How on earth do you find a decent plumber if you are new to the area?

[PetiteMum]

am I at checkatrade's mercy?

Use it as a good excuse to meet your new neighbours and ask them who they use? Good luck.

I don't know if I was just lucky but I used checkatrade for a plumber the other day and hit the jackpot; he was excellent (thank goodness!). It does feel like shutting your eyes and sticking in a pin though.

Which? local if you are a member or know someone else who is.

ask on here if anyone can recommend anyone in your area?

Or post on MN asking whether anyone knows any good plumbers in [area]. I found a great carpenter/joiner that way.

I did find a good electrician via checkatrade, though.

i found an amazing plumber and a good electrician from the tradesman ad board at my local homebase when we moved a few months ago

Cat, I don't work locally and DS isn't old enough for school yet....good tips though, will get asking! Thx