HOW TO FIND A PLUMBER?

Finding good plumbers in the city is difficult. Do you need a plumber in an emergency and have a real problem?

There are many items for plumbers to choose from. We've all heard the advice - get quotes, follow references, and ask friends and family for recommendations. All good stuff, but it sounds like people who need a plumber have a choice.

This really misunderstands the problem faced by the average householder. Yes, we want to find a great plumber, that is a knowledgeable, polite, punctual, and affordable paragon of virtue, but before we get that far we need to find a plumber who is willing to do business with us.

If you need a plumber in an emergency, you'll find either the ones that have priced themselves out of the market and are therefore often available - Mr. or Mrs. "It'll cost you!" or her cheaper cousin Dave "The fastest I can get to you is next Wednesday." Not great when you have a leak and it's Sunday now.

However, the location isn't much better if you plan on doing routine jobs like maintaining a boiler or installing a bathroom. Getting an offer can be challenging - it's much harder to get started.

According to recent reports, the position should now relax.

In recent years, the press has run stories of a shortage of plumbers. In 2003, the British Plumbing Employers' Council estimated that the plumbing industry would need to hire 29,000 new employees over the next 5 years. This led to reports of city workers leaving their jobs in hopes of earning £70,000 a year as plumbers.

More recently, however, there have been reports of plumbers from Eastern Europe filling vacancies on construction sites and a surplus of apprentices trying to find a job.

For the homeowner, this should mean that finding a good plumber who is available is a lot easier. The logic is fine, but plumbers who are available to do the work are still an elusive breed. So if there's water leaking through the ceiling or your new bathroom arriving next Wednesday, read on for hot tips on spotting a plumber.

Hot tips for finding a plumber

• Asking family and friends for recommendations is always a good first point of contact.

• Check one of the internet directories online - you can look for plumbers in your area and the better guides will give plumbers a chance to give details of their experience and expertise. Remember to mention the directory when you call - some have agreements where the plumbers give a discount.

• Check your ward magazine. The plumbers who advertise there often live very close by - in an emergency, someone just around the corner may be faster, cheaper, and, most importantly, available.

Try your local newspaper. Some plumbers advertise in the classifieds year-round, others only appear when they're not busy - increasing your chance of finding someone who says "yes".

• Call your local letting agent - Letting agents typically have a team of tradesmen and women who can respond quickly to problems faced by the agent's tenants. Your plumber may be willing to help you.

• Call your plumbing supply store - the staff get to know their regular customers very well and can probably refer you to someone who is not only good but willing to do the job.

• Plan ahead, every time a friend gets plumbing done, ask them who did it and if it was any good. Keep details of recommended plumbers. Then, if a leak or blockage occurs, you know immediately whom to call.

Once you've found a potential plumber, take steps to screen them. In reality, plumbers are no more scoundrels or cowboys than anyone else, and most are extremely professional and hardworking. But it's probably wise to play it safe.

Be extra careful when hiring a plumber to perform gas work. Check if your installer is registered with CORGI. Registration numbers can be checked on CORGI's website - employees working for a registered installer also carry a card that can be checked by a head of household.

Good luck in finding your ideal plumber. If you find a really good plumberin your area please let me know through my website