Finding a reliable plumber - where to start?

elsmandino

Hi there.

My family and friends tend to have a pool of tradesmen - electricians, builders, carpenters etc. that we all use and trust.

However, our plumber has moved away from the area but he could not advise on any replacement.

Any advice on how to find a new reliable tradesman would be much appreciated.

I was warned off using certain trade sites (Checkatrade etc.).

I only need a stopcock replacing, at the moment, but will need a bathroom putting in, in the future.

Thanks in advance.

elsmandino

Have found one - it suddenly occurred to me to ask around at work and someone has recommended someone.

CliveOfIndia

elsmandino said:

Have found one - it suddenly occurred to me to ask around at work and someone has recommended someone.

That's good news!  Personal recommendation is always best.

elsmandino said:

I was warned off using certain trade sites (Checkatrade etc.).

For what it's worth, the likes of CheckATrade etc. are not bad per se.  All they are, are a modern-day yellow-pages, where any tradesman/woman can pay to advertise.  The fact that they're on there means nothing in terms of their ability/reliability/quality of work etc.

It could be argued, I guess, that a small local business who is good at what they do have no need to pay to advertise on those sites, since they get more than enough work via word-of-mouth.  That's certainly the case with our local plumber - never advertises, he's absolutely brilliant, but the only problem is getting hold of him, he's got far more work than he can handle most of the time.

macman

Local FB group, Nextdoor?

baser999

Or ask the other tradesman you use for a recommendation. They’re unlikely to stitch you up

daivid

Or ask at the local plumber's merchants