Do you have issues with boiler selection for your new place?
Dealing with boilers is not something every plumber will do, however, it’s one of the most common misunderstandings that customers have. For those plumbers who don’t choose to also do boiler work, it can be a difficult conversation to have – and it can mean you don’t land a client!
Of course some plumbers (with the right qualifications) often pick up repairs or connected issues to do with piping and radiators – but what if you don’t? How can you best support a customer who is having boiler problems?
There are many things to consider, and information you can relay to a customer. Particularly when it comes to advice on where to seek help, how to obtain quotes and what kind of boiler they need.
In this article we’ll look at some practical steps so that you can pass on help to your clients and get the very best deal and service on a boiler replacement. After all, the more helpful you are, the greater chance you have of being called again!
How You Can Help in Boiler Selection
Often, customers may find themselves overwhelmed when they hear they need a whole new boiler. From understanding boiler types, to sizes and fuel options, there are a number of areas they will likely need support with.
As an experienced plumber, customers will look to you for advice – even if you aren’t a boiler installer or heating engineer. Plumbers however can offer a range of advice and help customers navigate their properties requirements and budget concerns.
Below are our best tips and advice for ways you can support your customers to find their perfect boiler installation:
- Understand their current system
A helpful place to start would be to talk the customer through what kind of boiler they have – is it a combi boiler? Does it run on gas?
Taking a thorough look at their whole system can help them identify whether they need a new system boiler or a new oil boiler, for example.
Related: House Smells Like Gas But Have Electric Heater
- Property Evaluation
An assessment of the existing boiler can help a homeowner understand what they need to replace, however, some homes do need larger or more powerful boilers than they already have – for example, if they recently fitted a new bathroom, they might find they have water supply issues.
Helping the customer to identify their capacity and boiler output requirements will give them a more efficient set up. You can also lend your expertise to this by assessing what would help their entire plumbing system operate better (e.g. do they need a higher flow rate boiler).
- Getting Quotes
Advise your customers (if you are not a heating engineer also!), that they should seek a quote for a new boiler from a registered installer. In fact, they should get multiple quotes to compare prices and get themselves the best deal.
There are several benefits to this:
- It allows them to identify competitive pricing and ensures they are not overpaying for the installation services.
- It provides a clearer understanding of the overall budget required for the boiler installation. This aids in effective financial planning and prevents unexpected expenses.
- Each quote may include different services and offerings. Comparing quotes allows customers to evaluate the comprehensive nature of the services provided by each heating installer. This ensures they choose a provider that meets both their budget and service expectations.
- Customers can assess the reputation and qualifications of heating installers through the quotes they provide. This includes factors such as experience, certifications, and customer reviews, helping customers make informed decisions about the quality of installation they can expect.
- Armed with multiple quotes, customers gain negotiation leverage. They can discuss the various offers with heating installers and potentially negotiate better terms, such as a lower price, additional services, or extended warranties.
- The process of obtaining multiple quotes assures customers that they have thoroughly explored their options, considered different providers, and ultimately made a well-informed decision regarding their boiler installation.
Related: Do Plumbers Fix Boilers
- Installation Considerations
As a trusted professional, customers will look to you for advice. Emphasizing the importance of professional installation ensures the boiler operates efficiently and meets safety standards. You can also guide the customer in preparing the property for installation and ensure compliance with any local building codes.
Read Also: Hydronic Boiler Maintenance
Conclusion
Boiler selection shoudn’t be hard all the time.
Helping out customers who need to find a new boiler has a number of advantages. Whether you can support them to understand their boiler type, what water use requirements they have, or even just guide them towards the benefits of comparing quotes, you’re providing a valuable service.
As a trusted professional homeowners will look to you for advice – sure, you can simply pass them on to a heating installer instead, but by fostering that relationship with a client you can reap the benefits later on, if they ever need plumbing support!
Home heating is a crucial part of our everyday lives, and it’s a vital component of any home. Having access to support to make big decisions about our boiler systems is one of the most valuable services you could provide.
Read Next: Water Heater Making Noise When Water Is Off
Michael Davis is a heating & plumbing expert who currently works as independent contractor in SC. He also writes for Plumbertip.
For almost 10 years he worked on various plumbing tasks across South Carolina.
