Plumber Advice

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What is a plumber?

What qualifications does a plumber need?

What types of job would a plumber do?

How much would a plumber cost per hour?

Where can I find a good plumber?

What is a plumber?

A plumber is a tradesperson who could be responsible for the installation and maintenance of your water supply and heating system in your home. This can include maintenance of the hot water boiler and fire (if gas or if it is a solid fuel back boiler). Exterior drainage and water proofing can also be worked on such as guttering, drain pipes, lead work on roofing and sewerage pipes.

What qualifications does a plumber need?

The qualifications that a plumber requires depends on the type of job they are advertising themselves for.

At the top end if the job involves any maintenance of gas supply they have to be Corgi registered (in the UK). This means they have to firstly have a Corgi registration number, this can be checked at the Corgi site. Always ask and check the number, don't assume because the advert says they are Corgi registered or some off-hand comment that they are. To become Corgi registered requires that the plumber has passed a Certificate of Competence through an Accredited Certification Scheme. If a plumber genuinely is Corgi registered then you are at least half way to finding someone who is professional inclined (doesn't mean they wont over-charge you though!).

Next down is that they are a member of the The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE). The organisation has been around for over 100 years and is fairly well respected with lots of qualified plumbers being members. However, it is not a legal requirement.

Basic qualifications include a obtaining an NVQ and technical certificate. This is usually obtained whilst working as an apprentice under the supervision of a more qualified plumber.

At the lowest level just because someone says they are a plumber or says they can do a specific job of the plumbing variety doesn't mean they are a qualified plumber. This is especially true of basic maintenance work such as clearing drains, replacing guttering and basic fixing of central heating systems. These jobs can be relatively simple (with a bit of know how) but with plumbers hourly rates being so high can cost a lot of money.

If in doubt get in someone professionally qualified or registered and check the details with the professional body in question.

What types of job would a plumber do?

• Central Heating - This can include installation of gas, electrical or solid fuel boilers, radiators all the pipe work and or under floor heating. We would recommend that the plumber is CORGI registered for this work.
• Sinks and washbasins- Advice on selecting the right type of sink and installation of
• Toilets - installation of the basin and associated pipe work
• Bathrooms - Installation of baths, showers, taps, washbasin making sure everything is watertight and correctly sealed.
• Drainage - Connection of the household water system to the main water supply and also removing effluent into the main sewage system or septic tank.
• Repairs - Repairs and maintenance to any or all of the above.

How much would a plumber cost per hour?

As of 2006, in the UK, one could expect to pay about £35-50 for a call out charge (normal working hours) and about £25-35 per hour for subsequent work. Any substantial material costs will be added on top of that. Expect to get washers or simple things included in the price but a new tap is surprisingly costly. A new central heating system can cost upward of £2500.

Where can I find a good plumber?

• The best option is a to ask friends and family have they used anyone who did a good job at a reasonable price. Remember did they actually use them or is this second or third hand information?
• Plumbing isn't rocket science, have a think about what the job might entail before the plumber arrives. It'll make you better prepared to think whether what they say is reasonable.
• If in doubt only use a professionally qualified plumber such as Corgi registered or perhaps a registered plumber from the IPHE. It's no guarantee of good work but its the best alternative after personal recommendation.
• If its a reasonable size job get at least three quotes and compare what each of them says about what needs doing, how long it will take and how much it will cost. The quotes must be written, not verbal, and not estimates. Look out for small print which could mean the job costs more than anticipated.
• Read our article on getting quotes
• If parts are required have a look on the Homebase or B&Q website and see how much they are charging for the part. Is the trade-price reasonable?