There are many ways to find reliable, experienced and professional local plumbers.
A plumber’s primary remit is piping, drainage and other ‘wet work’, but many are trained for gas work and are registered with Gas Safe.
This is essential if your plumbing job involves the gas or boiler in any way. A non-Gas Safe plumber will still be able to carry out work on parts involving the boiler, e.g. the water tank, but won’t be able to work with the boiler or gas components.
For jobs involving piping, drainage and water, look for a plumber. For jobs involving gas, a plumber may or may not be able to carry them out - so always check first.
So, how do you find a local plumber?
Where can I find a good plumber?
There are a few ways to find a good plumber.
Locating plumbers and other tradespeople by word of mouth is common, but checking the internet for other options is always prudent. That way, you’ll get an idea of your available options and can shop around for the best quotes.
1: Search online for local plumbers
Searching online for local plumbers is relatively straightforward, and there are numerous ways of comparing them.
When searching for local plumbers online, you can easily compare them with Trustpilot and Google Reviews. Check for recent, detailed and authentic reviews.
If you know the name of a particular plumber and want to check their gas work experience, you can also look them up on the Gas Safe Register, the official database of all registered gas engineers in the UK.
At SES Home Services our plumbers are all gas safe registered and all fully qualified.
2: Read reviews and ratings from other customers
It’s essential to check reviews carefully, paying attention to when the review was written, the detail included in the review, what job was carried out, etc.
Google Reviews and Trustpilot are both excellent for reviews - Google Reviews is perhaps the most reliable and will pop up whenever you search for local services.
At SES Home Services our plumbers are rated 4/5 stars on Trustpilot.
3: Ask friends, family, and neighbours for recommendations
Perhaps the most reliable source of information is recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours who have already used a plumber for a job. Plumbers are often located via word of mouth, so ask around for recommendations.
4: Contact plumbers to discuss your needs and get estimates
Create a shortlist and contact plumbers to discuss your job. Give them as much detail as you can so they can give an accurate estimate. Note, an estimate is not the same as a quote, which is a more detailed blow-by-blow of a job and how much each item costs.
For bigger jobs, it’s best to get accurate quotes, whereas smaller jobs can be priced more flexibly with an estimate. You can still get a quote for any job.
4: Get at least three estimates
It’s usually recommended to gather three estimates to compare. Most estimates are likely to be similar at least, but for larger, more complex jobs, there might be more variation in price.
How do I choose a plumber?
Once you’ve collected estimates, it’s time to make a choice. Here’s how to narrow down your shortlist and choose a plumber.
1. Hire a plumber with experience and qualifications
It’s important to look at a plumber’s qualifications, experience and insurance. Ask for copies of their qualifications and insurance documents before agreeing to a complex or expensive job.
A good plumber should be able to show evidence of their qualifications and membership to common trade organisations, including the Gas Safe register. You can also check the Gas Register yourself. This is only necessary for jobs involving gas work.
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is the only professional organisational body for plumbers in the UK, but the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) also provides certification schemes to competent individuals.
2: Assess previous work
Established plumbers will have a portfolio of past work and customer references.
For example, they might use their portfolio to demonstrate work in niche areas, such as installing underfloor heating or heat pumps, clearing drains or installing new showers and appliances.
Assessing previous work is crucial if you need a plumber for a long, complex or more expensive job. Ensure the plumber has the necessary experience required.
3: Always read their reviews
It perhaps goes without saying that reviews are extremely important for plumbers and heating engineers. Reading impartial reviews will provide insight into a plumber’s reliability, experience, price and professionalism.
Making sure you’re happy with the plumber before hiring them is essential. Ask any questions about the job, and ensure you’re comfortable with the plumber’s approach to the job. You can also discuss your options, e.g. you might have a choice of different components or branded parts.
You’ll find reviews on Google Reviews, Trustpilot and tradesperson comparison sites. You’ll also find testimonials on the plumber’s own websites.
4: Get quotes
Estimates provide a guide to how much a job will cost, which is sufficient for simple jobs that might take a matter of an hour or two. However, it’s crucial to get a full quote for longer, more complex jobs.
Quotes are blow-by-blow accounts of the job, including any labour and parts. As a result, they’re far more robust than estimates and can be used to hold plumbers and other tradespeople accountable to the quoted cost of the job.
It’s always best to ask for a quote rather than relying on an estimate.
Summary: How to find a local plumber
There are two main ways to find a local plumber: through the internet or through word of mouth.
Word of mouth is great, but it’s entirely possible you’ll miss out on the best option if you don’t also conduct your own research. Searching for the right plumber is especially important if you’re looking for specialist skills, like installing underfloor heating.
Also, any gas work requires a plumber registered on the Gas Register. Some plumbers are also qualified heating engineers.
When researching your options, check reviews carefully and look for a portfolio of successful recent work.
Hiring a plumber FAQ
When should you pay a plumber?
Plumbers either charge by the hour, by the day or by the job. Be sure to obtain a written estimate or quote of how much the plumber expects the job to cost, along with any parts or labour. Quotes tend to be more formal than estimates and are essential for longer or more expensive jobs.
How much is a plumber?
A plumber’s hourly rate varies from as low as £20 for an inexperienced, young or trainee plumber to £50 or more for an experienced plumber. Shorter jobs are typically quoted by the hour, whereas longer jobs are quoted by the day or by the job. Be aware that some jobs require parts which are added to the quote.
