Emergency London Plumbers Explain the Key Differences
When your home faces a leak, a faulty radiator, or no hot water, you might be unsure whether to call a plumber or a heating engineer. While their skills overlap in some areas, there are important distinctions between the two – and knowing who to call can save you time, money, and stress. At Emergency London Plumbers, we regularly get asked this question, so here’s a clear breakdown.
What Does a Plumber Do?
A plumber primarily deals with water systems in your home or business. This includes installing, repairing, and maintaining:
Pipes and pipework
Taps and faucets
Toilets, sinks, baths, and showers
Drainage systems
Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines
Water tanks and cylinders
If you have a leak under your sink, a blocked toilet, or a burst pipe, a plumber is the right professional to call. Some plumbers, like those at Emergency London Plumbers, are also trained to handle certain heating-related jobs – but boiler work always requires Gas Safe certification.
What Does a Heating Engineer Do?
A heating engineer specialises in heating systems. This includes:
Installing, repairing, and servicing boilers
Working on central heating systems
Fitting radiators and underfloor heating
Balancing heating systems for efficiency
Handling hot water systems connected to boilers
Heating engineers must be Gas Safe registered to legally work on gas appliances in the UK. If your boiler is making strange noises, losing pressure, or failing to produce heat, a heating engineer is the right person for the job.
The Overlap – and Why Emergency London Plumbers Can Do Both
Here’s where it can get confusing: many modern plumbing companies (like ours) employ professionals who are both qualified plumbers and Gas Safe heating engineers. This means you only need one call to solve both water and heating issues – whether it’s a leaking radiator valve or a boiler breakdown.
At Emergency London Plumbers, we pride ourselves on offering fully certified, 24/7 emergency services for both plumbing and heating. This saves you the hassle of coordinating between two separate trades and ensures the issue is resolved quickly and safely.
When to Call Emergency London Plumbers
Plumbing Emergencies: Burst pipes, blocked drains, leaking taps, overflowing toilets.
Heating Emergencies: Boiler breakdowns, cold radiators, no hot water, heating system faults.
Combined Issues: Problems involving both water and heating, such as leaks from heating pipes or faulty hot water systems.
Final Word
In short, plumbers focus on water systems, heating engineers specialise in heating systems, and Emergency London Plumbers can handle both. Our team is fully trained, Gas Safe registered, and available 24/7 across London. So, whether it’s water flooding your kitchen or a boiler that’s given up on a frosty morning, we’ve got you covered.
📞 Call Emergency London Plumbers today – one call fixes it all.