Hiring any Tradesman can be a minefield – particularly when you find yourself in an emergency situation. In the case of plumbers, you’ll typically find yourself with a burst pipe or broken boiler in the middle of the night in the middle of winter – and need someone immediately!
Just as we register with a Doctor as a matter of course, it’s extremely prudent to search-out a good plumber before you need them and to have their number stored in both your phone and also displayed in a prominent position by your boiler etc.
A plumber will generally be able to do anything from replacing a washer to installing a new central heating system. Some plumbing firms will specialise in larger/smaller works or repair/maintenance as opposed to new installations, but – as with any tradesman – it’s important to employ someone with the correct professional qualifications.
Plumbers should be members of the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), which is the UK’s leading Trade Association for plumbers, and any person working with gas should also be CORGI-Registered (Council Of Registered Gas Installers). In addition to that, the plumber should have Insurance and be able to produce Certificates if required. If in doubt, do consult your local Authority – who will have a list of all approved plumbers in your area.
Recommendation is always helpful (particularly for a large job), and many plumbers will now have websites containing testimonials, but if you’re about to undertake a major project then it’s always recommended that you get at least three written quotes (not estimates), for the work involved and to compare styles/prices of materials at local DIY stores to ensure you’ve got a reasonable idea of what you require, as bathroom suites – for example – range enormously in quality and price.
For your part as a customer; it’s also important to be as clear in your own mind as possible as to your requirements, and to fully discuss them with the plumber so that the quote you receive will be realistic. A common reason why disputes occur is that a customer will change their requirements once works are underway and then be surprised to find the final bill to coming-in at more than they anticipated. Good communication is key.
As for emergencies: a large part of the cost is down to the ‘call-out’ fee – which is another reason to do your research and to at least have the number of a good, local plumber handy so that they’ll have less distance to travel and can hopefully get to you more quickly in the event of an emergency.
Prevention is better than cure, and you can go a long way to reducing the risk of problems occurring by ensuring your boiler; central heating and all gas appliances are regularly serviced. It’s worth getting these tasks completed in the autumn, as the moment there’s a cold snap a plumber will be inundated with work and be a lot more difficult to get hold of.
About the author: James Bolton is a Corgi registered plumber who specialises in boiler repairs. If you are interested in becoming a plumber then why not check out what apprenticeships are available in your area.
