Plumber

Job description

About

Job Title: Plumber - Voids and Repairs

Location: South Manchester

Contract Type: Temporary

Hourly rate: £35 - £50 per hour

1. Job Purpose

To undertake high-quality plumbing repairs, installations, maintenance and associated works across the housing association's properties, with a primary focus on void properties, responsive repairs and planned maintenance.

The postholder will be responsible for diagnosing and resolving plumbing defects, maintaining water supply and drainage systems, installing and repairing sanitaryware, and carrying out plumbing works required to bring void properties up to the housing association's lettable standards.

The role will involve working in both occupied and vacant properties, ensuring that repairs are completed safely, efficiently and within agreed timescales. The postholder will work closely with other maintenance operatives, supervisors and contractors to deliver a reliable, cost-effective and customer-focused service.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong practical plumbing skills, sound technical knowledge, a commitment to health and safety and a professional approach when working in residents' homes.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Voids and Property Refurbishment

• Carry out plumbing installations, repairs and replacements to void properties in accordance with the housing association's specifications and lettable standards.
• Inspect plumbing systems and identify defective pipework, leaking fittings, damaged components and other maintenance issues.
• Install, repair and replace taps, sinks, washbasins, toilets, baths, showers, traps, wastes and associated sanitaryware.
• Install and repair hot and cold water supply pipework, valves, isolation valves and associated fittings.
• Carry out repairs and alterations to domestic plumbing systems as required for property refurbishment.
• Install and replace radiators, radiator valves, pipework and associated components where competent and authorised.
• Connect and disconnect plumbing services for kitchen and bathroom installations, ensuring that all connections are secure and leak-free.
• Undertake plumbing works associated with the installation or replacement of kitchen units, bathroom suites and other fixtures.
• Test plumbing installations and check for leaks, blockages and correct operation before completing the work.
• Identify and report defects that may require specialist investigation, including persistent leaks, water damage, inadequate water pressure and suspected contamination.
• Coordinate plumbing works with other trades to ensure void refurbishment programmes are completed efficiently.
• Ensure plumbing systems and sanitary facilities are left in a safe, functional and satisfactory condition before the property is handed over.

B. Responsive Repairs and Maintenance

• Attend allocated plumbing repairs in occupied properties, void properties and communal areas.
• Diagnose and repair leaking taps, pipes, valves, toilets, showers, baths, sinks and other plumbing fixtures.
• Repair or replace defective pipework, joints, fittings, traps, wastes and isolation valves.
• Investigate and resolve blockages affecting sinks, basins, baths, showers and other domestic waste systems within the scope of the role.
• Repair faulty flushing mechanisms, leaking cisterns, dripping taps and defective sanitaryware.
• Investigate reports of low water pressure, poor flow and other common plumbing faults.
• Carry out repairs to water supply and domestic drainage components where competent and authorised.
• Respond to urgent and emergency plumbing repairs as directed by the supervisor, particularly where leaks may cause damage or affect residents' access to essential facilities.
• Isolate water supplies safely when required to carry out repairs and restore services once the work is complete.
• Undertake temporary measures where necessary to control leaks or prevent further property damage while permanent repairs are arranged.
• Identify underlying causes of recurring plumbing defects and report any requirement for additional work or specialist investigation.
• Complete repairs efficiently, minimising disruption to residents and reducing repeat visits.

C. Water Systems and Sanitary Installations

• Maintain and repair domestic hot and cold water distribution systems within the scope of the role.
• Install, maintain and replace sanitary appliances and associated plumbing components.
• Ensure pipework, fittings and connections are correctly installed, supported and protected.
• Carry out appropriate checks following plumbing repairs to confirm the system is operating correctly and is free from leaks.
• Follow relevant procedures for preventing contamination and maintaining the safety of domestic water supplies.
• Identify and report defects that may affect water quality, system performance or resident safety.
• Ensure appropriate isolation and reinstatement procedures are followed when working on water services.
• Report concerns relating to water hygiene, persistent stagnation, suspected contamination or other potential water safety risks through the appropriate channels.
• Work in accordance with applicable water regulations, relevant standards and the housing association's procedures.

D. Heating and Associated Plumbing Works

• Undertake minor repairs to domestic heating system components where appropriately trained, competent and authorised.
• Replace or repair radiators, radiator valves, accessible pipework and associated fittings within the scope of competence.
• Investigate and report leaks affecting heating pipework and radiators.
• Carry out plumbing connections associated with heating installations where authorised.
• Identify faults that require referral to a suitably qualified heating engineer or other specialist contractor.
• Ensure heating systems are not altered or recommissioned beyond the postholder's competence and authorisation.
• Maintain accurate records of defects identified and any follow-on works required.

E. Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Complete all plumbing works in accordance with the housing association's specifications, applicable regulations, relevant standards and manufacturer instructions.
• Ensure installations and repairs are completed to a safe, durable and professional standard.
• Select appropriate materials, fittings and repair methods for the system concerned.
• Test completed work as appropriate to confirm correct operation and identify leaks or defects.
• Ensure all isolation valves, fittings and connections are accessible and correctly installed where required.
• Rectify workmanship defects identified during inspections or reported through the repairs process.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship and contribute to achieving a right-first-time repairs service.
• Identify and report any defects requiring further investigation, specialist assessment or additional works.
• Complete required checks, records and handover information before signing off jobs.
• Support quality inspections and handover arrangements for void properties.

F. Resident and Customer Service

• Provide a professional, courteous and respectful service when working in residents' homes.
• Explain the nature of the work and communicate any delays, access requirements or additional repairs where appropriate.
• Respect residents' privacy, belongings and individual circumstances.
• Protect floors, furniture, fixtures and fittings from water, dust, tools and materials.
• Maintain safe access to kitchens, bathrooms and other affected areas while work is being undertaken.
• Keep work areas clean, tidy and safe, removing waste materials on completion.
• Inform residents of any temporary loss of water supply or facilities and explain when services are expected to be restored, where known.
• Report complaints, resident concerns, access difficulties and safeguarding concerns through the appropriate channels.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with the housing association's customer care policies.
• Contribute to a positive resident experience and the delivery of a reliable, customer-focused maintenance service.

G. Health, Safety and Compliance

• Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, organisational policies, risk assessments and method statements.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and follow safe systems of work.
• Apply safe isolation procedures before working on water services and other relevant systems.
• Follow safe working practices when handling tools, pipework, sanitaryware, chemicals and heavy materials.
• Comply with COSHH requirements when using cleaning agents, descaling products, adhesives, sealants and other hazardous substances.
• Follow procedures relating to asbestos awareness and stop work if suspected asbestos-containing materials are identified or disturbed.
• Maintain good hygiene practices when working on drainage systems, sanitary installations and potentially contaminated pipework.
• Take appropriate precautions to prevent water damage, contamination and other hazards during plumbing works.
• Ensure work areas are safe for residents, colleagues and members of the public.
• Report accidents, incidents, near misses, defective equipment and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Ensure waste materials are removed and disposed of in accordance with organisational procedures and environmental requirements.

H. Materials, Equipment and Administration

• Ensure the correct materials, tools and equipment are available to complete allocated jobs efficiently.
• Estimate material requirements accurately to minimise waste and avoid unnecessary expenditure.
• Use materials responsibly and demonstrate value for money.
• Maintain tools and equipment in a clean, safe and serviceable condition.
• Report damaged or defective equipment and ensure it is not used where unsafe.
• Ensure tools, materials, keys and property access devices are stored securely.
• Complete job sheets, mobile working records, timesheets and material usage records accurately and within required timescales.
• Record work completed, defects identified, materials used and any follow-on works required.
• Report material shortages, failed access, delays and changes to the scope of work to the relevant supervisor.
• Follow the housing association's procedures for the collection, storage and use of materials and equipment.

I. Teamwork and Service Delivery

• Work collaboratively with other maintenance operatives, including electricians, carpenters, plasterers, decorators, roofers and general builders.
• Coordinate plumbing works with other trades to support the timely completion of repairs and void properties.
• Liaise with supervisors, surveyors, planners and specialist contractors where required.
• Manage allocated workloads effectively and prioritise jobs in line with operational requirements.
• Attend team meetings, toolbox talks and training sessions as required.
• Maintain a flexible and professional approach to changing service priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, reduce repeat repairs and minimise unnecessary costs.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role, skills and level of responsibility.

3. Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Relevant plumbing qualification, such as an NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Plumbing and Domestic Heating, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Demonstrable experience working as a plumber within property maintenance, construction, social housing or a similar environment.
• Practical experience diagnosing and repairing common domestic plumbing faults.
• Competence in repairing and installing taps, toilets, sinks, baths, showers, pipework, valves and associated fittings.
• Knowledge of domestic hot and cold water systems, sanitary installations and common drainage components.
• Ability to identify defects and recognise when specialist investigation or further work is required.
• Understanding of safe working practices, risk assessments and relevant health and safety requirements.
• Awareness of water hygiene, contamination prevention and safe working practices when dealing with drainage systems.
• Awareness of asbestos risks and the procedures to follow if suspected asbestos-containing materials are identified.
• Ability to work independently, organise workloads and meet agreed deadlines.
• Good attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality workmanship.
• Good communication and customer service skills, particularly when working in occupied properties.
• Ability to complete job records and use mobile devices or electronic job management systems.
• Full, valid UK driving licence, where driving is an essential requirement of the role.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working for a housing association, local authority or other social housing provider.
• Experience of void property refurbishment and working to a defined lettable standard.
• Experience undertaking responsive repairs in occupied residential properties.
• Experience working within a multi-trade property maintenance team.
• Relevant health and safety training, including asbestos awareness and COSHH.
• Knowledge of applicable water regulations and domestic water hygiene requirements.
• Experience using mobile working applications and electronic repairs management systems.
• Additional relevant heating qualifications, where heating-related duties form part of the role.

How to Apply

We would love to hear from you. Please apply via the advert or contact

0161 838 3616 for more information.

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment Business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to temporary vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer, job suitability are assessed on merit in accordance with their skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.