The importance of tradespersons who have taken plumbing training courses and their services during the winter has been highlighted by the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors.
Speaking to the BBC, the body's chief executive Clive Dickin commented that its members have been reporting that they are extremely busy at the moment, with the cold snap playing havoc on people's homes, causing freezing pipes and resulting water damage.
He added that the increase in workload has generally been good news for professionals.
"After a period of deep recession and little work either in construction or domestic renovations this is a welcome and possibly business-saving busy period for many plumbers," he said.
He went on to encourage homeowners who plan on thawing out frozen pipes to consult a Gas Safe Registered worker if gas is involved.
It was recently revealed by Halifax Home Insurance that the average cost to repair burst pipes and the consequent damage is close to £2,000.
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