Question 1

What do plumbers do?

Accepted Answer

Plumbers are vital tradespeople who specialise in the installation, repair, and maintenance of systems used for water, sewage, and drainage in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings across the UK. Their expertise ensures that plumbing systems function efficiently and are up to standard. Here’s a detailed look at the primary responsibilities of plumbers in the UK:

Installation: Plumbers are responsible for setting up piping systems, plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. They ensure that these installations comply with local building regulations and the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS).
Maintenance and Repair: Regular maintenance is essential for keeping plumbing systems operational. Plumbers deal with a range of tasks from unblocking drains and fixing leaks to replacing old parts. They also conduct diagnostic tests to spot potential issues before they escalate.
Inspection and Compliance: In the UK, plumbers perform inspections to ensure plumbing systems adhere to the required safety standards and building codes. They use various methods to test for leaks, blockages, and other faults.
Emergency Services: Many plumbers offer 24-hour emergency services to address urgent problems such as burst pipes or severe blockages, helping to prevent extensive water damage and quickly restoring system functionality.
System Upgrades and Recommendations: Experienced plumbers also advise on system upgrades and enhancements, such as adopting more energy-efficient appliances or updating outdated plumbing systems to modern standards.

For those in the UK seeking to hire a plumber through Jobbler, we ensure selected professionals are not only licensed but also registered with relevant bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE). Checking for positive reviews and recommendations can further ensure the reliability and expertise of the plumber you choose.

Question 2

How can I find the best plumbers near me?

Accepted Answer

Finding the best plumbers in your area involves a few steps to ensure you get reliable and high-quality service. Here’s how you can find the best plumbers near you:

Check Online Reviews: Websites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Yelp provide insights into local plumbers. Look for plumbers with a high number of positive reviews and read through the feedback to understand their strengths and areas of concern.
Verify Credentials: In the UK, plumbers should be registered with bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) or Gas Safe Register (for gas-related plumbing). Checking their credentials (Like we do at Jobbler) ensures they are qualified to handle the type of plumbing work you need.
Get Multiple Quotes: Contact a few plumbers to get quotes for the work you need done. Or better yet, publish Job Request on Jobbler and this will notify all of the trusted professionals in your area about your job requirements. This will not only give you a sense of the market rates but also an opportunity to interact directly with the plumber to assess their professionalism, responsiveness and ratings.
Check Insurance and Warranty: Ensure the plumber has valid liability insurance (validated with Jobbler), which protects you in case of damages or accidents during the job. Also, check if they offer a warranty on their work, which can provide peace of mind after the job is completed.
Interview Potential Plumbers: When you call or meet with plumbers, ask about their experience, whether they’ve handled similar issues before, and how they propose to fix your problem. This can give you a sense of their expertise and approach to customer service.
Use Trusted Platforms: Utilising platforms like Jobbler, where trusted plumbers are reviewed and rated based on their performance, can significantly simplify your search. These platforms verify the credentials and insurance details of professionals, adding an extra layer of trust.

By following these steps, you can confidently find a reliable and skilled plumber in your area who meets your specific needs.

Question 3

Questions to ask a plumber

Accepted Answer

When you’re planning to hire a plumber, asking the right questions can help ensure you choose a qualified and reliable professional. Here are some important questions to ask a plumber before you hire them:

Are you licensed and insured? Confirming that the plumber is licensed and carries liability insurance is crucial for your protection and peace of mind.
What is your experience? Understanding the plumber’s experience, especially in relation to the specific issues you’re facing, can help ensure they are well-equipped to handle the job.
Can you provide references? Asking for references from recent jobs gives you a chance to verify their work quality and customer satisfaction.
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your work? Knowing the details of any warranties or guarantees on the work performed provides assurance about the quality and longevity of the repairs or installations.
What are your rates and how do you charge? Some plumbers charge by the hour, others have a flat rate. Understanding this upfront helps avoid surprises when the bill arrives.
Who will be doing the work? It’s good to know if the person you are talking to will be the one doing the job or if it will be a technician employed by them. If it’s the latter, ask about their qualifications and experience.
How do you handle unexpected complications? Plumbing work can sometimes reveal unforeseen issues. Ask how they manage such situations and if there are additional costs.
What does your quote include? Make sure the quote includes labour, parts, and any other potential costs to avoid unexpected charges.
How quickly can you start, and how long will the job take? Understanding the timeline helps you plan around the work, especially if it’s extensive.
Do you clean up after the job? Knowing whether they handle cleanup after finishing the job can save you time and effort.

Asking these questions can help you feel more confident in your choice of plumber, ensuring they are trustworthy and capable of performing the work to a high standard.

Finding the Best and Trusted Plumbers Near You