Why We ProvideTime Windows
Understanding why professional plumbers use time windows instead of exact appointment times. The reality of maintenance work and how we keep your waiting time as short as possible.
The Unpredictable Nature of Plumbing Work
The Honest Truth:
"I understand customers want exact appointment times, but here's the reality: when I've never seen your plumbing problem before, I can't predict how long it will take. A 'simple' tap repair might reveal corroded pipework requiring hours of additional work. Time windows aren't about convenience - they're about honesty."
– Will Gaze, Rosebourne Plumbing
Why Maintenance Work (Jobbing) Can't Be Timed Exactly
In the plumbing trade, we call repair and maintenance work "jobbing" - and there's a reason experienced plumbers approach scheduling this way. Unlike installation work where we can estimate times fairly accurately, maintenance work is full of unknowns.
What We Don't Know Until We Arrive:
- • Hidden pipe damage behind tiles or walls
- • Age and condition of existing fittings
- • Access restrictions in tight spaces
- • Additional problems discovered during repair
- • Parts availability for older systems
- • Complications from previous DIY attempts
How We Try to Minimize Uncertainty:
- • Request photos before arrival
- • Ask detailed questions about the problem
- • Send SMS updates when we're on our way
- • Keep time windows as narrow as possible
- • Call if we're running significantly late
- • Carry comprehensive parts stock
The Mathematics of Scheduling
Here's why exact times become nearly impossible after the first job of the day:
Example Day Scenario:
8:00 AM: First job - can give exact time ✓
10:00 AM: Second job scheduled - but first job runs until 11:30 AM
Result: Second customer now waiting 90 minutes past "appointment time"
Knock-on effect: Every subsequent job gets progressively later
This is why we use time windows. A 2-3 hour window might seem inconvenient, but it's more honest than promising a specific time we can't guarantee.
The Stress Factor
Trying to stick to exact appointment times in maintenance work creates enormous stress for both plumber and customer. When I'm working on your neighbor's emergency burst pipe, should I rush the repair to make your 2:00 PM "appointment"? That's not fair to either of you.
"Quality work takes the time it takes. I'd rather give you realistic expectations and exceed them than promise what I can't deliver and leave you frustrated."
How We Keep Time Windows Tight
While we can't promise exact times, we work hard to keep our time windows as narrow as possible:
Pre-Job Information Gathering
We ask for photos and detailed descriptions to better estimate job duration before arrival.
Real-Time Communication
SMS updates when we're on our way and honest communication if delays occur.
Strategic Scheduling
We try to schedule simpler jobs later in the day and more complex work earlier.
Buffer Time Management
We build realistic buffers between jobs rather than cramming schedules unrealistically tight.
The ASAP vs. Exact Time Contradiction
Here's the catch-22 we face daily: customers want service "as soon as possible" but also want an exact appointment time. These two requests are fundamentally incompatible in maintenance work.
The Reality:
- • ASAP service means fitting you in between existing commitments
- • Exact times require rigid scheduling with large gaps between jobs
- • You can have one or the other - but not both
When Exact Times ARE Possible
There is one scenario where we can offer exact appointment times:
First Job of the Day
The first appointment of the day can be given an exact time because there are no previous jobs to overrun. If having an exact time is crucial for your situation, ask about being scheduled as the first job - though this may mean waiting longer for an available slot.
Our Promise to You
While we can't promise exact times for most appointments, here's what we can promise:
Book with Realistic Expectations
We believe honest communication about scheduling leads to better customer satisfaction. Book your plumbing service with a company that sets realistic expectations.