Do I Need a Plumber or a Heating Engineer?

One thing a lot of homeowners struggle with is the difference between plumbers and heating engineers. In fact, there’s a bit of an overlap in the services both trades provide, so you can be forgiven for getting confused!

Here, we’ll run through a few of the differences and similarities between them, as well as telling you what to look for when you have a problem that needs resolving.

The Difference Between the Two Trades

Firstly, why is it important to hire the right kind of tradesman? The answer, of course, is that you’re looking for someone who’s capable of carrying out quality work to a high standard and will do it in a way that’s safe for you and your family. Hiring an amateur may not get the problem solved and could even cost you more in future if you then have to get a further tradesperson in to do the job again.

So what kinds of issues do central heating engineers tackle? Essentially, any aspect of your home’s heating system. This includes your boiler, your hot water cylinder if you have one, and the thermostat. A heating engineer can also resolve problems with radiators. They can generally tackle repairs, and where necessary, installations of entire new heating systems. They can also help with routine maintenance and servicing to keep the system operating as efficiently as possible.

A plumber, on the other hand, works on any appliance that involves water, including taps, toilets and sinks. They will also handle the pipework that conducts water to, from and around your premises. If you’re having a new kitchen installed, it’s a plumber who’ll fit your sink and dishwasher; likewise, for new bathrooms, a plumber will fit the sink, bath and toilet. As well as installation, you should call a plumber if you have a blocked sink, a leaky tap, a burst pipe or problems with your drainage, irrigation or sewage system.

When hiring a heating engineer, you should always ask if they’re Gas Safe registered. This is a legal requirement. Some plumbers may also be able to boast Gas Safe registration, but you should check what that covers. Very often, they may be qualified to install a gas cooker, but not have the knowledge, skills and accreditation to carry out gas central heating boiler services, for instance.

Plumbers and Heating Engineers under the Same Roof

Luckily, if you contact JGS Heating Engineers, you get access to experts in both trades under the same umbrella! Despite our name, we’re fully qualified and experienced in all aspects of plumbing services as well as being proficient heating engineers in Swindon, Wiltshire and providing a wide range of heating services.

Just call and outline your problem to us, and we’ll make sure an appropriately skilled tradesperson arrives to tackle the issue as soon as possible! And not only are all our central heating engineers Gas Safe certified for your peace of mind, but any work we carry out on your property is warrantied for two years.