Let’s face it, when something goes wrong with the plumbing or heating at home, it can be super stressful. One common worry is knowing who to call for help: a plumber or a heating engineer? They both fix stuff, right? Well, yes, but they have different skills and jobs. The same applies when you’re looking for someone to install or service something to do with your home heating or water supply.
This article will help you figure out who to call when things go wrong with your plumbing, heating, or heating-related electronics. The good news is that there’s a lot of overlap between the roles. Most plumbers will be able to perform a lot of the tasks that a heat engineer can, and likewise, heating engineers will be able to tackle many of the plumber’s jobs. However, there are also areas of specialisation.
Companies like Able Plumbing Solutions cover the whole range of plumbing and heating tasks, so if you call us with your problem, we’ll know exactly who to send. But just to clear up any confusion, let’s dive in!
The role of a plumber
A plumber is a professional who deals with water and gas systems in your home. They work on pipes, taps, tanks and other fixtures. Plumbers handle everything from your kitchen sink to your bathroom shower, as well as heating systems. They also ensure that clean water comes into your home and waste water goes out. There is a point where responsibility passes to your water supplier, which is usually at the boundary of your home. Shared accommodation units such as apartment blocks will have specific boundaries that should be detailed in your contract.
Plumbers need to go through rigorous training and need to be certified. In the UK, they might have NVQ diplomas in plumbing or heating. They need to understand complex systems and must be good at problem-solving.
Wondering what a plumber does? Here’s a list of common tasks:
- Fixing leaks in pipes and taps
- Installing or blocking off pipework
- Unclogging drains and toilets
- Installing new fixtures like sinks, baths and dishwashers
The role of a heating engineer
A heating engineer is a specialist who focuses on heating systems. They deal with boilers, radiators, thermostats and all things heat-related. If you’ve got a cold house in the middle of winter, you probably need a heating engineer.
Heating engineers also need extensive training. They might have similar qualifications to plumbers, but they usually have extra specialisations. For example, in the UK, heating engineers who work with gas need to be on the Gas Safe Register. This makes sure they know how to handle potentially dangerous systems safely.
So, what does a heating engineer do? Here’s a list:
- Installing and repairing boilers
- Installing and adjusting radiators
- Fixing issues with central heating systems
- Installing and repairing thermostats
Overlapping skills
Plumbers and heating engineers do a lot of similar jobs. For example, both might install radiators or work with certain pipework. In new house builds or big renovations, both might be needed. They often work together to ensure all systems are set up correctly.
Understanding who to call
So, how do you know who to call? Start by identifying the main problem. Is it a water issue or a heating issue? If it’s water leaking from a pipe, call a plumber. If your home isn’t heating up, it’s likely time for a heating engineer. Remember, though, that most heating engineers will be accomplished plumbers, and many plumbers will also be Gas Safe Registered heating engineers. If you contact a company rather than an individual tradesperson, there’s a good chance they’ll have both skill sets covered.
Checklist: plumber or heating engineer?
Here’s a handy list to help you out.
- Leaking tap: Plumber.
- Broken boiler: Heating Engineer.
- Clogged sink: Plumber.
- No hot water: Heating engineer (if related to central heating).
- Dripping radiator valve: Heating engineer.
- New toilet installation: Plumber.
- Radiator not heating up: Heating Engineer.
- Burst pipe: Plumber (but heating engineer if it’s part of the heating system).
- Thermostat replacement: Heating Engineer.
- Water pressure issues: Plumber.
In summary, knowing the difference between a plumber and a heating engineer can save you loads of time and stress.
- Plumbers handle water systems – think taps, toilets, and drains – as well as gas pipework. Some plumbers specialise in gas installations rather than water, and they often call themselves gas plumbers or gas engineers.
- Heating engineers focus on warmth, dealing with boilers, radiators and heating controls. When in doubt, think about where the problem lies. Is it water-related or heat-related?
- Most heating and plumbing companies with multiple employees will have all the skills covered, so it’s worth contacting them if you think the problem crosses both areas.
Before you hire anyone, ask questions and seek recommendations. Look for professionals who are certified and experienced. It’s always better to spend a bit more for a job well done than to cut corners and end up with more problems down the line.Need help right away? Reach out to local professionals for advice. You can find reliable plumbers and heating engineers by checking local directories or trusted websites. If you’re in the Milton Keynes, Bedford or Northampton area, please get in touch with Able Plumbing Solutions, a team of local plumbers who can tackle all aspects of domestic and business plumbing and heating.