Hiring a plumber is not something that we look forward to doing. This is because if we are ringing up a plumber, it will mean that there is a problem in our home. Most of the time, plumbing is not something we can do ourselves, it is a complicated trade that should be left down to specialists. Hiring the right person for the job is an important decision. You want somebody that you can rely on to do a good job. Here is what to look out for when hiring one:
· Look at their Qualifications
Even if the problem seems minimal, why take the risk? You should look at a plumbers qualifications when you are hiring them. Getting someone with the experience and knowledge to tackle your problem is important. Otherwise, the problem could reoccur or – even worse – further problems may develop. Plumbers will usually work with trade associations, so look out for these ones when hiring a plumber:
- Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC): The APHC work with the government, councils, consumer organisations and trade unions in order to ensure specific standards are met.
- Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE): The CIPHE has over 12,000 members. It aims to raise standards in the industry, ensuring all their members stick to that standard.
- Gas Safe Register: This is an official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work safely on gas appliances in the UK. If your plumber is going to be working with gas then they need this.
· Hiring a Plumber: Local or National?
One of the big questions that people have when they need a plumber is local or national? Both have their benefits so let’s have a quick breakdown. The pros of going local tend to be price, reputation and that it supports local business. Local plumbers are usually cheaper because they tend to look more detailed at how much of a job is going to cost, whereas national organisations will have flat rates.
The pros of hiring from a national plumbing company tend to be speed, less risk and more reliable. Hiring nationally provides less risk because these companies will ensure that everything is up to scratch at all stages of the process. Whereas local plumbers rely on themselves at all times.
This isn’t a decision you should take lightly so make sure you consider all the aspects before deciding.
· What is the Cost
Depending on where you are and what you need doing, the price will often vary when getting a plumber. But if we speak in general terms, you should expect to pay around £45+ for the call out and £35+ per hour for the work (although in London this can get in excess of £100). Make sure you ask your plumber how much it is going to cost beforehand.
