5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Plumber

Posted by Luke Zabs on December 6th, 2018

Local licensed and insured plumbing services

Is your water pressure too low? Or maybe you have dripping faucets? Let’s face it, we all have plumbing issues in our homes. Yet, we keep ignoring them and hoping they will get fixed by themselves. The truth is that unless you call a professional, these problems can escalate and become a hazard.

Even though some plumbing issues are easy to fix, others require special tools. Unless you’re a plumber yourself, you may not know what caused these problems in the first place. You might be able to fix a slow draining sink or a clogged toilet, but that’s not enough. If these issues have a more serious cause, you could end up with a flooded home.

An experienced plumber can identify the root cause of your problems and recommend the best course of action. Choosing one sounds like an easy task, but if you pick the wrong person, you’ll waste time and money.

So what does it take to find the best Melbourne plumber in your area? Can you rely solely on customer reviews? Let's find out.

Ask for Referrals

Start with your network. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Most people needed a plumber at some point, so they can easily guide you in the right direction.

If you’re new to an area, talk with your landlord or ask the flat administrator. Another option is to introduce yourself to your neighbors and tell them about your problem.

Try to get at least three referrals. Contact them to find out more about their services. Don’t go for the first offer you receive. The more options you have, the better.

Check Local Directories

Go online and check local business directories to find a reliable plumber in Melbourne. Local Plumbers Directory, Fix-a-Tap, and Ontime Plumber are just a few examples. These services are free to use and make it easy to find and compare plumbing companies near you. Users can search by location, business name, keyword, and other criteria.

A major advantage of local directories is that they feature customer reviews. For each company, you can find testimonials and ratings left by customers who used their services. This will help you make an informed decision.

Besides local directories, you can check local forums and Facebook groups. Every city has a couple of Facebook groups featuring ads, expert advice, local services, events, and more. Simply ask users if they can recommend a good plumbing company in Melbourne. Next, research those companies and reach out to them for more information.

Read Customer Reviews

Hiring a plumber in Melbourne is quite similar to online shopping. You need to compare multiple offers, read customer reviews, check prices, and make sure you get the best value for your money. Customer reviews are particularly important. However, take them with a grain of salt.

Consider both the positives and negatives. For example, a customer may say that he was satisfied with the services received, but that he paid way too much. If money isn’t a problem, go ahead and contact the plumber mentioned in the review. Also, beware that some customers leave negative reviews because they have unrealistic expectations.

Most plumbing companies in Melbourne feature customer reviews on their websites. However, you should check other sources too. Visit their Facebook pages and read the reviews available. Google their business name to see what shows up. This will give you a better picture of the company you’re interested in.

Check Their License and Accreditations

Professional plumbers are legally required to carry a license. Their trade number should be included in their quote. Don’t hire one until you have proof of their credentials.

Those who work in this field must be accredited by certain organizations, such as the TRA (Trades Recognition Australia), the Victorian Building Authority, and others. This proves that they have the skills and training necessary to do their job.

Additionally, plumbers are required to carry liability insurance. Make sure you ask about these things when you contact them.

Ask the Right Questions

Once you have a list of plumbers in your area, call them and request more information. Consider asking the following questions:

• Are you licensed and qualified to work in Melbourne?
• Do you have insurance?
• How long have you been in business?
• Who will be doing the work?
• What is the estimated completion time and total cost of fixing my plumbing problem?
• Do you offer emergency services?
• Do you charge by project or by the hour?
• Can you provide any references?
• Will you give me a scope of work contract or a detailed written estimate?
• Do you offer any guarantees on your plumbing services?

You don’t have to ask all of these questions, but at least try to cover the basics.

In the meantime, check out our residential plumbing services. At Zab’s, we only work with fully insured and licensed plumbers who can fix anything from burst pipes and hot water systems to blocked drains in Melbourne. Contact us today for a free quote!