Not all plumbers can meet our expectations.  When hiring one, you might look for certain characteristics but you can’t be sure what or where to start.  There are a few qualities that you can look for to help you find the perfect plumber.

1. He must be licensed and certified.

This is the most basic yet most important qualification.  A certification assures you that he is qualified for the job. It means that he has passed all tests and training, and has the proper knowledge and skills. It also means that he is up to date with the latest in building codes, and can get the necessary permits for you with ease. If you are located in NSW, you can verify a plumber’s licence here.

2. He must have some experience.

Experience is not achieved overnight, and the more experience a plumber has, the more knowledge and skills he gains. A plumber with sufficient experience both in his apprenticeship and his professional career can help answer even the most complicated problems, and is also very efficient.

3. He has to be mechanically inclined.

A good plumber must understand the mechanics of the plumbing system, from the tools, parts, and to how the entire system works. On field, he does not only need an analytical mind but should also know how to troubleshoot through understanding the technical and mechanical concepts of the system.

4. He must always practice safety.

A reliable plumber is never careless.  Every plumber always practices safety measures and follows safety protocols while doing any plumbing activity.  Part of this safety measure is having insurance which covers unforeseen events that might happen while doing plumbing works.

5. He must be punctual.

Being on time reflects his working attitude. It is also a way of showing you that he values your time and respects your other commitments.  Most of us would have to give time just to supervise plumbing repairs in our home and forgo other important activities.  It would be very irritating if your plumber shows up late and finishes a lot later than scheduled.

6. He must be in good shape.

It is also important that your plumber is in good physical condition so he can carry out his job properly.  Some work might require him to exert physical effort, and being physically fit will help minimise the risk of injury.

7. He must have good communication skills.

Yes, the plumber must be adept in listening and in communicating what exactly are the problems that you have and provide appropriate solutions.  One must know that poor communication always leads to wrong decisions and actions.

8. He must have good problem-solving skills.

And because we are highly dependent on them to find the right solutions to the problems in our plumbing system, a good plumber must have good problem-solving skills.  He must be able to assess the situation, evaluate the options, and come up with the best course of action immediately.

For an emergency plumber, time is of the essence and he must be able to quickly diagnose and create solutions to the current situation to minimise damages.