4 rules for Hug a Plumber Day 2015
April the 25th is officially Hug a Plumber Day, a date circled on calendars worldwide to highlight the important services that plumbing professionals provide to help keep the public safe and healthy.
Now, whilst hugging is good for the soul, we reckon it’s still important to maintain some boundaries today. These are our five rules for Hug a Plumber Day 2015.
RULE 1: Only ever hire a Gas Safe registered engineer
The Gas Safe Register, which replaced CORGI, is the official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work safely and legally on your gas appliances.
Badly fitted or poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning – so don’t take the risk – check that your plumber is on the Gas Safe Register before giving them a call.
RULE 2: Check your plumber’s ID
Every gas engineer carries a Gas Safe Register ID card with them, which states their unique license number and what work they are qualified to do.
Ask to see this ID card before you let an engineer into your home – you’ll find a list of their qualifications on the back, so you’ll be able to ensure they are able to carry out the job you are hiring them for before they begin.
RULE 3: Don’t be scared to ask questions
A reputable plumbing company will encourage you to ask questions; after all, you should be completely aware of what you are paying for.
Query the information that is important to you, whether that’s finding out if the work to be carried out is guaranteed, what insurance is provided, and if there are any additional costs involved, such as parking or travel expenses.
In an emergency call-out situation, try to give your plumbing company as much detail about the problem over the phone first but do understand that they may not be able to give you a final quote until they arrive at your property. This is because they’ll need to assess the extent of the work needed to complete the job, as well as any spare parts that need to be purchased.
RULE 4: Make sure you’re happy with the payment terms
Every plumbing company differs, but it’s likely you’ll only be required to pay for work upon completion when it comes to smaller jobs.
If you’re having more extensive work done, it’s common to be asked to pay a deposit upfront and then the rest when the work is complete – just check that you are happy with the work that has been done before making that payment.
Oh, and if you fancy giving your plumber a hug after they’ve saved you from a plumbing emergency? It might be deemed a little unprofessional so it’s probably best to go in for the hand shake instead!
WPJ Heating are a team of Gas Safe registered, experienced plumbers. Our rates are competitive and we serve residents and businesses across south west London, including Battersea, Tooting, Clapham, Fulham and Westminster. Contact us today to find out more.