HOW IS WIAPS DIFFERENT TO WATERSAFE?

WIAPS is one of six Approved Contractors’ schemes operating across the UK. Each of the schemes is either operated by a water company or appointed by the Secretary of State recognised in law under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Water Byelaws. The current Approved Contractors’ Schemes are:

• The Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)
  
• Anglian Water’s A Plus
  
• Severn Trent’s WaterMark
  
• Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)
  
• Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) Approved Contractor Persons
  
• Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) Water Regulations Approved Contractors’ Scheme

WaterSafe recognises qualified professional plumbers who are employed by a business, which is a member of one or more Approved Contractors’ Schemes. It is operated by and unites the above six existing Approved Contractors’ Schemes bringing them under one umbrella brand. Its purpose is to provide a new nationwide hub and online search facility for approved plumbing businesses.

The six existing Approved Contractors’ Schemes will continue to operate as they do now and like their members, each Scheme will benefit from the increased web presence and promotion offered by WaterSafe. 

Membership is free to existing Approved Contractors’ Scheme registered businesses. If you are a plumber and want more information on joining WIAPS and WaterSafe look at the ‘Get Approved’ section.