Plumber Costs UK: Hourly Rates, Call-Out Fees & Price List
Use this UK plumbing price guide to understand typical hourly rates, call-out fees and common plumbing job prices before comparing local quotes. Treat these figures as a guide only, then compare written quotes before committing.
Prices shown are general UK guide prices and can vary depending on access, materials, job complexity, waste removal, location, urgency and VAT status. Always compare written quotes from suitable local trades.
Typical from
£40
Typical up to
£80
Measured
per hour
Plumber Costs UK: Hourly Rates, Call-Out Fees & Price List: quick answer
A typical UK plumber hourly rate is often around £40-£80 per hour for planned work, with standard call-out fees commonly around £60-£120. Small repairs may cost under £200, while bathroom plumbing, pipework changes and emergency call-outs can cost more depending on parts, access, VAT and urgency.
Plumber price list
These are guide prices, not fixed quotes. Actual plumber costs vary by location, access, urgency, materials, VAT and the exact scope of work.
| Job / situation | Typical cost range | What it usually includes | What can increase the price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber hourly rate | £40-£80 per hour | Planned labour for diagnosis, repairs or installation work. | London or high-demand areas, specialist work, urgent timing or minimum charges. |
| Standard call-out fee | £60-£120 | Attendance and basic diagnosis; sometimes includes the first part of the visit. | Travel, parking, minimum first-hour charges or VAT. |
| Small leak repair | £80-£180 | Simple visible leak repair with straightforward access. | Hidden leaks, damaged fittings, ceiling/floor access or replacement pipework. |
| Tap replacement | £120-£250 | Labour to remove and fit a standard tap, excluding premium fixtures unless stated. | Seized fittings, poor isolation, awkward access or supplied parts not fitting. |
| Toilet repair | £80-£220 | Basic repair to flush, fill valve, leak or simple blockage. | Replacement cistern parts, damaged pans, drainage issues or poor access. |
| Radiator replacement | £250-£500 | Like-for-like radiator change where pipework is suitable. | Pipework changes, draining down, new valves, system balancing or larger radiators. |
| Pipework changes | £150-£600+ | Moving or adapting visible pipework for kitchens, bathrooms or radiators. | Hidden runs, floors/walls opened, multiple rooms, making good or specialist fittings. |
| Shower repair | £100-£300+ | Diagnosis and simple repair to leaks, valves or fittings. | Thermostatic valve replacement, tiling, pump issues or electrical involvement. |
| Bathroom first fix | £400-£1,200+ | Pipework preparation before bathroom fixtures are fitted. | Layout changes, old pipework, multiple fixtures, access and coordination with other trades. |
| Bathroom second fix | £400-£1,300+ | Connecting sanitaryware, taps, wastes and final plumbing checks. | Premium fittings, leaks, damaged parts, tight spaces or remedial work. |
| Emergency plumbing call-out | £120-£250+ | Urgent attendance for leaks, burst pipes or isolation work. | Evening, weekend, bank holiday, parts or multiple visits. |
| Replacement parts | Part cost plus labour | Valves, taps, traps, washers, pipe sections or fittings where required. | Premium fixtures, specialist parts, merchant availability or return visits. |
| Follow-up visit | Extra visit or hourly charge | Return visit for parts, further diagnosis or planned repair work. | Complex faults, hidden damage, access or coordination with other trades. |
Plumber hourly rates
Hourly rates are common for diagnosis, small repairs and jobs where the exact fault is not known. Ask whether there is a first-hour minimum charge and what rate applies after that.
Plumber call-out fees
A call-out fee covers attendance. It may or may not include labour. Confirm whether the fee includes diagnosis, the first hour, VAT and any basic parts.
Small plumbing repair costs
- Minor leaks, tap repairs, toilet repairs and simple waste-pipe jobs are usually cheaper when access is clear.
- Costs rise when parts are seized, hidden, old or difficult to isolate.
- Photos and model details help plumbers judge whether they may need parts before attending.
Planned plumbing vs emergency plumbing
Planned plumbing is easier to compare because trades can price the scope, parts and timing in advance. Emergency plumbing usually costs more because the plumber is attending at short notice and may need to make the issue safe first.
What affects plumber prices?
- Hourly rate, call-out fee and minimum charge.
- Parts, fittings, valves, pipework and fixture quality.
- Access to stopcocks, isolation valves, floors, ceilings and cupboards.
- Location, parking, urgency, VAT status and whether follow-up work is needed.
What to include when requesting a quote
- Describe the fault or job clearly.
- Add photos and any model numbers.
- Say whether water can be isolated.
- Include property type, access, parking and rough timescale.
- Mention whether you need planned work or an urgent call-out.
Questions to ask before hiring a plumber
- Is the quote fixed or hourly?
- Is the call-out fee included?
- Are parts, VAT and waste included?
- What happens if extra work is found?
- Will you provide a written quote or invoice?
How to compare plumbing quotes
- Give each plumber the same written scope.
- Compare what is included, not just the total price.
- Check whether parts are like-for-like or different quality.
- Ask whether follow-up visits are included.
- Cheapest is not always best if the scope is vague.
Related plumbing cost guides
FAQs
How much does a plumber cost in the UK?
As a guide, many plumbers charge around £40-£80 per hour for planned work, with call-out fees commonly around £60-£120. The final cost depends on the job, parts, access, VAT and urgency.
What is a typical plumber call-out fee?
A standard plumbing call-out fee is often around £60-£120, but check whether this includes diagnosis, the first hour or only attendance.
Do plumbers charge hourly or fixed prices?
Both are common. Small diagnosis jobs may be hourly, while clear repairs or installations may be quoted as a fixed price.
Are emergency plumbing jobs more expensive?
Usually, yes. Emergency, evening, weekend and bank-holiday call-outs often have higher minimum charges.
What should I include when asking for a plumbing quote?
Include the issue, photos, fixture details, whether water can be isolated, access, parking, property type and timescale.
Should I compare more than one plumbing quote?
For planned work, yes. Compare written quotes with the same scope, including labour, parts, VAT and follow-up terms.
Last reviewed
Last reviewed: 25 June 2026. Edited by Lead & Trade using general UK pricing research and platform-specific quote comparison guidance. Prices are guide figures, not fixed quotes or guarantees.