1st About Plumbing and Carpentry

Based in Rochester, 1st About Plumbing and Carpentry presents itself as a multi-skilled provider of construction and engineering services, covering Kent and South London. With a history stretching back to its incorporation in March 1990, the company has accumulated significant experience, stating it has over 31 years in the industry. This longevity suggests a stable presence in the local market for clients seeking established plumbers and carpenters.

Core Service Offerings: Plumbing and Gas

The company's primary focus is on its extensive range of plumbing services. Their expertise is broad, catering to domestic, commercial, and industrial clients, including specialised work for educational premises, local authorities, and even music venues. One of their highlighted specialities is leak detection and repair. They employ modern techniques such as CCTV inspections, acoustic testing, and tracer gas to locate leaks both above and below ground, demonstrating a commitment to using current technology for efficient problem-solving. This is a crucial service for property owners looking to minimise damage from hidden water leaks.

Further bolstering their credentials in the plumbing and heating sector, they offer comprehensive gas and boiler services. Their team includes qualified engineers equipped to handle boiler maintenance, boiler repair, system upgrades, and complete installations. While their website confirms they employ professional Gas Safe registered engineers, customers should always verify an engineer's individual ID card upon arrival to ensure they are qualified for the specific task at hand, as is standard practice in the UK. The company claims to provide a "fast response service" aimed at minimising disruption, a key consideration for anyone facing a sudden heating failure.

Drainage Solutions

Dealing with blocked drains is another significant area of their work. They have a dedicated crew of drainage specialists who use fully equipped vans featuring high-pressure jetting equipment to clear blockages. For more complex issues, they also offer moling services, a trenchless method for repairing or replacing damaged underground pipes, which can be far less disruptive than traditional excavation. This capability positions them as a versatile contractor for both simple blockages and more severe underground pipework issues.

Expanding Beyond Plumbing: Carpentry Services

True to their name, 1st About Plumbing and Carpentry also maintains a robust carpentry division with over two decades of experience. Their services are tailored for industrial, commercial, and residential properties. The scope of their work includes general maintenance in schools and public offices, bespoke woodwork, and the design and manufacture of custom fire doors that meet UK and European standards. This dual-trade capability could be a significant advantage for clients managing larger renovation projects or property maintenance contracts, as it allows for a single point of contact for multiple essential services, from fixing a leak to fitting a new door.

Customer Feedback and Company Reputation

The public perception of the company, based on a small sample of online reviews, is largely positive but not without a notable criticism. Several customers have left highly complimentary feedback, resulting in an average rating of 4.2 stars. One client praised the team for their "superb, efficient response" to a blocked shower drain, highlighting their patience and persistence in resolving a tricky issue. Another detailed account commended two specific engineers, Carl and James, for their exceptional timekeeping, professionalism, and communication while handling an issue on behalf of Southern Water. This experience was so positive that the property owner enquired about using the company for other services, suggesting the engineers are effective ambassadors for the business. This partnership with Southern Water is mentioned in another review, adding a layer of credibility as they appear to be a trusted contractor for a major utility provider.

However, a balanced view must include the single negative report. One individual left a one-star review based entirely on the company's driving, describing an incident of being cut up on the road followed by rude behaviour. The reviewer explicitly stated, "if they work like they drive I would avoid!" While this comment does not relate to the quality of their plumbing or carpentry work, it raises a valid concern about the company's professionalism and public image when its employees are on the road. For potential customers, this stands in stark contrast to the in-person professionalism praised by others.

Operational Considerations for Potential Clients

There are practical aspects to consider before engaging their services. The company's standard operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. This schedule is suitable for planned maintenance and non-urgent weekday issues, but it is a significant drawback for those who might need an emergency plumber during the weekend. The lack of advertised 24/7 or weekend call-out services means customers with out-of-hours emergencies will need to look elsewhere.

The company is registered with Companies House as '1ST ABOUT PLUMBING & CARPENTRY LTD.' and holds accreditations such as CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme), indicating a commitment to professional standards. They serve a wide area, including the Medway towns, West Kent, and South London, making them accessible to a large population base. Based on the customer feedback, their on-site service appears to be highly competent and professional. The majority of experiences point towards a reliable and skilled team that is particularly adept at problem-solving, whether it's a complex drain blockage or a difficult leak detection job. The main reservations stem from the isolated report of poor road conduct and the clear limitation of their weekday-only operating hours.