If you’re looking for local plumbing services close to home, you’ve likely searched for ‘plumbers near me’ online or checked your local job boards and newspaper ads.
You’ve likely seen an overwhelming number of options and need help deciding which plumber to hire. And we’re here to help you choose the right tradesperson for the job.
How to find the right local plumbers near you
For starters, why not search through our online directory of relevant tradespeople, such as plumbers? Enter your postcode into the handy search tool and browse a list of reviewed trades.
You can view their profiles, see photos of their work, and read their latest reviews.
The best part about searching for plumbers on Checkatrade is that only tradespeople who are committed to our high standards and pass our checks will appear for you.
And to top it off, we’re so confident in the quality of our trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee* their work up to £1,000.
*Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
Why not use our app to find local plumbers nearby?
With the FREE Checkatrade app, you can:
- Find quality plumbers at your fingertips
- Share photos of the job you need doing
- Keep all trade conversations in one place
- Receive, review and compare quotes sent to you on the app
- Book appointments that work for you and the trade
- Get notifications on your project’s progress and appointments
What does a plumber do?
A plumber predominantly deals with your home’s pipework, fixtures, and other equipment used to distribute water and remove wastewater.
Plumbers typically cover all work to do with water-related equipment, including installation, repair, and maintenance.
Here are some of the most common jobs you might hire a plumber for…
- Fixing leaks – If you have a leaking tap, pipe, or shower, a plumber is the tradesperson to call
- Installing and repairing boilers – Plumbers can be responsible for installing new units and repairing old ones
- Unblocking drains – Plumbers have the tools and expertise to clear drains quickly and effectively
- Bathroom and kitchen installations – From fitting new toilets and sinks to installing showers and baths, plumbers will support you with various aspects of your bathroom and kitchen installations
- Fixing central heating systems – Plumbers can often diagnose and fix common central heating issues
- Gas safety checks – Some qualified plumbers can also be a Gas Safe Registered engineer
- Emergency call-outs – A plumbing emergency may require 24/7 emergency call-out services
How do I find recommended plumbers near me?
Some similar questions you might also be asking yourself:
- How do I find cheap plumbers near me?
- Who are the best plumbers near me?
- I want to find a plumber in my area. What is the best way to do this?
Here’s our recommended process in answer to all these questions…
- Check online reviews – Websites such as Trustpilot, Checkatrade (us!), and Google display honest, verified reviews from real people so you can gauge the plumber’s reputation and quality of work
- Use a professional directory – The CIPHE and APHC both have directories of registered plumbers you can use to search for a local plumber in your area
- Contact a trade association – Contact a trade association such as the APHC or the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) for a list of recommended plumbers in your area
- Check local business directories – Check local business directories such as Yell or Thomson Local for listings of local plumbers
- Ask for recommendations – One of the best ways to find a good local plumber is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues
What to ask a plumber
When hiring a plumber, there are several questions you should ask to make sure they’re qualified, experienced, and trustworthy.
Especially when choosing someone to come into your home, possibly for an emergency, you want someone reliable and close by. Let’s take a look at some key questions to ask local plumbers who work in your area…
Are you licensed and insured?
It’s important to ensure the plumber you hire is licensed and insured. This is to protect yourself from any potential liability or damage.
Find out more in our guide: How to check if a plumber is licensed
Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your work?
Similar to the above, a reputable plumber will offer a guarantee or warranty on their work to give you peace of mind.
What is your experience?
Ask about your plumber’s experience and expertise in the particular type of job you need doing. Most plumbers have a website or portfolio of work you can ask to see.
Not only will this give you the peace of mind you’re in capable hands, but it also offers a level of professionalism and exposure that’s expected in today’s digital landscape.
Can you provide references or customer reviews?
As above, look for feedback from previous customers to get an idea of the plumber’s reliability and previous quality of work.
What are your rates?
Find out the plumber’s hourly rates and any additional fees, such as their call-out fee, to get an idea of their overall costs.
We recommend asking for 2 – 4 quotes so you can work out an average and weigh up the pros and cons of each offer.
What’s your availability?
Check the plumber’s availability to ensure they can work around your schedule.
The last thing you want is to find your dream tradesperson and discover they’re not free for several months.
What is the timeline for completion?
Alongside when the plumber can start the work, find out how long the job is expected to take.
Have they given you deadlines and key milestones? Ultimately, a schedule of work is a good way to keep you both accountable.
By asking these questions, you’ll feel more confident that you’re hiring a qualified and reliable plumber who’ll complete their job to a high standard.
How to check if a plumber is licensed
Check with a professional body
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) are the two main professional bodies for plumbers in the UK.
You can check if a plumber is licensed and registered with either of these bodies by contacting them directly or checking their online directory of registered plumbers.
Check with the Gas Safe Register
If the plumber is working on a gas appliance, such as a boiler, they must be registered with the Gas Safe Register.
You can check if a plumber is registered with the Gas Safe Register by searching their online directory.
Ask the plumber for their license number
A licensed plumber will provide you with their license number on request, which you can then verify with the relevant professional body.
FAQs
Why do plumbers charge so much money?
Like all tradespeople, plumbers charge for their time, expertise, and materials.
The cost of plumbing services varies depending on various factors, including the complexity of the job, the level of expertise required, and the cost of materials.
While the cost of plumbing services may seem high, it’s often worth the initial investment to make sure the job is done well and to a safe standard.
How do I find local plumbing companies near me?
Reputable plumbing companies will often have lots of reviews from customers. Why not check out their Checkatrade profile (if they have one) for honest, real reviews?
Plumbing companies are often well-established compared to sole traders, which means they tend to come with a higher price point.
However, note that this experience and expertise are often invaluable. You often get what you pay for.
Why do plumbers charge a call-out fee?
Some plumbers charge a call-out fee on top of their hourly rate. This fee typically covers the plumber’s travel expenses and is usually around £40 to £60.
However, not all plumbers charge a call-out fee, so it’s important to ask them whether they do when you first agree to hire them.
What plumbing services are near me?
Find local plumbing services by entering your postcode into our handy search tool. You can browse our online directory of reviewed plumbers covering your area.