When it comes to the systems in your home, there’s nothing more important than plumbing. Whether you’re dealing with a small leak or a big job like a bathroom renovation, you need a good plumber.
Bad plumbing can cause long-term problems, more time, money and stress. So how do you choose a plumber you can trust to do a good job at a fair price? This will walk you through the steps to help you choose a good plumber such as RM Plumbing.
1. Know What You Need
Before you start looking for a plumber, know what the problem is or the service you need. Plumbers specialise in:
- General Plumbing Repairs: Fixing leaky taps, clogged drains and small pipe repairs.
- Installation Services: Installing new plumbing systems, sinks, toilets or water heaters.
- Emergency Plumbing: Some plumbers offer 24/7 emergency services.
- Specialised Services: Some plumbers specialise in bathroom renovations, underfloor heating or complex pipework systems.
By knowing what you need, you can narrow down the search to plumbers who can do your job.
2. Ask for Referrals
Word of mouth is still the best way to find reliable tradies. Start by asking friends, family, neighbours or colleagues if they know a good plumber. Someone who has had a good experience with a plumber will likely tell you about the service, price and overall satisfaction.
Social media and local community groups are also great places to find recommended plumbers. Many people post reviews and share their experiences, so you can spot good plumbers who have built a local reputation.
3. Check Qualifications and Accreditations
Make sure the plumber you choose is qualified and accredited. In the UK for example, plumbers need to be Gas Safe registered if they are working on gas appliances. You can check their registration by asking for their Gas Safe ID card or check the Gas Safe Register online. Plumbers who work on complex plumbing and heating systems may need extra certifications.
In addition to the legal requirements, accreditations from professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) will give you extra peace of mind. Accreditations mean the plumber adheres to industry standards and keeps their skills up to date.
4. Check Experience
While qualifications are important, experience is another key factor when choosing a good plumber. Ask the plumber how long they have been in business and have they done similar jobs before. A plumber with several years of experience will have encountered many problems and can troubleshoot.
You can also ask to see their portfolio if you’re considering a plumber for a big job like a bathroom installation or home renovation. Seeing their previous work will give you confidence they can deliver good results.
5. Check Reviews and References
With online reviews available, it’s never been easier to research a plumber’s reputation. Websites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews and Checkatrade allow customers to rate and review plumbers based on their experience. No plumber will have 100% positive feedback, but look for patterns in the reviews about reliability, punctuality, quality of work and price.
If possible, ask the plumber directly for references. A good plumber will have no problem giving you references from previous customers who can vouch for their work. When speaking to references ask:
- Did the plumber finish the job on time and to budget?
- Were they easy to get in touch with and respond to questions?
- Were there any problems and how did the plumber handle them?
6. Get 3 Quotes
It’s always a good idea to get at least 3 quotes from different plumbers. When asking for a quote make sure you give each plumber the same information about the work to be done. So you can compare apples with apples.
A good plumber will give you a written estimate that includes:
- Labour costs
- Material costs
- Any additional fees (e.g. call out charges)
- Completion time
Watch out for quotes that are too good to be true. The cheapest may not always be the best, it could mean they are using low quality materials or rushing the job. Go for a plumber who gives you a fair and reasonable price for good service.
7. Check Insurance
Accidents can happen during plumbing work so make sure the plumber you hire has adequate insurance. A good plumber will have public liability insurance and if applicable, employer’s liability insurance.
Public liability insurance covers damage to your property during the work, employer’s liability insurance covers the plumber’s employees if they get injured. Never hire a plumber without checking their insurance, it will protect you from unexpected costs.
8. What’s the Warranty?
A good plumber will back their work and offer a warranty for their services. The warranty will cover any defects in the workmanship or materials used. Make sure you understand the warranty terms before the plumber starts work.
Ask:
- What does the warranty cover (labour, parts or both)?
- How long is the warranty?
- What’s the process for dealing with issues under the warranty?
This gives you peace of mind and shows the plumber has faith in their work.
9. Communication and Professionalism
Communication is key to a good plumbing experience. Pay attention to how the plumber communicates with you from the get go. Do they answer your calls or emails quickly? Are they polite and explain the job in detail? A good plumber should be approachable, professional and keep you informed throughout the process.
Punctuality and cleanliness are also signs of a professional tradesperson. A plumber who turns up on time and cleans up after the job shows they value your time and your home.
10. Check Directories and Professional Websites
If you can’t get recommendations or reviews, check online directories. Websites like Checkatrade, MyBuilder and Rated People allow homeowners to search for plumbers in their area who are vetted and reviewed. These platforms also give extra peace of mind as plumbers listed on there have been background checked.
Also look for plumbers with a professional website. A good website means the plumber takes their business seriously and has information about the services they offer, testimonials and contact details.
11. Are They Available
When choosing a plumber consider their availability. If you have an emergency you’ll need a plumber who can respond quickly and efficiently. Some plumbing companies offer 24/7 services, others may not be available on weekends or holidays.
If your plumbing job is more complex ask about their schedule and how soon they can start the work. A good plumber will give you a realistic timeframe based on the job and their current workload.
12. Go With Your Gut
At the end of the day go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s their attitude, lack of transparency or vague pricing—it’s probably best to look elsewhere. You should feel comfortable and confident with the plumber you let into your home.
Conclusion
Choosing a good plumber is a crucial part of keeping your home’s plumbing systems in check. Follow these steps and you can choose a plumber who is qualified, experienced and professional. Don’t rush it—taking the time to research and vet plumbers will save you headaches and costly repairs down the line.
In short look for a plumber who:
- Knows your specific plumbing requirements
- Is recommended by others
- Has the right qualifications and accreditations
- Has years of experience and a good reputation
- Gives a detailed and fair quote
- Has the right insurance
- Has a good warranty on their work
- Communicates well and is professional
By following these you’ll have confidence you’ve chosen a good plumber for the job.
