Kevin Fishlock Plumbing
BackBased in Burnham-on-Sea, Kevin Fishlock Plumbing has established itself as a long-standing tradesperson in the local area, reportedly drawing on over 30 years of experience in the trade. The business primarily operates as a specialist in bathroom, wet room, and kitchen installations rather than a general-purpose emergency service. This focus defines both its greatest strengths and its most significant limitations for potential customers in Somerset, including the surrounding areas of Weston-super-Mare and Bridgwater.
Specialist Installation Services
The core offering of Kevin Fishlock Plumbing is a comprehensive design and installation service. They position themselves not just as plumbers, but as project managers for significant home improvements. For clients considering a full renovation, this is a distinct advantage. The company states it handles projects from the initial design consultation through to the final touches, including all associated trades. This means that for a kitchen installation, they manage the plumbing services, heating, and electrical work without the need for the homeowner to subcontract, which can simplify the process and ensure a single point of responsibility.
Their specialisation is particularly evident in bathroom and wet room projects. They offer a wide range of tiling options, including porcelain, ceramic, marble, and natural stone, indicating a focus on the aesthetic and finishing aspects of the job, not just the pipework. A key area of their expertise is in mobility bathrooms and disabled adaptations, a service that requires specific knowledge and sensitivity. The business highlights its experience working with local authorities on such projects, which may provide assurance to customers with specific accessibility needs. This is a niche but crucial service that sets them apart from general local plumbers.
Customer Reputation and Feedback
Online feedback for Kevin Fishlock Plumbing is overwhelmingly positive, though concentrated on a few platforms. The business consistently references a 5/5 rating on Yell.com, built from a small number of detailed reviews. These reviews paint a picture of a reliable, professional, and friendly tradesperson. Common themes emerging from customer testimonials include high-quality workmanship, honesty, and reliability. One customer, for instance, noted they hired Kevin to fix a leaking shower after struggling to get responses from other local tradesmen. They praised his quick response, professional completion of the job, and the value of his extensive experience when unexpected issues arose. Another review highlighted a "fantastic wet room" project, suggesting satisfaction with more complex and specialised installations.
The business appears to build its reputation on experience and a personal touch, which is often a key factor for customers undertaking disruptive home renovations. They offer free, no-obligation quotes, which is a standard but important practice that allows potential clients to budget without initial financial commitment.
Operational Limitations and Considerations
Despite the positive feedback on their project work, there are significant practical limitations that potential customers must consider. The most prominent is the strict operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with the business being closed on Saturdays and Sundays. This schedule makes it clear that Kevin Fishlock Plumbing is not an emergency plumber. Homeowners facing a sudden burst pipe, a complete loss of water, or a serious leaking pipe repair outside of standard office hours will need to seek assistance elsewhere. This lack of availability for urgent issues is a major drawback for anyone looking for a go-to plumber for all situations.
Furthermore, while the business specialises in full installations, its capacity for smaller, general plumbing jobs is less clear. The website and reviews focus heavily on large-scale projects like bathroom makeovers and kitchen refits. While they mention services like unblocking drains, it does not appear to be their primary focus. Customers with minor issues, such as a dripping tap or a running toilet, might find that a company geared towards larger projects may have longer lead times for small repairs.
Professional Credentials
A crucial consideration for any work involving gas appliances, such as boilers or gas hobs, is whether the engineer is Gas Safe registered. My research did not yield a direct confirmation of Kevin Fishlock's registration on the official Gas Safe Register database under that specific name. This does not mean the business isn't qualified, as they may operate under a different trading name or employ certified engineers. However, potential customers requiring any form of boiler service, boiler repair, or work on central heating systems involving gas should make it their first priority to verify the credentials of the specific engineer who would be sent to their property. It is illegal for anyone to carry out gas work in the UK without being on the Gas Safe Register. Given their extensive work in kitchens, which often involves gas appliances, clarification on their status as a Gas Safe registered engineer is essential for safety and legal compliance.
In conclusion, Kevin Fishlock Plumbing presents itself as a highly specialised and reputable provider for planned home renovation projects in the Burnham-on-Sea area. The strength of the business lies in its comprehensive, all-in-one service for bathroom installation, wet rooms, and kitchen fitting, backed by decades of experience and positive customer feedback. For homeowners planning a significant upgrade, particularly those requiring mobility adaptations, this firm appears to be a strong contender. However, the business's strict working hours and lack of emergency call-out services make it unsuitable for urgent plumbing needs. Prospective clients should also perform their due diligence by confirming Gas Safe registration before commissioning any work on gas-related heating or cooking appliances.
