Approved Contractor Scheme

The importance of installing and managing a safe and sanitary plumbing system throughout homes has led to the implementation of several plumbing codes and statutes, outlining requirements for those working in the industry

In the UK, plumbers are overseen by law, under the Water Regulations (Water Byelaws in Scotland). Until 2003, these were overseen by the Water Regulations Advisory Committee, a part of DEFRA (the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). Since 2003, this has instead been overseen by OFWAT - the Water Services Regulation Authority. Additional laws and statutes exist as part of Building Regulations made under Building Acts.

Additionally, there are non-governmental organisations dedicated to maintaining standards of plumbers. These include the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) and the Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (IDHEE) among others. These are set up to promote efficiency, and to improve customer confidence in the plumbing industry. Many of these organisations exists under a larger, umbrella company - the Plumbing and Heating Industry Alliance (PHIA), which includes plumbing associations as well as manufacturers of plumbing, water and heating products.

Other organisations include BPEC (the British Plumbers Employers' Council) which oversees training; ensuring standards are maintained so that all plumbers can carry out high quality jobs to a professional standard.

Membership of these groups is voluntary, and a plumber may be a member of more than one group. In addition to the groups mentioned, the most popular 'approved contractor' group is the IPHE - the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers, which has a membership of over 12,000. Its members must conform to a five point 'Code of Professional Standards'. The organisation also aims to improve many of the practices, standards and principles of the plumbing industry. Most organisations have their own searchable directories of plumbers conforming to the standards of their organisation. In most cases, plumbers must prove their competence through additional qualifications.