Questions to Ask Your Plumber

1. What Accreditations Do You Have?

It’s not always necessary for a plumber to have specific accreditations before they can start working, however, it is a good sign when they have. It shows they have taken the time to really perfect their craft and this has been confirmed by experts in the field.

If they do have accreditations, the plumber should be able to show you proof of these, either with a physical certificate or online confirmation.

2. Are You Available 24/7?

The vast majority of plumbing troubles happen when we least expect it, so you need a plumber who is available 24/7. In an emergency, you want to know that someone will be able to come out and fix the problem rather than having to wait days for a professional to be free to look at it.

3. Where Can I Read Some Reviews?

Reviews and customer testimonials are what is really going to tell you how good a plumber is. They may have a few on their website, but remember they will handpick the best ones to show off so it is best to ask whether there are any other places customers can leave reviews.

You can then spend some time reading through these before making your final decision. Be sure to check governmental-backed schemes too, which can help you to find approved tradespeople in your local area with a proven track record.

What Is Your Working Rate?

Alongside the cost of any parts they may need, a plumber usually charges an hourly rate while they are carrying out work. The total price for parts and working may be lumped together when they give you the initial quote, but make sure you ask this question to avoid any surprises once the final bill comes in.

You can then compare working rates between plumbers to further inform your decision.

What if Something Goes Wrong?

No matter how qualified or skilled a plumber is, there will always be times where something goes wrong. In these instances, you need to know exactly what their procedure is - how quickly can they come out to rectify the problem? Will they charge a second time?

If the plumber is part of a larger company, you can enquire whether the same person will come back or if it is simply whoever is available.

If the problem is severe, be sure to get in touch with Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice. They can provide you with advice on what to do if you have been scammed, ripped off, didn’t carry out work properly, or if they are unsafe and dangerous.

It is the essential questions like these five you can ask your plumber that may mean the difference between a good job that lasts for years, and one that is laden with mistakes which will cause problems later on down the line. Take the time to choose the best plumber for you and you’ll most likely save both money and hassle.