Plumbers are vital to keeping homes and businesses running smoothly, no matter where you live or the industry you’re in.
These skilled tradespeople maintain plumbing systems. These are essentially any aspects of the building that are connected to a water supply, from heating systems to bathrooms. Given how essential these systems are to daily life, plumbers are in high demand and often required in an emergency.
Common plumbing services
Typical plumbing tasks range from basic maintenance jobs that take just minutes to complex installations that could last days or even weeks. The main areas covered by plumbers include:
Heating systems
From fitting new boilers and the latest eco-heating options like solar panels and pumps to replacing radiators, plumbers play a key role in keeping properties warm and dry.
While some small heating system repairs can be attempted alone such as topping up your boiler and bleeding your radiators, these complex systems usually require an expert hand.
Bathrooms
We all know how essential bathrooms are in our day-to-day life, and that feeling of panic when problems arise. Plumbers are able to fix bathroom emergencies quickly and efficiently, whether this is a leaking toilet or blocked sink.
Plumbers are also contracted out by bathroom fitters to ensure that baths and showers are properly connected to the mains water supply and sealed in sufficiently to prevent any leaks during usage.
Leaks and damp
If you’ve ever been faced with a leak, you’ll know how quickly this needs to be dealt with to avoid permanent damage. Many plumbers are available almost 24/7 to assist with flooding issues such as burst pipes or broken taps and even hidden leaks within building walls that are causing dampness.
Key plumbing equipment
- Pipe cutters – to ensure clean and precise cuts through pipes of all materials
- Press tool – use a cordless plumbing press tool to secure pipe joints in awkward spaces
- Adjustable wrench – best friend of all plumbers and handypersons
- Pliers – great for grip jobs in tight spaces
- Hacksaws – for when pipes, nuts and bolts or screws don’t want to come apart!
- Spirit level – ensure perfect angles, flat surfaces and symmetry with a spirit level
- Drain rod – essential for clearing blockages that can’t be reached
- Radiator key – you’ll need this to remove radiator values
Finding the right plumber
Most plumbers are a Jack of all trades when it comes to their work, but some tasks such as complex installation might require someone with practised hands or a specific qualification. In these cases, look out for companies or one-man bands that specialise in your particular job or problem.
When it comes to routine plumbing jobs, your focus should be on qualifications and fair pricing. For urgent problems, it’s more important to solve the issue quickly. For tasks that can wait a while, take time to identify the most cost-effective option. In all cases, ensure that the plumber has the proper know-how.
