Picking a plumber is easy, right? Wrong! Before you just ring the first person whose number you find, remember that they're going to do some potentially expensive repairs on your house.
No doubt you've seen or heard of the horror stories on the TV programme Target. If the plumber in Auckland you're choosing is not reputable then there's the possiblity that they could charge you more than the job is worth, create even more damage, or worse yet, go through your things or even steal from you! Hey, you've seen it on Target, it does happen unfortunately. The last thing you need is to come home to an unexpected indoor pool and rifled underwear drawer. Not to mention all the times they are hours or days late (or simply don't show up at all), wasting your precious time.
You want someone who will do a good job, for a good price, in a reasonable time frame and when they say they'll do it - in other words, a 'Professional'. The easiest way is to talk with past clients for references, and/or get guarantees from the plumber.
So, how do you actually find a good plumber? Lots of ways. Ask your friends and family, and find out who they've used and what they thought of the result. Let your fingers for the walking - check out your local Yellow Pages, or get on the internet and do a search for "Auckland Plumber" or for urgent jobs search Google for "Emergency Plumber in Auckland".
Before you pick up the phone, first be sure what it is that needs to be done, and how much money you have available to achieve it. The more detail you can give them about the problem or work to be done, the better they can understand your needs before they arrive on the scene. If you are planning some major remodeling, it may help to write down all the things you must have, would like to have, and those special extras you'd love if they fit in your budget.
Then start calling. Remember to ask for a specific appointment time, ask them to call you if there is going to be any change, and remember to do the same if for some reason you can't be there. Depending on the size of the job and how urgent it is, the plumber may first come out for a look at the job so they can give you a quote and tell you when they can do the work, or they may simply come and fix it right away. If it is an emergency such as a split pipe flooding the bathroom, ask the plumber if there is anything you can do before they arrive to minimise the damage.
In a major plumbing emergency, when you need someone NOW, but the plumber you call can't make it, ask if they know another plumber that might be able to. If you are particularly keen for something to be done a specific way, let the plumber know before they begin, not half way through when it's too late to change.
When the plumber comes to do the work without visiting for a quote first, it is a good idea to ask for an estimate on how much the job will cost BEFORE they start. That way, if the repair is outside your budget, you can then ask if there is a cheaper alternative. If possible, have someone stay home while the work is being done, to answer any questions.
Once the job is completed, the plumber should clean up after themselves, removing any mess and odds and ends. Some require payment immediately;
Ross is the owner of Ross's Plumbing based in Auckland New Zealand and provides emergency plumbing in Auckland. Check out the Ross's Plumbing web site http://www.rosmo.co.nz for all your plumbing needs or call 0800 ENDRIP - 0800 363 747. As an example of what Ross's Plumbing customers have to say also check out http://www.bestaucklandplumber.co.nz.
