How to find a licensed plumber?

Plumbing is not a hobby but a serious profession, so it is important to make sure your plumber is licensed and not only that, qualified to do the kind of job they are attempting. A plumber who isn't suitably qualified can wreak havoc. It is not only your house that could become flooded, but in the wrong hands drinking water can become contaminated and mains water supply can be interrupted. You owe it to yourself and the community therefore to ensure the plumber you use is licensed.

Steps to hiring a licensed plumber

When you are next faced with a plumbing job, you will need to ensure that the plumber you choose has a current valid license to do the work. Here are five steps to making sure your plumber is licensed:

1. Each Australian state has regulatory authorities governing plumbing. You will be able to access a website that shows you in simple terms what a plumber's licensing card looks like, and what information it contains.
2. All plumbing companies are required to have their license number displayed on any advertisement, so your first step in making sure your plumber is licensed is to look for the license number on their advertisement
3. You can then check that this license number relates to a valid, registered business, by looking on the state government website which lists registered plumbers
4. You should then get a written quotation with a detailed description of what work needs to be done, parts required and labour involved and this should be on a letterhead which displays the license number of the registered plumbing business. Just this tactic alone is very effective for weeding out the backyard operators
5. When the plumber arrives at your house make sure you sight his license on the spot. Check that his/her license is up to date - it may have lapsed. Also check that he / she is qualified to undertake the kind of work he is about to do. The government website will show you how to find this information on his license

When all of this is done, you are ready to proceed.

It is vital to use a licensed plumber for any plumbing work that you need done. Your health and safety, and your home's integrity are dependent on a professional plumbing job. Follow the five steps above when you next hire a plumber and ensure that the work is carried out by someone who is professional and licensed.