Sunday, March 20, 2011

How To Choose The Best Central Heating Plumber Luton

By Larry Hunt


When trying to find a professional central heating plumber Luton, Bedfordshire, it is worth checking the registers held by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE). In April 2009 the new Gas Safe Register became Great Britain's only approved gas safety scheme, replacing the earlier CORGI registration system. Consumers need to understand what registration means, and why it is important to check the qualifications of a heating contractor.

A very useful booklet, "How It All Fits Together ", can be downloaded from CIPHE. This contains full details of the Gas Safe Register scheme. Homeowners, and owners of business premises, need to be aware that it is the owner's responsibility, and not the installer's, if damage is caused to property or the environment due to a faulty gas installation.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) give approval to the new system, which covers all of Great Britain and the Channel Islands. When the new system was introduced the older CORGI registration scheme was closed down. Registrations with the older scheme are no longer valid, and membership of CORGI should not be accepted as proof of competence.

All gas engineers qualified to work with either liquefied petroleum gas, or pipeline delivered natural gas, are listed in the Gas Safe Register. Systems have been put in place to check installers' competence and qualifications, to inspect work, and to handle complaints.

It is very easy for consumers to check that their central heating plumber is on the Gas Safe Register. Simply ask to see the photo ID card, which installers are required to carry at all times. The Gas Safe Register ID card has a prominent yellow triangle logo, embellished with the words Gas Safe Register. The services the plumber is qualified to provide are listed on the back of the card.

It is recommended that consumers double check the details on the ID card. Telephone the number given in the CIPHE's "How It All Fits Together" booklet, or visit the register website.

Generally plumbers working on gas-fired central heating will need both water and gas qualifications. To check their water qualifications simply ask for their membership card from CIPHE.

When looking for the most qualified central heating plumber Luton has to offer, consumers should be aware of the Gas Safe Register scheme. Gas installers should be carrying the proper ID, and details can easily be double checked either by phone, or using the website. Householders need to be aware that responsibility for a faulty gas installation resides with them, and not with the heating contractor.




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