There are many reasons why Plumb Center always recommends using a professional to fit and maintain plumbing and heating products, but none more important than the comfort and safety of your family and friends. There are other reasons such as the restrictions laid down by law, the longevity and performance of products and the saving of time made by using fully trained tradesmen who have all the necessary skills, experience and tools; but comfort and safety are paramount.

When dealing with water, gas or other flammable materials, safety is an overriding concern. Not only is natural gas highly flammable but also waste gases produced from combustion are potentially toxic and need to be dealt with properly. Whilst water may not appear to be potentially dangerous, water coming in contact with electricity is a real hazard and of course, hot water has the potential to burn.

Over 19 million UK homes use gas. When it is used correctly and with respect it is a safe and economical fuel. To make sure you and your family remain safe from the possible dangers of gas, follow these simple steps to gas safety:

• Ensure that appliances are fitted and checked for safety annually by a CORGI registered installer
• Be cautious when buying second hand appliances. Do not save on safety.
• Never be tempted to DIY with gas.

The following extract from CORGI clarifies the legal position:
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 place specific duties on gas users, installers, suppliers and landlords, for example:

• Anyone carrying out work on gas appliances or fittings as part of their business must be competent and registered with CORGI (the Council for Registered Gas Installers).
• Only a competent person can carry out work on gas appliances or fittings. Do-it-yourself work on gas appliances or fittings could be dangerous and is likely to be illegal.
• Do not use any gas appliance or fittings you know or suspect to be unsafe. Through CORGI, the Health and Safety Executive has asked all registered installers to disconnect any gas appliance or fittings that are so dangerous as to be a threat to life if they are used.
• Landlords are responsible for making sure that gas fittings and flues are maintained in good order, and gas appliances that they own in their residential premises, and flues, are checked for safety every 12 months. They must also keep a record of the safety checks for at least two years and issue it to existing tenants and any new tenants before they move in.
• Tenants are responsible for the maintenance and safety of appliances they own.
• The regulations place a number of restrictions on gas appliances installed in bathrooms, shower rooms and bedrooms which are detailed and prescriptive.
• It is illegal to install instantaneous water heaters which are not room sealed or fitted with a safety device which automatically turns the gas supply off before a dangerous level of poisonous fumes builds up.

The training and registration procedures are put in place to ensure that safety standards are maintained.
Whilst some people believe that DIY is the most economic method of carrying out home improvements, using a trained professional can sometimes lead to a saving far outweighing the cost. There are frequent cases of products and homes being damaged by bad installation and shoddy materials. It may be that guarantees become worthless because of defective workmanship and in the most extreme cases, insurance claims may be affected by negligence.

The installation of bathrooms and showers can require highly specialised knowledge, tools and skills that would be beyond the vast majority of the general public. A poorly fitted product will quickly become, at best, an annoyance, at worst, a disaster.

There are many first class professional plumbers and heating installers throughout the United Kingdom. The following organisations will provide you with a good start in selecting a professional who works in your area.