The Regulations introduced the concept of approved installers within the plumbing industry. Approved status carries certain statutory responsibilities and benefits to customers.

Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme
A number of water supply companies in England, Wales and Scotland fund the Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS) which is free of charge to participating plumbers. An approved plumber will certify that their installation or maintenance work satisfies the Regulations. 

Breaches
If breaches of the Regulations are found in the certified work, the legal responsibility falls upon the approved plumber and not the owner or occupier. 

Consent
The installation by an approved contractor of certain specified items removes the requirement for prior consent but, on completion, copies of compliance certificates must be sent to the person who commissioned the work. In the case of an RPZ valve assembly, the contractor must also notify Southern Water.

Southern Water supports WIAPS whose members have demonstrated their experience of plumbing work and knowledge of the Regulations and have appropriate liability insurance cover. 

For a list of WIAPS-approved plumbers (installers) go to www.wras.co.uk/wiaps/Plumber_search.asp 

If you require the services of a plumber local to your area you could try www.ciphe.org.uk/Find-a-plumber/About-find-a-plumber or www.checkatrade.com.