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Handyman or Plumber?

A simple guide to knowing who to call (and how to spot the good ones)

Handyman or Plumber?

A simple guide to knowing who to call (and how to spot the good ones)

Not every plumbing job needs a plumber. Plenty of common household tasks, from dripping taps to blocked sinks, can be handled perfectly well by an experienced handyman, often at a lower cost and with a shorter wait. But some jobs do require specialist qualifications and certification. Getting this wrong can be costly, unsafe, or even illegal.

Here is a quick reference to help you decide who to call.

Who Should You Call?

Jobs a handyman can handle

JobHandymanPlumber
Replacing taps (like-for-like)✅❌
Fixing a dripping tap or replacing washers✅❌
Unblocking sinks, baths, or toilets✅❌
Replacing a toilet seat or cistern parts✅❌
Fitting a new shower head or hose✅❌
Connecting a washing machine or dishwasher✅❌
Replacing silicone sealant around baths/showers✅❌
Fixing minor leaks on accessible pipework✅❌
Replacing a radiator valve (drain-down and refill)✅❌

Jobs best left to a qualified plumber

JobHandymanPlumber
Installing new pipework or re-routing supply pipes❌✅
Work on the mains water supply or stopcock❌✅
Installing a new bathroom or kitchen from scratch❌✅
Moving or installing a boiler❌✅
Connecting to or altering drainage/soil stacks❌✅
Unvented hot water cylinder installation❌✅
Any work requiring Building Control notification❌✅
Gas work of any kind (Gas Safe registered only)❌✅

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Rule of thumb: if the job involves replacing something that is already there (like-for-like), a handyman can usually help. If it involves new pipework, altering the water supply, or anything to do with gas, you need a qualified plumber or Gas Safe registered engineer.

What Does the Law Say?

In the UK, plumbing is not a licensed trade in the same way as gas or electrical work. There is no legal requirement for a “plumber’s licence” to carry out basic plumbing tasks. However, certain types of work are regulated:

Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 require that any plumbing installation is carried out competently and uses approved materials, to prevent contamination or waste of the water supply. Significant alterations must be notified to your local water company.

Building Regulations apply when you are installing a new bathroom, moving drainage, or fitting an unvented hot water cylinder. This work usually requires Building Control approval.

Gas work of any kind (boilers, gas hobs, gas fires) must only be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement, not optional.

Non-compliant work can result in fines, invalidated home insurance, and potentially dangerous installations. When in doubt, always check.

How to Spot a Good Tradesperson

Whether you are hiring a handyman or a plumber, the same basic principles apply. Unfortunately, not everyone operating in this space takes the same care, and a bad experience can cost you far more than the original job would have. Here is what to look for:

  1. Public liability insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong. Any reputable tradesperson will have it and be happy to confirm. If they dodge the question, that is a red flag.

  2. Written quotes, not verbal estimates. A proper quote in writing protects both sides. It sets expectations clearly and prevents surprise charges halfway through a job.

  3. Reviews and references. Check Google reviews, Checkatrade, or ask for references from previous customers. Consistent positive feedback is a strong sign of reliability.

  4. Clear communication. A good tradesperson will explain what they are going to do, how long it will take, and flag any issues honestly rather than just cracking on and billing you later.

  5. They know their limits. This is a big one. A trustworthy handyman will tell you when a job needs a specialist rather than winging it. That honesty protects your home and your wallet.

  6. No pressure for cash-only payments. Legitimate tradespeople offer card payments or bank transfers and provide proper invoices. Cash-only with no paperwork should ring alarm bells.

  7. Happy to show ID or credentials. Whether it is a business card, website, or membership of a trade body, professionals are proud of their credentials, not secretive about them.

A note from me

As a handyman business, I carry public liability insurance, provide written quotes, and am always upfront about what I can and cannot do. If a job falls outside my scope, I will tell you, and where possible, point you towards someone qualified to help.

I believe the best way to build trust is to be honest about the limits of what a handyman should take on. That transparency is what separates a reliable tradesperson from the rest.

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.