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.
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27 July 2010
A bilton plumbers and bathroom installers is a family run firm established for over 25yrs. we pride ourselves on quality workmanship at a competetive price. services include, bathrooms, plumbing, joinery, tileing, electrical, plastering, kitchens. as a company we can complete . .
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17 July 2010
Plumbing services . central heating & boiler services . bathroom installations . gas repairs & landlord safety certificates . 01444258128 / 07966554419 .
RH15
15 July 2010
Offering full plumbing service and bathroom fitting.
LN4
14 July 2010
Installation, servicing and repair of gas and lpg heating systems. bathroom suite installs, underfloor heating and other domestic plumbing. landlord certificates and boiler servicing at a competative price. .
SY5
11 July 2010
We are your local gas safe registered plumbers in deal, kent, providing a quality personal service to home owners, landlords and businesses throughout deal and the surrounding areas . .
CT14
08 July 2010
Lancashire installations ltd is a small family business providing a variety of property maintenance requirements such as plumbing & heating, joinery, electricals and operates a 24 hour 7 days a week emergency call out service. visit www. lancashireinstallationsltd. com.
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28 June 2010
it costs you nothing to have a reliable honest down to earth electrician/plumber/boiler engineer call to your door, equipped with loads of experience, honesty and a desire to help. just contact us for that free estimate or a quick response to an emergency leak, heating or ele. .
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20 June 2010
Our reliable and experienced plumbing and heating engineers are happy to undertake all types of plumbing work from anything from fixing a leaky tap to installing a brand new bathroom. .
14 June 2010
C s marsh plumbing and heating services is gas safe registered and a member of the chartered institute of plumbing and heating engineering,registered plumbing professional,registered heating professional, with over 35 years experience. based in leigh on sea ,serving surrounding a. .
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