Why Use a SNIPEF Member

Using a SNIPEF plumber gives you peace of mind that you are choosing a plumbing business that employs properly trained and fully qualified operatives. Furthermore, our Members are committed to high standards of professionalism and customer service.

What Criteria Must SNIPEF Members Meet?

To become a Member of SNIPEF, a plumbing and heating business must satisfy these requirements:

• Employ properly qualified operatives
• Maintain public liability insurance of at least £2 million
• Have passed a technical inspection to ensure work is carried out properly
• Must comply with industry standards including Water Byelaws/Regulations and Building Standard
• Commit to uphold the SNIPEF Code of Conduct

How Can I Find a SNIPEF Plumber in my Area?

Go to our Need a Plumber website and simply enter your postcode to find plumbing firms in your area.

Use the ‘service’ field to select the particular type of job you are looking for and the search facility will find firms offering that service for you to choose from.

How Do I Know if a Company is a SNIPEF Member?

All companies listed on our Need a Plumber website are SNIPEF plumbers. If you’re unsure about a company, give us a call on 0131 524 1231 to check.

I have a complaint about a SNIPEF Member?

Customers can access an independent complaints procedure to resolve disputes against members. If you have a complaint about a member.

SNIPEF Complaints Process

We’re here to help if you have an issue with work carried out by a SNIPEF member. Below is a clear guide to what we can and cannot deal with, and the steps you need to take before contacting us.

What we can help with:

• The standard of work carried out by a SNIPEF member. You can verify if a plumber and heating company is a SNIPEF member at www.needaplumber.org or by calling our Customer Support Officer on 0131 524 1231.
• Complaints where the contract is between you and a SNIPEF member company.
• Work carried out at a private residence.
• Issues with installation of goods or workmanship.

What we cannot help with:

• Complaints about businesses that were not SNIPEF members at the time the work was completed.
• Business-to-business contracts.
• Complaints about work completed over 12 months ago.
• Issues relating to prices charged or the time taken to complete work.
• Claims for compensation.
• Complaints where legal action has been started.
• Complaints already addressed by Citizens Advice Bureau or Trading Standards.

Before contacting us:

If you are unhappy with work carried out by a SNIPEF member company, you must first raise the complaint directly with the member in writing and allow them at least 10 working days to respond.

To help resolve the issue efficiently, we recommend:

• Providing a clear and factual history of the issue, including any relevant previous correspondence.
• Including invoice numbers and any other relevant reference details.
• Explaining what resolution you are looking for.

If your complaint remains unresolved:

If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction after giving the member sufficient time to respond, you can access our independent dispute resolution process.

To begin, please complete our Customer Complaint Form. We’re here to help guide you through the process and work towards a resolution.

How Can I Become a Plumber?

The only industry-recognised route for a plumbing apprenticeship in Scotland is the Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Plumbing and Heating. Details on undertaking an apprenticeship can be found on the Apprenticeships section.