There are times when you can do your own home repairs and other times when you know that the job should be left to the professionals. If you need to hire a plumber to take care of a leaky pipe or clogged drain, there are several qualified tradespeople in the Melbourne area who would be happy to assist you. But how do you know which plumber is the best person for the job? You don’t want to end up hiring someone who has very little experience and will only end up making the situation worse than it was before.
There are a few things that you should think about before you hire a plumber to do repair work inside your home. Here are some tips on hiring plumbers in Melbourne for you to consider before you make the call.
Always Get Quotes from Local Plumbers
The first thing that you should do is get several quotes from plumbers in your area. Prices and services will vary from one company to the next so getting a quote will help you decide which plumber is offering you the best deal. It can also help to save you hundreds on your service costs. If you need a new hot water unit installed, are planning a rainwater tank installation, are interested in solar hot water, or need a toilet repair, you should request a quote before you hire a plumber in your area.
Inspect the Plumber’s License
Any time that a plumber visits your home for a service call, you should always inspect his or her license for accuracy and credentials. Their license should be current and it should be a license that qualifies him or her to do the type of work that you need. Many times, certain plumbing services such as drain repair will require a technician to have a particular license. Also, if your plumber will be gas fitting, he or she will need to have a separate license to perform that task as well.
Get a Written Contract Before Work Begins
Although the initial quote that the company provides you with may not be legally binding, a written contract is. Therefore, you should request one that includes all the facts about the job. It should be dated clearly, include the contractor’s ABN number and his or her contact information, and explain clearly all aspects of the task that can only be estimated or that can’t be anticipated beforehand. It should also be signed by the plumber.
Be Sure to Get a Compliance Certificate
When you have hired a plumber to perform a certain task, you should make sure that he or she will provide you with a compliance certificate once the work has been completed. This is required by law and it is valid for as long as six years after the job has been completed. Without this type of proof, you may be responsible for anything that goes wrong with your indoor plumbing due to poor workmanship.
Get recommendations from your local friends and family members and learn more about the plumbing companies that they have used in the past. Keep in mind that when you are dealing with any type of tradesperson, his or her license is the best form of proof that you have to assure you that you’re dealing with a professional.
