The Little Plumbing Company
BackBased in Sidmouth, The Little Plumbing Company has established a strong reputation as a reliable family-run business serving much of East Devon. Customer feedback consistently points towards a high level of satisfaction, particularly regarding the company's responsiveness, professionalism, and the quality of its workmanship. They serve a broad area that includes Exmouth, Honiton, Seaton, Axminster, and the surrounding villages, positioning themselves as a key provider of plumbing services in the region.
Strengths and Customer Acclaim
One of the most frequently highlighted attributes of The Little Plumbing Company is its rapid and effective response to urgent situations. Several customers have recounted experiences where the company promptly addressed emergencies, such as a leaky toilet just before a holiday or other 'mini emergencies'. This proficiency in handling urgent calls makes them a notable option for anyone seeking an emergency plumber. The engineers, specifically named individuals like Ben and Hayden, are consistently described in positive terms: cheerful, professional, tidy, and highly knowledgeable. This suggests a company culture that values not just technical skill but also excellent customer-facing service.
The company's expertise extends beyond simple fixes. One detailed account praises an engineer, Hayden Bolton, for going "beyond the call of duty" on a complex installation of a water softener and a Quooker boiling water tap. Despite unforeseen complications with existing appliances, he worked extended hours, including a Saturday, to ensure the job was completed to a high standard. This dedication speaks volumes about their work ethic and commitment to problem-solving. Furthermore, their website states they hold current certifications for Water Regulations, Un-vented Hot Water, and Energy Efficiency, giving customers confidence that all work complies with UK building regulations.
Another distinct advantage is their physical showroom in Sidmouth. This allows potential clients to see and test products before making a decision. Reviews mention that the showroom is well-organised and staffed by knowledgeable personnel who offer balanced advice on the pros and cons of different products, which is a valuable resource for those planning a bathroom installation or kitchen upgrade.
Comprehensive Service Offerings
The Little Plumbing Company provides a wide array of services that cater to various needs. Their core business appears to be focused on general and smaller plumbing jobs, where they aim to be more responsive and cost-effective than larger firms. Their services include:
- General plumbing repairs (e.g., leaky taps, toilets, burst pipes)
- Emergency plumber services
- Full bathroom and kitchen installations
- Specialist installations, such as water softeners and boiling water taps
- Boiler repair, servicing, and installation
- Central heating and gas work
Their specialisation in water softeners, working alongside East Devon Water Softeners, demonstrates a niche expertise that is particularly relevant in hard water areas. This focus, combined with their transparent pricing structure—which includes tiered rates for jobs of different lengths—is appreciated by customers.
Areas for Consideration
While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, there are aspects potential customers should consider. The company's standard operating hours are listed as 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. They are closed on weekends. While they do offer an emergency call-out service outside of these hours, their website notes that this is "subject to our availability" and is not a guaranteed 24-hour service, with significantly higher rates for evenings and weekends. Anyone facing a crisis on a Saturday or Sunday might need to consider alternative local plumbers who explicitly offer guaranteed 24/7 coverage.
The name, "The Little Plumbing Company," implies a smaller-scale operation. While this often translates to the personalised and friendly service that customers clearly value, it could also mean that lead times for non-urgent or larger projects, like full bathroom renovations, might be longer during busy periods. It would be prudent for customers planning substantial work to inquire about scheduling and project timelines well in advance.
Final Assessment
In summary, The Little Plumbing Company presents itself as a highly competent and customer-centric business. The wealth of positive reviews, highlighting the professionalism of its plumbers and the quality of their work, makes a compelling case for their services. They excel in handling both routine plumbing tasks and more complex, specialised installations. The main consideration for prospective clients is their availability, particularly for out-of-hours emergencies, which is not guaranteed. However, for planned projects and daytime emergencies within their East Devon service area, the evidence suggests they are a very strong and reliable choice.
