How To Check If A Plumber Is Gas Safe Registered – Step-by-Step Guide

Why This Matters: A Wrong Plumber Could Cost You Everything

Imagine turning on your boiler on a cold winter morning — and hearing a hiss. Not the quiet hum you expect, but something… wrong. That’s not just a noise. It could be a gas leak. And if the plumber who installed or serviced it wasn’t Gas Safe registered, you could be at serious risk.

You’re not just hiring someone to fix a pipe. You’re trusting them with your home, your family, and your life. That’s why knowing how to check if a plumber is Gas Safe registered isn’t optional — it’s essential. In the UK, over 200,000 gas-related incidents are reported annually, and nearly 1 in 5 involve unqualified workers. Don’t become a statistic.

Let’s walk through exactly how to verify a plumber’s credentials — simply, safely, and quickly.

What Does “Gas Safe Registered” Actually Mean?

Before you call anyone, understand what “Gas Safe” really is.

The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas appliances in the UK. It replaced the old CORGI scheme in 2009 and is now regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

“Only Gas Safe registered engineers can legally carry out gas work in the UK. This isn’t a recommendation — it’s the law.”
— Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Being registered means the engineer has passed strict training, holds valid insurance, and is regularly audited. They’re also required to carry a Gas Safe ID card — which you have the right to see before they start work.

⚠️ Warning: Unregistered workers can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions, or fatal gas leaks. According to the HSE, over 200 people are hospitalized each year due to unsafe gas work — many from DIY or unqualified contractors.

Step 1: Ask for Their Gas Safe ID Card (And Verify It)

This is the first and most critical step.

When a plumber arrives, say:

“Can I see your Gas Safe ID card, please?”

Every registered engineer carries a physical or digital version. Here’s what to look for:

Pro Tip: If they hesitate, refuse, or say, “I don’t need to show it,” walk away. Immediately.

“I’ve seen too many homeowners get scammed by men in vans who say they’re ‘qualified.’ If they won’t show the card, they’re not legit.”
— David Finch, Former HSE Inspector

Step 2: Verify Their Registration Online (The Official Way)

Never rely on word-of-mouth or a website banner. Go straight to the source.

✅ Visit the official Gas Safe Register website:
🔗 https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk (External authoritative source)

Once there:

1. Click “Check an Engineer” at the top of the homepage.
2. Enter either:
   • The engineer’s name
   • Their Gas Safe registration number
   • Your postcode (to find local engineers)
3. Hit Search

You’ll see:

• Their full name and business name
• Their registration status (Active or Expired)
• The types of gas work they’re certified for
• Their expiry date
• A list of their registered companies (if self-employed)

Red Flag: If the name doesn’t match the card, or the status says “Inactive,” DO NOT let them work in your home.

💡 Bonus: Use the site’s “Find an Engineer” tool to search by appliance type (e.g., “gas boiler repair”) and your postcode. You’ll get a list of pre-vetted professionals nearby.

Step 3: Cross-Check Their Business and Reviews

Even if their registration is valid, you still need to vet the business.

Here’s how:

✅ Do This:

• Search their company name + “reviews” on Google
• Look for at least 5–10 recent reviews with photos
• Check Trustpilot or Checkatrade for ratings (aim for 4.5+)
• See if they have a professional website with clear contact info

❌ Avoid These Red Flags:

• No website or only a Facebook page
• Only one or two reviews, both glowing and vague
• No landline number — only a mobile
• Prices that are “too good to be true” (gas work is regulated — cheap = risky)

Real-Life Example: In 2023, a family in Manchester hired a “plumber” they found on Facebook Marketplace for £120 to fix their boiler. Two days later, their carbon monoxide alarm went off. Investigation revealed the man had no Gas Safe registration — and had improperly connected the flue. The family was hospitalized. The man was later fined £15,000.

Don’t risk it.

Gas Safe vs. Non-Gas Safe: What’s the Real Difference?

Bottom line: Choosing a non-registered plumber isn’t just risky — it’s illegal. And if something goes wrong, your home insurance might not pay out.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About Gas Safe Registration, Answered

Q1: Can a plumber work on gas appliances without being Gas Safe registered?

No. Under UK law (Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998), only Gas Safe registered engineers can legally install, maintain, or repair gas appliances — including boilers, cookers, and fires. Doing so without registration is a criminal offense.

Q2: How often do Gas Safe engineers need to renew their registration?

Every 12 months. They must re-qualify, complete continuing professional development (CPD), and pass compliance checks. Always check the expiry date on their ID card.

Q3: What should I do if I suspect a plumber is fake?

Immediately stop the work. Do not pay. Then:

1. Call the Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500
2. Report the person using their online form: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/report-an-engineer
3. Contact your local trading standards office

The HSE investigates every report — and takes action against rogue traders.

Q4: Do I need a Gas Safe engineer for a simple boiler service?

Yes. Even a routine annual boiler service requires a Gas Safe registered engineer. Why? Because servicing involves checking gas pressure, flue integrity, and combustion efficiency — all tasks that, if done wrong, can lead to deadly carbon monoxide buildup.

Q5: Can I check a plumber’s registration using their company name?

Yes. On the Gas Safe Register website, you can search by company name, registration number, or postcode. This is especially useful if you’re hiring a plumbing firm rather than an individual.

Q6: Are Gas Safe engineers more expensive?

Sometimes — but not always. Many registered engineers offer competitive pricing. The real cost isn’t the fee — it’s the risk of not hiring one. A single gas leak can cost tens of thousands in property damage, medical bills, or worse. Paying a little more now saves your life later.

Final Checklist: Before You Let a Plumber Touch Your Gas System

Use this quick checklist before any work begins:

☐ Ask for their Gas Safe ID card
☐ Verify their name and number on gassaferegister.co.uk
☐ Confirm their license covers your appliance type (e.g., boiler, cooker)
☐ Check expiry date — must be current
☐ Search their company online for reviews
☐ Ask for a Gas Safety Certificate after work is done (they’re legally required to give you one)

Remember: If you’re unsure — call Gas Safe Register directly. They’ll help you verify anyone, anytime. No charge. No hassle.

Conclusion: Your Safety Is Worth the Extra Minute

Knowing how to check if a plumber is Gas Safe registered isn’t just about following rules — it’s about protecting the people you love. One careless decision can turn your home into a danger zone.

Take 5 minutes today to verify the next plumber you hire. Bookmark gassaferegister.co.uk . Save the number 0800 408 5500 in your phone. Share this guide with friends, family, or neighbors — especially older adults who might be targeted by rogue traders.

Your home deserves a certified expert. Not a gamble.

👉 Found this helpful? Share it on Facebook, WhatsApp, or Reddit — someone you know might be one bad plumber away from disaster.

Stay safe. Stay informed. And never skip the check.