Do you have a regular plumber? Or do you shudder at the thought of who to call when you have a plumbing emergency?
When looking for a new plumbing company to do plumbing work on your property, there are several ways in which to find the right plumber to suit your needs:
Should I use google to search for a plumber?
Yes! Google a plumber in your area and read up on each of the websites that you come across.
If you have received referrals from friends or family, then look at those websites or social pages for more information to get a sense of what the plumbing company is about.
Then cross-reference the plumbers to make sure they are members of IOPSA (Institute of Plumbing SA)
What type of plumber do I need?
This will largely be determined by your requirements as there are different types of plumbers and plumbing companies that offer a selection of services. For instance, some companies handle general plumbing maintenance, burst geysers, etc, whilst others specialize in drain cleaning, septic tanks, or leak detection.
Large companies will typically service several different areas and you may or may not get the same plumber each time you call. Smaller companies will offer services in specific areas, and you will likely deal with the owner on a regular basis. This can change as businesses grow, evolve, and adjust to industry economics.
Before getting the chosen company to come out to your property, discuss your requirements with the plumbers that you have shortlisted to find out if their services are aligned to meet the requirements on your property.
The important questions to research and ask prospective plumbers:
Are you a Qualified Plumber?
According to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA, 2019), there are approximately 126 000 who self-identify as plumbers and apprentices operating in South Africa; of these, it is estimated that 10 000 – 15 000 are Qualified Plumbers (https://www.iopsa.org/news/9410104)
With only 10% of plumbers being qualified this means that you need to do ‘due diligence when looking for a plumber. While you may want cheap, or want to help your neighbour, friend, family member, etc, it’s likely going to cost you personally, more than just the job quoted. The IOPSA article “Can You Afford Not to Use a Qualified Plumber?, its states that “Typical problems that arise when using unqualified plumbers can include leaks, bad smells from drains and pipes, flooding, damp, mould and poor water pressure. Other more serious issues can include contamination of clean drinking water, the breeding of disease, scalding and burns, and even explosions. Using an unqualified plumber can lead to additional costs to find the problem, fix it, repair the damage, and replace finishes; it may even lead to injury or even death”.
Is your plumber licensed/registered with PIRB (Plumbing Industry Registration Board)?
A plumber who is registered with PIRB has been vetted according to his training level and has to comply with continuous training to obtain the yearly criteria of CPD points. He is required to comply with industry standards and municipal bylaws and has to uphold high standards of competence and ethics. You are within your rights to request that the plumber shows you his PIRB Card. And you have the right to refuse entry to a plumber who is not a registered plumber.
Is the plumbing company a member of IOPSA (The Institute of Plumbing SA)
You can search on the IOPSA website to find a plumber in your area. If your plumber is registered with IOPSA, you as a consumer have recourse should there be an issue with the work done and if you cannot reach an agreement with the plumbing company in question.
To register with IOPSA, a plumber would need to have a registered business and comply with all the South Africa statutory requirements, such as registration with SARS, UIF, workers compensation, etc and have public liability insurance in place. This means you are reducing your risk when plumbing work is done by an IOPSA Plumbing member.
Does the company have public liability insurance?
Always check that the plumber or plumbing business that is working on your property, has public liability insurance. Nobody plans for things to go wrong, but when they do, it’s important that the correct insurance is in place.
How long has the Plumbing Company been in business?
Running a business is not easy, as it relies heavily on a good reputation, excellent work and service levels, and a loyal customer base. While it’s not absolute, when a business has been around for several years, it definitely creates a good indication that they know what they are doing.
What is your level of experience for the work I am needing to be done?
While not every plumbing problem is easy to solve, you want a plumber who has experience and insight into various plumbing challenges and can provide knowledgeable and calculated solutions.
What is your Warranty on Workmanship?
A plumber should generally offer up to a 12-month warranty on workmanship. However, please bear in mind that if the plumber has had to find a workaround solution or quick fix because you choose not to replace or fix something properly, the workmanship warranty will likely not be valid. The same applies if another plumber or person fiddles with an installation – the warranty would be void. A warranty on plumbing parts is limited to the warranty offered by the specific manufacturer.
Can the plumber or plumbing company provide references?
Plumbing companies should have references from different types of clients. For instance, if you want your bathroom renovated, you need references from people who have had their bathrooms renovated. A reference from someone who had a leaking tap fixed is not going to provide you with context to how the plumbing firm will handle a renovation. However, it can speak to their professionalism and work ethic. Many of our clients have been referred by their own friends, family, or colleagues who have worked with our company and can vouch for our services.
What is the hourly rate, and what are the payment terms
When calling a plumbing company, they should be able to give you their hourly rate and an approximate price to solve the problem. In other instances, they will need to do a site visit to quote on larger or more complex plumbing issues.
Plumbing companies generally require COD Payment for services rendered and will either allow payment via cash, card machine (eg Yoco) or online payment. For larger-scale jobs such as underground pipework or renovations, payment terms are agreed to upfront and generally be paid by specific dates via EFT.
Do they have a Marketing Presence?
Does the plumbing company have a website or any social pages that talk about who they are, their services, and the areas in which they work in? Finding a plumbing company that operates in your area, means that they can get to you quickly, especially in the case of an emergency.
Are their staff presentable and do they arrive in branded vehicles
It’s reassuring to find plumbing companies that are well ‘branded’. The last thing you want is some dodgy-looking vehicle arriving at your property, wondering who has arrived and if it’s safe to let them into your property. Clearly marked vehicles help to easily identify the company.
Are they environmentally Conscious?
Most plumbers have a heart for the environment and for sustainable water solutions. Protecting and ensuring the water quality going into and out of clients’ homes is always of utmost importance.
Do you like the company and what it stands for?
If you talk to or meet the owner of the company or their staff, do you feel comfortable and feel inspired to trust them with the plumbing in your home or office? If you plan on choosing a plumber that will always be there to assist you and understand the plumbing set up in your home, you need to make sure you actually like and respect the company and people that will work on your property.
Do they offer great advice and guidance?
Great plumbers will be able to offer you advice and guidance and give you alternative plumbing suggestions to meet the water and heating requirements on your property.
Most importantly, find a plumber or plumbing company that has long-term views on professional relationship building and has your interests at heart.