Plumbing problems in our home or workplace are a depressingly common occurrence, and unlike the majority of other domestic issues, the majority require an immediate response if you’re keen to avoid damage to your property.
And you are keen to avoid damage, right?
Sure, there are times when a DIY effort does the job, but if a plumbing emergency where water seriously leaking or flooding has occurred, then it’s essential you call a reputable plumber, stat.
Remember that finding the right professional is something that takes time, which sadly you don’t have in the event of a crisis in your home. If you’ve just moved to the capital or you’ve simply never encountered plumbing issues before and are keen to deploy some foresight, then it makes sense to have a well-researched plumber on speed dial in case of any issues which may arise.
With that in mind, here’s how to find a reputable plumber in London in 5 simple steps.
UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU SHOULDN’T CALL ONE
You should be aware that your home plumbing goes beyond the pipes inside your home all the way to the main sewer line. By law, you are not liable for structural plumbing issues involving the main supply line and should not attempt any repairs. Be sure to alert the authorities immediately and file a complaint if there are more comprehensive issues occurring; it’s likely their responsibility to get things fixed.
EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE SIGNS OF A LEAK
If you have leaking pipes or sewage lines, it’s important that you enlist the help of a plumber because they will know exactly how to safely locate the leak (and any other leaks that might have gone undetected) and also isolate the area that needs fixing correctly, so as not to cause flooding or waste leakage.
Some common signs of a water leak are:
- Damp patches and cracks in walls or ceilings.
- Formation of mildew and mould, or damp smells.
- Noticing that your water bills have gone up without explanation.
- Lower water pressure than usual.
- Sounds of running water or gurgling around the house when you wouldn’t expect there to be.
FINDING ACCREDITED PLUMBERS
A plumber must have received the appropriate training in order to be able to carry out all the necessary tasks that may arise in the space of a household. To find a reputable plumber in London, firstly you should check that any you are considering has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.
On the institute’s website, they have a Find a Plumber page. Simply enter your postcode, and the useful tool will bring up a map displaying all of the plumbers in your area and their contact details. Technology, eh?
Alternatively, WaterSafe is a free directory and national accreditation body listing qualified plumbers. Again, simply enter your postcode here to see plumbers from their directory in your area.
DO THOROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH
Once you have identified a handful of candidates via the two search tools we just mentioned, it’s a good idea to assess reviews, recommendations and testimonials of these potential plumbers via Trust a Trader.
You can cross reference these recommendations on Google Reviews, Trust Pilot, and CheckaTrade, all of which provide a huge review directory of plumbers.
CONDUCT INTERVIEWS
To create a more comprehensive picture of the experience of your chosen plumber and the professionalism of their work, arrange a phone call to discuss the plumbing work you need doing in the house.
Fixing domestic water issues isn’t cheap, and this level of scrupulousness and scrutiny may seem like a lot of effort, but in the long run it could save you time and money.
It is natural that in a vast city like London, the options given to you are numerous, but this doesn’t mean that you should settle on the first choice available. Instead, prioritise quality of service, such as that given by reputable plumbers in Bromley, Bollano, who are available at any time to take care of your case.