Top 7 Things to Check Before Hiring a Plumber Online in Nigeria

Here’s how to avoid plumber wahala when you hire online — quick, real tips to keep your home safe and your money intact.

1. Why Nigerians Are Hiring Plumbers Online

We all know it: burst pipes don’t send appointments. Folks from Lagos Island to GRA Enugu rush online when water starts spraying unexpectedly. That’s why many head straight to Jiji, OList, or Chutku.

But convenience can cost you – sometimes in repair bills or stress. That’s why you need to spend two minutes checking before you say “Yesssir” to any plumber ad.

2. ✅ Check Their Location or Physical Address

Why it matters: When you hire someone nearby, they won’t vanish after collecting money.
What to ask:

• “Where’s your office in Lagos? Egbeda, Surulere?”
• “Can I see your workshop or van location?”
• Red flag: They only give WhatsApp or phone – no business address or meeting point.

Local example: I once called a plumber from an OList ad. He said he was in Abuja but asked for ₦5,000 upfront and disappeared. Lesson? Always ask for a location and verify with Google Map.

3. 🛠️ Ask About Their Skills and Experience

A plumber may claim experience—but can they back it?
Quick questions to ask:

• “How long you don don do plumbing for?”
• “You handle solar water heater repairs?”
• “You dey work with PPR pipe fittings?”

Proof to request:

• Photos/videos of past jobs (burst pipe fixes, radiator works, etc.)
• References from real clients.

Why it matters: A plumber who’s worked on varied homes (Lekki estates, Kaduna flats) likely has seen different pipe systems and won’t be shocked by yours.

4. 💬 Check Reviews or Customer Testimonials

Don’t just go by 5-star ratings. Ask for real stories:

• “Abeg show me WhatsApp chat or clients to call.”
• Look for details: “He came through 5 pm Lagos traffic, quick and neat.”
• Be cautious if testimonials sound fake or all say the same vague thing.

Street tip: A real customer could say,

“He fixed my AK pipe under my kitchen sink in Gwarimpa, Abuja. Quick and clean.”
That’s gold.

5. 📸 Ask for Photo or Video Proof of Completed Work

Always ask:

• “Abeg send before/after pics.”
• “Show me short video while you fix in someone’s home.”

This shows they not only talk the talk but walk it too. Also, you can check the pipe quality, neatness of joints, and general finish—no rushing or half-done job.

6. 💵 Compare Prices and Get a Written Estimate

Don’t pay blindly. Compare quotes from at least 2–3 plumbers:

• Labour cost
• Materials cost
• Time frame
  Plus, ask about:
• Call-out fees
• Time-related charges (e.g., weekend or night jobs)

Red flag: “We go later talk price” – that’s a trap. Always get a rough breakdown in writing.

Fair deal tip: If one quotes ₦20k and another ₦35k for the same job in Lekki Ajah, ask why. Differences may be tools, quality, or reliability.

7. 📅 Ask About Availability and Emergency Services

Plumbing wahala no dey wait:

• Can they come same day?
• Do they offer weekend or after-hours work?
• What’s their emergency fee? (Burst pipes at night especially during harmattan or rainy season)

Smart move: Save the number of the plumber who answered your call fast and reliably – good emergency support is rare.

8. 🔐 Safety, Guarantees & Refund Policies

You deserve peace of mind:

• Guarantees: Ask “If that pipe start leaking again, you fit help again free?”
• Payment stage: Don’t pay all before work starts. Suggest 40% deposit, 60% after finish.
• Security: Be around—no disappearances.
• Marketplace policy: If you booked via Jiji or OList, check their buyer-seller protection rules.

9. 🚫 Common Mistakes People Make

Most common blunders:

• Rushing in emergency
• Not asking for estimates
• Paying full amount upfront
• Ignoring reviews
• Hiring based on sweet talk

Avoid these, and you’ll skip half the stress!

10. 👨‍🔧 Finding Trusted Plumbers on Nigerian Platforms

• Jiji.ng: Use “verified seller” badge, filter by location, check reviews.
• OList.ng & Locanto.com.ng: Try location filters plus asking “Can we meet your workshop?”
• Chutku or 9jalist: Call before meeting; ask specific questions.

Tip: Avoid any plumber unwilling to meet at a neutral spot or show credentials.

FAQs

1. Can I pay the plumber after job is done?
Yes. Always suggest partial payment upfront (say 30–40%), and the rest when you’re happy. No full payment before testing.

2. What if the plumber damages something else?
Discuss it first. A reliable plumber can admit faults and fix them for free. If serious, use marketplace support to escalate.

3. How long should a guarantee last?

• Burst-pipe fix: 1–2 weeks
• Major work like solar heater: 1–3 months
  Anything shorter is not serious.

4. Should I buy materials myself or let plumber do that?
It depends. If you know plumbing materials (e.g., PPR pipes, valves), you can buy them and ask plumber to install. Otherwise, let them supply but always ask for receipts.

5. Can I just watch them do the work?
Yes. Being around keeps them honest, and you can learn small repairs for later.

👉 Recommended Reading

How to Find Trusted Plumbers Near You in Nigeria (2025 Guide for Homeowners) – This guide dives deeper on vetting local plumbers using social proof, location checks, and emergency readiness. Great follow-up if you want more confidence before hiring.

Final Word

Don’t let plumber wahala stress you. By checking location, experience, reviews, proof of work, pricing, availability, and safety — you protect your home and wallet. Take your time, ask smart questions, and build a list of reliable service pros. Na your peace of mind matter pass!

Happy hustling, and remember: smart spending today saves big tomorrow. 💡