How to find a professional plumber near you?

How do you usually handle plumbing problems at home?

The Internet is full of DIY plumbing videos, so you try to fix things the DIY way first.

Compared to hiring a licensed professional plumber, DIY plumbing might seem more efficient and cheaper for you to consider.

In spite of this, DIY plumbing work, whether it concerns bathroom leaks, broken kitchen pipes, or clogged toilets, can put you and your property at risk.

Whether it's a leaking faucet, a clogged drain, or a burst pipe, plumbing problems do bring our daily lives to a grinding halt.

When faced with such emergencies, it’s essential to hire a professional licensed plumber near you who can quickly and efficiently fix the issue.

However, finding a reliable and competent plumber is not an easy task.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to narrow down the best choice.

That’s why we have created this guide to Hiring a Professional Plumber in Australia, to help you navigate this plumbing process with confidence and peace of mind.

Qualifications and Skills of a professional plumber in Australia

There’s no substitute for qualifications and skills required in this field!

Your plumber must be licensed to work legally in Australia. He/she must have completed a 4-year apprenticeship under an experienced professional, and obtained a Certificate III in Plumbing.

A Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services is also required to become fully licensed in Australia.

Your hired plumber should also have the below skill sets to ace his plumbing job at your property.

Technical skills

It is typical for plumbers to be able to handle machinery and use a variety of tools. The tools they use include wrenches, hacksaws, pipe cutters, bending equipment, grips, seals and tapes.

To ensure safe and efficient completion of projects within set deadlines, they possess technical skills such as appropriate measurements, calculations, and specifications.

Physical and motor skills

A plumber needs excellent motor skills such as flexibility, physical strength and good vision to perform his or her job efficiently.

Plumbers, for instance, often work in dark spaces with small tools. Physical skills can also help them succeed.

Skills in analysis

The work of a plumber may require a knowledge of physics, mathematics, and technology subjects.

Water supply and sanitation are examples of systems they may examine. A detailed plan for resolving errors is made after tests and inspections are conducted.

Ability to solve problems

In order to identify the main causes of your plumbing problem and provide appropriate solutions, plumbers need problem-solving skills.

To ensure timely completion of their projects, plumbers usually solve complicated problems in short time frames. They must think logically and creatively to accomplish this.

Ability to communicate

A plumber may work with a variety of people during a single project and should be able to communicate effectively with assistants, managers, business owners, material suppliers, and homeowners.

As well as delivering professional messages, they should also be able to express their thoughts accurately. Plumbers should also be able to explain complex ideas and processes in an understandable way.

How much does a plumber charge in Australia?

Depending on the type of job they are doing for you, plumbers charge different types of rates. Some professional plumbers charge an hourly rate, while others have a fixed rate.

A plumbing company's hourly rate depends on the type of work and the number of hours, can range from $100 to $150 per hour + GST. There are some plumbers who charge a callout fee and some who don’t, but most offer 24 hour emergency service.

Be wary of "easy" or "cheap" quotes.

Never let a low quote fool you.

Transparency is the key to working with a good plumber who will tell you what they are going to do, how much it will cost, and how long it will take.

7 ways to hire the best plumber in Australia?

When it comes to finding professional plumbers in Australia, people often turn to the internet. As important as it is to have an online presence, it is also imperative to hire a professional who will not only complete tasks correctly but will also do it safely.

Here are some tips from experienced professionals at Howzat Plumbing to help you streamline the process of finding and hiring a professional plumber in Australia.

1 – Be licensed - A licensed plumber is the first and most important thing to consider before hiring. As with any trade, plumbing job requires years of training and specific skills. You may spend thousands in restoration work if plumbers hired are unlicensed or unqualified.

2 – Be insured - Two types of insurance are required by law for Australian plumbing companies: public liability and workers compensation. Public liability covers the costs of property damage or personal injury during plumbing jobs. Because you own the property, you may be held liable if your plumber lacks insurance.

Workers compensation, on the other hand, covers plumbing workers injured on construction sites. Property owners may be liable if a plumber does not carry workers compensation insurance.

You can also request certificates of currency from plumbers that you wish to hire.

3 – Good reviews - Online reviews are a great way to learn what other customers think. It's almost impossible to please everyone every time, so one or two negative reviews are normal!

Look for another plumber if you notice multiple negative reviews with a consistent complaint type.

4 – Rubbish removal - Plumbers can leave behind mess when they finish a job. If you invite a local plumber into your home, make sure they are respectful, tidy and clean.

Howzat Plumbing also offer rubbish removal services when a job is completed. Excess soil or cement can also be removed after excavation, for example after the removal of an old water heater.

5 – High quality work - Inexperienced homeowners may not do a good job fixing the problem when doing DIY plumbing. A licensed plumber, however, is capable of doing high quality work. Their knowledge of local building codes and standards ensures they adhere to them. Installing and repairing products are covered by warranties provided by licensed plumbers.

6 – Pricing method - It is often preferable to know the full cost of a job before any work begins. A plumber who is honest will provide an accurate quote. During the quote, they will also note any potential future costs.

Comparing the price of each component of the job is also a good idea. Don't always go for the cheapest quote.

Consider all the possible variables that may arise on the job when choosing a plumber. An insured, licensed, and well-reviewed plumber is also much better to pay more for.

6 – Follow plumbing laws - Depending on where you live, the rules and regulations regarding plumbing at home may vary by state. You may be legally penalised for failing to follow local state law.

Plumbing work in Australia requires a license, especially plumbing systems that could directly affect household health, such as sewer lines and drinking water systems. If you want to know which plumbers have passed the state's standards, consult your local council.

If you are having plumbing problems, seek the help of a licensed plumber instead of attempting to fix them yourself. Your plumbing will be protected from further damage and health and safety risks will be avoided.

7 – Asking professionals - Online plumbing information may be sparse in small towns or remote areas in Australia. You can find out which plumbers are highly recommended by asking other local professionals in your area, such as HVAC technicians or electricians.

Questions to ask when hiring a plumber in Australia

If you're wondering, “What questions should I ask a plumber before hiring him?” You can count on our company, Howzat Plumbing, for assistance in finding a good plumber near you.

As expert plumbers, we’ve provided a list of questions for you to ask plumbers before hiring them.

· What is your plumbing speciality?

· Does your price quote include total cost of all services?

· Does your price quote include labour and material costs?

· What is your pricing method? By hour or fixed price?

· What payment methods do you approve of?

· Are you a licensed plumber?

· Describe your work history in Australia?

· Do you have proper credentials and references?

· Will you be doing the plumbing job yourself or outsourcing it?

· Do you have your independent contractors’ license?

· Do you have plumbing insurance?

Benefits of hiring a professional licensed plumber.

When it comes to water leaks, clogged drains, or installing a new hot water system, you should always hire a licensed and qualified plumber.

Here’s why?

1 – They offer emergency assistance.

2 – They are equipped with the right tools and training.

3 – They help prevent future plumbing problems.

4 – They can point out the exact plumbing problem at your residential or commercial property.

5 – There work is guaranteed.

Why hire Howzat plumbing services?

It’s always a good idea to hire a plumber with more experience.

With years of plumbing experience, Howzat Plumbing has a proven track record with past clients.

Whether you need plumbing maintenance or repairs in Brisbane, Howzat Plumbing has you covered. Learn more about our services by contacting our knowledgeable professionals today!

Get in touch with us for your plumbing concerns, and we'll gladly offer you sound advice, a fair estimate of the job and send only licensed and trained plumbers to your home.

Send us an email or give us a call 24/7!