Whether you’ve got a dripping tap or you fancy installing a waste disposal, you’ll need a plumber to help. Our cost guides help you budget for a range of plumbing jobs in and outside your home.
A plumber’s hourly rate can be as little as £27, but the average across the whole of the UK is £41 per hour. In London, the average is £55. While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest plumber, remember that cheapest doesn’t always mean best. Check your plumber’s qualifications and insurance before you accept their quote.
It’s also worth checking whether they charge a call-out fee, as if they do, a cheap-looking rate could end up costing you more overall.
If you need an emergency plumber, you’ll probably be charged a call-out fee, especially if you need them out of normal working hours. The average call out charge for a plumber is £100, but it could be as much as £150 depending on what the plumber finds.
When you get in contact with a plumber, it’s a good idea to ask them if they charge a call-out fee before you engage then for the work to avoid any surprises.
Plumbers generally won’t ask you to pay upfront in the UK, unless it’s a very large job such as replacing your entire water supply pipe. Be wary of plumbers that ask you to pay up front for smaller jobs – it’s better to get a written quote, agree a price and then pay once you’re satisfied with the plumber’s work.
It’s always best to get an invoice from a plumber. This acts as proof that you’ve had the work done and can help if you have any problems with the work further down the line and need to dispute it. The invoice should give you an itemised breakdown of the work completed and the parts used, so you’ll know exactly what you’ve paid for.