How to Choose the Right Plumber for You Project
Artur from Kensington Homes: How to Choose the Right Plumber for Your Project
At some point, whether you're upgrading a kitchen, giving your bathroom a full makeover, or just trying to deal with an unexpected leak, you're going to need a good plumber. But with so many out there, how do you know you’re choosing the right one?
Here at Kensington Homes, I’ve worked alongside countless tradespeople, and let me tell you—not all plumbers are created equal. So here’s my personal take on what to look for when hiring a plumber for your home renovation or repair job.
What Makes a Good Plumber?
In my experience, a top-notch plumber isn’t just technically skilled—they’re also a great communicator. They’ll listen to what you want, offer smart suggestions based on experience, but ultimately respect your decisions (unless there’s a genuine technical issue, of course).
A good plumber is also a forward-thinker. They plan carefully, ask the right questions, and make sure everything works seamlessly with the rest of your renovation—especially when working alongside designers, electricians, or other contractors.
The best ones understand how plumbing fits into the bigger picture. They think a few steps ahead: Will these pipes be accessible if something needs fixing down the line? Are we hiding pipework where possible? Is the water pressure right for these modern fittings?
Questions You Should Always Ask
Before hiring anyone, I always recommend having a proper conversation. Don’t be shy—ask questions like:
What kind of work do you normally do? (Are they more used to full bathroom installs or smaller repairs?)
Are you Gas Safe registered? (This is a must if you’re having any work done on boilers or heating systems.)
What guarantees do you offer?
Do your quotes include everything—or are there any assumptions, like reusing old pipework?
What’s your take on water-saving options or newer tech like greywater systems?
It’s also a bonus if they’re comfortable working with modern fixtures that require specific water pressures or installation quirks. A sharp plumber will be able to flag these things early.
The Importance of Experience – and Specialisation
Not every plumber is right for every job. Some are excellent in kitchens but struggle with the tight corners and complex layouts of bathrooms. Others might be great with gas appliances but not quite up to date with newer heating tech or eco-friendly solutions.
If you’re working on a bathroom, for example, I’d strongly recommend finding someone who specialises in that space. Bathrooms are compact, highly functional areas, and even small mistakes can cause major headaches down the line.
Can a Plumber Help with Design?
They’re not interior designers—but a good plumber will understand what’s doable and what’s going to cause problems. Things like:
Can we wall-mount this tap, or will the plumbing be a nightmare?
Is there room to conceal pipework for a freestanding tub?
Will moving the toilet break the budget because of waste pipe locations?
They’ll also know which brands hold up over time and which ones are just flashy marketing.
Final Thoughts
At Kensington Homes, I always tell clients—your plumber isn’t just someone who “fixes pipes.” They’re a key part of your renovation team. The right one can make your life a lot easier, save you money in the long run, and make sure your project runs smoothly from the inside out.
If you ever want a recommendation or need help planning plumbing into your renovation, feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.
— Artur, Kensington Homes