Trying to find a reliable local plumbing service to fix some leaking taps, check your boiler, or install a new bathroom can be a daunting task. Searching for a “plumber near me” or checking out trader review websites can provide you with a list of options, but how do you know which plumbing company to book?
What can a plumber do?
Plumbers will mostly deal with the installation, repair, and maintenance of a property’s pipework and bathroom fixtures, such as taps and showers. Some may also deal with drains and boilers, but it will depend on their experience and expertise.
Here are some common tasks people call a plumber to sort out:
Fix leaks
If you have a leaking pipe or dripping tap or shower head, then a plumber should be your first port of call. Even a slow leak can cause significant damage to a property if left for too long, so booking a plumber to fix such a leak should be a top priority.
Repair or replace boilers
The majority of London properties utilise combi-boilers for their central heating and hot water, so boiler issues can mean no showers or no heating in the winter. A plumber that is certified GAS SAFE has the expertise to repair broken boilers or replace or upgrade them if required.
Fix the central heating system
The boiler is not the only part of a central heating system that can develop issues. From radiators failing to heat up to trouble with the pipes or underfloor heating, an experienced plumber can make sure your home is efficiently heated throughout the winter.
Gas safety checks
A GAS SAFE plumber is certified to inspect any gas appliance in your property, from a gas combi-boiler to a gas fireplace.
Unblocking or repairing drains
Drains take waste water away from your property and if they become blocked they can produce foul smells and attract rodents. Plumbers have the tools and expertise to clear drains effectively and repair any drains which have developed cracks over time.
Bathroom and kitchen installations
Plumbers do not only repair plumbing problems, they can also install new sinks, showers, baths, and entire bathroom suites.
How do I book a reliable local plumber?
Personal recommendations are always a great way to find an experienced and reliable local plumber, but they may not be available when you need them or necessarily have the experience required for your needs.
Trader review sites like Checkatrade, Trust a Trader, Rated People and the numerous other trader review sites can give you a list of local plumbers, but it is impossible to know how good or reliable any of them actually are.
Google searches for “book a plumber near me”, “how do I find a reliable London plumber?” or “who are the best plumbers near me?" will also give you dozens of options - but with the mixture of sponsored and real results, how do you know who to pick?
The best way to book a reliable local plumber is by putting in your address and booking through CanCan. No need to sort through reviews and ratings - we will send an experienced and trusted local plumber to your door to fix all your plumbing problems at a time that is convenient to you.
What questions should you ask a plumber?
Plumbers can vary significantly in their certifications, skills, and experience. To make sure you have the best person for the task, here are a few questions to ask:
What qualifications do you have?
There are no qualifications required for someone to call themselves a plumber, which can make trying to find a trustworthy and experienced plumber a difficult task. However, at CanCan we only work with plumbers who we have carefully vetted so you can be sure that by booking with us you are in safe hands.
If the job involves natural gas in any capacity then it is a requirement that the plumber completing the task is qualified and certified GAS SAFE. You can always check whether a plumber or heating engineer is certified by checking the GAS SAFE Register. If you book any task that is gas-related on CanCan, you can be assured that the trader that arrives at your front door will always have the right certifications.
Are you insured?
Even with the best tradespeople things can go wrong. It is critical that any plumber you book has their own public liability insurance so that you are covered if the worst happens. At CanCan, we vet every plumber and make sure that they all have their own up-to-date insurance so you can rest easy knowing you are protected.
Do you have experience with this specific issue?
Every plumber has different levels of experience, and you want to find someone who knows what they are doing to complete your task. Every plumber can fix a leaking tap, but more intricate or bespoke jobs may require a slightly different skillset. At CanCan, we only ever send a plumber to a property that we know has the right experience and skillset for the task, so you know you are in capable hands.
What are your rates?
The hourly rates charged by plumbers can vary significantly. Always check the rates you will be charged in advance and ask if there are any additional costs. On CanCan, you can see the hourly rate anytime by adding your postcode and clicking “See rate and book”.
Do you charge a call out fee?
Call out fees are additional costs charged above an hourly rate for a plumber to visit your property and can be up to £100 - which could be more than the cost of the labour for the job! At CanCan, we charge for the first hour of any job upfront, and then in 15 minute increments after that so you are only charged for the time spent on the job.
What is your availability?
Nobody wants to wait weeks or months for a plumber if you have a problem with your pipework or fixtures today. On CanCan, you can book anytime and we will find you a reliable plumber to visit your London property at a time of your choosing.
Book a local London plumber today
Do you need a plumber for your London property? Book a plumber online with CanCan today or call us on 0800 987 4143.