If you’ve ever jumped on Google looking for a Melbourne plumber you’ll already know how tough it can be.
With hundreds (or even thousands) of professionals to choose from, what should you be looking for?
Thankfully, there are ways to spot the great tradies from the unlicensed cowboys, and it’s easier than you think. With a little know-how you can spot the red flags a mile off and get your problem sorted in no time.
Whether you’ve got leaking pipes or broken pipes; blocked drains or a hot water system that’s running cold, here are 8 foolproof tips to help you find the best plumber in Melbourne.
#1 – Know your plumbing problem
Choosing the best plumber in Melbourne starts by figuring out what problem you’re facing.
If you’ve got a suspected gas leak you’ll need to call a licensed gas fitting professional. Or, if you’re facing a burst pipe at 3am it helps to know who the local 24/7 emergency experts are.
It’s true that your service provider will be responsible for fixing your problem, but it’s up to you to roughly understand that problem (where it is, what the symptoms are, how long it’s been happening) so you can narrow your search whether you’re jumping on Google or asking for referrals.
#2 – Check their costs
Price will always be a major factor for the service you choose.
You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars to watch someone change an o-ring. At the same time, you don’t want to go for the $10 discount service provider who puts his foot through the wall trying to find the source of a leak.
Value for money is key, so it helps to find out if your Melbourne plumber:
- Offers a fixed rate or charges by the hour
- Charges call-out fees to your Melbourne suburb
- Whether there are “extra” charges that may come with the service
PRO TIP: Contact 3 to 5 Melbourne plumbers in your suburb and compare quotes. This will help you establish a rough baseline of your costs.
#3 – Read reviews for Melbourne plumbers
Let’s be honest, going to a service provider’s website to rate their quality is like asking a salesman if you should buy their products – they’re always going to be biased.
Looking for online reviews can help you see if the Melbourne plumber you’re considering has a track record of excellent service and great results. These reviews might be on the website, but they’re more likely to be on Facebook or a Google My Business (GMB) listing.
Reviews can help you learn if the cost of a service is fair, if they’ve worked in your Melbourne suburb before, and how they deal with upset clients. After all, you’ll be trusting your choice of professional to come into your home or business, so use reviews to make sure you’ve picked a winner.
#4 – Look local
When you’ve got a broken toilet, leaking kitchen sink, or water pooling in the shower it’s tempting to jump on Google and search for “best plumber in Melbourne”, but that can make it HARDER to find a service instead of easier.
Instead, search for experts in your local suburb. Whether you live in the Melbourne CBD, Chadstone or Dandenong, include your suburb when you search online.
This will help find experts near you which means a). a faster service and b). lower chance of expensive call-out fees.
#5 – Look for licensed plumbers over registered plumbers
If you’ve looked at any service providers in Melbourne before you’ll probably have heard the terms ‘licensed’ and ‘registered’.
What’s the difference? Well, a licensed plumber has more expertise than a registered one. According to the Victorian Building Authority, only licensed experts have the authority to issue a compliance certificate to ensure the work matches the necessary standards.
Licensed professionals must also hold third-party insurance, so you can rest easy knowing the professional ringing your doorbell is skilled and any damage is covered.
#6 – Compare the competition
With over 5 million people calling Melbourne home, there are thousands of businesses set-up to provide help when your water isn’t behaving the way it should.
A major part of finding the best plumber is to compare your choice with the competition. This can be done with a simple Google search including your suburb and the problem you’re facing. For example ‘hot water system broken Carlton’.
If you need hot water repairs, check out the top 5 to 10 results, see if they have:
- Any awards or industry certifications
- Project galleries with before and after pics
- Reviews and customer testimonials
- Discounts for seniors or loyal customers
- Flexible payment options
The more service providers you compare, the better your chances of finding the best one.
#7 – Read their blogs
If you’ve got a busted pipe under your sink that’s turning your kitchen into a wading pool then it might be tough to browse through the site and look for blogs. But if there’s time to make a choice, checking out any content can be a huge indicator of quality and professionalism.
It’s easy for anyone to make a website and start charging crazy high call-out fees, but these cowboys don’t take the time to research the problems their customers have and turn them into helpful blogs (like this one).
Reading blogs can also help you save money if you find the solution to your problem, aka preventative maintenance. For example, let’s say you’re worried your A/C unit is being overworked during one of Melbourne’s hot summer days.
Reading an article like our ‘Air Con Preventative Maintenance Guide’ could help you take care of your unit, avoid calling out an expert, and keep money in your pocket.
#8 – Ask your friends and family
All the fancy ads and billboards in the world can’t make up for the most powerful signal of trust – word of mouth.
If you’re stuck on the fence and don’t know who to choose, ask your friends and family for referrals and recommendations. Everyone has dealt with a plumbing problem at one time or another, whether it’s an emergency at midnight or a slow-dripping tap that’s driving you insane.
Getting a first-hand recommendation from someone you trust can help unearth a local gem that turns your plumbing nightmare around.
Looking for the best Emergency Plumbers Melbourne has to offer? Click here to request for a quote.
Looking for a fast and affordable plumber in Melbourne?
There’s never a good time for a plumbing emergency.
At the same time, when there’s the risk of water damage in your home or business you could end up with structural damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair. Choosing a Melbourne plumber can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
At Reed Plumbing Solutions we service all of Melbourne offering a 24/7 plumbing service so you’re never left waiting when you need help.
Hire a Good Plumber in Melbourne
Other factors that make an excellent plumber include a considerable portfolio of services, five stars Google ratings, as well as being easy to communicate with.
At Reed Plumbing and Drainage Solutions, we are fully licensed and certified, have more than 15 years of experience.
We are experts in all areas of plumbing, so give us a buzz and we’ll able to discuss the options with you to find the best solution in the quickest time.
