Welcome to expat life in Switzerland, where everything works perfectly — until it doesn’t, and then you realize you have no clue who to call, and also that Google doesn’t speak your version of “international mild panic.”

But don’t worry, I got you. Let’s talk about how to find a plumber in Geneva without bursting a pipe (emotionally or otherwise)

💦 Step 1: Always Check With Your Regie

If you are in a rental and the appliances came with the rental (ie: washing machine), check with your regie as they would typically handle this. If the machine is yours, you can call the Swiss office of the brand that made it and they’ll send someone.

🛠️ Step 2: Use the Tools of the Expat Trade

If your regie cannot help for whatever reason, ask your fellow expat girlfriends, local colleagues, or even in Facebook groups like:

• Geneva Expats
• EXPATS IN GENEVA❤️ 🇨🇭✨ | Jobs, Tips, Networking, Chat & More 💼💡🌍
• Geneva & Switzerland Expats Community
• EXPATS IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭✨ Lifestyle, Networking & Travel Tips 🌍

➡️ Tip: As expats gals, we quickly learned that in Geneva, it’s all about word of mouth. So your best bet is joining WhatsApp Groups (and yes, there are many) that can share first hand experiences and fast response. 

Here are a few communities that you can join (warning: some may already be full!): 

• Servies for International Families Geneva 🇨🇭
• Family apartments GE
• Our Parenting Community (need to register in order to join community chat)
• Different WhatsApp Links to join

💬 A Few Recommended Plumbers from Expats

Local Businesses:

• Express’EAU Plombier (Official website) +41 79 916 12 74
• Cattaneo sanitaire +41 22 736 27 83 (Ask for Mr Zimmermann, he speaks English!)
• Forster Plombier Sàrl +41 22 784 64 50
• My Plombier

Local Individuals:

• ‪Todd +41 78 353 40 91‬ (From the UK, speaks English)
• Valerio TO Vodoinstalater +41 78 621 47 65
• HOMETEK, SHALLTI Rabit +41 79 535 45 53 (Speaks French, Spanish & Albanian)
• Jörg +41 79 301 32 40
• Svetlin +33 7 49 28 62 05 *** Electrician (Speaks English, French & Bulgarian)
• FPC HANDYMAN Florian Allansson, “he is very talented in pretty much everything!“

“Ad” Platforms

You can also post your ad on platforms where people offer a variety of services—like cleaning, furniture moving, or electrical work. The advantage is that you can often find someone quickly and within your budget.

• https://yoojo.ch/r/feswz A local expat shared that she uses Serge in Eaux Vives. Find out more about what we wrote about this amazing app here!

“Not a paid platform, but on the payment of the service you reserve you have to add 10chf that goes to the platform for insurance etc. So it is a top up for each service you select. “

• https://www.allovoisins.com For our frontalier friends located in France

💸 Step 3: Budget Like a Local (aka Prepare Your Wallet

Let me be honest: Switzerland isn’t the place to fix a leaky faucet for 50 bucks. A plumber’s hourly rate can range from CHF 90 to CHF 150, and that’s before emergency or evening surcharges.

Pro tip: Always ask for a quote upfront. Swiss people love paperwork, so don’t be shy.

📞 Step 4: Make the Call — or the WhatsApp

If the plumber doesn’t speak much English, don’t panic. You’ve got options:

• Use Google Translate to write a polite message in French.
• Or, do what I do — send a message in English and French, then follow with a lot of emojis and good vibes.

🧼 Bonus Tip:

Once you find a plumber you like — save their number. Seriously. You’ll thank yourself when it’s 2 a.m.