For homeowners · Plumbing advice
How to find a good plumber
To find a good plumber, describe the problem precisely, check whether the work touches gas or heating, and get the price basis in writing before anyone starts. Most plumbing complaints come from unclear pricing on emergency call-outs rather than from poor workmanship.
What to look for in a plumber
- Gas Safe registration if the job involves a boiler, gas fire or any gas pipework — this is a legal requirement, not a preference.
- Public liability insurance, in date and in the name of the business you are hiring.
- Experience with your type of system — combi, system boiler with cylinder, or an older gravity-fed setup.
- A clear pricing basis: fixed price, hourly rate with a minimum charge, or a call-out fee plus labour.
- Reviews mentioning jobs like yours, and how the plumber handled anything that went wrong.
Questions to ask before hiring a plumber
- Is the price fixed, or an hourly rate plus parts?
- What is the call-out charge, and is the first hour included?
- What are your rates outside normal working hours and at weekends?
- Are you Gas Safe registered, and can I see your card?
- Do you guarantee parts and workmanship, and for how long?
How to compare plumbing quotes
Compare the basis, not just the number. An hourly rate of £60 with a one-hour minimum can beat a £45 rate with a £90 call-out for a twenty-minute fix. For larger work such as a bathroom or a re-pipe, insist on a fixed price with the scope written out and the exclusions listed. Our general guide on comparing quotes applies here too.
What information to give a plumber
Say what is happening, where, since when, and what you have already tried. Add whether you can reach the stopcock, what type of boiler you have, and whether the property is a house or a flat. Photos of the fitting and the pipework beneath it save a wasted visit. There is more detail in how to describe a plumbing job.
How Find A Trade Local can help
Post your plumbing job once with your postcode and photos, and local plumbers who cover your area can express interest. You compare their profiles, reviews and answers in one place. You can also browse plumbers or start from your area.
Frequently asked questions
- Do all plumbers work on boilers?
- No. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer may legally work on gas appliances and gas pipework. Many plumbers hold that registration; many do not and stick to water and waste.
- How quickly can I get a plumber for an emergency?
- For genuine emergencies, same-day response is common in populated areas. Say clearly in your job post that it is urgent and what is happening — for example water actively leaking.
- Should I turn the water off before the plumber arrives?
- If water is escaping, yes — turn off the stopcock if you can reach it safely, and tell the plumber you have done so.
Need a plumber? Post your plumbing job and connect with local plumbers.
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Sources and further reading
This guide is general information for UK readers and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Where a decision depends on your circumstances, speak to a suitably qualified professional.