How much does a plumber cost? Prices 2026
Average plumber prices for 2026: leaks, installations, and repairs.
How much does a plumber charge per hour?
Plumber hourly rates in 2026 across the UK:
London and South East: £60 to £80/hour Midlands and North of England: £40 to £60/hour Emergency/out-of-hours callout: £80 to £150/hour plus callout fee
Most plumbers charge per job rather than per hour. For a straightforward repair, the quote typically covers the visit, diagnosis, labour, and sometimes materials. For larger installations, the quote is usually broken down by phase or by a fixed total.
Always request labour and materials as separate line items. A combined quote with no breakdown makes it impossible to compare fairly with other plumbers.
Plumber price list by job type
Average prices across the UK for 2026 (labour only unless stated):
Tap washer replacement: £80 to £150 Tap replacement (with fitting): £100 to £250 Toilet unblocking: £80 to £200 Toilet replacement (with fitting): £150 to £350 Drain unblocking: £80 to £250 Leak repair (exposed pipework): £100 to £300 Leak repair (concealed pipework): £200 to £600 Bathroom installation (labour only): £1,500 to £3,500 Full bathroom suite with labour and materials: £2,500 to £6,000 Outside tap installation: £150 to £300 Boiler service: £80 to £130
Materials are charged separately in most quotes.
What affects plumber pricing?
Location: London and South East plumbers charge 30 to 50% more than those in most other regions. Rural areas may have fewer options and longer call-out distances.
Access difficulty: a concealed leak behind tiles or inside a wall costs significantly more than an accessible pipe joint under a sink.
Emergency work: out-of-hours callouts add £50 to £150 on top of standard rates. Weekend and bank holiday rates are typically higher still.
Gas work: any work on gas appliances or pipework must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Gas Safe engineers command higher rates than general plumbers.
Materials quality: branded fittings (Grohe, Hansgrohe, Ideal Standard) carry higher material costs. If a quote seems very low, ask specifically about material brands.
How to hire a plumber safely
Before booking any plumbing work:
1. Check Gas Safe registration for gas work: if the job involves a boiler, gas pipes, or gas appliances, the engineer must be Gas Safe registered. Check at gassaferegister.co.uk.
2. Request a written, itemized quote: a proper plumbing quote should include the plumber's name and address, any relevant registration numbers, a full description of the work, materials with specifications and prices, and payment terms.
3. Get at least 3 quotes: for jobs over £300, comparing quotes is worth the time. The middle quote is often the most representative of fair market price.
4. Check reviews: Checkatrade, Trustatrader, and Google reviews all provide independent feedback. Prioritize plumbers with consistent ratings across multiple jobs.
5. Confirm the guarantee: a minimum 12-month workmanship guarantee is standard. For major installations, ask for longer. Confirm in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a plumber per hour in the UK in 2026?
Plumber hourly rates in the UK range from £40 to £80 per hour depending on location. London and the South East sit at the top of that range. Most plumbers quote by job rather than by hour, so the hourly rate is mostly useful for estimating emergency or time-and-materials work.
Do plumbers charge for coming out to give a quote?
Many plumbers offer free quotes for larger jobs but charge a callout fee (£50 to £100) for small repairs where the quote and the work happen in the same visit. Confirm before booking whether the callout fee is deducted from the final bill if you proceed.
What guarantee should I expect from plumbing work?
A 12-month workmanship guarantee is standard for most plumbing jobs. For larger installations (bathrooms, wet rooms), negotiate for 2 years. Always get the guarantee confirmed in writing in the quote or a follow-up message.
Does a plumber need to be Gas Safe registered?
Only for gas work. Plumbing work that doesn't involve gas appliances or gas pipework does not require Gas Safe registration. However, any work on a boiler, gas hob, gas fire, or gas supply pipework must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Check at gassaferegister.co.uk before booking.