How to find a reliable gas engineer

Finding a reliable gas engineer can be difficult, especially since many engineers are unqualified, with little to no credentials, so it is important to do your research when googling ‘gas fitters near me.’

Look no further, as below you will find out how to find a reliable gas engineer.

Reviews

A good gas engineer will not only have reviews, they will also be known amongst the local community. One way of finding truthful reviews is by making a post on Nextdoor and in local community Facebook groups. But before you do, type the keyword into the search bar of your local community group, as it is often the case that someone would have previously asked a similar question.

Word of mouth

One sure way of ensuring you are picking a reliable gas fitter is by asking your neighbours who they have used before and if they recommend any. Not close with your neighbours? It’s ok, all you have to do is knock on their door and politely ask them for recommendations.

The Gas Safe Register

There is little reason to pick an unreliable gas engineer when you have the Gas Safe Register which vets gas engineers across the UK. Also, the Gas Safe Register has a ‘find an engineer’ service which will help you find a reliable and registered engineer near you.

And for those who are just hearing about the Gas Safe Register but have already hired an engineer, know  that you can verify their credentials. Use the website’s “check an engineer” function or call their helpline at 0800 408 5500 to ensure your engineer is qualified to handle gas work in your home.

Check out for the warning signs

What you want from a gas engineer is someone that is approachable, hardworking and good at their job. You don’t want to hire someone that is miserable when working and won’t communicate with you. Keep an eye out for these warning signs to avoid getting into a contract with ‘the gas engineer from hell.’

• They are unprofessional- maybe they never respond to you. Maybe they are always late. And they might take advantage of you because they are highly skilled and high in demand but you don’t have to put up with any of that. Make sure you communicate well with them, and avoid being indecisive to avoid disappointment.

However, understand that tradespeople tend to work on multiple projects at once, so be patient if your tradesperson is not communicating with you as much as you like.

And if you have any reason to believe that your gas fitter is not conducting safe work then report them to the Trading Standards and move to cancel your contract.

• Comes to you with problems rather than solutions- a tradesperson should be efficient with their times and yours. They should be solution-oriented, advising you on the best steps before implementing them.
• Doesn’t know how to answer your questions- part of being a reliable gas engineer is being able to deal with their client’s questions. So, if they seem to lack knowledge and are not confident with their work then don’t keep it to yourself. Consider pursuing further action like researching their credentials and working history.
• Doesn’t listen to you- since the gas fitter is being trusted to work on potentially dangerous projects within your house, the last thing you want is an engineer that doesn’t listen or undermines you.
• Poor attention to detail- attention to detail is even more important when working on gas installations. Improperly installed gas installations pose serious risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, burns, and other significant health hazards and damage.
• Dishonesty- you might be dealing with an engineer that pretends to be more competent than what they actually are. But according to the NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers, an engineer must avoid deceptive acts. At this point, it is advised that you report the engineer. Contact Citizens Advice for more information regarding reporting your engineer.

Final thoughts

A reliable gas safe engineer will not be perfect but will be attested for by their brilliant work. Do not risk hiring an inexperienced engineer or one with a large ego, to avoid dangerous work being conducted in your home.

Avoid going for engineers who do not have glowing recommendations and are unknown.

It is up to you to pick a competent and registered engineer who can safely complete a gas fitting service.