When a plumbing emergency strikes, getting a professional to look at it as soon as possible is vital. But an expert warns that though getting one at short notice can be a challenge, it’s important to establish a key piece of information before booking a call out.
Expert plumber Mike Flook, from tradesperson booking platform MyBuilder.com, said: “There is undoubtedly a shortage of plumbers, and it’s sometimes challenging to get hold of one, especially in an emergency.
“While the vast majority of plumbers are professional, it’s important to check the credentials and feel able to gather all the information you need before work starts. On top of this, it’s important to make sure that communication is clear and transparent between plumber and customer, so there are no nasty surprises regarding the price of the job or the timeline.”
He added that this precaution “protects both the customer and the tradesperson, so the job goes smoothly and meets everyone’s expectations”.
MyBuilder.com revealed various essential questions to ask your plumber, both for jobs planned in advance and even an emergency.
Callout fee
The first question to ask is whether the plumber charges a callout fee or charges for travel. Some tradespeople will charge a callout fee or have a more highly chargeable first hour to cover travel, particularly if they have to factor the cost of parking or travelling long distances.
The firm advises people to make sure this is added to the quote, to avoid any unexpected surprises.
References or reviews
Hearing from previous clients is an important way to help establish that the tradesperson you’re looking to book is reliable, the company says. Reputable plumbers should be happy to direct you to reviews from previous jobs.
Specialisms
Qualified plumbers will have a good broad understanding of how to approach most jobs, though you might want to ask if they have specific experience tackling the job you’re hiring for, MyBuilder says.
Some will have specialisms in things like emergency repairs or bathroom installation, and it’s beneficial to hire one that has direct experience if your job is particularly difficult or niche.
Some jobs, like electrical jobs or one’s that involve working with gas boilers require particular qualifications and regulations.
Quote
The firm also urges people speak to the tradesperson they’re hiring and ensure that the quote covers everything, as some may not include parts, travel, or taxes, instead opting just for labour charges. If these aren’t included experts advise asking for a total figure, preferably in writing, to avoid an unplesant surprise.
Timeline
It’s a good idea to discuss timelines and what hours the plumber intends to work. The company also stresses the importance of establishing whether they charge more for weekend/evening work, and what their policy is if a problem or complication arises during work that extends the job.
Clean up and disposal services
This will vary depending on the tradesperson, so establishing what they can provide is important so you can manage expectations or get the service added to the quote if it isn’t already, the firm says.
Information about the job
Plumbers can only give accurate quotes remotely when they have a full description of the job. These include things like whether there is parking nearby, any accessibility issues, and any other relevant information to ensure the estimate is realistic.
Getting some clarity even in an emergency
MyBuilder says that while time is of the essence in an emergency, it’s still necessary to communicate with your tradesperson so you know what to expect – and avoid misunderstandings.
Emergency callout rates
Some plumbers may not include the emergency callout charge in the original costs. However, most will have one, or an adjusted hourly rate. The company recommends asking upfront for a full cost.
Insurance
Failing to check whether a tradesperson is insured for a specific job (and how much for) could mean that you are liable for any issues should they not be.
If leaks or other damage are caused by bad workmanship and the tradesperson is not licensed or insured for that type of work (such as gas heating or an electrics), you’re likely to miss out on a home insurance payout, the firm says.
Finding out when they can attend
In an emergency, this may well be key. The company advises asking the plumber this situation straight away to make sure you get someone round as quickly as possible.