DIY Home Improvement

Plumbing call out charges vary largely based on where you live and what time of day you require a plumber. Standard call out charges in a metro locality should not differ markedly between individual plumbers, as competition will ensure they remain competitive – though more experienced plumbers will typically charge more for their services. Most plumbers will stipulate a minimum call out charge, with an additional charge for parts and labour. Some may advertise no call out charge at all, but have considerably higher rates per hour.

24/7 Call Out Charges

After hours call out charges to effect emergency repairs will be charged at a premium. The most common emergency plumbing scenarios in the home include drain blockages, burst pipes, faulty hot water systems and broken taps.

Plumbing Qualifications

Plumbers are a licensed trade and typically undergo training under an apprenticeship system. This takes place, with practical and theory components, over a number of years during which trainees are paid for the work they undertake. They are governed by local or national plumbing codes which stipulate health and safety regulations to be followed, as well standards for products and materials utilised.

What to ask your plumber?

Before you hire a plumber, there are a few basic questions you can ask to ensure you receive the best service. These include:

* Are they licensed by the local plumbing authority?
* Are they registered with the local plumbing authority?
* Are they in possession of public liability insurance?
* What is their call out rate?
* What is their hourly rate?
* Do they provide detailed quotes?
* Do they have customer referrals?

Types Of Home Plumbing

Plumbers service a number of different areas in the home, including:

Maintenance – this includes repairs to all the plumbing fixtures in the home, such as tap ware, toilets and water heating systems

Renovations – this is an ever expanding source of business for plumbers as people expand or remodel their properties; with outdoor spas, luxurious bathrooms and a range of appliances for the kitchen

New builds – new homes need to be connected to the main water supply, as well as having the internal piping and fixtures installed

Green plumbing – the growth in all things green has seen solar hot water, rainwater tanks and grey water recycling systems become popular with customers looking to make savings and protect the environment

Guttering – having the correct guttering ensures that your roofing is not infiltrated, particularly during heavy rainfall or storms