Businesses
Watermark plumber scheme
When dealing with plumbers, trust is everything. That’s why we run and administer the WaterMark approved plumbers scheme, in support of the government’s ongoing campaign against ‘cowboybuilders’. Approved plumbers (and contractors) can be authorised by either the local water supplier, the Water Industry Scheme(WIAPS) or by an organisation recognised by the government (IOP/APHC/SNIPEF).
To ensure the highest standards, all WaterMark members have to demonstrate they have been suitably trained and that they have passed a water regulation assessment on their knowledge and application of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. They must also have public liability insurance. This ensures our customers know that anyone we recommend will get the job done quickly and professionally.
What’s the benefit of an approved plumber?
Added peace of mind. Expert knowledge. The latest training. An approved plumber can also start work without notification or prior consent on certain types of work, provided they issue the customer (and for some types of work, the water supplier) with a certificate of compliance once the job’s complete. This can save up to ten days of waiting for the water supplier’s consent, which could prove essential to your business. It also reduces the paperwork of notification.
Becoming an approved Severn Trent plumber offers a host of benefits. A raised profile for your business. Reduced lead time on new connections. The associated trust of working with Severn Trent. We also provide courses and training for WaterMark members to further boost your knowledge and ensure you’re aware of all the latest regulations and standards.
Complete the application form
To apply to join the WaterMark approved plumbers scheme simply download, complete and return the application.
Speak to our team
If you have any queries call us on 01332 683 711 or write to us at WaterFittings Regulations Duty Team, Severn Trent Water Ltd, Endeavour House,PO Box 51, Raynesway, Derby DE21 7JA.
Read our WaterMark leaflet
If you’re unsure about joining download our handy leaflet and discover the many benefits of becoming a member.
The following qualifications are accepted as formal evidence for membership of the WaterMark Approved Contractor Scheme.Each qualification needs to be supported by a certificate in the knowledge of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999,unless the plumbing qualification certificate explicitly states this is included.
| Awarding body | Qualification | Qualification code |
| City and Guilds | Level 2 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering Services -Plumbing | 6009 |
| Level 2 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering Services -Plumbing | 6019 | |
| Level 3 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering Services -Plumbing | 6009 | |
| Level 3 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering Services -Plumbing | 6019 | |
| Level 2 NVQ/SVQ Certificate in Mechanical Services Engineering - Plumbing | 6089 | |
| Level 2 NVQ/SVQ Certificate in Mechanical Services Engineering - Plumbing | 6089 | |
| Craft Certificate in Plumbing | 596-1 | |
| Advanced Craft Certificate in Plumbing | 596-2 | |
| Craft certificate in Plumbing | 603-1 | |
| Advanced Craft Certificate in Plumbing | 603-2 | |
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating | 600/1122/1(6189-31) | |
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances) | 600/1124/5(6189-32) | |
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water & Central Heating Appliances) | 600/1134/8(6189-33) | |
| BPEC | Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating | 600/6863/2 |
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water & Central Heating Appliances) | 600/6284/8 | |
| Level 3 Award in Hot & Cold Water, Safe Systems and Sanitation (WaterSafe Experienced Worker Qualification) | 600/9431/X | |
| Service Pipe Metering Housing Installation (Groundworkers) | ||
| EAL (Excellence, Achievement & Learning) | Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Mechanical Services Engineering - Plumbing | 100/5649/X |
| Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Mechanical Services Engineering - Plumbing | 100/5649/6 | |
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating | 600/1252/3 | |
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances) | 600/1453/2 | |
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water & Central Heating Appliances) | 600/1657/7 | |
| FETAC | National Craft Certificate - Plumbing | - |
| Level 6 Advanced Craft Certificate – Plumbing | - | |
| SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) | Level 3 SVQ in Plumbing | G9W9 23 |
| Level 3 SVQ in Domestic Plumbing and Heatingat SCQF Level 7 | GK71 23 |
We run a full day training course and half-day seminar for WaterMark approved plumbers.
Full day training course
Course time: 09:00-17:00
Agenda:
- Course introduction
- Background to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
- Legal requirements and notification
- The DETR Guidance Document General Requirements
- The Regulators Specification on the Prevention of Backflow
- Course review and assessment
Half-day seminar (underground service installations only)
Course times:
Morning seminars: 08:30-12:30
Afternoon seminars: 13:00-17:00
Agenda:
- Course introduction
- Background to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
- Legal requirements and notification
- Ground conditions, pipe materials selection and jointing
- Pipe installations depth, building entry and stop valves
- Flushing testing and hygiene requirements
- Course review and assessment
- No member will give misleading information to its customers.
- All members will give a competitive price to its customers.
- No member will bring the name of the WaterMark scheme or of Hafren Dyfrdwy into disrepute.
- All third party complaints or claims against a member shall be investigated and dealt with by the member concerned.
- All members shall inform WaterMark of any change of circumstance with regards to their membership details.
- It is the member’s responsibility to ensure that all work undertaken is in accordance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
- It is the member’s responsibility to ensure where necessary the water undertaker is notified before work is undertaken in accordance with Regulation 5.
- In the case of a fitting for which notice is required under Regulation 5, the member shall send a copy of the self-certificate to the WaterMark Team.
- Where a water fitting is installed, altered, connected or disconnected by a WaterMark member, the member shall upon completion of the work furnish a signed certificate stating whether the water fitting complies with the requirements of the Regulations to the person(s) who commissioned the work.
- All members of the scheme are responsible for ensuring each member of staff is suitably qualified and competent in their understanding and knowledge regarding the application of the Water Supply (Water Fittings)Regulations 1999.
- For every five plumbers there must be at least one plumber who has the required qualifications to supervise and sign off all installation work covered by the WaterMark self-certification form.2
- The qualified contractor must supervise all installation work that is covered by the certificates. The self-certification must only be signed by the approved member of the scheme.
- RPZ valve-accredited testers will furnish an annual copy of their customer calibration certificates to the WaterMark Team. The test certificates must be submitted to Severn Trent within ten days of the test date.
- All members are responsible to uphold the WaterMark code of conduct.
- A copy of your public liability insurance certificate must be submitted to the WaterMark Team annually.