There seems to be a World Day for nearly everything now, and the plumbing industry is no exception. March 13, if you are not aware, is World Plumbing Day.
According to the World Plumbing Council, which initiated the event, it is an important reminder of the vital – and sometimes misunderstood – role that plumbers play every day around the world in helping keep us safe and healthy.
Indeed, in providing us with clean water and good sanitation, plumbers may work in a whole range of areas, and they may specialise in residential or commercial plumbing services. Having some idea of the services offered and exactly what service you need is the first step in finding the best plumber for your needs.
Questions for Quality
We call a plumber for a reason. We are not experts in the said field, and we need someone who can assist us with issues related to pipes, water systems, and other plumbing problems.
According to the Plumbing Industry Commission, there are eight areas of plumbing: water supply, gas fitting, sanitary, roofing (stormwater), drainage, mechanical services, fire protection and irrigation (non-agricultural). To the untrained eye, that is an awful lot of ground to cover.
So, to find out exactly what is involved in your particular plumbing job, it is important to ask questions.
What to Look For
At every stage of dealings with prospective or current plumbing contractors, it is important to have an open conversation. You need to ensure that you find a plumber who is free and agreeable to answering any questions and offering advice before, during and after any work is done.
Doing a little research on your own may also be useful. But, in essence, a good contractor will provide background to the processes involved and what to expect in terms of the amount of building work required, time frame, the extent to which it might disrupt your home or business, and cost.
Always Ask for Written or Printed Quotes
While open conversation and a willingness to answer questions are good, getting it in writing is even better. Always obtain written quotes and ensure they are detailed and itemised. A quote should contain terms of materials and services, so you aren’t left with any nasty surprises after the job is finished.
If you find your prospective plumbing contractor is evasive or unhelpful, your good sense should tell you to avoid them at all costs. Do always ask to see their identification and plumbing license.
Write down the details, including the license number and expiry date. In the event of any conflicts or problems down the track, you will then have a safeguard to ensure you are not left with an unfinished job.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to Level Plumbing Canberra now. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services. We have a team of skilled and certified plumbers, too, who can help you from start to finish. Call us now at (02) 6188 6088.
