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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

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Original poster

Taking the day off work for the plumber who never shows up... What's the solution?

12 replies

Bobbalina · 23/07/2010 08:21

Dp had a day off yesterday for the plumber who we had scheduled to come that day. Early mornng dp phoned to check when he would come.

He said late morning then never showed all day and had his phone switched off. He has done this before and is quite possibly about to do the same thing again today.

Dp and I use up lots of holiday having days off for plumbers and electricians who don't show up all day. Is there any way we can get around this as it's driving us mad!

OP posts:

Longtalljosie · 23/07/2010 08:37

Different plumber?

HouseofCrazy · 23/07/2010 08:39

How far away is our home from work? Can you get the plumber to call when he is on the way and you can meet him back at home? At least then you could maybe get a half day at work in?

Original poster

Bobbalina · 23/07/2010 08:50

Oh, sadly my work wouldn't allow that

I think I will change plumbers but not sure if they are all like this? This one is fairly cheap, I don't want to swao for one that is just as unreliable and costs more! Does anyone have a plumber who shows up on time, do they exist?

OP posts:

upahill · 23/07/2010 08:53

All O can think of is to book the plumber for when you know you are going to be at home.
We are having building work done and the plumbers, builders, electricans initially came round between 6.0pm and 8.30pm for a chat about what needs doing.

Rockbird · 23/07/2010 08:54

We get all our workmen from Checkatrade and have never had a problem with any of them. It is infuriating when that happens, would definitely get rid of him.

Original poster

Bobbalina · 23/07/2010 09:05

uphill thanks for the suggestion but it doesn't fit with our lives unfortunately - our plumber only does mon-fri 8 to 4 and we are both at work then! Even if I have a day off I wouldn't be at home for much of it - too many things I need to do! So its a real pain for me to have to take time off and stay in, and if the plumber doesnt come or even phone to say he isnt coming it drives me nuts!

Rockbird thanks very much for that tip!

OP posts:

upahill · 23/07/2010 09:22

I would be getting a new plumber.

The only other thing maybe is on your day off and you have other things to do is for him to ring your mobile when he is 15 min/ 30 min/ whatever is enough time to get you back home.

Bloody maddening.

nannyl · 23/07/2010 09:29

find a reliable plumber

perhaps ask local freinds neighbours who they use and who actually shows up!

RiverOfSleep · 23/07/2010 09:30

Sack the plumber and get one that does turn up.

glacierchick · 23/07/2010 09:41

which the consumer organisation do a local tradespeople/services guide which is accessible to members.

It's based on feedback from other which members about reliability, service quality etc. I think you have to be a member to see it, but it's based on postcodes and might be worth a look...

Original poster

Bobbalina · 23/07/2010 11:03

thanks a lot for the advice - he came this morning so at least the toilet doesn't leak any more - I will be taking your advice on changing plumbers!

Good to know this is not normal for all plumbers!

OP posts:

pippop1 · 24/07/2010 20:57

Find someone who will stay in your house for the day (or half of the day). Maybe one of your parents or a non-working friend? You could give them some money (and leave out some nice food) to thank them. They can phone you at work if there are any problems or questions.

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