There are several factors to consider when choosing a plumber to work on your central heating or fit or repair the shower in your bathroom. There's cost, of course, as well as expected timescales and recommendations from other satisfied customers.
But one major factor that should be key in helping you make your choice is - according to South East Water - whether a plumber is WaterSafe registered.
The utility provider claims there has been an increase in the number of rogue plumbers competing for work, so householders need to be more careful when selecting a tradesperson.
Choosing someone who's WaterSafe registered can give you much greater confidence that you are paying a reputable contractor who will carry out the job competently and at a reasonable price.
"If you need a plumber always use the WaterSafe website to find qualified professionals working in your area," said Mark Newmarch, water fittings and regulations team leader at South East Water.
"By employing a competent plumber you have the peace of mind that your property is protected from damage which can be caused by poor plumbing installation."
WaterSafe brings together qualified plumbing contractors from seven existing approved contractor schemes and the website is completely free for consumers to use.
There are costs for becoming a member of an approved contractor scheme, but WaterSafe itself is free to join and the benefits for plumbers are huge, not least being able to reach many more potential customers by establishing a better online presence.
Among the seven approved contractor schemes are the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors, the Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme and the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation.
From March 2013 all WaterSafe registered plumbers have been required to carry an ID badge with the WaterSafe logo, so consumers should always ask to see this before any work is carried out.