How to choose a good plumber in Sydney
Here we’ll highlight a few simply but effective tips to find a good plumber in Sydney.
1) Find out as much information about the problem as possible.
Find out what you can about the problem before you call a plumber. If you have a leak, the first thing is PLEASE DON’T PANIC. It will all be ok. Turn off your water supply. Now you are calm, try to look at where the leak is coming from. Is it from a pipe under the sink? is it when you have a shower?. Be ready as any good plumber will try to identify what the problem is when you call. If you have an Iphone, take a photo or a little video of the problem. The more information the better. If a valve or pump is leaking, look to see the make and model and note it down.
If it’s not an emergency, then you can watch your problem for awhile and learn more about it. Another quick tip, if you have a water stain on the ceiling, draw around it with a pencil. If it is getting worse, the patch will extend past the lines of the pencil and you know that you need help!
This is obviously of no use if you have a flood! We are talking about the slow drip, drip leaks.
2. How do I find a good plumber? Reputation, Reputation, Reputation.
Please do not pick up your Yellow Pages and call the first plumbing company that you see. You need to do some research:
You can start by calling a friend – do you know someone who might be able to recommend a plumber that they know?
If your friend doesn’t know anyone or she is too busy putting Harry to bed, then do some research on the internet. Look for a local company to begin with so you might type in “Plumber in Summer Hill” or “Hot Water Fix in Ahfield” a whole stack of companies will come up in the search. Take your time and look at some websites.
You are looking for a plumbing company that has been in operation for a long time, and has good reviews and ask how they charges. Check that the company has experience in the problem that you are trying to solve. Write a short list of the plumbing companies and check the reputations of each company. Type in the name of the company e.g. “Otis Plumbing” and “reviews” and as if by magic you will see what people are saying about that company.
If most of the reviews are good, then you can be pretty confident that you will be dealt with honestly. Good companies care about their reputation – which means that they want you to be happy. These are the companies you should consider calling to help you.
3) How you can save money even before the plumber comes out to you.
When you have found a plumbing company that you like the sound of, tell them all about your plumbing problem. Give them as much information as possible, including any serial numbers of parts where possible. You can also offer to email photos (they will tell you if this would be useful in your situation).
Plumber repairing an hot-water heater
4) Always ask the prices before you book in any work
Make sure that you understand how you will be charged. Some companies charge a call out, some charge on an hourly rate, some will give you a quote over the phone. However the company charges, make sure you know what to expect when it comes to paying and when you will be expected to pay.
5) Check that the plumbing company is insured
All good plumbing companies will have Public Liability Insurance – check that they have up to date insurance – just in case.
6) Ensure that the Gas Safe registration is up to date (for boiler and gas work)
Please, please do not have anyone in your home working on your gas appliances if they are not Gas Safe registered. Even more than that, I would go further and say do not have anyone working in your home with out being Gas Safe registered and without at least 5 years experience. Hopefully, it is obvious that you need someone with skill and experience if they are working on your hot water or gas appliances. Gas can be dangerous and you need to be safe.
7) Be nice to your plumber
Once you have taken some time to choose your plumber and you have booked in your visit, please be nice to him. If you have chosen well, your plumber will do his best to sort out your issues for you. Sometimes things go wrong, it is ALWAYS better to try and sort out the problems by discussing them rather than by sending a sharp email. The reason I say this is because good plumbers really will want to sort the problem out. This really is the cheapest way to move forwards. Talk on the phone and explain why you are not happy. Communication is absolutely key.
8) Once you find a good plumber – keep the details
Once you have found a good plumber, keep his number. It sounds obvious but you should always try to maintain a good relationship with your plumber as you will need him probably a few times a year for various things. Also, you need the number to hand when you have an emergency. You really do not want to have to carry out research on the internet when you need someone to come quickly. If you build up a good relationship, your plumber will be there for you when you need him. Also, your plumber will get to know your system. This is always helpful.
9) Be sure to leave positive feedback if you are happy with your experience
Leaving feedback is good for everyone. Many people have a great service and forget to do this but it not only helps other people see that the company you used is a good one but also, it will make your plumber feel good. This is a good thing. Happy plumbers want to help. See note 8 above.
Otis Plumbing has over 10 years experience in general and emergency plumbing. If you need help call us on 0417 927 644.
