HIRING GUIDES
Plumbers vs heating engineers: who do I need?
Updated 03/26
By: Olivia Scammell
Reviewed: Kim Staples
Having issues with your heating? Make sure you hire the right person for the job. Two tradespeople who are often confused are plumbers and heating engineers - so let's break down their distinct roles and responsibilities to help you hire right.
Fast Facts
Plumbers handle pipes and fixtures, while heating engineers handle heating systems
Hire a heating engineer for your boiler, heater, furnace, HVAC, heat pump, or ventilation
Both can usually handle radiators, though the best person to hire depends on the issue at hand
Plumbers and heating engineers are professionals who work with different systems in a building. They're hired during the final phases of construction and for the general maintenance of residential homes.
While the roles of a plumber and a heating engineer may seem similar, they actually have distinct specialisms and responsibilities.
Here's how to work out who you need to call for your job.
The difference between a plumber and a heating engineer
Choosing who to hire depends on the specific work that needs to be done and the qualifications required for that work.
To install or repair pipes or fixtures, hire a plumber.
To install or repair a heating system, hire a heating engineer.
What is a plumber?
Plumbers primarily deal with the installation, repair, and maintenance of pipes, fixtures, and other equipment used to distribute water and remove wastewater.
They are skilled in working with different types of materials, including copper, PVC, and cast iron. They also have knowledge of local building codes and regulations related to plumbing.
When to hire a plumber (not a heating engineer):
Installing, repairing, and maintaining the pipes and fixtures that carry water and waste in a building
Installing and repairing plumbing systems in new constructions (e.g. toilets, showers, baths and sinks etc.)
Unclogging and cleaning drains
Plumbers may also install and repair gas lines and appliances, such as water heaters and boilers
Read our guide on how to find a good local plumber here.
Find a trusted plumber near you
What is a heating engineer?
Heating engineers specialise in the installation, repair, and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They also have expertise in working with different types of fuels, such as oil, gas, and electricity.
They can install and repair thermostats, ductwork, and other components of a heating system.
Many are Gas Safe registered, meaning they're qualified to handle gas boilers and central heating.
When to hire a heating engineer (not a plumber):
Installing, maintaining, and repairing heating systems in buildings
Installing and repairing furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps
Designing and installing HVAC systems in new constructions
Maintaining and repairing ventilation systems and air conditioning units
Ensuring that the indoor air quality in a building is safe and comfortable
Related content: Hiring a renewable energy engineer.
How to find a gas engineer
In this guide, we will take a look at how you can find a gas engineer. It will share what qualifications a gas engineer should have and how to find a gas-safe engineer near you.
Who fixes radiators and central heating systems?
A Gas Safe-registered engineer is the right person to fix anything to do with central heating, including radiators and boilers.
These are often heating engineers. However, there's a bit of crossover between the trades here.
Because radiators use water and are connected via pipes, many plumbers are also able to perform repairs, provided they're Gas Safe-registered. Most simple central heating issues can be solved by a plumber with the right skills and qualifications.
Search for radiator repair services near you with Checkatrade to connect with tradespeople who can fix radiators and central heating.
Radiators are best installed by a qualified professional, whether that is with a Gas Safe registered engineer, a certified plumber, or qualified electrician.
Plumbers vs heating engineers: Cost breakdown
How much does a heating engineer cost in the UK?
Heating engineers charge between £240 to £600 per day with more basic repairs or fixes on the lower end and more complex jobs on the higher end. Note: this is for labour only. Any replacement of parts or equipment will cost more.
How much does a plumber cost in the UK?
Hiring a plumber for the day will cost you an average of £50 per hour or £350 per day.
Of course, this also depends on the job at hand, and whether it's an easy/quick fix or complex and time-consuming. This cost also does not include parts or equipment.
Read our plumber cost guide for more comprehensive information.
How to hire a plumber or heating engineer
Hiring the right tradesperson for the job couldn't be easier with tools like Checkatrade. Just enter your postcode and choose the job you need to get done.
We'll show you tradespeople who offer the services you need in your area - all rated by customers and checked by us.
Find a plumber for heating systems
Enter your postcode to find a top tradesperson near you
Heating And More Ltd
10.00
(16 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberBlocked BathsGeneral PlumbingWater Supply Pipe RepairsBlocked Sinkstoilets taps & traps Ltd
10.00
(5 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberBathroom & Kitchen PlumbingShower RepairTap RepairPipe FitterPlumbing Circle
10.00
(182 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberGeneral PlumbingWater Mains Specialist (Pipe Replacement, Moling and Lead Pipes)Power FlushingWater Supply Pipe RepairsPlumbingHQ
10.00
(2 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberBathroom & Kitchen PlumbingWater Pumps RepairShower RepairEmergency Plumber ServiceFlowtech Plumbers
10.00
(28 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberBathroom & Kitchen PlumbingTap RepairPower FlushingWater Mains Specialist (Pipe Replacement, Moling and Lead Pipes)NA Plumbing & Heating
10.00
(177 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberGeneral PlumbingWater Leak DetectionThermal DynamicsUnderfloor Heating Repair
Some tradespeople and businesses might have experience and qualifications in both plumbing and heat engineering, meaning they can provide both types of service.
Make sure you hire the right person by:
Checking what services they offer
Reading customer reviews
Checking their qualifications, include Gas Safe registry if needed
Asking for references and recommendations
Requesting quotes from at least three tradespeople or businesses
If you hire through us, you may be even covered by the Checkatrade Guarantee up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply).
FAQs about hiring plumbers and heating engineers
Plumber call out charges in the UK average around type: embedded-entry-inline id: 6QwxXlfGFcTlMcKRUXqK58.
Emergency call out charges are usually higher, around type: embedded-entry-inline id: 7tIli7YRR2boHGtIRz1g1C.
For more details, see our guide to plumber call out charges.
The cost for a plumber or boiler engineer to fit a new combi boiler is around type: embedded-entry-inline id: 1dYbck6pvQCanYhcrBWj8u (supply and install). Replacing an old combi boiler with a new one is the cheapest option, while replacing a system or conventional boiler with a combi will cost more.
See our guide to new boiler costs for more details.
Plumbers, electricians, and boiler engineers can all potentially install a Hive (or any other smart thermostat system).
To find someone with the right skills, use Checkatrade to search for smart thermostat installers near you.
Plumbers and heating engineers can replace immersion heaters, though an electrician is often needed too to handle the wiring.
Your best bet is to find dedicated immersion heater installers near you who know how to handle the whole project.
First, search your postcode on a trade directory like Checkatrade to see the options available in your area. Pay attention to things like:
Who offers the services you need
Their customer reviews and ratings
Whether their quotes are reasonable
Their qualifications and experience
Whether they're Gas Safe registered (if necessary for your job)
Yes. Although there's a small amount of crossover between the two, plumbers and heating engineers are two totally different trades.
Plumbers deal with pipes, fixtures, drainage, and anything involving running water.
Heating engineers handle all types of heating, including gas heaters, electric heaters, HVAC and air con, air quality control, and more.
Yes, heating engineers are in high demand in the UK right now. There's evidence that the industry as a whole is facing a skills shortage, with an urgent need for more gas engineers in particular.
Often, yes - especially if they're skilled at handling boilers, central heating systems, and radiators.
However, for most plumbing work - such as installation and maintenance of pipes, taps, showers, and drains - it's best to hire a plumber.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job