We Do Plumbing

Based at 44 St Nicholas Road, We Do Plumbing is a Canterbury-based firm that has garnered a significant amount of local feedback for its range of plumbing services. Headed by Joshua Gilby, the company presents itself as a comprehensive solution for both routine and urgent plumbing needs, operating seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This schedule is a notable advantage, offering flexibility for customers who may struggle to book appointments during standard weekday working hours. The company's scope of work is extensive, covering everything from minor jobs like fixing a dripping tap to more substantial projects such as full bathroom installations and addressing drainage issues.

Service Quality and Customer Praise

The majority of customer experiences reflect a high level of satisfaction, contributing to an overall positive reputation. A recurring name in reviews is Josh, who is consistently praised for his professionalism, politeness, and the quality of his workmanship. Customers have highlighted his punctuality and friendly demeanour, which are crucial attributes for any tradesperson working in a client's home. Feedback frequently mentions that the work, which has included toilet replacements, shower installations, and tap fittings, was completed to a high standard. Many clients express that they found the pricing to be fair and reasonable, representing good value for the service received. This combination of skilled labour and fair costing is a powerful endorsement. Furthermore, communication is often cited as a key strength; clients appreciated being kept informed throughout the process, which helps in building trust and ensuring the final outcome meets their expectations.

A Closer Look at the Services Offered

We Do Plumbing offers a broad array of plumbing services that cater to most domestic requirements. Their expertise is not limited to simple repairs. Based on customer reports and the company's own information, their capabilities include:

• General Plumbing Repairs: This is the core of their service, covering common issues such as leaky tap repair, burst pipes, and toilet mechanism replacements. Multiple reviews confirm successful and efficient repairs of this nature.
• Installations: The company handles the fitting of new fixtures. This includes complete bathroom refits, new shower installations, and fitting new taps and toilets. These are often more complex jobs requiring a skilled and tidy approach, which has been noted in positive feedback.
• Drainage Solutions: For those facing blockages, the company provides services for blocked drains, sinks, and toilets. Their website indicates they are equipped for drain jetting and CCTV drain surveys to diagnose underlying problems.
• Heating Services: Beyond general plumbing, We Do Plumbing is also involved in heating systems. They are listed as Gas Safe registered, enabling them to legally and safely carry out boiler repair, servicing, and new boiler installations. This significantly broadens their appeal, making them a potential single point of contact for both plumbing and heating needs.

Points of Concern and Criticisms

Despite the largely positive feedback, it would be unbalanced not to address the criticisms that have been raised. A significant concern stems from at least one highly negative review detailing a complete failure to attend a scheduled appointment. The customer reported that the plumber, identified as Josh, did not show up for a pre-booked job, forcing the client's husband to take a day off work for nothing. Compounding the issue was a total lack of communication; the tradesperson reportedly did not answer their phone or respond to messages to explain the absence. This type of incident is a major red flag for any service-based business, as reliability is paramount. While this appears to be an isolated report among many positive ones, its severity cannot be overlooked. For a potential customer, it introduces an element of risk. The frustration and financial impact of a no-show are significant, undermining the trust that other reviews work to build. Another similar complaint was found on a different directory, suggesting this may not be a one-off event.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

When evaluating We Do Plumbing, potential clients are faced with a classic dilemma: a large volume of positive testimonials versus a small number of serious complaints. The positive aspects are compelling. The convenience of a seven-day-a-week service is a distinct advantage over competitors who operate only on weekdays. The consistent praise regarding fair pricing suggests that customers are likely to receive good value. The personal commendations for Josh's politeness and professionalism indicate a tradesperson who is generally pleasant and skilled. Having a Gas Safe registered engineer who can handle both plumbing and heating is another strong selling point for homeowners looking for a versatile and qualified local plumber.

However, the negative feedback points to a potential issue with reliability and accountability. A tradesperson's most valuable asset is their word, and failing to attend a confirmed appointment without any communication is a serious breach of professional conduct. While any business can have an off day or an unforeseen emergency, the failure to communicate is what causes the most damage. This leaves potential customers to wonder whether they will get the highly professional service described by the majority or the frustrating no-show experience mentioned by a minority. It suggests that while the quality of the work may be high when the plumber is on-site, there is a risk associated with securing that attendance.

Final Assessment for Potential Customers

In conclusion, We Do Plumbing appears to be a highly capable and well-regarded service for the majority of its clients in Canterbury and the surrounding areas. The breadth of their services, from a simple toilet repair to a full central heating installation, makes them a versatile option. The consistent positive remarks about the quality of work, fair pricing, and professional conduct of their main operator, Josh, provide a strong case for using their services. The weekend availability is a significant practical benefit.

However, anyone considering booking this firm should be aware of the reported instances of non-attendance and poor communication. While these reports are not numerous, they are serious. A pragmatic approach would be to confirm any appointment a day or two beforehand and have a contingency plan in mind. For non-urgent work, where a potential delay is less critical, the risk may be acceptable given the potential for high-quality work at a fair price. For an emergency plumber situation or a job with a strict deadline, the reported reliability issues might give pause. Ultimately, We Do Plumbing stands as a strong local contender with a proven track record of satisfying customers, but with a notable caveat regarding dependability that should be factored into any decision.