Finding a good plumber can be a nightmare, especially if you have an emergency that cannot wait. But it doesn’t have to be! Read further and learn our top tips on how to find a good plumber in your area and save yourself the hassle of dealing with cowboys and shoddy workmen.

How to Find a Local Plumber You Can Trust

1) Ask family and friends

A great source for plumber recommendations are your friends and family. Chances are they have experienced similar issues and can recommend a the right tradesman you can count on. Word-of-mouth recommendations are so important and can carry a lot of weight. Plus, a personal account is a more persuasive tool than a hype ad without a customer review to back it up.

2) Ask another tradesperson

Stay with us here! Have you had work done by a handyman or an electrician, whose work you were happy with? Ask them to recommend a plumbing specialist. People in the trades business often know each other and sometimes work together on complex projects. Professionals enjoy working with other professionals, so they are likely to recommend someone they know is reliable and will get the job done.

3) Read reviews and testimonials

Most companies claim that you get the best service for the best price. Claims like this are catchy to hear on the radio or read on the internet, but they rarely provide more than brand recognition. While this is important, it does not give you the peace of mind or even security that you are in good hands. So take the time to carefully evaluate reviews and testimonials on the company website and their social media accounts. It is important to look for authenticity and honesty, so look for the following information:

• What the project was?
• When it was carried out?
• If there were any issues during the project?
• How long it took and the results?
• If the customer would consider hiring the same plumber again?

4) Plumbing Trade Associations

Most knowledgeable plumbers are members of a trade association. A trade association membership is a sign of quality and dedication to the industry, as they encourage the focus on improved ability, customer service, and delivering top results. Being a good plumber is more than doing the job. It’s about communication, reliability, and trust at the end of the day. There is no use for a plumber who doesn’t respect you, your home and your family.

The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) are two of the most well-known associations in the UK. Members of these kinds of trade associations are unlikely to jeopardise their good reputation by doing shoddy work. So look out for that

5) Compare rates and collect quotes over the phone

Like with any other service, it's best that you a few quotes for the job at hand - we recommend 3 or more quotes to compare the costs and the service perks. The more complex the job is the more quotes you need to get, and the more questions you should be asking. Depending on the circumstances, they might give you a quote over the phone or after a survey is carried out. Beware of suspiciously low rates - cheap prices could equal shoddy work. Most good plumbers know what their work is worth. A low price might mean a lack of licenses or specialised knowledge in the area. Another trick to watch out for is quoting only for part of the job and then charging extra for “the additional work”. To avoid these situations, you need the following information:

• Does the plumber have Public Liability Insurance?
• Is the tradesman a licensed professional in the field?
• What is the guarantee they give?
• How is the service charged – by the hour or is it at a fixed price?
• Do you get a quote in writing (with a description of everything included) as part of the service?
• Does the professional bring his own tools to the job?
• What are the hidden costs?
• Do you get a hard copy invoice?

IMPORTANT:

 A good tradesman can:

• Make sure they understands all your concerns and wishes;
• Explain what they will do to fulfill the request to the highest possible standards;
• Clearly explain the price and what does it include;
• Be patient, friendly, clean, and professional at all times.

How to Avoid Common Plumbing Scams

Unfortunately, there are some rogue plumbers and just plain scammers out there. To avoid falling victim to a plumbing scam, we recommend that you:

• Ask for identification, proof of license and insurance
• Ask for company details like address, telephone number, e-mail, and opening hours
• Do not give money “under the table” – always ask for a receipt for every payment you make
• Do not trust door-to-door plumbers - that's never a good sign!
• Ask for a written quote with details about the work (as for a breakdown of the work being carried out and the individual prices)
• Never sign a blank document or a vague contract (always read a contract, especially in this case).

Which Areas Do We Cover?

We can cover all the plumbing needs you have and you'll be guaranteed the perfect experience with us. However, do we service your location? See below which areas we travel to, no matter how big or how small the job is.

• Kettering
•  Corby
•  East Northants
•  Huntingdon
•  Northamptonshire
•  Rushden
•  St Neots
•  Thrapston
•  Wellingborough

If we work in your area and you have a plumbing issue you'd like us to fix, head over to our contact us page today.