Choosing a Reliable Plumber

Why is it that some people find the idea of contacting a new plumber to do a job, just a little bit worrying? There have being a spate of documentaries on the TV and stories in the media about "Cowboy" plumbers, sad tales of people losing their money. Yes, there are rogues out there but in truth they are few and far between.

Have no doubt in your mind that most of the plumbers out there are honest and hard working. Like any trade or crafts-person they take pride and satisfaction in a job well done. Finding a good professional plumber is easy, especially now with the internet, as long as you take a few simple precautions.

So let us get something straight from the beginning. If you want the job done properly, you must take some precautions and be prepared to spend a little time doing some "Home Work" before you even begin to think about handing over your hard earned cash.

This is where the internet becomes so useful. This is a perfect tool for researching local businesses of any sort. First of all gather together a list of all the local plumbing companies that you think might be useful for your job. Search your local newspaper, yellow pages or use Google or your favourite search engine to enter the words "best plumber (your local area".

Now use the search engine to do a background check on their names. Do not just put in the company or plumber's name as the search term but add the words "reviews","bad","good". The great thing about social websites like Facebook, Twitter, forums and even blogs, is that if anybody has has a good or a bad experience, they are willing to tell the world about it.

After you have used this method to get a feel for the three or four best plumbers that seem the most reliable, it is time to start making phone calls and sending emails. Be specific about exactly what you want done and ask for quotes. Be very careful if you get offered a seriously low quote. If something sounds way to good to be true, it probably is not. Do not be scared of asking questions. Remember, you are in the driving seat, these people need your business. Ask for testimonials from their previous customers. Make sure that they are properly trained, ask what certificates they hold and whether their work is fully insured and guaranteed.

No plumbing job is the same as another so if it comes down to a couple of equally good plumbers, then go with the one who has the most experience. The more plumbing jobs that a plumber has done, the more problems they have solved. This will give that plumber a greater chance of solving your own particular problem.

There is one last thing and that is, what ever your experience with the plumber you finally choose, and I do hope it is a pleasant one, make sure you leave a review on-line some where. Just to make it a little easier for the next person.

John Wilkes is an on-line marketing consultant working from the Southwest of England. If you are lucky enough to live in the Christchurch area of Dorset, UK and need a good plumber then check out
Best Plumber Christchurch