What’s the Difference Between a Gas Engineer and a Plumber?
If you’ve ever needed work on your heating, hot water, or pipework, you may have wondered whether to call a plumber or a gas engineer. The two roles can sometimes overlap, and many tradespeople are qualified in both areas.
But when it comes to keeping your home safe and your systems running smoothly, it’s important to know the difference — and to make sure you’re choosing the right professional for the job.
Plumber vs Gas Engineer – What’s the difference?
Plumbers typically handle jobs involving water systems, pipework, taps, sinks, toilets, and heating pipework.
Gas engineers are specially trained and registered to work on gas appliances such as boilers, cookers, fires, and gas meters.
Some engineers (like our team at PalmerWebb) hold qualifications across both areas, meaning you can get plumbing and heating work carried out together — but gas work must always be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
How to make sure you’re hiring a trusted tradesperson
When booking a plumber or gas engineer, it’s always worth double-checking:
Confirm the job type upfront
Let the company know whether you need plumbing, gas, or both. For example, a boiler service requires a Gas Safe registered engineer, while fitting a new sink is a plumbing task.
Check Gas Safe qualifications
Gas Safe isn’t just a simple badge. Engineers can have different levels of qualification depending on the work they’re trained to do. For example, an engineer may be qualified to work on boilers but not fires. You can check the full details of an engineer’s qualifications on the Gas Safe Register website.
Look for trade associations
Reputable companies often belong to trade associations, which add another layer of trust. Some to look out for include:
- GAS SAFE – the governing body for all gas engineers
- APHC – Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors
- HETAS – for solid fuel heating
- NICEIC / NAPIT / ELECSA – for electricians
What about electricians?
If you’re also searching for a trusted electrician, the same principles apply. Look for trade association membership (most commonly NICEIC) and check reviews, company history, and customer service standards before booking.
Why choose PalmerWebb?
At PalmerWebb, our engineers are fully qualified, highly skilled, and regularly monitored. Whether you need a Gas Safe registered engineer for boiler work, or a plumber to tackle a leak or install a new bathroom, we’re here to help.
✅ Fully qualified Gas Safe engineers
✅ Experienced plumbers and heating specialists
✅ Reliable, local service across the South-East (and further afield where possible)
Need a plumber or Gas Safe engineer?
Contact PalmerWebb today for a free, no-obligation quote.
