Plumbers in Hampshire were among the fourth most complained about in England between 2020 and 2021, new research has found.

Hampshire County Council received 171 complaints about plumbers in that time span, which meant it was only beaten out by Lincolnshire (178), Norfolk (329) and Devon (532).

The research was conducted by Water Regs UK, who sent out Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to councils around England about the number of complaints received about tradesmen.

They found that across the board there has been a 9% increase of complaints about plumbing tradesmen, with some councils seeing an increase of over 150 complaints.

Hampshire Chronicle: Hampshire County Council received the most complaints about plumbers in the south of EnglandHampshire County Council received the most complaints about plumbers in the south of England (Image: Canva)

Top 10 areas for complaints about plumbers

1. Devon County Council - 532 complaints between 2020 and 2021

2. Norfolk County Council - 329

3. Lincolnshire County Council - 178

4. Hampshire County Council - 171

5. Durham County Council - 156

6. Kent County Council - 145

7. Wiltshire Council - 118

8. Nottinghamshire County Council - 106

9. Buckinghamshire Council - 93

10. Surrey County Council - 93

Julie Spinks, managing director of Water Regs UK, said: “Consumers are experiencing problems with plumbers up and down the country.

"Whilst it’s encouraging to see that so many are using their right to complain about bad tradesmen, it’s disappointing that so many have felt the need to.

“I’d urge anyone looking for a plumber to always go through an approved scheme, such as WaterSafe which is supported by water companies.

"The scheme vets them to check they are suitably qualified and insured to carry out plumbing work. They can also be audited against the water fittings regulations.”