SNIPEF
Plumbing and water · Scottish and Northern Irish plumbing trade federation
SNIPEF is the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation. It represents plumbing and heating businesses and maintains a public member-finding service under the Need A Plumber name.
Checked Official sources below.
What it covers and whether it is required
Membership is voluntary. It is not Gas Safe registration and does not replace the water fittings or building standards requirements applying to a job.
Joining requirements and costs
SNIPEF’s published criteria cover trading history, a qualified and appropriately graded workforce, public liability insurance and technical inspection. Applicants should use the current membership form to establish the required workforce mix and supporting documents.
Check the current fees with SNIPEF before applying. Ask whether the quotation includes application, assessment, renewal and any per-job charges. Use published fees or ask for a written quotation.
What it means for homeowners
Use Need A Plumber to find or check a SNIPEF business, then confirm any specialist registration for the work. Ask who is responsible for certificates, commissioning and any complaint. A federation membership is not automatically a guarantee policy for every installation.
How to check a claim
Official member, card or certificate check: SNIPEF.
Match the record to the named person or contracting business. Check the current scope, not just a logo on a van or an old certificate. If the public record does not show the detail you need, ask the body to confirm it before appointing the business.
Where the scheme applies
Scotland and Northern Ireland. These nations have different building and water requirements from the England and Wales competent person system.
Common questions
Is SNIPEF membership the same as approval for gas work?
No. A member carrying out regulated gas work must separately hold the appropriate Gas Safe registration and individual competence.
How do I check SNIPEF status?
Use the official verification service linked in this guide. Match the person or legal business name, current status and relevant work category. For a guarantee, check the document issued for your contract as well.
Official sources
Sources checked November 2026. Scheme rules can change; confirm current requirements before applying or signing a contract.