Choosing a plumber is an important business. After all, the plumber you decide to work with plays a vital role in keeping your house and family safe. Whether you’re looking for someone to install a new hot water service, sort out your blocked drains, repair a leaking pipe, or assist in your bathroom renovation, you want to work with someone who you can trust to do a good job every time. Here are six things you should consider when hiring a new plumber.

1. What are his qualifications, and how experienced is he?

You’re not seeking to hire a plumber to be your new best mate, so (while it’s a nice bonus) likability isn’t what you’re looking for here. You’re looking for someone who is properly qualified and has experience in the particular work you need done. A good plumber should be happy to show you proof that he is licensed, answer your questions about his professional background, and (if you are looking for complicated or extensive work to be done) to explain how he is qualified to do the job you have in mind.

2. How well-equipped is he?

One of the reasons you hire a plumber rather than attempting DIY repairs on your plumbing is that you most likely don’t have the right tools for the job. All plumbers will have a basic tool kit, of course, but it’s worth finding out whether the plumber you are looking at has more advanced tools at his disposal as well, such as cameras for investigating the source of blocked drains.

3. Will he answer your questions?

Though your plumber is the expert when it comes to pipes and hot water services, ultimately he is working on your home, and you will frequently be called upon to make decisions. Having a plumber who is happy to answer questions about different products which are available, what can be done to repair a problem, or how to best maintain your new fixtures will help you immensely, and ensure that you aren’t agreeing to things you don’t truly understand.

4. How reliable is he?

Personal recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues are the best place to get this information, with social media requests for information coming in at a close second. Anyone who has ever taken a day off work only to have a tradesman not show up, or waited until hours past their appointment time before hearing a knock at the door, will tell you the importance of working with a plumber you can rely on. If you suspect a leaking pipe under your house, you want a plumber who can give you an honest time frame for his availability – and who makes the effort to arrive promptly for scheduled appointments.

5. Does he have adequate insurance?

There is always a risk that unexpected problems will arise during plumbing work, regardless of how experienced and knowledgeable the plumber is. All plumbers should be fully insured for the work that they do, and they should be happy to provide proof of this on request.

6. What is his availability like?

The best plumber in the world is no use to you if he is never available! If you’re doing a bathroom renovation, you might be content to wait for someone who you know does great work – but if your drains are blocked, your toilet is leaking, or you suspect you have a leaking pipe, you need someone who is available at short notice.

We can help

At PNG Solutions, we provide a comprehensive range of plumbing services, from hot water installation to unclogging blocked drains to completing general repairs. Our plumbers are fully qualified, licensed, and insured, and we are always happy to answer your questions so that you can make the best, most informed choices possible for your home. We pride ourselves on reliability and, with a team of experts on hand, we offer excellent availability whether you need help with a short-term emergency or a long-term project.