What to Look for in a Plumbing and Drainage Expert

Choosing an expert plumber can be an onerous task. Whether you have an emergency or you are just looking to meet your regular plumbing maintenance around the home, it comes with a headache. That, coupled by the fact that the number of plumbing contractors in the UK grew to almost 40,000 in 2019 makes it almost impossible to choose a reliable plumber.

Furthermore, working with anyone for the first time can be challenging. This article answers all your questions and puts you one step closer to choosing the right plumber and drainage expert for your job. 

Licensed and certified

One of the first things you should ask before hiring a plumber is whether they are licensed, certified, and insured by their state. This shows that they know what they are doing, they have put in the necessary steps to becoming a practising plumber, and have passed the certification to call themselves a plumber or drainage expert.

If you offer an insurance backed warranty, then you may be covered by general insurance legislation administered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Experience in business

You need someone who knows their trade. And the more they’ve been in business, the better. While there may be a few exceptions, it still remains a good idea to ensure that a plumber has been in business for a few years before you hire them. The more on-the-road experience a plumbing contractor has, the more likely they are to get the job done right the first time. 

Punctuality and Presentability

For a plumber or drainage contractor, it is important to have the closest and most responsive one. This emphasizes the need to get a local plumber, of course, while considering other relevant qualifications. 

Yes, they deal with dirt all the time, but drainage experts and plumbers should be clean, presentable, and considerate. It’s better to look untidy after a well-done job and clean up before they head out to the next job. 

Look for references

Yes, they deal with dirt all the time, but drainage experts and plumbers should be clean, presentable, and considerate. It’s better to look untidy after a well-done job and clean up before they head out to the next job. 

Full service

In addition to learning about the experiences of others who have used the drainage contractor in the past, it’s also important to look for a contractor that offers full-service work. A drainage contractor needs to have a wide variety of skillsets so they can resolve problems that arise on the job swiftly.

Given how much you pay for drainage contractor services, you want a level of expertise that has fewer limitations. A plumber with the most experience is the most likely to offer full service. They have been through most, if not all, experiences that a plumber’s job is likely to come with. 

Detailed Proposal

A sign of a good company is if the drainage contractor will present you with a detailed proposal of the work ahead of time. Like references and online reviews, a proposal is another great way to get a glimpse of the work a drainage contractor might do. The more detailed the proposal is, the better the service they are likely to deliver. 

This proposal will also give you the chance to address any potential issues before work begins. A detailed proposal is a sign of transparency, which is a quality that should never be overlooked when choosing a plumber or a drainage expert.

Cost

Before hiring a new plumber or drainage expert, you should always ask for price quotes. Be careful though, because the price is sometimes associated with the quality of work. This means that you should not hire a plumber simply because they charge the least amount for a particular service. When the deal is too good, think twice. You should always make sure that a plumber’s price is fair and competitive before hiring them.

Maintenance Services

Another tip on how to choose a drainage contractor or plumber is to ask about the maintenance that will be necessary for the area of work for the period after the project is completed. 

A maintenance schedule will let you know if the work done will remain in good condition after the contractor finishes or if you may be responsible for additional services. Either way, you should always be aware of the maintenance that will be required after the project ends.

You should have a mutual understanding with your contractor to eliminate the risk of inconveniences during and after the period of work. The best plumbers typically offer some type of guarantee on the work they perform. Before hiring a plumber, ask them what type of warranty they offer, and make sure they are willing to stand behind their work.

Ready Tools

When you have an immediate plumbing issue, you want an immediate fix to the problem before it gets any worse. An immediate fix requires parts to be repaired and replaced on the spot. For this, you need a plumber or drainage expert who will arrive fully kitted with the required tools to fix any part. 

Most drainage and plumbing contractors move around in vans that are usually equipped with all the tools for the job. Make sure you get the right contractor according to their tools arsenal. 

When choosing a plumber or drainage expert, you need to ask a lot of questions. Be it about certification, price, experience, or location, any proud contractor would be excited to answer all your questions. At the end of the day, what’s there to hide about their business? 

Getting yourself a drainage expert or a plumber can be a long and exacting process. These considerations will help set yourself en route to a successful working relationship with your plumber or drainage expert.

How FS Drainage Can Help

Ensuring your plumbing is working effortlessly is a crucial element of your autumn home maintenance checklist. 

From drainage unblocking to CCTV surveys, FS drainage are on hand to help. Contact our friendly team today on 0800 689 3497 or info@fsdrainage.com.