Plumbers seem to be in high demand in Canberra nowadays as the popularity of construction and home renovations continues. For this very reason, the quality of work plumbers do has slowly deteriorated as more plumbers take advantage of the skills shortage and growing demand.
It is not unusual to find a plumber that lacks the required skills, is unreliable, and takes on too many jobs only to rush work and overcharge for services performed.
That being said, below are five common costly plumbing issues you should avoid.
5 Plumbing Traps That Sink Money in the Long Run
1. Quick Fixes and Lack of Quality Assessment
Patching up plumbing problems to save money can cost you in the long run. While many homeowners think they save money by hiring cheap labour, a short-term fix is not always the best option.
A patch on a hot water unit, for instance, may be a low-cost option in the short term but may turn out to be a waste of money if the hot water system blows up after three months when the work is completed. A reliable plumber should be providing a quality assessment instead.
You can prevent wasting money on band-aid solutions by going with a more cost-effective approach. Replacing and upgrading any plumbing system, for example, is one of those.
2. Hiring A Rogue Plumber
No house is built or is plumbed the same. With the average home made up of many different plumbing systems, there are costs that are reasonably charged to a customer when a skilled plumber comes in to repair say, a faucet, diagnose flow or pressure issues, install, and repair or replace any of your gas lines.
Such expenses should reflect the complexity of the tasks involved, the time it takes, the cost of the materials and the location of the work.
However, there are unreasonable costs which homeowners should be wary of being charged. Introducing the "rogue plumber,” one that is often unconnected to a wider network of plumbers and takes advantage of a client's lack of knowledge by overcharging for simple plumbing tasks.
A rogue plumber may also use an inexperienced apprentice to perform the bulk of the work, order expensive parts without your consent, or charge excessive call-out fees for an emergency plumbing job performed outside of standard hours or during the holidays.
3. Choosing the Plumber with the Lowest Rate
While some homeowners think that choosing the plumber with the lowest bid is a sure way of saving money, they may be surprised to find bills that are over and beyond what was initially estimated. Hourly plumber rates mean nothing when a plumber takes twice as long due to inefficient systems and lack of experience to complete plumbing work.
When it comes to plumbing repair and installation, a professional and experienced plumber may charge a higher cost per hour; however, they will perform the work in less time and deliver better quality solutions. So you do not have to face the ongoing expenses of continuing to patch up plumbing work.
4. Not Checking for Compliance with Statutory Requirements
As those can share who have been caught out being non-compliant with statutory obligations, it pays dearly to engage a plumber that is not certified and has the appropriate insurance in place. Ideally, you should be looking for a plumber that can take care of all your plumbing compliance without you having to worry.
Whether you service a government building, a commercial or residential client - you need a plumbing service that is not just a one-stop shop for all your plumbing requirements but can also meet statutory requirements including:
- Issuing a Certificate of Compliance.
- Can provide evidence of necessary background clearances like Working with Vulnerable People and Police checks.
- Depending on the type of commercial building, a TMV service and Backflow Certification.
You can also be caught out by engaging plumbing companies that do not pay their contractors payroll tax or have in place public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Given some of the complexities of plumbing work, you should also find highly trained plumbers that know how to navigate different building height levels and asbestos-infected buildings in order to minimise occupational health and safety risks.
5. Plumbing Company Is Not Transparent About Quality Management Systems
Unlike plumbers that can work excessive hours and lack the management systems to ensure efficiency, a plumbing company worth your while will be upfront about the quality management systems used and will ensure that you and the client are the main beneficiaries of time saved on the job.
How Not to Get Ripped Off By A Plumber
- First, seek for a plumber who is properly licensed and insured. This will help to guarantee that the work is code-compliant and high-quality.
- Second, seek for a skilled plumber who has experience performing the type of repair you require. Enquire about their qualifications and any other certificates they may hold.
- Third, search for a plumber that provides a documented warranty for their work. This will protect you in case the repair fails or does not last as long as expected.
- Finally, seek feedback and testimonials from previous clients. This will give you an indication of the quality of job they do and how satisfied their clients are with their services.
Overcharged by Plumber What Can I Do
If you believe you've been overcharged by a plumber, you can try these steps:
- Check your estimate: If you have a written estimate, you may compare the plumber's fees to the hourly rate and material costs.
- Contact the plumber: Ask the plumber to explain the expenses and what they accomplished.
- Consider small claims court: If the plumber charges you for more work than they actually performed, you can take them to small claims court. You will require paperwork or verification, such as video footage.
- Consider an injunction: You might seek an injunction to prevent the plumber from charging you an unreasonable amount.
- Consult a lawyer: If you have questions concerning consumer protection law, you can ask a lawyer.
Big plumbing firms can operate more efficiently by using quality management systems to ensure quick service. They also prioritise hiring skilled plumbers because unqualified staff can harm their reputation and business, especially in the age of social media and online reviews.
You are also more likely to get consistent pricing and higher service standards as routine quality assurance checks are performed.
It's a prevalent misperception that low-cost plumbing services mean poor quality work. At Level Plumbing, we want to disrupt that perception. We think that price should never come at the expense of service quality. Our expert technicians are committed to providing high-quality plumbing services at competitive pricing. With a dedication to excellence and attention to detail, we ensure that every task, regardless of price, is completed with accuracy and care.
At Level Plumbing, we believe in more than just fixing pipes; we're dedicated to fostering trust and reliability in every interaction. Our commitment to transparency and honesty means you'll always know exactly what needs to be done and why. With our expert team and upfront approach, you can rest assured that your plumbing needs are in capable hands. Experience the difference with Level Plumbing, where integrity flows through every job.
Get in touch with Level Plumbing Canberra today at (02) 6188 6088.
