10 Tips to avoid Cowboy Plumbers!

Qualified plumbers are highly trained, highly skilled tradesmen. So when you hire one you can be confident you’re going to get a professional job at a fair price. The only problem is, how do you tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys?

Here are some tips to show you how.

A legitimate plumber will have a legitimate place of business. It could be an office, a builder’s yard or even their home. That means they’ll be able to provide you with a business or home address and a land-line telephone number, not just a mobile number. If they’re not willing to give you full contact details then there’s probably a reason why, and you’re probably best looking elsewhere.

It’s not easy becoming qualified as a plumber. A legitimate plumber has to undergo a great deal of training and pass a variety of exams. If you ask to see their credentials and certificates, they should always be happy to show you. If not, then it may be because they haven’t got any.

Whenever you’re looking to get some contracting work done you should always get a written quote. This should show a clear breakdown of costs for each element of the job, including materials and labour. A professional plumber will always be happy to provide you with a written quote so that you fully understand what the job will cost and what you’re getting for your money. If somebody is unwilling to provide a written quote on headed paper then you should walk away.

Along with a written quote, a reputable plumber should always be happy to offer you a formal contract before work commences. This will include details of the work they will complete, when they will do it, and how much it will cost. Cowboy plumbers are unlikely to commit to a formal contract.

What happens if you’re having some plumbing work done and something goes wrong? Maybe your heating system gets damaged, or somebody gets injured. If you’ve hired a qualified professional then it’s pretty unlikely to happen in the first place. But if it does, then any damage will be covered by their Public Liability Insurance. Any reliable plumber will be happy to show you their Certificate of Public Liability Insurance. If they can’t, then you won’t be covered for any damages.

Always ask for references. Any reputable plumber should be able to give you details of previous customers who are willing to vouch for them. Good references come from satisfied customers, which cowboy plumbers rarely have.

When you buy the services of a plumber, their work should come with a quality guarantee or warranty, just like anything else you buy. Cowboy plumbers are unlikely to offer genuine guarantees, and verbal guarantees are completely worthless, so if anything goes wrong you probably won’t be covered.

Of all the signs that help to identify cowboy plumbers, perhaps the most telling is when they ask to be paid in cash. No reputable firm or tradesman will ask for payment in cash.

Good plumbers often have their schedules booked up weeks ahead. So if you’re looking to complete a sizeable project and someone says they can start tomorrow, it may just be worth checking their credentials. Of course, if you have an emergency plumbing and heating problem or you need drainage services in a hurry, then 24 hr plumbers and other specialists frequently offer quality plumbing services at very short notice.

Professional plumbers offer high standards of work and good value for money. That’s why their customers are always happy to recommend them to friends and family. Hire a cowboy plumber and what you end up telling your family and friends about them probably won’t be best described as a recommendation.

For all your plumbing and drainage needs call Allkare now on 0800 731 9121!

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