Aside from fixing leaks and checking over pipes, you may not be entirely sure what type of project and work a plumber can undertake. The truth is, a plumber is experienced in a whole lot more then you may realise.

 

Plumbers can tackle a wide range of jobs around your home and, if they have the right experience, can even install underfloor heating using underfloor heating trade supplies.

 

When it comes to hiring a plumber, one thing that you are going to want to make sure is that they are the right person for the job, however, how do you know who you are choosing is right?

 

To help you, we have put together the main things that you should be looking out for when it comes to hiring a plumber.

 

Ask for recommendations

 

The simplest way to make sure that you have the right plumber for the job is to ask around for a recommendation. You can ask friends and family members, as well as perhaps putting a shout out on social media. Not only does this mean that you will have someone who is local, but also that they have completed work for other people that you know and it has been to a good standard.

 

If you don’t know of anyone who has used a plumber recently, but you do know another tradesperson, then they may be able to point you in the right direction too.

 

Check out online reviews

 

If you want to make doubly sure that the plumber you pick can do what they say they can, then it is a good idea to take a look at their online profile. Hopefully there will be some reviews left against their business, and you can see what other people think of their work.

 

Always ask to see qualifications

 

It is important when you choose a plumber that you make sure that they have all the relevant qualifications needed to undertake the work. At the very least, a plumber should have a Level 2 Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating, or a Level 3 if they are looking at your gas heating system. Any less than this, or if they are not able to show their qualifications to you on request, then this should set off some warning bells in your head.

 

Ask about insurances

 

Another thing that should be pretty high up on your list to ask is insurances. Plumbers will need to have a high level of insurance in order to work in people’s homes. This ensures that any damage or issues that can pop up are going to be resolved and no-one has to be out of pocket. If you use a plumber who is not insured and any problems crop up, you are the one who is likely to be out of pocket in the end.

 

Find out their experience

 

We all know that qualifications are key, however, that isn’t to say that experience isn’t valuable either. A plumber should be experienced in a range of issues, which means when they come round to look at your problem, they should be able to recommend a solution without too much hassle. Of course, if the work is complex or requires more thought, then chances are that they may take a little more time to put forward a solution.

 

Are they certified and accredited?

 

In order to carry out work within your home, a plumber should be a part of the right legal bodies, If the work includes anything to do with your gas boiler, then they will have to be Gas Safe Registered. Another key accreditation to look out for (although this one is not a legal requirement) is the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE) you know, if you pick a plumber who is a part of this, then they are going to be running a professional company, and if anything should go wrong with the work, there is somewhere that you can go to in order to discuss this and complain further.

 

Always ask for a quote first

 

In order to have some idea of how much the work that is going to be carried out will cost, you are going to want to ask your plumber of choice for a quote. They should be able to give you an estimate on the time that the work will take and any parts that are needed, which will in turn give them an estimated price. Once you know this price you can budget it in and there won’t be any big surprises when everything is completed.

 

As you can see, when it comes to choosing a plumber, it isn’t always as easy as it may seem. Make sure that you ask all the questions that you have and we are sure in no time you will have the right person for the job.