How To Find A Good Plumber

4 Essential Tips

Some plumbing problems should not be attempted on your own. Even if it looks easy now, it could be a whole lot more expensive after you've "had a go"! So finding a good plumber is worth doing, even if just to have their phone number ready for later. So here are 4 tips to help you find a professional who will do the job right, and at a fair price.

1. Ask Friends/Family Where To Find A Plumber

If you ask enough family members or friends you should be able to get a recommendation. But also ask what work they did and how long ago. Sometimes friends can be eager to help and just end up suggesting someone they know but have never actually used!

If no immediate friends or family can recommend someone, ask them if they know anyone else who has had some plumbing work done recently. Then ask them what work they did and if they were happy. Reputation is everything when trying to find a tradesman.

2. Check Your Plumbers Out

Don't just stop at a recommendation though. Check your plumbers licensed and a member of reputable trade organisations. You want to be at least partially reassured they have solid experience and proper training. And whilst these are no guarantee, these things give you a little reassurance and potentially somewhere to go if things did go wrong.

3. Ask Questions

Don't be afraid to ask. You're not a plumber or you wouldn't be looking for one - they already know that so won't be surprised when you ask seemingly daft questions. If they don't answer questions happily or give vague answers, consider it a 'red flag'! You want a plumber you can 'deal' with, not a grumpy amateur who treats you like a fool.

So ask if they have experience solving your particular problem. Ask them to explain what they think is wrong. Ask them what will need doing. If you don't understand anything they say or they throw in too much jargon, ask them to explain in simpler terms - you're not a plumber. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions. A good plumber will happily answer and explain, and won't be cagey about the work required.

4. The Price

Ask first. Always get a written estimate before work begins. Remember though, most plumbers have a minimum time fee to cover their visit. So even if the job takes 2 minutes they may still charge for half an hour, or even a full hour. If you think the price sounds too much for the work you've discussed, say you'll get back to them. Then go and get some quotes from elsewhere. If the prices are in a similar range, do go with your recommended plumber though - switching to the cheapest could prove an expensive decision.

Don't forget an estimate is not a fixed price though, it is possible the final bill could be higher (or lower). If it is higher, ask why, ask what was unexpected about the work. If you discussed what needed doing at the start, then it won't be hard to judge if any increase in price is fair.

Now Go Find A Good Plumber!

You should now feel more prepared for finding your plumber. You know what to ask, what to look for and what you should expect. And just remember once you find a good plumber, you can use them again and again! And your friends and family will be greatly relieved when they need to ask you to recommend a plumber for them.

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