WaterSafe, a national register for approved plumbers, is warning about the dangers of employing unqualified plumbers after a kitchen fitter illegally used lead solder on plumbing carrying drinking water.
Kitchen fitter Geoff Chudley, from Torquay, was fined £2250 plus a £20 victim surcharge after pleading guilty to seven counts of the illegal use of lead solder in the fitting of kitchens.
He was prosecuted by water company South West Water during a hearing at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court in March under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
The water company’s routine monitoring showed drinking water in several homes exceeded the legal limit for lead.
Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, comments: “The use of lead pipes to supply drinking water and the use of lead solder to join pipes has been banned in the UK for more than 30 years.
“Plumbers who are properly trained in the water fittings regulations know this and are fully qualified to make sure tap water in homes and businesses is kept at the same high standards as when it’s supplied by water companies.”
Lead is a dangerous metal which can cause serious poisoning if it builds up in the body. Babies and young children are most at risk, as their development can be affected.
Bob Taylor, South West Water’s Operations Director for Drinking Water Services, says: “We monitor the quality of our drinking water at our customers’ taps, and unsatisfactory lead results are investigated to protect public health. We will take action against anyone who is found to be using lead solder on potable supplies.”