Plumbing
How to select the best plumber
From leaky faucets to broken pipes, plumbing issues are never fun. They can cause extensive damage and be complicated to fix on your own. Therefore, finding an experienced and reputable plumber to assist with these and other issues is a wise idea. Today we are going to help you with the exact steps to take to find the best plumber for all your needs.
- Ensure that they make you feel comfortable and confident
- Inquire if they are Gas Safe registered
- Find a plumber with vast experience
- Ask your tradesman what their process and procedures will be
- Get a detailed estimate in writing
- Know the fine print of workmanship guarantees
Let us investigate each of these areas in more detail.
Comfort and confidence are important
When looking for a plumber to work in your home, you want to make sure that you are at ease with the person you select. Look for someone who is courteous in all communications, both in person and via phone or email. They should be honest and transparent, not hesitating to provide you with written references or contacts of previous clients. In addition, it can be smart to look online for reviews of the work and service of anyone you are considering.
Gas Safe Certification is a need
Many plumbing jobs require working with natural gas lines. If this is the case for the work that you need done, the plumber that you hire is required to be Gas Safe certified. This certification is the law in the UK for any plumber who is working with gas.
There are many plumbers who are excellent that do not have Gas Safe certification, and they can be a wonderful choice for plumbing work that doesn’t involve natural gas. However, if your job has even a minuscule amount of natural gas work involved Gas Safe certification should be provided to you before work begins.
Experience is key
Plumbing jobs can often throw unexpected problems at a tradesman who is in the middle of their work. Having a wide breadth of plumbing experience will allow them the ability to think fast to problem solve to get the issue fixed quickly and correctly.
It is also important to select a plumber who has specific experience in the type of plumbing work you are seeking. For instance, plumbing a bathroom is different from installing plumbing for an in-ground swimming pool.
Finally, a plumber who has an NVQ qualification or City & Guilds qualification in plumbing and domestic heating is a tradesman who almost certainly takes their craft and quality of work seriously.
Processes and procedures should be detailed
Before you commit to a plumber for the job, have them detail how they plan on completing it, step-by-step. Knowing a detailed plan and timeframe can eliminate miscommunications. It also helps everyone’s expectations to be on the same page.
Get a written estimate of all job elements
You should try to get quotes from at least 3 plumbers in writing before you select someone for your job. These quotes should be like for like, including the same details. Although you can get a quote via phone or email, it is always best to have the tradesman come to your worksite so they can see what the job is with their own eyes.
A reputable plumber will break down all job costs in writing. These costs should include how you will be charged, labor, materials, travel, VAT or other taxes and finally waste removal and disposal. It is important to note that no plumber should ask you to pay for the entire job up front. A deposit or materials payment is reasonable to expect.
Know the fine print of workmanship warranties and guarantees
Many plumbers will claim they guarantee their work, but you need to make sure you know the specifics of that guarantee. Does it have a time limit? What happens if your plumber retires or goes out of business? If your plumber is a member of the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), another member tradesman will be contacted to finish your job if your chosen plumber goes out of business mid-job. This insurance backed organization can provide peace of mind.
We hope that this guide has provided you with the knowledge you need to feel confident interviewing and selecting a plumber.