Plumbing Call Out Charges

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 plumbing 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.

How Often Should Your Plumbing Be Checked?

Over time, a homeowner can expect to encounter some kind of plumbing problem. Because the plumbing system is such an important and integral part of the home, it is important to make sure it stays in good working order. To keep the plumbing system working efficiently, it is essential to perform check-ups on the system. Most experts suggest performing a plumbing check-up each year. The best time of the year to perform a check up is in the spring, especially if the homeowner lives in a region that has cold winters because the plumbing system works hard in the winter and sometimes damage can occur.

There are a number of problems that can occur in the plumbing system that if left unfixed could become a large and expensive problem. Therefore, it is more economical to detect and repair plumbing problems as early as possible. For instance, noisy water pipes can evolve into a serious problem that will be much more expensive to repair. Rattling pipes, or water hammer, can have a sound that is a mild tapping type, or banging like a drum sound, or even a high squealing sound. This can be due to loose water pipes or water in the air chambers. If left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the plumbing system. For instance, if it is a forced water heating system problem, damage could eventually occur if the system is not purged which could result in permanent damage that will be really expensive to replace.