What’s The Difference Between Gas Engineers, Heating Engineers, And Plumbers?
To the average person like you and I, a gas engineer, a heating engineer, and a plumber may seem like the same exact thing. But this is absolutely not true at all. You should make sure you know the difference between the two so that when you do need to make that call for services you don’t end up with a rogue tradesman who doesn’t qualify for the job at hand. If you are in need of a gas engineer in London then click this link it will help you find exactly what you need.
To learn more about the differences between gas engineers, heating engineers, and plumbers keep reading below.
Gas Engineers
The title gas engineer pretty much tells you that they work with gas appliances but sometimes people don’t put two and two together and end up calling the wrong person. The things they deal with include: installation, servicing, and repairs. Such services to appliances can be done to cookers, boilers, and gas fires. However, there are some gas engineers that only have a license to work solely on gas meters, while other gas engineers have licenses that cover all kinds of different work.
The one main thing to be concerned about when it comes to gas engineers is whether or not they are Gas Safe registered, Being Gas Safe registered ensures that the gas engineer is legally permitted to carry out any kind of gas work. To ensure that the gas engineer you hire is in fact Gas Safe registered you can simply ask them to show you their ID card that proves that they are able to do so. And if that isn’t enough proof for you to feel comfortable you can always go onto the Gas Safe Register website to make sure that they are on there and they are legitimate.
Plumbers
Plumbers have the simplest trades to understand, however, some people get confused about the fact that plumbers can’t touch boilers. But other than one thing plumbers can carry out all of the tasks you think a plumber would do. Which includes, pipe-work, installing, and maintaining systems that are used for potable (drinking) water, draining in plumbing systems, and last but not least sewage.
Heating Engineer
Heating engineers actually work alongside gas engineers most of the time doing as much work as they can on heating systems as long as it doesn’t require them to work with gas. Heating engineers usually hold an NVQ or equivalent which surprisingly is one step up from a plumber. It should be mentioned that just because heating engineers are considered plumbers that they are still nowhere near qualified or licensed or competent to do any kind of work that involves gas. Especially since they are not legally permitted to do so. However, nowadays heating engineers have started a trend of registering with the Gas Safe Register anyway.
Who To Call
If your boiler is acting up or your radiators making weird noises, who are you supposed to call? Every time something needs to be fixed in your household it can be difficult to try and figure out the right tradesperson to call to get the job done. Mostly because there can be an overlap where a lot of professionals take on multiple different tasks. But heating engineering and plumbing are two very different professions and you need to know who to call in an emergency.
When to Call a Heating Engineer
If you are having any kind of trouble with your heating system then you should always search the yellow pages for a heating engineer. They know how to fix heating systems when it comes to repairs, replacements, annual services, or even such emergencies including the following:
- Central heating systems through vents
- Radiators
- Thermostats
- Associated piping
- Hot water cylinders
- Or everything else concerning your heating system
If the heating engineer needs to be able to work on a gas appliance it is best like I said before to make sure they are on the Gas Safe registry. And if you happen to need them to look at oil boilers they will have to be equipped with an OFTEC certification and don’t be afraid to ask to see it.
When It’s Time To Call A Plumber
It’s a known fact that any kind of appliance that is water based is the sole domain of a plumber. Water based appliances include: toilets, dishwashers, sinks, and taps. There are plumbers who have the same Gas Safe registration as the heating engineers but that does not necessarily mean they are able or qualified to work with gas boilers. However, they may be qualified to work on other gas appliances such as stove stops so it’s always better safe than sorry to check and make sure.
Tasks Your Plumber Will Be Qualified to Perform Include:
- They can clear blockages in pipes that happen to carry water ( for example your washing machine and dishwasher)
- They can investigate dripping taps and fix water leaks
- They can install water based appliances such as dishwashers
- They can repair, fix, and install bathroom suites
- They can troubleshoot toilet issues such as non-flushes and over flows
- They can maintain, repair, and install drainage systems.
- They can install irrigation systems
- They can install sewage systems
How to Find a Gas Safe Registered Heating Engineer
In order to replace a boiler it takes great skill and expertise. And of course just like mentioned before the task should only be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Most of those engineers will proudly display their certificate on their websites, such as this gas engineer London.
In Summary
Heating engineers, plumbers, and gas engineers are very similar in what they do but that doesn’t mean you can use one for a job that only a gas engineer can do. You really have to do your research to make sure you’re calling for the right tradesman for the job you need to be done. And also ask them for their ID and Gas Safe registration card.