How to Choose a Plumber You Can Trust in the UK
A practical checklist for choosing a plumber in the UK: registration, quotes, reviews, red flags and the questions that reveal a reliable tradesperson.
Anyone can type "plumber" on a van. The difference between a good plumber and a poor one shows up later, in a leak that returns or a bill that grew. Choosing well is mostly a matter of asking a handful of sensible questions and noticing how the person answers.
Start with what the job actually is
Different work needs different skills. A tap swap, a burst pipe and a boiler fault are not the same trade.
- General plumbing such as taps, toilets, pipework and drains is plumber territory.
- Anything involving gas appliances, including boilers, must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can ask to see their ID card, which lists what they are qualified to work on.
- New bathrooms and larger projects may involve tiling, electrics and joinery too.
Knowing which category you are in avoids hiring the wrong person.
What to look for
Evidence of competence
Ask about training and experience, and whether they belong to a recognised scheme. There are approved-plumber and WaterSafe-style schemes that show a plumber's work has been assessed against the Water Regulations, though membership is not a legal requirement for all work. For anything gas related, Gas Safe registration is the legal requirement.
Clear communication
Do they reply promptly, listen to the problem and ask sensible questions? A plumber who asks about the age of the property and the pipework type is already thinking about your job.
Written quotes
A quote should say what is included, what is excluded, whether parts and VAT are included and how any extras will be agreed. Be wary of a figure given with no explanation.
Reviews and recent work
Look for specifics rather than generic praise, such as what the job was and how the plumber handled a surprise. Recent reviews matter more than old ones.
Red flags
- Pressure to decide on the spot.
- A demand for large payment upfront with no itemised reason.
- Vague answers about who will do the work or how long it will take.
- Refusal to put a quote in writing.
- Offers that are far below every other quote, which sometimes means corners are cut.
Questions that sort the good from the rest
- What do you think is causing this, and how will you confirm it?
- Is that a fixed price or an estimate?
- What might make it cost more, and how will you tell me?
- How long do you expect the job to take?
- What do you do with the old parts and the mess?
- If something goes wrong afterwards, what happens?
The tone of the answers is as useful as the content. Honest plumbers are comfortable saying "I will know more when I open it up."
Getting several quotes
For anything beyond a small repair, compare at least two or three. Do not just look at price; compare what each includes. Our guide to how much a plumber costs helps you judge whether figures are reasonable.
Using Compito
On Compito you describe the job, send a request and receive offers from local ID-verified providers. You can compare, message them with questions and accept and pay online. After the job you can leave a review. You can read more on our trust and safety pages, and see how it works on the how it works page.
Before the plumber arrives
Prepare the space and know where your stopcock is, as covered in preparing for a plumber visit. It saves time and money.
A worked example: comparing three quotes
You need an old basin tap and waste replaced. Three plumbers reply. The first gives a single figure with no detail. The second lists labour, new flexible tails and a trap, says parts are included and VAT status is clear. The third is the lowest but excludes parts and disposal. At first glance the third looks cheapest. Once you add the parts it may sit above the second, which also tells you what happens if the existing pipework turns out to be corroded. The comparison is not just the headline price; it is the scope.
Quote comparison table
| Item | Plumber A | Plumber B | Plumber C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour stated | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Parts included | Unclear | Yes | No |
| Disposal of old parts | Not stated | Yes | Extra |
| VAT clarified | No | Yes | No |
| How extras are agreed | Not stated | Told in advance | Not stated |
Use a simple grid like this and the better choice usually becomes obvious.
Matching the plumber to the job
- Small repairs such as a washer or a seal: a local plumber with availability may be best.
- Bathroom or kitchen fits: look for someone who coordinates with other trades or can advise on sequence.
- Heating and boilers: the engineer must be Gas Safe registered.
- Drains: ask whether they have equipment for rods and cameras.
Checking your instincts
After a call or visit, ask yourself whether the plumber:
- Explained the likely cause in plain terms.
- Stated what they would not know until they opened things up.
- Gave you time to decide.
- Respected your home, for example by laying dust sheets.
If most answers are yes, that is a good sign. If you feel rushed or confused, keep looking.
Keep a record
Whoever you choose, keep the quote, messages and receipts in one place. If you need to follow up, a clear written record helps. For tenants, our guide to plumbing in a rental explains who should book the work.
Frequently asked questions
Do plumbers need to be registered?
Not for all plumbing, but gas work legally requires Gas Safe registration. For other work, schemes and approvals are a sign of competence, so ask what they have.
Should I choose the cheapest quote?
Not automatically. Compare what is included. A quote that is much lower than others may exclude parts or rely on extras later.
How do I know if a plumber is any good?
Look at clarity of the quote, how they explain the problem, relevant recent reviews and whether they are willing to answer your questions without pressure.