Competent Plumber??

Did a past-years search, and didn't sound hopeful or helpfull.
Why is plumbing installation/repairs such a problem here? We all have to deal with water delivery probs; pressure pumps, aljibes, tenacos, sump pumps, filtration systems, water heaters (Hi or Lo pressure capable?); flow-distance considerations; Instantaneous Or Not; # of water drawing units (faucets/showers/toilets - incl. # capable and logical to be used @ same time); lites per minute, etc. ????
Since it's a cash society, it turns out that "you buy it, you keep it" Even if you or your supposed "expert" plumber guessed wrong about its' being the correct choice.. I am so tired of having to replace these "appliances" because they did not work as expected or the " plumber is no longer in business" (not accountable??); or whatever. PLEASE, is there someone out there that is competent & takes pride-in/guarantees their reccomendations for parts & work???. Help, TIA

Electrician/plumber seems to be a combined profession here--I don't know why. Good ones are in short supply, I guess because professional training is not easily available here. Someone once said "there are 2 good carpenters here and 20 guys with a hammer"--that applies to other trades also.

I have used a good electrician/plumber for 10 years. I make it clear that I want high quality parts. I think he is more expensive than some, but he does it right the first time and I have never had a problem regardless of the size of the job. Jose Martinez in Chapala - 765-3297 or cell 333-174-1282.

P.S. On a large job, I always get 3 estimates. Very educational for me--I learn about the job and the alternative approaches that way.

You won't find a good plumber or electrician in the Lakeside area if your expectations are to have the quality of components or workmanship that is the norm in the US or Canada.  You would need to get a contractor from the big city to come out here.

There are a number of reasons for this - lack of trades education, apprenticeship programs, construction codes that are followed, permitting and follow up inspections.  Most of the training done here is by a father passing along what he knows to his son(s) so as a result not a lot of new practices or skills are developed.  Compound this with the lower levels of income and the tendency is "cheaper is better" and toward "Band-Aid" repairs after something is broken.  Very little concept of what preventative maintenance means or of the value of it.  

My suggestion is that you personally design and supervise the work yourself or find someone who worked in the trades NOB and have come back here to live. Take some young guys under your wing and train them as you go. You will be a lot happier in the end.  I have not yet found someone I could recommend and I spend almost every day doing plumbing and electrical "fix-ups" supporting our little community east of Chapala.

I agree with Jaybear‘s suggestion that you call Jose Martinez in Chapala - 765-3297 or cell 333-174-1282. He is reliable and on time.

We have used this plumber Julio and he does very good work....at least, he is very experienced and we have had no complaints with his results. 331 348 2201

I have also used Jose Martinez. He is also an electrician. His work seems to be better than any other plumber I have used however his prices are quite high. I called him in to clear my main sewer line. It took about two hours, didn't require any materials and he charged $1600 pesos. That is almost NOB rates.

The first two times I used him his rates were quite reasonable. I guess his workload is good so he jacked his rates??

CanuckBob wrote:I have also used Jose Martinez. He is also an electrician. His work seems to be better than any other plumber I have used however his prices are quite high. I called him in to clear my main sewer line. It took about two hours, didn't require any materials and he charged $1600 pesos. That is almost NOB rates.

The first two times I used him his rates were quite reasonable. I guess his workload is good so he jacked his rates??

Absolutely high...Union rates high! My medical specialist is less expensive...