How Do You Find A Reputable Plumber?

Finding a plumber in your area is easy. Finding a good plumber is more complicated. A Google search for local plumbers will give you dozens of results… but how do you know which to click?

Unaccredited plumbers may seem like the cheaper option, but you might end up paying more in the long run to fix what they’ve broken. Accredited plumbers use the right tools and techniques, mitigating the damage done by extreme weather conditions and preventing water loss.

In Melbourne, it’s especially important to find someone using the latest techniques and technologies because weather damage and leaks are a huge threat to your plumbing systems. Licensed plumbers in Eastern Suburbs Melbourne and nearby areas are also more likely to have insurance, which protects you even more.

Finding a Plumber During an Emergency

If you have a plumbing emergency and need to find an accredited plumber, look for someone with a “Master Plumber” license who serves your area. The Master Plumbers Association keeps their plumbers up to date on the latest codes, techniques, and technology.

Experience matters in plumbing, so looking for local plumbers in Melbourne who have been in business for a while is a good idea. Some plumbers and agencies focus on one type of problem, so you might want to check if they are capable of fixing your specific problem (broken taps, burst pipes, drain blockages, etc.).

You can find most of this information on the plumber or plumbing agency’s website. If your emergency takes place late at night, be sure to search for a “day and night” plumber.

What Should You Ask Once You Call the Plumber?

First, explain your emergency and make sure that the plumber or plumbing agency you’ve called has experience handling it (it might not be obvious from the website). Some plumbers may be nearby but not provide service to your region, so check that they do.

Double-check their hours of operation to be sure they can solve your problem quickly. Ask about their licensing to make sure they are members of the Master Plumbers Association. You’ll also want to make sure that they are insured to limit your liability.

While some plumbers may give you a price estimate over the phone, most will need to go take a look at the problem before they can tell how much it costs. This is a “call out” and is usually paid. Ask the plumber or agency about their call out fee.

You may be able to get an estimate of approximately how long the job will take and the cost over the phone, so be sure to ask. Ask about the hourly fee, materials cost, and equipment so that you have an idea of the rate.