Finding a reliable plumber or electrician in Phuket is genuinely one of the more frustrating parts of expat life — not because they don't exist, but because the local tradespeople network is word-of-mouth based and hard to break into as a newcomer.
After six years in Rawai, I've had enough leaking AC units, dodgy electrical circuits, and blown water pump fuses to have strong opinions on this. Here's what I've learned about home maintenance in Phuket — what things cost, how to find people you can trust, and how to handle the landlord-vs-tenant responsibility question.
Local Thai AC technicians are widely available and reliable. Service includes filter clean, coil wash, and refrigerant check. Avoid companies that quote over ฿1,200 for standard servicing.
Leaking taps, blocked drains, water pump issues. Local plumbers charge ฿300–500/hour after call-out. Major work (pipe replacement) is quoted separately. Get 2–3 quotes for anything over ฿3,000.
Sockets, switches, circuit breakers, outdoor lighting. Thai electricians are competent and affordable. For anything involving the main distribution board or PEA meter, use a licensed electrician.
Painting, minor carpentry, door hanging, tile fixing, general repairs. Day-rate workers do the widest range of tasks. Reliable ones get booked up fast — build the relationship early.
Chemical balancing, filter cleaning, brush and vacuum. Included in many villa rental contracts. If not, search Facebook groups for local pool service operators in your area.
Tropical gardens need monthly maintenance at minimum. A good gardener who knows Phuket plants is worth keeping — word-of-mouth from neighbours is the best source.
Cockroaches, ants, and the occasional rat are facts of tropical life. Annual or bi-annual pest control (termite treatment for wooden structures particularly) is worth budgeting. Thai companies are cheaper than expat-facing ones for the same service.
External painting needs doing every 2–3 years in Phuket's climate. Interior painting is cheaper. Get quotes from 3 operators — prices vary significantly. Provide the paint yourself (from HomePro or TOA paint shop) to control quality.
The Phuket Expats Facebook group (80,000+ members) and area-specific groups (Rawai Expats, Bangthao & Laguna Residents, Phuket Town Expats) are the most reliable source of tradesperson recommendations. Search the group for your specific need (e.g., "plumber Rawai") and check the most recent posts — recommendations from 2020 may no longer be accurate. Post your own request if nothing recent comes up.
For anything covered by your lease as the landlord's responsibility, contact them first. Many landlords have established relationships with tradespeople who know the property. For tenant-responsibility repairs, your landlord's contacts are often the most practical starting point — they've used them and vetted them.
HomePro (Thailand's version of Homebase/B&Q) at Chao Fa Road near Chalong runs an installation and repair service for items purchased in-store. For AC installation, ceiling fans, water heaters, and kitchen fixtures, their quoted installation service is reliable. Not the cheapest but professional and accountable.
Many housing estates and villa communities in Phuket have LINE group chats for residents. These are excellent for finding contractors — residents recommend workers who have already been vetted in the same community.
This is the source of most Phuket housing disputes. Thai rental contracts often don't specify responsibilities clearly. The general rule:
| Issue | Typically Landlord | Typically Tenant |
|---|---|---|
| Structural repairs (walls, roof, floors) | ✅ | |
| Major appliance failure (AC compressor, water pump) | ✅ | |
| Plumbing (blocked or broken pipes, water pressure) | ✅ | |
| Electrical faults (circuit breakers, wiring) | ✅ | |
| Swimming pool maintenance | ✅ (usually — check lease) | |
| Lightbulbs and minor consumables | ✅ | |
| AC filter cleaning (routine service) | ✅ | |
| Damage caused by tenant negligence | ✅ | |
| Garden maintenance (if included in contract) | ✅ | |
| Pest control (initial) | ✅ (ideally on arrival) | |
| Pest control (ongoing) | ✅ (usually) |
This deserves a separate mention. If your landlord charges you directly for electricity (rather than you paying PEA directly), they should charge at PEA's standard tiered rates — maximum ฿4.42/kWh. Many landlords in Phuket charge ฿6–8/kWh or more. This is illegal but very common.
Over a year, this difference costs the average expat household ฿10,000–25,000. If you're on landlord-resale electricity, understand what you're paying. For a full breakdown, see our utility bills guide.
Phuket's humidity means AC units accumulate mould and bacteria in their evaporator coils and drip trays within months. Running a dirty AC unit is both unhealthy (airborne mould spores) and expensive (reduced efficiency increases electricity consumption by 15–25%).
Recommended schedule:
Good comprehensive health insurance is the most important financial protection for Phuket residents. Bangkok Hospital Phuket has direct billing with Cigna, Pacific Cross, AXA, and more.
Get a free health insurance quote →Questions about your rental contract or maintenance responsibilities? Ask us → — we help expats navigate Phuket housing issues from contracts to repairs.