We all face the same predicament - the one day that we need someone, anyone, to fix a leak, we have no one to call. Little do we know about how to fix the leak, or which tools to buy. The sink gets clogged, water is overflowing. Most of us know we can go to the supermarket and buy a bottle of Draino and pour it in the sink . However, when that doesn't work, what should we do?

When household maintenance issues strike, particularly those related to plumbing, the urgency to resolve the problem is very high. Water-related problems can escalate quickly, causing damage to the home and creating potential health risks. However, in the rush to fix such issues, whether you rent or you are a homeowner, one shouldn't neglect the importance of finding a qualified, reputable plumber. Choosing the right professional is crucial to ensuring the job gets done right, efficiently, and affordably. Here we outline some steps that most of us should take.

Start the diagnostic process

First and foremost, understand the nature of your problem. Is it a leaking pipe, a clogged drain, or a malfunctioning boiler? Knowing the specifics of the problem will help you communicate more effectively with potential plumbers and determine who has the expertise to handle your particular situation.

Recommendations

Word-of-mouth referrals are often the most reliable ways to find quality service professionals. Ask friends, family, neighbours, or local community groups for their recommendations. They can provide firsthand accounts of their experiences, the quality of work performed, the professionalism of the plumber, and their overall satisfaction with the service. A useful app might be NextDoor, which lets you connect with your neighbours and find and connect with locals.

Check reviews and references

Online reviews can provide a broader perspective on the plumber's reputation within your community. Platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Trustpilot feature customer reviews and ratings. Keep in mind, however, that not all reviews may be genuine. For plumbers you are seriously for a very big job such as replumbing your entire kitchen, bathroom or adding underwater heating to your entire house, ask for references to get a more reliable and detailed understanding of their track record. Big complex projects mean that the stakes are higher and the risks are higher also - this means the risk of losing money if the execution is subpar is greater.

Going to websites such as Trustpilot and checking the websites of the plumbing company or contractor you are about to use will prove invaluable. You wouldn't buy a used car without checking its history or getting a mechanic, apply the same methodology to your plumbing contractor to stay safe and make sure all the bases are covered.

Consider experience and specialisation

Find out how long the plumber has been in business. A plumber with several years of experience is likely to have a proven history of quality work. Additionally, some plumbers specialise in certain services (e.g., sewer repair, installations, kitchens, bathroom, taps, sinks, showers, etc). Ensure the one you choose has a strong background in the type of work you need.

Compare costs

Get at least three written estimates from different plumbers to compare costs. But remember, the lowest option is not always the best. Examine what's included in each estimate, the materials proposed, and the warranty on both the parts and labour. Understand what might be such as after-hours work, cost of hardware, off street parking and so on.

Assess their professionalism

Your interaction from the first call can say a lot about a person's values and professionalism. Consider how quickly and professionally they respond to your inquiries. Clear, courteous communication and a willingness to answer your questions are signs of professionalism and customer respect. Some questions admittedly might sound very dumb to the plumber, but for you as a customer, it may be something you would like to know. You are the one paying the plumber, so don't be afraid to ask all the questions you need to. At Bluebadge, we expect our plumbers to measure twice, and cut once. That means all the calculations, questions and considerations should be done upfront before the work is started. Changing plans while cutting pipes is not a great idea. Think of yourself as a military general, the strategy is well-thought out, before you send the troops in. That will create good outcomes (most of the time).

Contract review

Obviously this depends on the complexity and the expense of the work that you will charge the plumber to undertake. If you are working on a complex multipart project such as a large kitchen extension, then before any work begins, ensure you have a detailed contract in place. This contract should outline the scope of work, materials to be used, start and end dates, costs, and any guarantees or warranties offered. Read it carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications or negotiate modifications.

Bluebadge guarantee

At Bluebadge, we have a blanket policy so that all of our tradespeople are covered by our guarantee. If our tradesperson makes a mistake or doesn't execute to the quality standards we set out in our engagement specification document, then we will send another tradesperson back to your property to get it done right. Our reviews speak for themselves and as a technology and customer first company, we do our best every time. So why not give one of our plumbers a chance to fix your issue!