The easier way to book quality trades

Download app

From fixing urgent leaks to new bathroom installations, plumbers can help with all sorts of jobs around your home. But what are typical plumber costs?

Read on to learn about plumber hourly rates vs day rates – and the hidden costs to watch out for.

How much does a plumber cost?

In a nutshell, the average plumber cost is £50 per hour or £350 per day.

However, every type of plumbing job requires different materials, skills and labour times. Which is why some plumbers may quote an overall cost for the job, rather than an hourly rate or day rate.

Let's break down the costs to give you the full picture.

How much does a plumber charge per hour?

Most professionals will have a minimum charge, usually the cost of an hour’s work.

The average plumber hourly rate is £50.

Plumber day rate UK

Taking on a bigger job, like a bathroom refit? It might be wise to use a plumber who charges on a daily basis, as it can work out cheaper than a plumber's hourly rate.

The average plumber's day rate is £350.

Emergency plumber call charges

Got a leak on your hands? Then you'll want it dealt with as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Plumbers cost much less than the damage caused by leaving an issue unfixed.

The average emergency plumber cost is £110 for the callout fee, with an extra cost to complete the work depending on the time taken.

What are plumber call out charges?

The average plumber call-out charges are usually around £110. Though if it's an emergency or out of hours, your plumber could charge more.

For more information on prices, check out our guide to plumber call-out charges.

Find plumbers in your local area

Ready to find Checkatrade tradespeople offering plumbing services?

Read customer reviews from real people, and contact them directly to book your job using our free mobile app.

Cost of common plumbing jobs in the UK

Usually, plumbers charge an hourly or daily rate, but sometimes they will charge per job.

Some of the common tasks a plumber can help with include:

• Unblock a toilet: The average cost is £100

• Repair a burst water pipe: Starts at around £150 (if it happens at night or at the weekend, you will have to factor in the emergency call-out fee, too)

• Replace a water tank: Approximately £405

Ready to contact a plumber to get your repair sorted? Just search your postcode below to find trusted and reliable plumbers local to you.

Plumber cost calculator UK

To get an estimate for your plumbing job, why not try our interactive cost calculator?

Job Estimate Calculator

Get Started

Step 0/3

What’s included in a plumber’s quote?

Always check with your chosen plumber exactly what’s included in your quote. Most will provide an itemised breakdown, so you know what you’re paying for.

A quote will usually include:

• Labour costs – Hourly or daily rate, plus any call-out fee

• Parts and materials – Pipes, fittings and fixtures,

• Standard installation or repair work – The agreed scope of the job

• Clean-up and basic waste disposal – Removing packaging and job-related waste

• VAT – If the plumber is VAT-registered (always check if it’s included)

• Basic testing and checks – Ensuring everything is working as it should

Hidden or additional costs to watch out for

Remember, you may also need to budget for things such as the following:

• Replacement parts and plumbing materials

• Disposal of waste parts

• Multiple tradespeople (for big or complex jobs)

• Travel and parking overheads

Factors affecting the cost of common plumbing jobs

Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay for plumbing work. Understanding these can help you budget more accurately:

• Type of job – Simple fixes cost less than full installations

• Repair vs replacement – Repairs are cheaper than replacing systems or parts

• Time required – Longer jobs increase labour costs

• Number of issues – Multiple problems raise time and materials

• System drainage – Draining the system can add time and cost

• Parts and materials – Standard vs premium options affect price

• Finish required – Basic installs are cheaper than fully finished work (e.g. tiling)

• Accessibility – Difficult access increases labour time

• Emergency work – Out-of-hours callouts cost more

• Location – Prices vary across the UK

When to DIY vs hire a professional plumber

Some plumbing jobs, like fixing a dripping tap or fitting a toilet might be doable if you're a confident DIYer. However, it's worth noting:

• Mistakes can be costly – Incorrect work can lead to leaks, water damage, or more expensive repairs later

• Specialist tools are needed – Certain jobs require proper plumbing tools and materials

• Time vs cost trade-off – DIY may save money upfront, but a professional can complete the job quicker and more reliably

• Compliance and safety matter – A qualified plumber makes sure the work meets UK standards and regulations

• Certification – They'll have the right accreditations for the job, e.g. CIPHE or WaterSafe

• Work guaranteed – Many plumbing companies will cover free repairs or replacement

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

How to find a plumber

Plumbing cost checklist

• Shop around for fair and competitive plumbing quotes

• Always hire a plumber with experience and top-rated reviews

• Don't forget to ask exactly what’s included in the quote – for instance, call-out fees and costs for extra parts

• Small DIY plumbing jobs, like replacing taps, are doable if you're a confident DIY-er

• For larger plumbing jobs, leave it to professionals. Plumbing repairs can be complicated, difficult and messy to fix

FAQS about plumbing costs

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Checkatrade

Follow us

More Plumber Articles

Plumbing installation costs in the UK in 2026

How Much Does a New Bathroom Cost in the UK?

Bath to shower conversion cost guide

View all