Locating great plumbers in the UK is tough. Need a plumber in an emergency and you've got a serious problem.
There's lots of articles on choosing plumbers accessible. We have all heard the advice - ask families and friends for referrals, follow up references and get quotes. All great things but it makes it sound as if individuals needing a plumber have a selection available to them.
This really misunderstands the problem which the average householder faces. Yes we do want to locate a great plumber, that well-informed, courteous, punctual, moderately priced paragon of virtue but before we get that way, we must find a plumber who's prepared to work with us.
If you need a plumber in an emergency, you'll either locate the ones which have priced themselves out of the marketplace and so are often accessible - Mr or Mrs "It Will cost you!" or their more moderately priced cousin Dave "Fastest I could get to you is next Wednesday." Not great if you've got a leak and it is now Sunday.
Truly the situation is considerably worse if you're planning routine work such as having a boiler serviced or a toilet installed.
Now, according to recent reports, the position should be calming.
Over recent years, the press has run stories about a shortage of plumbers. In 2003, the British Plumbing Company's Council estimated that the pipes business would need to recruit 29,000 new entrants over the next 5 years. This led to reports of City workers leaving their jobs in the hope of getting £70,000 a a plumber.
More recently, however, there are accounts of workers with plumbing expertise from Eastern Europe filling vacancies on building sites and an excess of trainees trying to find occupations.
For the householder, this should mean that finding an excellent plumber who's accessible is much more easy. The logic is fine but plumbers who are available for work are an elusive class. So if you've got water pouring through the ceiling or your new toilet arrives next Wednesday, keep reading for Hot Hints on tracking down a plumber.
Hot Tips for Finding a Plumber
Asking for recommendations from family and friends is always a good first port of call.
Check out one of the web directories on-line - you can search for plumbers close to you and the better guides give the space to supply details of specialist skills and their expertise to the plumbers. Don't forget to mention the directory when you call - some have arrangements where the plumbers offer a reduction.
Often the plumbers who advertise there reside close by - in an emergency someone who is only down the road may well be faster, more affordable and, more importantly, willing.
Attempt your local newspaper. Some plumbers will advertise in the classified ads throughout the year, others will appear only when they are not active - increasing your likelihood of locating someone who says "yes".
Their plumber may be willing to help you.
Call your pipes supply store - the staff get to know the regulars really nicely and are likely in order to imply someone who's not only good but who's available to take in your occupation.
Plan beforehand, a friend, every time has plumbing work done ask them if they were any good and who did it. Keep details of the recommended plumbers. Then, when the escape or blockage occurs you understand who to' phone straight away.
Do take steps to check them out, once you've located a possible plumber. In reality, plumbers are likely to be rogues or cowboys than anyone else and most are extremely professional and hardworking. But erring on the side of caution is probably wise.
There's lots of articles on choosing plumbers accessible. We have all heard the advice - ask families and friends for referrals, follow up references and get quotes. All great things but it makes it sound as if individuals needing a plumber have a selection available to them.
This really misunderstands the problem which the average householder faces. Yes we do want to locate a great plumber, that well-informed, courteous, punctual, moderately priced paragon of virtue but before we get that way, we must find a plumber who's prepared to work with us.
If you need a plumber in an emergency, you'll either locate the ones which have priced themselves out of the marketplace and so are often accessible - Mr or Mrs "It Will cost you!" or their more moderately priced cousin Dave "Fastest I could get to you is next Wednesday." Not great if you've got a leak and it is now Sunday.
Truly the situation is considerably worse if you're planning routine work such as having a boiler serviced or a toilet installed.
Now, according to recent reports, the position should be calming.
Over recent years, the press has run stories about a shortage of plumbers. In 2003, the British Plumbing Company's Council estimated that the pipes business would need to recruit 29,000 new entrants over the next 5 years. This led to reports of City workers leaving their jobs in the hope of getting £70,000 a a plumber.
More recently, however, there are accounts of workers with plumbing expertise from Eastern Europe filling vacancies on building sites and an excess of trainees trying to find occupations.
For the householder, this should mean that finding an excellent plumber who's accessible is much more easy. The logic is fine but plumbers who are available for work are an elusive class. So if you've got water pouring through the ceiling or your new toilet arrives next Wednesday, keep reading for Hot Hints on tracking down a plumber.
Hot Tips for Finding a Plumber
Asking for recommendations from family and friends is always a good first port of call.
Check out one of the web directories on-line - you can search for plumbers close to you and the better guides give the space to supply details of specialist skills and their expertise to the plumbers. Don't forget to mention the directory when you call - some have arrangements where the plumbers offer a reduction.
Often the plumbers who advertise there reside close by - in an emergency someone who is only down the road may well be faster, more affordable and, more importantly, willing.
Attempt your local newspaper. Some plumbers will advertise in the classified ads throughout the year, others will appear only when they are not active - increasing your likelihood of locating someone who says "yes".
Their plumber may be willing to help you.
Call your pipes supply store - the staff get to know the regulars really nicely and are likely in order to imply someone who's not only good but who's available to take in your occupation.
Plan beforehand, a friend, every time has plumbing work done ask them if they were any good and who did it. Keep details of the recommended plumbers. Then, when the escape or blockage occurs you understand who to' phone straight away.
Do take steps to check them out, once you've located a possible plumber. In reality, plumbers are likely to be rogues or cowboys than anyone else and most are extremely professional and hardworking. But erring on the side of caution is probably wise.