When it comes to home maintenance, finding a reliable plumber is one of the most crucial tasks you'll face as a homeowner.
Whether you're dealing with a minor leak or a major plumbing emergency, knowing how to find a good plumber can save you time, money, and stress. With endless options available, it can be daunting to know where to start.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to find a trustworthy local plumber, ensuring that you have a reliable professional on hand when you need them most.
Understanding your plumbing needs
Before you begin your search for a plumber, it's important to understand the specific plumbing issues you might face. Plumbing encompasses a wide range of services, including:
- Unblocking shower drains
- Unblocking plug holes
- Cleaning drains
- Installing washing machines
- Repairing washing machines
- Repairing leaky pipes or water fixtures
- Maintenance
- Fixing dripping taps
- Unclogging badly blocked toilets
- Fixing showers
Identifying your needs will help you determine whether you require a general plumber or a specialised heating and gas engineer.
Do you need a plumber or a heating engineer?
Understanding the distinction between plumbers and heating engineers is crucial. While many plumbers also have qualifications as heating engineers, the two professions focus on different aspects of plumbing and heating systems.
- Plumbers primarily deal with water supply systems, fixing leaks, unclogging drains, and installing fixtures like sinks and toilets. If your issue involves these areas, a professional plumber should suffice.
- Heating and gas engineers, on the other hand, specialise in central heating systems, including boilers, radiators, and gas appliances. If you have a problem with your boiler, need boiler servicing, or are experiencing issues with your central heating, you'll want to hire a qualified heating engineer.
To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, always check that any heating engineer is registered with the Gas Safe Register, a certification that ensures they can legally work on gas appliances.
Where to find good local plumbers
Finding a good local plumber can feel overwhelming, but several reliable methods can streamline your search. Here’s how to get started:
1. The JustFix app
In today's digital age, convenience is key. The JustFix app connects homeowners, tenants, and landlords with trusted local plumbers. The app is designed to take the stress and anxiety out of finding reliable plumbers, particularly in urgent situations. JustFix allows users to:
- Quickly connect with vetted, qualified plumbers in their area.
- Receive immediate responses, ensuring you don’t have to wait long for assistance.
- Benefit from a 12-month guarantee on all plumbing work, providing peace of mind that the job will be done right.
By using JustFix, you can save time and avoid the hassle of ringing around different plumbing companies, allowing you to focus on solving your plumbing issues.
2. Trade association
Many reputable plumbers are members of trade associations that uphold industry standards. These organisations verify the qualifications of their members and often have strict codes of conduct. The two main trade associations to consider are The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) and The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).
These associations provide assurance that you’re dealing with a qualified and reliable plumber. However, manually sifting through these directories and comparing credentials can be time-consuming. That’s where JustFix makes things easier.
JustFix has already done the hard work of verifying qualifications and vetting its network of Fixers, similar to the way trade associations do. This means you get the same level of confidence in your plumber’s credentials without having to manually check trade directories.
3. Word of mouth
Ask friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours if they can recommend someone based on their experiences. These personal insights can help you build a shortlist of potential plumbers to contact. However, relying solely on word of mouth can be limiting, as people’s experiences may be unique or based on small-scale jobs.
With JustFix, you don’t have to sift through mixed opinions or gamble on unverified recommendations. Instead, you can trust that every plumber in our network has been thoroughly vetted for skills and qualifications. We handle background checks, accreditations, and quality guarantees, so you can have the peace of mind that even a glowing review cannot always provide.
4. Review sites
Online review sites can be a great resource for gauging a plumber’s reputation. Websites like Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google Reviews compile customer feedback on various service providers, including plumbing companies.
While these sites provide valuable insights, reviews aren't always verified, which means there could be biassed or false ratings. When you choose a plumber through JustFix, however, you can skip the guesswork. We have already vetted every tradesperson in our network, ensuring their qualifications and credibility.
This way, you’re not just relying on unverified reviews but benefiting from our extensive checks and quality guarantees.
5. Browse online directories
Many online directories list plumbers based on their location. While these directories can be helpful, it’s important to approach them with caution. Some plumbers pay to appear at the top of the listings, regardless of their actual service quality. Instead, look for directories like Checkatrade that vet their members and provide verified customer feedback.
Although directories offer convenience, vetting still largely falls on you. With JustFix, you skip this hassle because we only partner with accredited plumbers who meet our high standards. It saves you from spending hours sorting through directories and reviews—our network is ready to help.
6. Engage with community forums and social media
Online community forums, such as local Facebook groups or platforms like Nextdoor, can also yield valuable recommendations for good plumbers.
These groups often have members who share their experiences with local tradespeople and can point you toward someone who offers trustworthy plumbing services.
While these insights can be valuable, relying solely on social recommendations can be risky. A plumber who was great for one job might not be the right fit for another. At JustFix, we carefully vet our plumbers to ensure they're equipped for a wide range of plumbing services, so you’re not left wondering if the recommendation is suitable for your job.
Tips for choosing a good local plumber
Gone are the days of having to sift through endless plumber listings and vet each one manually. When you choose JustFix, all the legwork is done for you! We've carefully built a network of accredited and experienced tradespeople, ensuring that you’re getting reliable service without the hassle.
These are the steps we’ve taken at JustFix to make sure you’re getting the best person for the job. Every time.
Check their experience and accreditations
Usually, when hiring a plumber, you'd need to dig into their experience and qualifications. Certified plumbers should possess credentials like:
- City and Guilds qualifications
- NVQ qualifications in plumbing
- Gas Safe certification (for working with gas appliances such as boilers and heating systems)
Experience matters, too. More experienced plumbers generally have a deeper understanding of different plumbing systems and are likely to handle unexpected issues with greater skill. But here’s the good news—when you hire through JustFix, you don’t have to worry about these checks!
We carefully vet every Fixer on our platform, verifying their qualifications and accreditations. This means you can skip the stress and still be confident that your plumber meets the highest industry standards.
Get transparent quotes
When hiring a plumber independently, transparency in pricing is crucial. You’d want to request quotes to gauge the cost and compare services. However, with JustFix, there’s no guesswork. Just fill out a quick form, and we’ll send you a detailed, transparent quote in minutes.
Our quotes include VAT and have no hidden fees. If your Fixer discovers any additional work or materials are needed, they’ll discuss it with you upfront—no surprises.
Review previous work
When hiring on your own, it’s wise to ask for references or examples of previous jobs to evaluate the plumber’s work quality. But when you use JustFix, you can rest assured that each Fixer in our network has a proven track record.
We prioritise customer feedback and consistently monitor their performance to maintain our high standards.
Evaluate customer service
Good customer service is more than a bonus—it’s a necessity. Typically, you’d need to gauge this during your interactions with a plumber. Are they responsive, punctual, and clear in their communication?
At JustFix, these qualities are a given. We value your satisfaction, and our Fixers are committed to delivering excellent customer service every step of the way.
Choosing a plumber through JustFix eliminates the need for time-consuming research and verification. From qualifications to customer service, we take care of everything, letting you focus on what matters most—getting your plumbing fixed without the headache!
Choose a reputable plumber close to you
Finding a trustworthy local plumber shouldn’t be a hassle. At JustFix, we take the guesswork out of the process. No need to waste time ringing around different plumbing companies.
With our extensive network of reputable plumbers in your area, we can connect you with a professional who’s not only experienced but also located nearby. This ensures quicker response times and reliable service when you need it most.
Here are some of the major cities we cover:
- Plumbers in London
- Plumbers in Manchester
- Plumbers in Birmingham
- Plumbers in Leeds
- Plumbers in Bristol
- Plumbers in Liverpool
- Plumbers in Sheffield
Find local plumbers you can trust with JustFix
With JustFix, finding reliable local plumbers is a breeze. The app connects you with experienced and qualified tradespeople right in your area, giving you peace of mind.
No more endless searches or dealing with uncertainty—you’ll be matched with vetted, skilled plumbers who are ready to help. Plus, our plumbers respond quickly and always prioritise quality work.
You’re not just hiring someone to fix your problem—you’re choosing a trusted professional backed by a guarantee.
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