Almost everyone seems to have a horror story about the time they used a dodgy plumber and lived to regret it. Lime Heating is here prove that the industry isn’t all like that. We do things differently around here and we’re on a mission to be the most highly recommended plumbers in Milton Keynes and beyond!
When you need a plumber, it’s often urgent – a leak, a broken boiler, or a bathroom that’s out of action. It’s easy to rush and make poor decisions in stressful situations like these. Unfortunately, “cowboy” tradespeople do exist, ready to take advantage.
No-one wants poor-quality work, safety risks, and an even bigger bill to put things right. So, how do you spot a dodgy plumber? Here are some key questions to ask, and signs to look for, before you let anyone start work in your home.
Can you check if a plumber is registered?
The term ‘plumber’ is surprisingly confusing and something anyone can call themselves, qualified or not.
However, anyone working on gas appliances (like boilers, cookers or gas fires), must legally be on the Gas Safe Register. You can search their details online at gassaferegister.co.uk. People often refer to this as a ‘gas plumber’. We prefer the terms ‘heating engineer’ or ‘gas engineer’ as more accurate and to help avoid confusion.
Even on the Gas Safe register, expertise levels vary so dig a little deeper to check your engineer. For instance, not everyone is qualified to work with unvented cylinders or LPG. If an engineer avoids showing you their Gas Safe card or doesn’t appear on the register, that’s a red flag.
For general plumbing work, there isn’t a single mandatory register. Examples of their work are usually the most reliable. Ask for references and check out their social media and reviews.
Does a plumber need a certificate?
Yes – depending on the work they do.
- Gas work: only Gas Safe registered engineers can legally carry it out. They’ll provide a certificate for any gas safety checks or boiler installations.
- Insurance: a reputable plumber will also have public liability insurance to protect you if something goes wrong.
Not everyone has a website to share these things but if they can’t provide paperwork or certificates, be cautious.
How to check if a tradesperson is genuine
Here are some simple checks to avoid falling into the wrong hands:
- Company status – search Companies House to see if they’re a limited company. This shows accountability and professionalism.
- Reviews – genuine businesses have a mix of reviews across platforms like Google, Trustpilot and TrustATrader. One or two negatives alongside lots of positives is often a good sign that the feedback is real. How the company responds to negative reviews can be another good benchmark.
- Branding and visibility – dodgy plumbers often operate under multiple names or change phone numbers frequently. Reliable businesses are consistent – their name, logo, vans, and social media all match.
- Quotes and invoices – genuine tradespeople will provide written quotes and invoices, not just “cash in hand”. Having a written record of expected costs and scope of work helps protect you against potential disputes.
- Communication – trustworthy tradespeople will respond promptly, explain clearly, and don’t pressure you into unnecessary work.
How Lime Heating does it right
At Lime Heating, we know trust is everything. Here’s how we stand apart:
- Registered Ltd Company – you can find us on Companies House as Lime Heating Ltd.
- Consistent branding – our branding is easy to spot across everything we do! From uniforms and vans to our website and social media, you’ll always know it’s us at a glance.
- Verified reviews – our reviews are 100% genuine. Yes, we have the occasional negative one (no business pleases everyone all the time!). We’ve never bought reviews or faked feedback and we never will. What you read is real.
- Qualified & insured – our engineers are fully qualified and insured. Trust our experts; they do the work with care and experience, giving you confidence in the results.
A reliable plumber won’t shy away from questions and will be happy to prove their credentials.
At Lime Heating, we’re proud to be open, visible, and accountable. Whether it’s a dripping tap, a new boiler, or a full heating system, you can be confident you’re in safe hands.
Don’t take chances with your home. Contact Lime Heating for honest advice, fair quotes, and expert plumbing and heating services you can rely on. You’ll find us across Milton Keynes and the wider Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire areas.
