There will always be a time when you need to call a plumber. Plumbers can be expensive and this is something that can't be avoided. Home and Gardening offer a few tips on how to get value for money when choosing a plumber.

1. Look at the Hourly Rates plumbers charge

One of the first things that consumers look for when making comparison of plumbers is how much they charge for an hours work. Most consumers try to employ the most reputable company with the cheapest rate. This sounds pretty easy but it is often not always as clear as it might seeem.

The first thing you should consider is what does reputable mean. It usually means for most consumers that if they have heard the name many times over then the firm would have a good reputation. Unfortunately, this is often not the case especially when dealing with plumbers. It has recently been reported that some the most advertised companies have the worst track records. Thats why you should always ask specific references from others or to go through a prescreened plumbing service.

The second problem with comparing hourly rates is the many ways plumbers calculate their hours. You need to ask: Does the pluber charge for travel time? Is there a call out fee? Do they give any discount if they do not arrive?

It is always best to choose plumbing business by their ability to deliver customer service and workmanship consistently.

2. Minimize Plumbing Needs

The best way on saving money on plumbers is by not calling them. You will find that many common plumbing calls can be prvented by making sure your drains are clear.

A common concern with drains is the build up of grease.You can stop this by preventing grase build up. Try experimenting with some of the available products. Some clever people have found it is as easy as just pouring boiling sudsy water down the drain periodically.

Hair can often cause problems with drains. Next time your plumbers pays you a visit ask if they could suggest any ways to prevent the hair from getting in the drain. It's a lot easier to remove hair from a screen on ocassions than to deal with the hassles of a clogged pipe.

Frozen pipes are often another expensive trouble. Try to ensure that pipes are in heated spaces. If they are not then try to insulated them as best as possible. Each Autumn when the weather starts to turn a little colder, disconnect and drain your garden hoses, turn off the indoor cut off valve located near the tap, and open the outdoor tap. If there isn't a cut-off valve, consider installing one. remember water remains in pipes exposed to below 0C willl freeze.

3. Buy Your Own Plumbing Fixtures

A good way to save money on employing a plumber is to buy your own fixtures. Often plumbers will sell you toilets, sinks, and taps that they install. Plumbers get these items at a discount and charge you full price. In part, this is to make money and in part this is to cover the costs of dealing with purchases, returns, and storage.

Recently many DIY stores now charge you prices that can often beat the contractor prices that plumbers pay their suppliers. There are many opportunities to save money. Try shopping around, search on the internet, take a trip to France where plumbing supplies have been known to be cheaper.

This approach is often great but please be aware that many fittings that appear to be bargains are of poor quality or can be missing adapters, installing kits or other components that normally come with similar products. Shop carefully.

Secondly, make sure your plumber knows how to install these fittings. Always check with the plumber before with the brands or lines that they recommend.

Try to make sure you install products that your plumber knows how to fit. If instead, you choose something odd you could be paying for some on-the-job learning mistakes and extra time.

4. Reduce the amount of time you have to pay the plumber

It's all in the planning. Before you call out a plumber, take a look around your house. Try to check every tap and fixture. Make a note of all clogs, drips and runs. This will help escape extra trip charges, set-up time and the hassle of arranging multiple visits.

Anything that will save your plumber time will help to save you money. So get organised. Create a list of specific jobs you want addressed. Help your plumber by clearing the work area. And offer to clean up yourself.

5. Install Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures

Help the environment and help save money for yourself. If you look at your bills you will find water and sewage charges can be costly. When you reduce water consumption, you can save on both counts. If you have an old water eating toilet and it starts to need repairs, give serious thought to replacing it entirely.

Try to avoid paying out on continuous strings of repairs, invest wisely and get a reliable fixture that will save you money over the long run.

This is also the cas for taps and showers. If any of these items do need attention then think carefully about replacing them with new water saving systems.

6. Remodel the Smart Way

If you require extensive remodeling then try to ensure you get at least three quotes from different plumbers. Each plumber should have a variety of ideas and suggestions. Listen to what they have to say, and consider what would be the best solution for you.

Home and Gardening always recommends you get a fixed price for the job. Try to make sure that model numbers of fittings are clearly stated and you and your plumber know exactly what is expected of each other and written clearly in contracts you sign. If your plumber makes a mistake. Then you could have a real problem.