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Recommendations

The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE), which is the professional body for the plumbing industry, recommends that when finding a plumber you should:

Ask friends/relatives/neighbours who they use.

Use a member of the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering - members have to hold recognised qualifications in plumbing and/or extensive experience.

Get at least three quotes and when asking for quotes find out if there is a call out fee, how many people will be doing the job and if the price per hour includes all the workmen/women or if more is charged per plumber.

Ask for a written quote - unless there are any unforeseen costs, the final bill should not deviate too far from this initial written quote.

Clearly explain all of the work you need doing - write it all down if possible.

Ask how long the job will take.

When you have found a plumber and the job is completed, ask for a full breakdown of the bill so you know where your money has gone.

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