A good plumber is invaluable. How many of us have had to ring round in a panic when the hot water won't work, the central heating seizes up, the gas fire fails or the toilet is blocked. We worry whether we will be landed with huge call out charges and shoddy workmanship.
When you do find a good plumber it can be a great relief. Not only will they do their best to deal efficiently and reliably with your crises, they can do a myriad of day to day repair and replacement jobs and help you modernise your home.
An experienced and qualified plumber should be able to advise you how to save money and the earth's resources at the same time. Go green with gas and water when replacing your cooker or washer, installing a dishwasher or central heating. You should also be able to rely on your plumber to work to the relevant British safety standards and be completely familiar with all legal requirements. Water and electricity can be a particularly dangerous mix and it is essential to use a qualified plumber who cuts no corners. Any plumber working with gas appliances needs to be Gas Safe (formerly Corgi) registered.
If you have old lead piping then it is time that you asked a plumber to replace it. If you need a new boiler then your plumber will help you choose from a range of "state of the art "condensing boilers suitable for your needs. They will also advise where a boiler can be fitted and vented to the outside.
The best way to ensure you get the right person for your job is to start by visiting a number of websites, read reviews of past customers and check out the plumber's qualifications and what guarantees they offer. Any reliable plumber should be prepared to discuss your personal requirements, visit to assess a job where necessary and give you a no-obligation quote.