Translating…
Your pipes WILL burst, your cistern WILL leak and your valves WILL jam. Usually simultaneously, and usually when you have guests. It’s one of those inescapable realities of life. No wonder so many people have their plumbers on speed dial. But what if you have just moved? What if you don’t really know the city? Well, then you should start looking for a good one right away.
What’s a good plumber and how do I find one?
Glad you asked. For your convenience, here are some qualities all good professionals have. If your guy does, it’s probably not the best idea to stop looking.
1. Punctuality – A good plumber is not always available (in fact if he is, he’s probably not that great), but one who is available when he says he is. Punctuality may be the politeness of princes, but it is absolutely essential in the guy who has to fix your leaky pipes.
2. Training – Is your plumber fully trained, or just some guy who learned how to turn a wrench the right way? If your guy takes too long to do something you know is simple enough, he’s probably “learning on the job”. In which case, you’re better off with someone else.
3. Experience – Being trained is not enough; a proper professional must have at least a few solid years of experience behind him. In fact, when it comes to services like these, experience probably matters more than degrees. Ask your plumber how long he has been doing this, and make sure you get a proper answer.
4. Satisfied Customers – If your employers can ask for your references, why can’t you do the same for the people you hire? Of course you can. Ask your plumber for some references, then go talk to them to get an idea of the kind of job he does. If it’s a local guy it shouldn’t be too difficult and you might make a friend or two in the bargain.
5. Price – Haggling isn’t exactly an option when your home has turned into an impromptu water-slide, so you need someone who won’t try to gouge you in an emergency. Don’t go for the cheapest, because that way broken promises (and pipes) lie, but don’t let yourself be fooled either. The best way to know the standard rates is to ask your neighbors and then ask you plumber, and see if the facts tally.
There is no denying it’s difficult to find a good plumber. Alexandria residents are acutely aware of this. But if you persevere, you are sure to find someone with all the above qualities, and then you can watch your cistern overflow with complete peace of mind.