When faced with an unexpected plumbing issue, finding the right plumber for the job is going to be essential for a successful resolution. Whether it’s a plumbing emergency or routine plumbing maintenance, professional, qualified and reliable plumbers will not only ensure the problem is fixed but also help prevent future issues from arising.

With so many plumbers out there to choose from, finding the right one can be a bit tricky, so we have put together this handy guide to help you navigate the selection process and make an informed decision.

Understanding Plumbing Services

When hiring a plumber or looking into plumbing services, it helps to have an understanding of what plumbers do and how they can help with your specific plumbing situation. First of all, there are 4 main scenarios in which you’d typically hire a plumber.

• New Builds Or Renovations. Building a new house or carrying out renovation work on an existing property that requires new plumbing.
• Routine Maintenance. Regular maintenance of the plumbing system such as inspecting pipes for leaks, clearing clogs, drain cleaning, checking water pressure issues and the replacement of broken taps or other fittings and fixtures.
• Plumbing Additions. When adding or upgrading new plumbing features within your existing home such as water filtration, new hot water systems or a new bathroom.
• Plumbing Emergencies. When a sudden plumbing emergency occurs, whether it be leaks, hot water failure, blockages or breakages, you will usually require an urgent fix (you can expect to pay extra for emergency plumbing services).

When looking for a plumber, you will find some plumbing companies offer all of these services, including emergency callouts, and some choose to specialise in either maintenance and repairs or new builds/renovations.

7 Types Of Plumbing Services In NZ

What Plumbing Qualifications Do Plumbers Need In NZ?

Due to the broad range of work plumbers can engage in, there are some variations in the qualifications that plumbing professionals may hold.  In New Zealand, there are 3 different levels of certification in the plumbing industry (for more info on these registrations, see the NZ Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Drainlayers Board)

1. Certified Plumbers. Responsible for their own work and that of those they supervise, certified plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers hold the highest class of registration. To become a plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer, you need to complete 6 years of training which involves an apprenticeship, the completion of a New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing Gasfitting or Drainlaying (or equivalent experience), and be registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.
2. Tradesman Plumbers. Qualified and equipped with the core competencies, however legally required to work under the supervision of an NZ-based certifying tradesperson.
3. Journeyman Plumbers. Has completed a trade qualification but not passed the relevant tradesman exam. This means they are authorised to carry out plumbing work but must be supervised by a Certifying tradesperson.

What To Look For When Hiring A Plumber

Choosing the right plumber means taking the time to do a little research into what services they offer and the areas they service, there are also a number of other important things to look out for when hiring a plumber including:

• Certification And Registration. In NZ, the majority of plumbing work (anything involving sanitary plumbing, gas fitting or drain laying) must be carried out by a registered and licenced plumber. Always check the credentials of your plumber before any work begins.
• Experience Counts! Having a good look through a plumber’s website for information on their services will give you a good idea of their areas of expertise and the types of jobs they have previously covered. Experience counts for everything in many industries and plumbing is one of them – this is because an experienced plumber is much more likely to discover and resolve the problem quickly and efficiently first time round.
• Relevant Insurance. Often overlooked, checking on your insurance details is actually quite important when carrying out any type of construction work on your home. Insurance protects you and your plumber in the event of an accident or damage to the property while on the job. Additionally, if your plumber is not licensed, this may even void your insurance policy.
• Availability. Hiring a plumber who isn’t able to come for three weeks might be a bit of a problem, especially where leaks or lack of hot water are an issue! Depending on the urgency of the problem you may even want to seek out a 24 hour plumber.
• Local Is Best. Don’t underestimate the advantage of local knowledge. Hiring a locally based plumber who is familiar with the area and local regulations and standards, along with reliable manufacturers and suppliers, will result in a much more consistent and cost-efficient project.
• Ask About Emergency Services. Quick response times will save you money (and further damage to your property). It’s ok to ask about availability and how quickly they can get out to your property, and how quickly they can fix the problem.
• Listen To Recommendations And Reviews. Reading online reviews, asking around, and checking with co-workers, friends, and family are always good ideas when hiring a contractor. This is because they give you an idea of their work ethic, quality of service and reliability – three key factors in successfully completing any project.
• Always Get Multiple Quotes. Getting multiple quotes is standard practice when hiring a plumber or any contractor. Having several quotes to compare against each other provides a better picture of what the job involves for both labour and materials meaning you can get a more accurate idea of the cost involved. Remember to keep an eye out for hidden fees!
• Ask About Guarantees/Warranties. Plumbers should be able to provide information on manufacturer’s warranties for products like tapware, toilets and showers, plus offer workmanship guarantees. This will give you peace of mind if any additional problems arise after the job is complete.
• Cheapest Isn’t Always Best. Hidden fees, exclusions, travel charges and other less-than-transparent pricing can be misleading. Don’t always go for the cheapest quote without further investigation – value for money matters but so does quality!
• Professionalism Matters. Prompt responses to your questions and enquiries, along with punctuality and respect for you and your property, are good indicators of what type of contractor you are hiring. If you are having trouble getting hold of them now – imagine what it would be like after the job is completed and you need something addressed – trust your instincts on this one!

Top 3 Benefits Of Finding A Good Plumber

Why waste your precious time and money on less-than-satisfactory plumbing results? Even the smallest leak or dripping tap can waste a significant amount of water and cause damage to your home, so it’s easy to see why hiring the right plumber will pay off in the long run! Here are our top 3 benefits of finding a good local plumber.

1. Saves You Time!

Plumbing issues can be time consuming. Whether it’s ordering materials, arranging deliveries, or just understanding the scope of the job, hiring a good plumbing will mean the process runs smoothly from start to finish – leaving you stress-free!

2. Safety Always Comes First

Carrying out plumbing work requires access to various parts of the building, such as under flooring, the roof space and even breaking down internal wall cladding, all of which present potential dangers. This, coupled with the use of sharp tools, water, and sometimes hazardous materials, means it is safer to hire a professional plumber who knows what they are doing.

3. The Latest Tools And Equipment Are At Hand!

Plumbing professionals face a variety of situations and tasks while on the job, needing to make use of advanced tools and equipment that are not readily available (or are too expensive) for the average homeowner or handyman. With out question, the right tools increase efficiency and improve safety, quality and detection while reducing the risk of further damage to your plumbing systems.

Choosing the right plumber can make all the difference to resolving your plumbing problems. Need a qualified and reliable local plumber in Christchurch? Give the team at Whitehead Plumbing & Gas a call today for all your residential and commercial plumbing, gas fitting, drainlaying and solar needs.