How to hire a reliable electrician or plumber

Last checked 30 Sep 2026. Helpline numbers, fees, timings and procedures in this guide were checked against the official sources listed at the end on that date. They can change, so always confirm with the official office before you apply, pay or travel.

Before they come

• Describe the problem clearly, with a photo or short video if you can.
• Ask whether there is a visit charge, and whether it is deducted if you go ahead.
• Ask for a rough estimate for common jobs, such as replacing a tap or a breaker.

Before work starts

• Agree the total price, including parts, in writing or by WhatsApp message.
• Ask what brand and quality of parts will be used, and keep the old parts until you are satisfied.
• For electrical work, make sure the main switch is off before anyone works on wiring.

After the job

• Test everything before paying: run taps, check for leaks, and switch circuits on and off.
• Ask for a receipt and any warranty on parts.
• Save their number if you're happy, and tell us how it went.

Finding someone

• Ask neighbours, family and your building's caretaker who they have used, and what they thought of the work.
• Prefer people who can show you similar jobs they have done, or give you a customer to call.
• For bigger jobs, such as full rewiring, solar systems or bathroom renovation, get two or three quotes so you can compare what is included.

Red flags

• Refusing to give any estimate, or changing the price once work has started without explaining why.
• Asking for the full payment before starting.
• Pressure to replace expensive parts without showing you what is wrong.
• Working on live wiring, or skipping basic safety to save time.
• No phone number you can reach later if the repair fails.

Electrical work: safety checks

• Ask whether your wiring has proper earthing, especially for washing machines, geysers and ACs.
• Make sure circuits are protected by suitable breakers rather than bare fuse wire.
• Heavy appliances such as ACs need wire of the correct thickness. Undersized wire overheats.
• Avoid overloading extension boards, and replace any socket that feels hot or looks burnt.

Plumbing: what to check

• Find your main water valve before any plumbing work, so you can shut off the water quickly.
• After a repair, check joints for drips again after a few hours, and look under sinks for damp.
• For water tanks, ask about cleaning and covering them properly to keep water clean.
• Low pressure on upper floors may need a pump or pipe changes. Ask for the cause before agreeing to a fix.

Keep a simple record

Keep a note or WhatsApp thread for each job: the date, the agreed price, the parts used and any warranty. It helps if the same problem comes back, and it makes it easy to recommend good people to others.

Common jobs and what to ask

• Tripping breaker: ask what caused it before replacing the breaker. The fault may be an appliance or wiring.
• Leaking tap or flush: ask whether a washer or valve can be replaced before replacing the whole fitting.
• Water not reaching the tank: ask whether the problem is the supply, the pump or a blockage.
• New socket or light points: ask where the new wire will run and whether walls will need cutting and repair.
• UPS or solar: ask about battery type, expected backup time for your appliances and the warranty on each part.

Paying fairly

Pay what you agreed once the work is done and tested. Ask for the cost of parts separately from labour, so you can see what you paid for. Paying by bank transfer or mobile wallet gives you a record. If you are unhappy with the work, explain the problem calmly and give the provider a chance to put it right before paying the balance.

When to call the supply company instead

Some problems are not for a private electrician or plumber. Call the electricity company if the fault is on the pole, transformer or meter, or the whole street is affected. Call the gas company on 1199 for any gas leak. For water supply problems in your area, contact the local water authority. See our helplines page for official numbers.

Questions