"Find me a plumber I can trust" is the most-Googled plumbing query in Johannesburg. Here's an honest checklist from inside the trade — what separates a professional plumber from a Friday-afternoon WhatsApp callout.
1. Are they registered with PIRB?
The Plumbing Industry Registration Board is the South African body that licences plumbers to issue Plumbing Certificates of Compliance. A registered plumber has a PIRB number and can be looked up online.
2. Do they have public liability insurance?
If a plumber damages your property, public liability insurance pays. Ask for the policy number — any legitimate plumbing business has one.
3. Are they VAT registered?
VAT registration is a basic indicator the business is real, declared and large enough to be regulated. Cash-only operators are a red flag for both quality and warranty.
4. Do they give written quotes?
A proper plumber assesses on site and emails an itemised written quote with parts, labour and VAT. Verbal "it'll be around R3,000" estimates are how disputes start.
5. Do they use SABS-approved parts?
Cheap non-SABS valves, mixers and pipes void warranties and fail early. Ask explicitly.
6. Will they issue a Plumbing COC?
For geyser swaps and any work that affects compliance, the plumber should issue a COC as standard — not as an extra you have to ask for.
7. Do they offer a workmanship warranty?
3 months on labour is our standard. A plumber who won't warranty their own work has told you everything you need to know.
8. Can they show you previous work?
A reputable plumber has photos of completed jobs, references in your suburb, and Google reviews you can read.
9. Is the business owner-managed?
Owner-managed plumbing businesses care more — the owner's name is on the work. Big-volume franchise call centres rotate sub-contractors and quality varies hugely between visits.
10. How do they handle problems?
Things occasionally go wrong. The test of a good plumber is whether they come back, fix it and pay for the inconvenience — or whether they ghost you. Read recent Google reviews specifically for how complaints were handled.
Red flags
- Won't put a price in writing
- Asks for full payment upfront
- No physical address or company registration
- Pressures you to decide on the spot
- Quotes a "special price" if you sign now
Looking for a plumber in Sandton, Midrand or Northern Joburg you can actually rely on? Read more about Garth and the team or phone 082 886 9119.