Getting yourself a good plumber can be a tricky task these days.

When allowing someone access to your home to carry out important work, it’s imperative they can be trusted to perform the job required to a high standard, at a reasonable price and in a safe and friendly manner. This can include work such as boiler installation and repairs, radiator installations, the fixing of leaks and more.

We have provided some pointers below on finding a good quality plumber.

1. Word of mouth

Ask family and friends whether they have used a plumber recently – this is often the best method. If so, ask them important questions such as: 

  • What specific work did they do?
  • Was the job to a high standard and are they happy with the work done?
  • Were they punctual, friendly and tidy?

Last but not least, can you ask what your family member or friend paid for the work? Whilst price is certainly not the deciding factor in choosing a plumber, you need to ensure you are paying a reasonable rate for the job in hand and not being taken advantage of.

2. Online Reviews & Directories

Websites such as TrustPilot, Yell.com and Trustatrader.com can be good sources of information as to the workmanship of tradespeople, if there are no recommendations from friends and family forthcoming. 

3. Check your Plumber’s Qualifications

Do check that your tradesperson has insurance and has the proper licensing. Insurance provides protection in instances of damage or accidents. Also check that your plumber is Gas Safe registered – you can do this by going to the following website: 

https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/find-an-engineer-or-check-the-register/ A reputable tradesperson should have no objection to proving to you that they are qualified to do the job in which you are hiring them for.

4. Availability

A good plumber should always have plenty of work in their schedule, however you don’t want to be waiting weeks without hot water or heating - so they should be able to provide you with a reasonable response time to fix your problem. Try and book plumbers in advance, for example if a boiler needs servicing. Preventing a problem before it occurs reduces future boiler and radiator issues and can save you money. We’d also advise that if you’re having radiators installed, ensure they are on site and checked for any issues prior to the booking of a plumber. Some charge day rates, so doing this will avoid you paying for your plumber to sit around if they haven’t yet arrived!

5. Get Quotes

The first thing to say is, the cheapest quote is not necessarily the best option. It’s always a good idea to obtain 3 quotes for the job to ensure a fair price is being charged. Always request a breakdown of the costs in written form. Also bear in mind reputation, experience and qualifications when deciding who to go with.

6. Summary

Certain tasks can be done yourself, such as bleeding / balancing radiators and other basic tasks – our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@featureradiators) is a good source of information for things such as this. However, never embark on work that you are unsure of, or unqualified to do. This attempt to save money can potentially be dangerous, result in damage to your home and cost you more money in the long run.