We have produced a number of updates since the coronavirus lockdown began about how we’re managing our services while protecting both customers and staff. You can read them all here but we thought it would be useful to provide this information in the form of frequently asked questions.
Hopefully we have covered all the key aspects of our service at this challenging time, however if you have any further questions you can contact us at [email protected] or via our Facebook or Twitter channels.
All answers are correct at the time of writing and we will update them as and when necessary as guidelines change. Where appropriate, we have provided links to further information.
From 19th July 2021, most covid regulations, including the wearing of masks and social distancing, are no longer required. Having reviewed our working practices, we have committed to continuing with all covid-safe measures with the exception of asking customers to sign the engineers' PDAs on completion of work (which will be sanitised before and after). This is to protect staff and customers and to allow customers to continue to feel safe in their own homes. We will update the site as and when this changes.
Yes. The government has designated that tradespeople carrying out essential repairs and maintenance in people’s homes can continue, provided that the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms. Social distancing guidelines should still be followed. You can see more information from the government here.
We have conducted and regularly update our working practices for managing the risk of covid-19. You can download our risk assessment and method statement here:
Managing The Risks Of Covid-19 Field Based
We are now offering the full range of plumbing and heating services including non emergency and proactive services including powerflushing, installing new taps/showers/gas appliances/Sure Stops etc.
Yes, they can. We know that guidance is changing all the time with local lockdowns, tier 3 and 4 lockdowns, and national lockdowns. We can confirm that we are authorised to provide services in your home under any of these restrictions. If that should change at any point, we will update this page accordingly.
The 'rule of 6' introduced in September 2020 states that no more than 6 people may gather inside or outside. Tradespeople coming to your home to conduct work are exempt from this rule so even if you have 6 or more family members in the house, we can still visit to conduct boiler servicing or other kinds of plumbing or heating work.
Updated July 2021: The rule of 6 no longer applies in England but should it ever be reintroduced, the above guidance should apply.
Yes you can. Initially we paused boiler servicing while we established our covid-19 protocols, however we resumed servicing on 8th April because it is a really important aspect of boiler maintenance and safety. We do ask that you only book one if yours is due so that we can accommodate everyone at the right time. Read more information here. If you are concerned about whether a boiler service is a good idea during lockdown, read our guidance here.
If you are self-isolating due to someone in the household being vulnerable and shielding then yes we would attend. However, if someone in the house is presenting with symptoms of covid-19 then we’re afraid we would not be able to attend. Your health status will be requested at the time of booking and by the engineer when they make their 30 minute pre-call. See details here.
We understand that this is a worrying time for everyone but particularly stressful if you, or someone in your household, is vulnerable. This may be due to age or health reasons. Having to deal with a broken boiler or a leak is therefore the last thing that you need. We are dedicated to helping all customers at this time but please make us aware of any vulnerable people in your home at the time of booking and we will do our utmost to prioritise them
We have put in place a number of protocols to allow us to observe social distancing guidelines. On arrival, our engineer will knock on the door and then step back 2 metres. They will wear a new pair of gloves throughout the visit. You will also not be asked to sign the engineer’s PDA on completion; they will do that for you.
Updated July 2021: Government covid rules changed on 19/07/21 with most guidelines being removed. Plumbcare.com has taken the decision to continue with all covid-safe protocols for the foreseeable future with the exception of asking customers to sign engineers' PDAs on completion of work, which will be sanitised before and after.
We will always ask you to confirm whether anyone in the house is experiencing symptoms at the time of booking and in the engineer’s 30 minute pre-call. We ask that you are open about this to prevent our engineers taking unnecessary risks. Please allow us to maintain safe working practices. This should include keeping a minimum 2 metre distance from the engineer at all times and cleaning the affected area down before arrival (eg the boiler or toilet).
Yes they do. They have all been equipped with gloves, hand sanitiser and masks. Gloves will be changed for every job and hand sanitiser used in between. Government guidelines do not require tradespeople to wear masks but they have been provided and can be worn at the engineers’ discretion.
Yes, your landlord should still attempt to have your boiler and other gas appliances serviced and issue you with a Landlords' Gas Safety Certificate. However, there may be a few things that make this more difficult. Read our guidance here.
We will continue to update these FAQs as and when things change and develop. In the meantime, thank you for your continued patience and understanding and for working with us to provide a safe and responsive plumbing and heating service.
Complete the form below and one of the Plumbcare.com team will get back to you as soon as possible.
