Plumbers perform a variety of different services for homeowners and businesses. Plumbers work with the kinds of water systems that provide water to sinks, baths, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, central heating systems and water heaters. They offer services that include the purchase, installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of water systems -- so they can therefore help with most any domestic or commercial water jobs and problems.

How to Find a Plumber
Two good sources of information when it comes to finding a plumber are the Internet and directories such as Yellow Pages. Bear in mind that these sources may only give you basic details about the plumber/plumbing company -- they won�t necessarily cover specific issues such as costs, experience, services and reliability, for example. Another alternative is to use The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering which maintains a directory of reputable plumbers who are registered with the Institute and who can be located by postcode.

Question to Ask when Choosing a Plumber
  • Services -- Ask which services are available as some plumbers (especially if they are a �one man band�) may only offer certain services. Larger companies that employ many plumbers may be able to offer a broader range/specialist services.
  • Qualifications -- Ask about current qualifications and those certifications that may be necessary for specialist services. For example, a plumber can only work with gas if he/she is CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) registered -- it�s illegal to do this without the right qualifications so seeing the relevant ID badge/logo is important in this instance.
  • Costs -- Check the costs before choosing a plumber. Many plumbers will have a set call-out charge which will be charged no matter how short their visit or how small the job is. This cost may include a specific time cost (i.e. one hour�s work) and some parts but this may vary. Also check if the plumber will charge for giving an estimate for the job -- most will not. Finally, ask for a complete cost breakdown before hiring the plumber.
  • Length of time in business -- Plumbers who have been working for several years tend to be more skilled than a newly qualified plumber who may have limited experience. On the other hand, experienced plumbers can book up very quickly whereas a newly qualified tradesman may be available to do the job quicker.
  • Contact information -- As a minimum make sure that you get the plumber's main telephone number, mobile number and address.
  • Insurance -- A reputable plumber will be covered by an insurance policy in case of accident or damage resulting from the work they do in homes/businesses.
  • References -- Satisfied customers will be pleased to provide details of the work that was performed so do ask for references.
Professional Bodies and Associations
Plumbing is a service-based business that is governed by various licensing or certification agencies. A reputable plumber will have demonstrated a certain level of ability and/or experience, which results in a specific qualification reinforced by on-the-job training. Plumbers may have the following certifications/memberships:
  • The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering -- This organization requires that all members have adequate qualifications and work experience.
  • The Association of Plumbers and Heating Contractors (APHC) -- A professional trade association for plumbers and heating professionals.
  • NVQ -- This is a National Vocational Qualification that has three levels that reflect experience. Level 1 is given to recently qualified plumbers, level 2 is the minimum level that a customer should consider before hiring a plumber and Level 3 indicates extensive experience, knowledge and skill.
  • City & Guilds -- This qualification was the original plumbing qualification before NVQs. Plumbers with decades of experience will hold a City & Guilds qualification.
  • The Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) -- This Council governs plumbers who may also perform work on gas appliances or central heating. Remember, it is illegal to work with gas without a CORGI badge/logo as proof of qualification.
Checking References
Plumbing services are a necessity to both homeowners and business. Customers who require plumbing services want to receive the best quality work at a reasonable, affordable price from a reputable firm or individual. The best way to obtain quality plumbing services is to check and verify references. It should be noted that companies with the largest advertising budgets may not provide the best service.
A reputable plumber will have references and customer testimonials that are easily available for verification. There are several areas to consider when checking a tradesman�s references. At the very minimum the following information should be checked before choosing a plumber:
  • Contact name, address, employer, employer�s phone number.
  • Current certifications/qualifications for each service provided.
  • Customer references that include dates that the work was performed, the length of time that a particular job took and the final cost of the project.
  • Customer comments about the plumber�s work and any ongoing concerns (i.e. reliability, honesty) that may have not been resolved.
The Cost of Plumbing Services
Plumbing costs can mount up very quickly. A small water leak inside the house may actually indicate the need for more intensive work that could cost hundreds of pounds. There are no official charging guidelines that plumbers must use, however a customer can protect their property -- and their wallet -- by using the following suggestions when obtaining a plumber�s services:
  • Ask for an estimate in writing.
  • Agree to pay a deposit for the job if asked and if it seems reasonable � never pay for the whole job before it is done satisfactorily.
  • Do not hesitate to question any costs that appear to be too high. Unscrupulous plumbers have been known to charge exorbitant costs for a set of six small washers, believing that the customer won�t know how little was actually done and how much the parts might cost.
  • Make sure that the plumber explains what needs to be done -- in layman�s terms. For example, if a pipe fitting needs to be replaced, the plumber should be able to explain, in a comprehensible manner, why it needs replacing.
Plumbers provide services that make our lives easier and many of them are available at any time of the day or night. Customers will receive an affordable, quality service when they hire a reputable plumber, check references, verify their qualifications and membership of relevant industry bodies and only agree to pay reasonable, justifiable fees for plumbing services.
UK Home / Services / Plumbers
To Get Help About This Section, Click Here
free classified ads
Plumbers  
Sprung a leak and looking for a Plumber in your area? Classifieds Local Services - the home of FREE classified ads - is here to help!
Either browse through our Plumbers Ads (below) or use the Search & Sort box on the right to filter your results.  Or, alternatively, Post your own Ad for FREE.
    
 
  
      
Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 6 of 6 ads found )
14 August 2008
Free monthly draw - cbt membership with benefits valued at over £1,400 for your business. typical cost:5 page website; £550. web hosting; £112. web review; £60. annual advertising; £600. vat registration; £50. photo id cards (each); £15. business support. .
RM10
Free monthly draw - cbt membership with benefits valued at over £1,400 for your business. typical cost:5 page website; £550. web hosting; £112. web review; £60. annual advertising; £600. vat registration; £50. photo id cards (each); £15. business support. .
RM10
13 August 2008
Free monthly draw - cbt membership with benefits valued at over £1,400 for your business. typical cost:5 page website; £550. web hosting; £112. web review; £60. annual advertising; £600. vat registration; £50. photo id cards (each); £15. business support. .
RM10
06 August 2008
All property maintenance and building works electrics and plumbing city and guilds trained 25 years experience carpentry flooring tiling and decorating kitchens and bathrooms with all electrics plumbing all jobs considered with call outs and quotes 25 plus years . .
04 July 2008
Corgi gas engineer available for landlords gas certs. servicing,breakdown and installations, i also install gas cookers. 07939 008 344. if using a gas engineer make sure that he is corgi registered by getting him to show you his corgi id card with his name,photo and c. .
NW6
02 July 2008
Clapham plumbers provide plumbing services to the domestic and commercial markets in wibledon, clapham and south west london. we only employ corgi registered gas central heating engineers. services we provide include: fault finding and repair boiler repairs boiler main. .
£80
SW4
FirstLast...
1/
...
Information & Advice on Plumbers
Category Ad Tags

"
Ad Tags are keywords Users have added to their Ad to quickly indicate what they’re advertising.
"
There aren’t any Tags associated with this Classification.
Post a FREE Ad
Log In / Register
Help!
About
Share
RSS
Related Classifications
Service (446)
Accountants Architects Artists Bathroom Fitters Blinds & Curtain Makers