Call a handyperson for general maintenance and straightforward non-regulated tasks; call a plumber for faults in water, drainage and heating systems; call a qualified electrician for electrical installation, fault-finding and work that requires specialist competence. Anything involving gas must go to a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
The difficult cases are the jobs that sit between trades: a leaking tap, a new light fitting, a dishwasher connection or a bathroom extractor. The safest choice depends on what is actually being altered, not what the job looks like from the outside.
Jobs that usually suit a handyperson
- assembling furniture,
- hanging shelves, pictures and mirrors,
- fitting curtain poles and blinds,
- minor decorating and patch repairs,
- adjusting doors and handles,
- replacing silicone sealant,
- small carpentry jobs,
- basic external maintenance.
The advantage is efficiency. Instead of booking three different trades for five small non-specialist jobs, one experienced handyperson may complete the whole list.
When to call a plumber
A plumber becomes the better choice when the job involves diagnosing or altering the water or drainage system rather than a superficial fitting.
- persistent or hidden leaks,
- toilets that keep running despite simple adjustments,
- blocked or repeatedly backing-up drains,
- low water pressure affecting several outlets,
- pipe replacement,
- radiator and central-heating water-side work,
- installing or moving plumbing connections.
A small visible leak may look like a handyman job, but if the source is unclear or water is entering floors and walls, diagnosis matters more than the hourly rate.
When to call an electrician
Use a suitably qualified electrician when the job involves electrical faults, circuits, fixed wiring, consumer units or work that may be controlled by building regulations. Examples include repeated tripping, burning smells, damaged fixed wiring, adding circuits or sockets, and investigating unexplained loss of power.
Even apparently simple electrical work can become specialist if it changes a circuit or is carried out in a higher-risk location. Rules also differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so avoid treating one country’s building regulation as a blanket UK rule.
Gas: this one is not a grey area
If work is on a gas appliance or gas fitting, use a Gas Safe registered business and check that the engineer is qualified for that category of work. A general plumber or handyman who is not Gas Safe registered cannot legally carry out gas work within the scope of the regulations.
A non-gas tradesperson may sometimes carry out separate work around a heating system, but the gas work itself must be handled by the registered engineer.
Common household jobs: who to call?
| Problem | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-pack wardrobe | Handyperson | general assembly |
| Loose shelf or curtain rail | Handyperson | general fixing and carpentry |
| Tap dripping | Handyperson or plumber | simple cartridge swap may be minor; persistent fault may need plumbing expertise |
| Leak inside wall | Plumber | diagnosis and pipework |
| Blocked toilet keeps returning | Plumber/drain specialist | possible deeper drainage issue |
| Socket sparks or smells hot | Electrician | electrical safety fault |
| New fixed circuit | Electrician | specialist electrical installation |
| Gas boiler fault | Gas Safe registered engineer | regulated gas work |
| Reseal bath edge | Handyperson | surface maintenance if no hidden leak |
What about changing a light fitting?
This is a classic boundary question. Some competent handypeople may offer very minor like-for-like tasks, but electrical safety and local regulations still apply. If there is any uncertainty about wiring condition, earthing, circuit protection or the nature of the alteration, book an electrician.
What about connecting a washing machine or dishwasher?
If the correct water, waste and electrical connections already exist, a handyperson may be able to position and connect an appliance. If new pipework, drainage or a new electrical supply is required, involve the appropriate specialist.
When one job needs two trades
Bathrooms and kitchens often cross boundaries. A handyperson may remove cabinets, patch walls and fit accessories, while a plumber alters pipework and an electrician moves fixed electrical points.
A good tradesperson will tell you when a task is outside their scope. That is a positive sign, not a weakness.
How to describe the job before booking
Send photos and explain what you want changed rather than only the symptom. For example: “I want this dishwasher moved 1.5 metres and there is no water connection at the new position” is much more useful than “install dishwasher”.
You can search the FindHandyman.uk directory for local home professionals and compare the services described in their profiles.
Cost comparison is only meaningful after scope is clear
A handyperson may cost around the mid-£20s to £30s per hour in many areas, while plumbers and electricians often charge more. But specialists bring diagnostic tools, training and responsibility appropriate to their work.
If you are budgeting for general maintenance, see the guide to handyman costs in the UK in 2026.
FAQ
Can a handyman do plumbing?
Many handypeople do minor plumbing-type tasks, but deeper faults, new pipework and system work are usually better handled by a plumber. Gas work requires Gas Safe registration.
Can a handyman do electrical work?
Some may be competent for limited minor tasks, but electrical installation and fault work can be regulated and safety-critical. When in doubt, use a qualified electrician.
Can a plumber work on my gas boiler?
Only if the person or business is appropriately Gas Safe registered for the relevant gas work.
Who should I call if I do not know the cause?
Choose the trade most closely connected to the system showing the fault. For hidden water damage, start with a plumber. For power trips or hot electrical fittings, start with an electrician. For general non-system repairs, a handyperson is a good first option.