Plumbing work: how to hire a plumber and not overpay
Types of plumbing work
Plumbing covers small repairs and bigger jobs. Common ones are a leaking tap or pipe, a blocked drain, a flush tank that keeps running, fitting a new basin, toilet or shower, and water tank or motor pump connections. Say exactly which one you need, and whether the leak is visible or hidden in a wall.
Local conditions
Hard water leaves scale on taps and water heaters. Overhead tanks and pumps are common, and the rainy season can show up weak joints and seepage. If water is coming through a ceiling or a wall, say so in the request, because the cause may be in another flat or on the terrace.
What to put in your request
- The problem: what is leaking, blocked or broken, and where.
- Photos or a short description of the fitting and pipes.
- Place: city, area, floor, and whether it is a flat or a house.
- Fittings: whether you have the new tap or basin or need the professional to supply it.
- When: urgent leaks should be marked as urgent.
- Budget, if you want to name it.
Example: “I need a plumber in Toronto to fix a leaking bathroom tap and replace a flush tank. I will buy the fittings. Today or tomorrow, budget around $25.”
How to compare offers
Compare what is included: the visit, labour, fittings and removal of the old parts. Some professionals charge a visiting fee even if the work is not done, so ask. Look at reviews, experience with your kind of job and any guarantee. If the problem is unclear, a fixed price may not be possible, and a good offer will say what the price depends on.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write one request on BlaBlaPrice. It checks the request and suggests which details are missing, then looks through sellers' price lists and websites to find what you are looking for. Plumbers and other professionals answer in the chat with a price or with what the price depends on. The most suitable offers come first, and your phone number stays hidden until you choose. It is free for buyers. More on the page “How it works”.
Common mistakes
- Describing the problem too briefly, so quotes differ widely.
- Not checking whether fittings are included.
- Paying in full before testing for leaks.
- Ignoring a small leak until it damages the wall.
You may also need rubbish removal after a bigger job, or septic tank pumping. Other jobs are listed in the section Household services.
Questions and answers
Do I need to buy the fittings myself?
Not necessarily. Say in your request whether you will buy them or the plumber should supply them, and compare the totals.
Is there a visiting fee?
Some professionals charge one, some include it in the work. Ask and check that the offer states it.
How can I tell a leak is serious?
If water is spreading, damp patches grow or the ceiling is wet, treat it as urgent. Turn off the water supply to that area meanwhile.
Should I be present during the work?
It is best, at least at the end, to test taps, drains and joints for leaks before you pay.
