PRACTICAL GUIDE · UPDATED 2026-10-30
Do you need a plumber or a gas engineer?
Describe the appliance and the work, because a plumbing or heating business name does not establish gas qualifications.
A dripping tap, leaking water pipe or toilet repair is a starting point for a plumber. Ask whether they handle your particular problem before booking. A business may offer both plumbing and gas services, but the person attending still needs the right qualifications for the job.
GOV.UK says registration with Gas Safe Register is required to carry out gas work legally. For domestic gas appliances, choose an engineer whose current registration and work categories cover the task. A van logo, directory listing or the description 'heating engineer' is not enough to establish that.
The boundary matters on a heating installation. HSE says a person who is not Gas Safe registered may install water pipes and radiators, but work on the gas boiler itself and the final water connections to it must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. HSE also says an unregistered installer cannot fit a gas appliance and rely on someone registered to sign it off afterwards.
When enquiring, name the appliance, say whether it uses mains natural gas or LPG, and explain whether you need installation, servicing, diagnosis or repair. If you are unsure, describe the symptoms and let the firm confirm who should attend. A gas smell or suspected carbon monoxide needs emergency action before a repair booking.
Your checklist
- Describe the fixture or appliance and the work you want done.
- Tell the firm if the property uses LPG.
- Ask who will attend and check their gas qualifications where required.
- For a mixed plumbing and gas job, confirm which person will do each part.
- Do not accept a plan to have unregistered gas work signed off later.
Sources & further reading
- GOV.UK: Register to carry out gas work ↗
- HSE: Gas safety check - who can do it? ↗
- HSE: Check an engineer - are they Gas Safe registered? ↗
General information, not a property assessment, booking or assurance about a listed business. Dates indicate content updates; they are not invented publication dates.