We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.
When plumbing issues arise, it can be hard to navigate through the wealth of companies on the market. If you are new to the area, the situation becomes even more difficult. However, there are a wide variety of ways to narrow down your selection and ensure that you receive the best service possible.
To save time, we have compiled a list of key factors to seek out the next time you need plumbers in the local area. Read on below for a detailed breakdown.
Starting Out
There are many ways to find plumbers in your local area. One of the most effective methods at your disposal is a quick google search. Simply put in ‘plumbers’ with your suburb name or your specific issue and suburb – e.g., “blocked drains in Richmond”.
Another effective approach is to keep any flyers, fridge magnets and other assorted marketing material. This way you have a ready selection of plumbers to call as soon as the issue appears. A third method is word of mouth or referrals, which we will go on to explore further later in this article.
Beyond these methods, online review platforms like Yelp or Google Reviews offered valuable insights and ratings to help identify the best plumbing service near me with a reliable track record and exceptional customer feedback.
Double Check Their List of Services
While some plumbers offer all-in-one services, this doesn’t always apply to their counterparts. For instance, only some plumbing firms specialise in roof repairs. Before you contact the plumber, verify whether they cover the service you are looking for. This information should be listed on their website, social media channels or marketing material.
Emergency repairs are another flashpoint issue. Even within the spectrum of plumbers that offer emergency services, only some can deliver on a 24/7 basis. This could be of particular importance if the plumbing concern represents a direct threat to your health or the condition of your property.
Lastly, ensure that their services extend to the type of property you own. For instance, a residential plumber could be unable to cover a commercial plumbing emergency.
Locality & Speed of Service
In the plumbing world, speed is always a priority. As plumbing issues are often unsanitary, unsafe and disruptive to the daily routine, locality is critical to the hiring process. Therefore, hiring plumbers that operate locally is the best way to resolve issues before they rapidly decline.
Whether you have no hot water, a clogged toilet, a damaged roof, leaky pipes or multiple issues at once, one fact remains the same - the quicker it’s resolved, the better the outcome. Luckily, emergency plumbers can be arranged and arrive in rapid fashion, with some offering a 60-minute response time for emergencies.
Qualifications & Licenses
Plumbers, or any commercial contractor for that matter, must have the necessary licenses, qualifications and certifications to work. Beyond each individual Australian state regulations, other important certifications include holding current police and working with children checks.
Again, this info is generally found on websites and material distributed by each firm. If it is not readily available, you can always inquire and verify before any work takes place.
Insurance & Liability Cover
Whenever contractors visit your home or business, they must possess the necessary insurance and liability cover. Hiring plumbers without the proper insurance leaves you financially vulnerable to property damage and injury. Under these circumstances, you will have to foot the bill if a plumber happens to damage your home or business.
Public liability insurance is mandated across the different Australian states. If a plumber fails to comply with these guidelines, there are not only posing a risk on your end, but also their own ability to hold a valid plumbing license.
Experience & Track Record
If you’re hiring a well-known decades old plumbing firm, this is often a given. Where it tends to get difficult is the evaluation of newer companies. Remember, there are still many ways to assess their track record. Online reviews, testimonials, word-of-mouth and social media feedback are all viable methods to measure their overall capability.
Experience may also refer to familiarity with specific brands and manufacturers. If you happen to have a hot water system from ‘Reece’, for example, hiring plumbers that hold direct experience with the brand is always an advantage. Familiarity saves time, money and most importantly, ensures an excellent result.
Pricing & Quotes
Nobody wants to get ripped off and left with a substantial bill full of hidden fees and charges. Often, this occurs when the person hiring the plumber overlooks the cost factor, or the plumbers fail to provide an accurate estimate upfront. When the estimate is provided, be sure to ask if this price includes the parts, labor and contingency plans for any unexpected issues. If your problem is common, plumbers may already have a good idea of the likely amount.
Deals & Discounts
This next point can be a double edged sword. However, when everything else lines up, deals and discounts are an excellent way to maintain your budget. For example, some plumbing firms offer discounts for pensioners and seniors.
On the other end of the spectrum, remember to be wary of deals that appear too good to be true. Pricing will seem too enticing to pass up, yet ultimately result in higher fees once the job is complete.
Installation
Plumbing services go beyond the realm of repairs. Often, they will also involve the installation of new sewer lines, gas fittings, roofs, piping, hot water units, and more. Installation is generally included as a part of the overall service.
Referrals
Referrals can originate from a person you know or another business that has contracted the plumbing firm in the past.
What You Can Do to Prepare
Responsibility isn’t solely on the shoulders of the plumbers themselves. Before they enter your home, remember to take the following simple measures.
Pets (Keep them safe and out of the way where possible)
Switch Off Water/Power (If a serious leakage or electrical fault occurs, this will ensure everyone’s safety)
Lear Space (Your plumber needs adequate space to work. Take some time to create a clean and open environment for them to proceed with any maintenance and repairs)
Get Started
If your local plumber ticks these boxes, all that’s left is to reach out to them as soon as any issues arise. They will also be able to answer any questions or queries you may have.
