Choosing a trustworthy tradesman isn’t easy. When searching for a plumber, begin by making sure they have a trade association membership and look too to see if they are Gas Safe and Corgi registered. This can save no end of aggravation in the long run as time goes on and it can also mean your project is also able to run a great deal easier too. Plumbers should have specific certificates. So, make sure they have warranties and guaranties. This includes all plumbing tradesmen. So just deal with licensed to be sure of being able to get the best possible overall service.
Call at least three or four plumbers and compare prices. Enquire about call-out charges and hourly rates as well as the price of parts and any other red herrings you may also end up coming over and across too.
Be sure to ask around for some referrals from local people you know
The best type of recommendation is word of mouth. Before you begin your search for the right plumber, ask friends, family members and neighbours if they have any recommendations. There’s a high chance someone you trust will be able to recommend a plumber they have used before. If you’re short of recommendations, the internet can be a useful tool for finding local reliable plumbers in your area. A simple search will produce a number of plumbers in your area; however, you should never just choose a plumber at random – instead, it’s important to do some research beforehand.
Are they registered?
It’s important to ensure the plumber you choose is registered with the appropriate organisations and associations. Keep an eye out for plumbers who are listed on trade association websites or who display the trade association logos on their website. Make sure the plumber is on the Gas Safe Register. This is the official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work safely and legally on gas appliances. In order to legally carry out work on your boiler, a professional must be on this register. Other trade associations who cover plumbers include Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) and Chartered Institution of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).
Shop local and see who is based near you
There are many benefits to choosing a local plumber. Firstly, you can expect a fast response time. Choosing a plumber that serves your area will give you peace of mind they can get to your property in no time at all, rather than have to travel far to get to you. This is particularly important in case you have a plumbing emergency that requires urgent attention. Locally based plumbers will also be familiar with your area, including local hardware stores and traffic situations. They’ll also likely have business contacts in your area.
A local plumber can give you reliable advice. It’s also important to support your local economy and therefore choose businesses that are nearby. Another reason to choose a plumber near you is it’s more environmentally friendly. As the plumber won’t have to travel far to get to you, their carbon footprint will be less which is better for the environment. Remember, fewer miles means fewer carbon emissions.
Overall
When choosing your plumber, it’s also important that you know their availability. If a pipe were to burst in your home, or your boiler were to break, you need the assurance that they offer a 24 hour emergency call out service. Unfortunately, boilers on the brink of breakdown don’t wait for 9am. Knowing their response time can be the deciding factor when choosing your plumber. You don’t want to have to wait 8 hours for an engineer to arrive if a pipe bursts at midnight.