Plumber

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