Just like pipes, plumbers come in all shapes and sizes. And sadly, some will fail to deliver satisfactory results. And if cheap materials could likely cause problems down the line, pretty sure it is the same with hiring cheap—and usually unlicensed—plumbers.

How to Choose the Right Plumber 

When you are looking to hire a qualified plumber in Canberra, it pays to do research. Hiring the first plumber you find in the phone book or Google listing may get you a great job at the best price, but you might be taking a risk.

When choosing a plumbing contractor, it is worth reading customer reviews and asking questions to find out as much as you can about the contractor or company before making a decision.

What to Look For 

The first thing you should look for in a plumber is their license—or any certifications that prove they studied and are qualified to do the job.

Each state and territory have a body that administers plumbing licenses. A licensed plumber will have to follow a set number of legal guidelines to ensure they have met all the requirements of the job, and they will need to provide you with a Certificate of Compliance on completion, to confirm that the work meets the standards of the Plumbing Code of Australia.

To narrow down your search, look for plumbers with experience in your area. Are you looking for a business or residential services, emergency repairs or new builds?

Be sure to check for their basic information as well. Find out if this is an established or new business. Plumbers of course have to start from somewhere. However, knowing the extent of the contractor’s experience will help you decide if they are the best fit for the task.

Double-check if the company or contractor is clear about their qualifications, experience, and business. Always check for company contact details, including landline, mobile number, and street address.

Knowing exactly who you are dealing with is the first step to ensuring a successful transaction.

Quotes

A qualified and trustworthy plumber will be happy to provide a written quote. Be sure to read it thoroughly first and ask questions to see if you truly understand the contents, as well as where any additional fees are likely to fall.

References

Have a check for references or reviews, which can be useful tools in helping to make your decision.

Be Scam Aware

Of course, it stands to reason that you should always keep an eye out for potential scammers. In the ACT last year, police issued a warning to seniors to be on the lookout after several elderly people were scammed by a man claiming to be a plumber.

In each case, money was stolen from the victim’s purse or wallet before the scammer made a quick exit.