p><ul><li><p>Their scheme is recognised by Northern Ireland Water</p></li><li><p>The proposed work is not a material change of use</p></li><li><p>The scope of their membership covers the type of plumbing work undertaken </p></li><li><p>They comply with their scheme terms and conditions</p></li></ul><p class="p1">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.</p><p class="p1">Any questions please contact the Northern Ireland Water for advice.<br></p><p class="p1"><strong>Please note</strong>: 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</p><p class="p8"><strong>Please note</strong>: 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. </p><p><br></p><figure class="img-responsive" style="min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/notice-ac-ni-_8_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What is a certificate of compliance?

<h1 id="what-is-a-certificate-of-compliance">What is a certificate of compliance?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-is-a-certificate-of-compliance"></h4><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; width: 285px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/work_completed_pad.jpg" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>Also known as a work completed certificate this is a certificate issued by an approved contractor or sector scheme member to the person who engaged them to carry out plumbing work.</p><p>The approved contractor or sector member must issue a certificate of compliance to their customer. If the work was notifiable under regulation 5 of the water fittings regulations/byelaws, they must also provide the local water undertaker with a copy.</p><p>By signing the certificate, the approved contractor is certifying the work has been undertaken by them, or in the case of some schemes under their direction and is compliant with the water fitting regulations/byelaws.</p><p>A certificate of compliance can be used as a legal defence by a customer if the certified work is later identified as being non-compliant.</p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What is the position regarding accepting certificates of compliance?

<h1 id="what-is-the-position-regarding-accepting">What is the position regarding accepting certificates of compliance?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-is-the-position-regarding-accepting"></h4><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; width: 275px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/work_completed_pad.jpg" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>Certificates issued by members of schemes approved by a regulator are acceptable nationally.</p><p>Certificates issued by a member of a water company scheme must be accepted for worked completed in that water company’s area of supply. Whilst water companies are not obliged to accept certificates issued by members outside their area of supply, the custom and practice is to do so providing:</p><ul><li><p>Their scheme is recognised by the local water undertaker</p></li><li><p>The proposed work is not a material change of use</p></li><li><p>The scope of their membership covers the type of plumbing work undertaken </p></li><li><p>They comply with their scheme terms and conditions</p></li></ul><p>A certificate of compliance is a legal protection for the recipient against prosecution where the certified work is deemed non-compliant. This does not prohibit water companies from taking other enforcement action.</p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

Where can you find an approved contractor?

<h1 id="where-can-you-find-an-approved">Where can you find an approved contractor?</h1><hr><h4 id="where-can-you-find-an-approved"></h4><p>You can search for approved contractors via the individual approved contractor schemes or WaterSafe.</p><p>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.</p><p>For further information please refer to <a href="https://www.watersafe.org.uk/">WaterSafe</a>.</p><figure class="img-responsive" style="width: 303px; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/watersafe_local_approved_contractors_rgb.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

How do you confirm someone is a current member of an approved contractor scheme?

<h1 id="how-do-you-confirm-someone-is">How do you confirm someone is a current member of an approved contractor scheme?</h1><hr><h4 class="p1" id="how-do-you-confirm-someone-is"></h4><p>You can confirm membership by using the <a href="https://www.watersafe.org.uk/">WaterSafe</a> search facility or contacting the scheme in question.</p><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; width: 375px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/slide1.png" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><figure class="img-responsive" style="margin-left: 130px; width: 217px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/watersafe_local_approved_contractors_rgb.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p> </p><div class="tablewrapper"><table class="table"><tbody><tr><td><p><br></p><p><strong>Water Industry Approved</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Approved by Regulator</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><a href="https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/developers/water-services/approved-plumbers/aplus-approved-plumbers/">A Plus</a> (Anglian Water)</p></td><td><p><a href="https://aphc.co.uk/">Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)</a></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><a href="https://www.wiaps.org.uk">Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme</a> (WIAPS) operated on behalf of 17 water undertakers</p></td><td><p><a href="http://www.ciphe.org.uk/">Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)</a></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><br></p></td><td><p><a href="http://www.snipef.org/">Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF)</a></p><p> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What approved contractor scheme can I join?

<h1 id="what-approved-contractor-scheme-can-i">What approved contractor scheme can I join?</h1><hr><h4 class="p1" id="what-approved-contractor-scheme-can-i"></h4><figure class="img-responsive" style="float: right; width: 400px; margin-left: 10px; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/acs_logos.png" style="width: 100%"></figure><p>The <a href="https://www.watersafe.org.uk/">WaterSafe website</a> provides information about joining a scheme but ultimately you will need to contact the individual schemes to confirm whether you are eligible to join and apply.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

What qualifications do you need to join an approved contractor or sector scheme?

<h1 id="what-qualifications-do-you-need-to">What qualifications do you need to join an approved contractor or sector scheme?</h1><hr><h4 id="what-qualifications-do-you-need-to"></h4><p>The WaterSafe website provides information about recognised qualifications but ultimately you will need to contact the schemes to confirm whether you are eligible to join.</p><figure class="img-responsive" style="width: 303px; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; min-width: auto; min-height: auto;"><img src="/images/topics/faqs/watersafe_local_approved_contractors_rgb.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 100%"></figure><p><br></p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

Who can install and test an RPZ valve?

<h1 id="who-can-install-and-test-an">Who can install and test an RPZ valve?</h1><hr><h4 class="p1" id="who-can-install-and-test-an"></h4><p><img src="/images/topics/faqs/rpz-tundish-cv-openflow-section-brass-4_a3_.png" class="img-responsive" style="width: 236px; float: right; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px;" loading="lazy">In addition to manufacturers installation instructions RPZ valves must be installed and tested in accordance with the <a href="/publications/aims/">RPZ AIM</a></p><p>Once installed an RPZ valve needs to be commission and compliance tested before it can be brought into service. The valve will also need to be compliance tested at regular intervals thereafter, as well as following relocation or repair.</p><p>To comply with the RPZ AIM commission and compliance testing should only be carried out by someone having an RPZ valve testing qualification recognised by the local water undertaker.</p><p>Details of what is required by water undertakers to be considered as evidence of competency to test an RPZ valve are provided in the RPZ AIM glossary.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 id="topics">FAQs</h1><p><br></p>

Regulations & Byelaws which apply include but are not limited to:

Regulation 1 England & Wales
Regulation 1 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 1 Scotland
Regulation 5 England & Wales
Regulation 5 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 5 Scotland
Regulation 6 England & Wales
Regulation 6 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 6 Scotland

Guidance

Regulation 5 England & Wales
Regulation 5 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 5 Scotland
Regulation 6 England & Wales
Regulation 6 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 6 Scotland

Publications

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