Consumers should check that a tradesman has taken the relevant plumbing courses before allowing them to work on their boiler.
This is the view of Rick Crees, a spokesman for the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), who told the Independent that it is an important point to note for smaller domestic jobs.
The publication recommended looking at previous jobs carried out by the technician or firm, while also checking they have the correct plumbing course qualifications.
"Your recommended plumber might have been great at helping next door with a leaky tap, but that doesn't mean they're qualified to fix a boiler," Mr Crees was quoted as saying.
Some other advice offered by the newspaper to help find reliable and trustworthy tradesmen is to get three different quotes for each task that needs doing.
The APHC has about 60,000 plumbing and heating professionals associated with it and works on behalf of the sector to communicate with the government and other relevant organisations.
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