If you live in the UK and are looking for a builder, how can you ensure you employ a good builder who is competent and trustworthy? Finding builders or tradesmen is generally quite easy. You can find a number of trades and craftsmen like electricians, plumber's roofers in local papers or the yellow pages or on the internet. But a list of companies is just not enough. Because builders have a bad reputation it is important to find a company that isn't likely to turn up on one of the television programs exposed as a poor con artist. The trouble is, anyone can set them self up as a builder so finding a seasoned expert rather than an ex window cleaner should be foremost in your mind. You also want a company that can accommodate you budge and do a professional job.
Do independent research using the Yellow pages, search engines and local business listings. Beforehand, make a list of what you are seeking in a plumber on Long Island. For example, years of experience, what services they provide, whether or not they have emergency service, areas of expertise, types of jobs they perform (residential, commercial, industrial) etc. Look for local plumbing service companies that are a match.
Good plumbers are going to have a valid license that you can check on. Look up the number they give you online and see if it is valid and if any complaints have been filed against that number. This will tell you if they are at least good and have not done anyone anything wrong. Some of the best plumbers are going to know and understand the local building codes and will be able to explain to you what is needed trustworthy plumber for the job to be in code.
Check on the plumber's licensing and insurance. You can ask about this over the phone before you even make an appointment. If the Trustworthy plumber, or his representative on the phone, cannot provide the master plumbing license number quickly and easily, that's your cue to move on.
The number one thing to look for is emergency services. You never know when a pipe will burst or a toilet will overflow. It is not always during business hours, and you certainly cannot wait hours until a Local plumber is ready to come to your home in the morning. You need someone who will be responsive when you need fast help, which is why you should look for a company that provides emergency hours. You may have to pay an extra fee, but it is usually cheaper than having to pay for mold elimination down the road after letting standing water stay in your house for days.
Watch what you put in your drain. Many commercial cleaners and solvents contain harsh chemicals that can damage your septic system. Always use an EPA-approved green drain cleaner. Be careful never to put grease, fat, or oils into your garbage disposal.
Every homeowner should develop a working relationship with a reliable plumber, one who will give 24/7 emergency service. Plumbing emergencies seem to happen at night or on the weekend. Few things paralyze a busy household like a plumbing emergency.