Every home has plumbing and in every home it sometimes goes wrong!  You should never be tempted to pull out the tools and try and fix it yourself though – always get a plumber.  To ensure that you are getting a qualified, experienced and efficient plumber, we thought it’d be a good idea to put together this guide.  If you need more device or you’re ready to start looking for a plumber, take a look at the plumbers in our directory.  They’ll be only too happy to help you!

Choosing a Plumber

Plumbing is one of those things that you absolutely have to get a professional in to do. To ensure that you get a good plumber, you should make sure that he is appropriately qualified and licensed. Don’t be scared to ask for their licensing details and to check it with the relevant authority if needed! If you are not sure where to start in looking for a plumber, look for plumbers with good reviews online or ask your friends and family who they use and if they are happy with them.

The Cost of a Plumber

Unfortunately it can be very hard to estimate the cost of a plumber, as so many different factors are involved. These include the length of the job, the complexity of the work to be done, the age of the home, and the materials that are required.  The age of the home matters as newer homes generally require less work while the plumbing in older homes can require a lot more work than initially expected!

While we can’t provide specific costs, a plumber’s rate will generally include a call out fee, an hourly fee, the cost of materials, as well as the cost of any extras such as specialist equipment or earthmoving equipment to access pipes.  You should always ask your plumber to provide you with a detailed quote before any work commences so that you can see exactly what you are paying for, or so that you can accurately compare quotes if necessary.  For larger jobs, you will always want to get more than one quote to ensure that you are getting a fair quote for the work.

Should I Get a Green Plumber?

As energy and water efficiency is increasingly being focused upon, it can be beneficial to get a green plumber, which is one that is trained in sustainable plumbing techniques and products. Some simple examples of these would be plumbers that have extra training in “green” hot water systems, or that have the knowledge to recommend better water saving devices for your home.  Of course, you don’t have to get a certified green plumber but you should make sure that your plumber at least has basic knowledge of the subject.