Top 10 Plumber Tips :: Local Plumber - the national network of local plumbers


	Services Leaking and Burst Pipes Leaking Radiators Lead Replacement Replacement Toilets Blocked Toilets Leaking Toilets Leaking Taps Replacement Taps Garden Taps Unblocking Sinks Replacement Sinks Renewing Tanks Kitchens Fitting Washing Machines Fitting Dishwashers Bathrooms Bathroom Suites Wet Rooms Top 10 Plumber Tips for Consumers				Top 10 Plumber Tips for Consumers plumbers often get a bad press for charging too much or not turning up at all when you've called them, however there are many good plumbers in the UK and you can choose and use them with the aid of our top 10 consumer tips. Choose the right plumbers to contact If you've got a small plumbing job such as fixing a leaking tap then larger plumbing companies are very unlikely to be interested in coming round to fix it. Equally if you have a large plumbing job needing done, it may not be best to use a one person company. Check that your plumber is insured Anyone who comes to work in your home should be adequately insured and in the case of a plumber you should check that they're not only insured for your property but that of your neighbours too. For example, they may have to go onto a neighbour's property to deal with a drainage problem. Don't pay until you're satisfied If a plumber turns up at your door and demands the amount they've quoted you before doing the job you should tell them you'll pay when they've finished and you're happy. Imagine going into a restaurant and being billed for the food before you've eaten! Buy materials yourself If you're having something like new taps fitted in your kitchen or bathroom you can save money by buying them yourself rather than asking your plumber to supply them for you, as they will buy them at trade prices and add a large mark-up. Don't wait until you have an emergency Many expensive plumbing jobs can be avoided if you call a plumber at the first sign of any problem. For example a sink or toilet that blocks occasionally is only likely to get worse and worse over time and cost you more to repair if you choose to ignore it. Choose a reputable firm A good indicator of a reputable plumber is how long they've been in business for. You should also check to see if they're members of any trade associations such as the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors. Beware of trying to fix the problem yourself plumbers have a reputation for being expensive and if you've got a blocked sink or toilet it's easy to think you can fix it yourself and save some money. By doing this you can make the problem much worse if you don't have experience and end up paying a plumber to sort out the mess you've made. Choose a local plumber Another accusation often levelled at plumbers is that they don't always bother to turn up to quote for jobs on time or at all. To minimise the risk of this happening to you it's best to contact plumbers in your local vicinity so that they don't have to travel too far. Trust your instincts If you call up a plumber for a quote and they answer the phone with a simple hello and then give a price off the top of their head, they are probably not going to be professional when they come round to your home either. Ask for a breakdown of the cost It's easy to rip people off by quoting a figure and then not breaking it down into any detail. You should always ask your plumber for a receipt and a break-down of their charges. For example, you may be charged Ã‚Â£100 for a 5 minute job and have no idea why you're being asked to pay so much.