The first UK-wide plumbing assurance scheme, designed to raise standards within the UK plumbing sector, is being launched this week.

As the first plumbing standard and online resource of its kind, WaterSafe provides consumers with an easy way to find competent local plumbers to carry out work to water supply pipes – by logging on to watersafe.org.uk and entering their postcode.

WaterSafe brings together under one recognisable standard all the separate approved contractor schemes in the UK that have been operated by water companies and trade associations.

The scheme is intended to increase consumer protection and improve plumbing standards.