Home Plumbing Services

You might need a plumber to deal with an emergency such as a leaking pipe or clogged toilet. Plumbers also perform regular maintenance work on pipes and other drainage systems to make sure that pipe work, drains and other plumbing components are clear from blockages that can cause issues down the road. They can also identify and fix cracks, breaks and deterioration caused from corrosion on your pipes.

Types of Plumbing Services

From time to time, homeowners need to have their plumbing checked and repaired. You may want to upgrade or improve your plumbing by replacing old pipe work and other related components to improve efficiency. Over time, older pipes crack and corrode. This makes them your water and plumbing systems less efficient thanks to leaks. When pipes deteriorate significantly they can break and cause larger leaks that require immediate attention to avoid costly damage to your property. Pipes and other water system components such as drains and toilets can also become clogged with debris. Pipe work can also become compromised by roots, especially underground pipes where tree roots become particularly troublesome.

A plumber provides a range of services for your home's plumbing. Generally, regular plumbing work is less expensive than emergency services. A plumber installs and repairs water and plumbing systems as well as waste systems. In new properties, a plumber will install pipe work throughout the house. They also reroute pipes when remodelling an existing house to accommodate new bathroom or kitchen designs. The most common plumbing services are of the emergency kind where there is a major blockage or a leaking or broken pipe. Plumbers also regularly unclog pipes and drains as part of periodic maintenance work in addition to emergency call outs. Other common services include installing and replacing pipes, water heaters, garbage disposal systems, and radiators. Plumbers regularly inspect pipes and other plumbing systems to identify any leaks. This often involves using technology such as CCTV to look into drains and detect leaks or clogs. To clear blockages, power washing is typically used where high-pressure water (in some cases in combination with chemicals) is used to clean pipe work. Plumbers also remove tree roots that pose a problem to water, sewage and other plumbing.

Finding a Qualified Plumber

When having your plumbing checked or repaired, you should always work with a qualified and experienced plumber. Finding the right plumber can be a challenge and many homeowners are faced with rouge tradespeople that provide poor work and service. A good way of finding a plumber you can trust is by getting recommendations from friends and family. You can also check with your local authority to see if they have a trusted trading scheme that includes a list of reputable plumbers. Looking online at reviews for plumbers and plumbing companies can also help you narrow down choices and create a short list. Once you have a few plumbers in mind, reach out to them and ask about their qualifications and experience. Ask for proof of insurance and get quotes from at least three different plumbers.

Representing sole traders as well as larger plumbing companies, the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) is a trade organisation for the plumbing and heating industry in England and Wales. Using a member of the APHC means that they are part of a reputable professional and trade association. They also adhere to high standards of customer service and workmanship. Plumbers in Scotland and Northern Ireland might be members of the Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation (SNIPEF). Plumbers might also be a member of the FairTrades Plumbers' Association or the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, which is a professional organisation for the plumbing and heating industry. When choosing a plumber, ask for evidence of their qualifications. Look for certifications from the APHC or one of the other government-recognised Competent Person Schemes for plumbers such as Benchmark, BESCA, Certsure, HETAS, NAPIT or Stroma. If you are hiring a plumber to do gas-related work, they must be qualified to work with gas. Only use plumbers that are Gas Safe registered. This will ensure that the plumber is legally permitted to work with gas and is competent to do so.