What services do plumbers commonly offer?

Plumbing covers much more than just fixing leaky taps. Knowing which jobs fall to a plumber, and when you need a heating or gas engineer instead, helps you get the right person for the job and avoid wasted calls. From routine repairs to new installations, understanding these boundaries can save time and confusion.

Common household jobs plumbers handle

Most household water jobs fall under the remit of a general plumber, but there are some clear outlines. Here are the typical jobs a plumber takes on:

• Leaks: Whether it’s a dripping pipe, a leaking tap or water pooling under the sink, a plumber is the trade to call. Leak detection and repair is a core service for most domestic plumbers.
• Taps: Fitting, repairing or replacing kitchen and bathroom taps is standard. This also includes outside taps, which are often installed for garden hoses.
• Toilets: From unblocking to fixing flush mechanisms or replacing cisterns, toilets are well within the general plumber’s scope.
• Radiators: Bleeding, moving, or replacing radiators, and fixing leaks at the valves or pipe joints, are all jobs for plumbers. However, if the issue is with the central heating system itself, you may need a heating engineer.
• Showers: Installing or repairing standard showers, including mixer and electric models (but not the electrical wiring), often falls to plumbers. For power showers, check if the plumber is qualified for both the plumbing and electrical sides.
• Blocked drains: Internal drains, such as those from sinks, toilets or showers, are typically within a plumber’s remit. More serious blockages further along the drainage system may need a drainage specialist.
• Bathroom fitting: Plumbers are the main trade for installing baths, basins, toilets and showers. For full bathroom renovations, a bathroom fitter may also be involved, often working alongside a plumber.
• Water tanks: Repairing or replacing cold water storage tanks in the loft is a common plumbing job. If the tank is part of a heating system, you may need a heating engineer as well.

When to call a heating or gas engineer

Not all jobs involving water or heating pipes are for a plumber alone. Here’s where the boundaries shift:

• Gas boilers and gas appliances: Only engineers on the Gas Safe Register can legally work on gas boilers, cookers and fires. Many heating engineers are also qualified plumbers, but not all plumbers handle gas jobs. Always ask for a Gas Safe ID card if your job involves any gas appliance.
• Central heating systems: If the work involves the boiler itself—repairs, servicing or installation—you’ll need a heating engineer. General plumbers may handle radiators or pipework, but not the boiler.
• Combination jobs: For projects that involve both plumbing and heating (like a new bathroom with underfloor heating), a heating engineer or a bathroom fitter who works with both trades may be needed. Check their areas of expertise before booking.
• Drainage system repairs: Beyond internal blockages, such as repairs to external drains, soakaways or sewer pipes, you may need a drainage specialist. Plumbers usually handle only the internal pipework and appliances.

You can read more about each trade and compare local options on the plumbers, heating engineers, and gas engineers pages.

Understanding plumber specialisms

Not every plumber offers the same services. Many specialise by job type or customer need:

• Emergency-first plumbers: Some focus on urgent call-outs for leaks, burst pipes or overflows. These plumbers often advertise a 24-hour service and list emergency call-out as a specific offering.
• Installation specialists: Others concentrate on planned projects, such as fitting bathrooms, replacing tanks or plumbing in kitchen appliances. Their listings typically highlight installation and project work.
• Commercial plumbers: You may see businesses stating they take on commercial work, such as plumbing for offices, shops, or public buildings. The listing should mention whether they work with domestic, commercial or both.

You can spot these specialisms by reading the description and services list in each listing. On Annuvell Local, services are shown as individual entries, so you can check if your job—whether it’s a leaking pipe or a complete bathroom refit—is listed specifically or covered only in general terms. Choosing a plumber whose service list matches your job cuts down on confusion and callbacks.

How to use Annuvell Local to compare plumbers

Annuvell Local makes it easier to match your job to the right plumber by highlighting key comparison facts and service details:

• Services list: Each plumber’s profile includes a list of services as individual entries. If you see your exact job listed—like "leak detection" or "bathroom installation"—you know the business is ready to handle it.
• Comparison facts: You can compare up to four plumbers side by side, with facts like emergency call-out, 24-hour service, boiler repair, boiler installation, bathroom installation, leak detection, and whether they do commercial or domestic work. Each fact is labelled so you can see which are verified from published business information.
• Service areas and hours: Listings show which areas the plumber covers and their working hours, so you can filter out those who are too far away or unavailable when you need them.
• Verified details: Checked contact details, such as verified phone numbers and flagged websites, help you avoid dead ends. A Verified badge means the business has completed an ownership check, not that it pays for promotion.

The compare tool is helpful if you want to shortlist a few plumbers and see which one actually offers the job you need at the times you need them.

Matching your job to the right trade

Before you start contacting businesses, work out exactly what you need done. Write down the problem, including where it is and any related appliances. Some guidance on matching jobs:

• If your job is water-related but does not involve a gas boiler or gas appliance, a general plumber is usually the correct choice.
• If the job involves a gas boiler, gas fire, or anything connected to the gas supply, you must use a Gas Safe registered engineer. Even if a plumber says they can do the job, ask to see their Gas Safe ID card.
• For central heating repairs that do not touch the boiler (such as bleeding radiators or replacing valves), a plumber is often sufficient. For anything involving the boiler itself, choose a heating engineer.
• If you are planning a bathroom renovation, look for someone who lists bathroom installation specifically. Some plumbers specialise in this area, while others may work alongside bathroom fitters for larger projects.
• For blocked or broken drains outside the home, drainage specialists have the right tools and expertise. Plumbers cover internal blockages but may refer you for bigger jobs.

If you’re not sure, you can describe the job when you request a quote and see which businesses respond with confirmation that they handle it.

Tips for reading and comparing plumber profiles

A careful read of each listing saves time and helps you avoid miscommunication. Here’s how to get the most from a plumber’s profile on Annuvell Local:

• Read the service list in detail. A business that lists "toilet repair", "bathroom fitting" or "24-hour emergency call-out" is much easier to match to your job than one with only a general description.
• Check comparison facts. Annuvell Local shows whether each plumber offers boiler work, leak detection, emergency jobs, and more. If a fact is Not stated, it does not mean No—just that the business has not confirmed it.
• Look for verified and checked details. A listing with a Verified badge and a verified phone number means the contact details are current and the business has been checked for ownership.
• Review service areas and hours. Make sure the plumber covers your postcode and works when you need them—especially for emergencies.
• Use Request Quote to clarify. If the listing is unclear or your job is unusual, use the Request Quote feature to describe your needs and wait for a direct reply.

For more advice on picking a reliable tradesperson, see How to choose a reliable plumber.

Next steps

Start by writing down exactly what you need done and whether it involves gas, heating, or just water. Browse plumbers, heating engineers, or gas engineers near you and check the services listed before you call or request quotes. Use the compare tool on Annuvell Local to see which businesses really offer your job, and send your request to a shortlist. This approach helps you reach the right specialist first time, saving time and avoiding callbacks.