HIRING GUIDES
Hiring a reputable local plumber
Updated 03/26
By: Laura Macdonald
Whether you’re fixing a leak, installing a new bathroom, or upgrading your heating system, choosing the right plumber matters.
Most plumbers are skilled tradespeople who take pride in doing a good job. But when something goes wrong with your plumbing, the impact can be costly — from water damage to heating failures. Knowing what to check before you hire can help you avoid problems later.
Finding a good plumber shouldn’t be a lottery. This guide explains what plumbers do, what qualifications to check, when Gas Safe registration is required, and how homeowners typically choose a plumber with confidence.
What plumbers do and when you might need one
When Gas Safe registration is required
What to check before hiring a plumber
Questions to ask before agreeing to work
Common mistakes homeowners make when hiring plumbers
Quick checks: what to look for before hiring a plumber
If you’re comparing plumbers, these quick checks can help you choose someone qualified and avoid common hiring mistakes.
Before hiring a plumber, check that they:
Have experience with the type of plumbing work you need
Will provide a written quote explaining what’s included
Have public liability insurance
Can show recent customer reviews or references
Can clearly explain the work and expected timescales
Are appropriately qualified if the work involves gas appliances
What does a plumber do?
A plumber installs, repairs, and maintains water systems in properties. This includes pipework, taps, toilets, drainage, heating systems, and appliances connected to the water supply.
Some plumbers specialise in particular areas such as bathroom installations, heating systems, or emergency plumbing repairs.
Start searching for local plumbers in your area
When should you call a plumber?
Some plumbing problems can be handled with basic maintenance, but others need professional attention. If you’re unsure whether to call a plumber, the following situations are among the most common reasons homeowners hire one.
Common plumbing jobs homeowners hire for
Many homeowners hire plumbers for routine repairs, installations, and maintenance tasks around the home. These include jobs such as:
Repairing leaking taps or pipes
Installing sinks, taps, or toilets
Replacing damaged pipework
Installing washing machines or dishwashers
Fitting outside taps
Unblocking drains
Fixing radiators that aren’t heating properly
Repairing or installing hot water cylinders
Fixing low water pressure issues
When do you need an emergency plumber?
Some plumbing issues can quickly become serious if ignored, particularly leaks or heating failures. You may need an emergency plumber if you experience:
A burst pipe or major water leak
No hot water or heating
Severe drain or toilet blockages
Water leaking through ceilings or walls
Flooding caused by plumbing failures
If the problem involves gas appliances or heating systems, you should contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
When do you need a Gas Safe engineer instead of a plumber?
Many plumbing jobs don’t require legal registration. However, any work involving gas appliances must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
This includes:
Installing or servicing boilers
Working on gas hobs or cookers
Repairing gas pipework
Servicing gas heating systems
If your plumbing job involves a gas appliance, make sure the engineer is listed on the Gas Safe register.
Do you need a plumber, heating engineer, or gas engineer?
These roles often overlap, which can make it confusing to know who to hire.
Plumber
A plumber works with water systems and pipework, including:
Taps and sinks
Toilets and drainage
Pipe installations and repairs
Appliance connections such as washing machines or dishwashers
Heating engineer
A heating engineer specialises in central heating systems, including:
Radiators
Boilers
Hot water cylinders
Heating controls
Many heating engineers are also plumbers.
Gas engineer
A gas engineer is qualified to work on gas appliances and gas pipework.
In the UK, anyone carrying out gas work must be Gas Safe registered.
In simple terms...
Hire a plumber for water pipes, taps, or leaks
Contact a heating engineer for radiators or heating systems
Book a Gas Safe registered engineer for gas appliances or boilers
Some tradespeople are qualified in all three areas, but it’s important to check their credentials before hiring to make sure you get the right person for the job.
Use our request a quote form to contact checked local plumbers in your area, explain the scope of the work needed, and request a quote.
Skills and experience to look for in a plumber
When hiring a plumber, both experience and training matter. It’s important to look for plumbers who can demonstrate:
Experience with jobs similar to yours
Recognised plumbing qualifications or apprenticeships
Membership of professional trade organisations
Clear communication about how the work will be carried out
Many reputable plumbers are members of trade bodies such as:
The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)
Membership of a professional association often indicates a commitment to industry standards and continuing professional development.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Questions to ask before hiring a plumber
Before you agree to any work, consider asking a few ‘qualifying questions’:
How long have you been working as a plumber?
Have you completed similar plumbing jobs before?
Are you Gas Safe registered (if the work involves gas appliances)?
Can you show examples of previous work or customer reviews?
Do you have public liability insurance?
What's included in the quote?
How long will the work take?
Who will carry out the work?
What happens if the job changes or additional work is needed?
It can feel awkward asking these kinds of detailed questions before work begins, but it’s far easier to clarify things upfront than deal with misunderstandings later.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Understanding quotes and hourly rates
The price you’re quoted for plumbing work will vary depending on the type of job, the plumber’s experience, your location, and whether a call-out fee is involved.
As a guide:
The average hourly rate for a plumber is around £50
Day rates may be around £350 per day
Emergency or out-of-hours call-outs may add £110 (on top of the hourly rate)
Our plumber cost guide has more detailed pricing information.
Some plumbers charge hourly for smaller jobs, while larger projects are often priced as fixed quotes.
Remember, a written quote should clearly explain:
The scope of work
Labour costs
Materials
Any call-out or inspection fees
Comparing a few quotes can help you understand what a fair price looks like and feel more confident in your choice of hire.
Data verified by our professional estimators
Estimators are CIOB & RICS members
Common mistakes when hiring a plumber
Hiring based on price alone
Not checking customer reviews or references
Assuming all plumbers can work on gas appliances
Agreeing to work without a written quote
Not confirming what’s included in the job
Hiring someone without experience in your type of plumbing work
Can you do plumbing work yourself?
Some minor plumbing jobs can be tackled by confident DIYers, such as replacing washers or tightening fittings.
However, more complex plumbing work usually requires specialist tools and experience. Incorrect installations can cause leaks, water damage, or safety issues.
Any work involving gas appliances can only be carried out by a plumber who is Gas Safe registered.
Hiring a qualified plumber will help ensure the job is completed safely and correctly.
Checklist: how to hire a plumber
Find a trusted plumber near you
Finding a plumber used to mean flicking through a big yellow directory and hoping for the best.
Today, online platforms make it much easier to search for plumbers working in your area and see how they’ve been rated by other homeowners.
When you use Checkatrade, you can compare plumbers who are:
Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard
Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work
Guaranteed - When you book through Checkatrade, your job is covered by our guarantee, up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
Enter your postcode to compare reputable plumbers working locally to you and request quotes with confidence.
Start browsing for local plumbers near you
Enter your postcode to find a top tradesperson near you
Heating And More Ltd
10.00
(16 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberBlocked BathsUnderfloor Heating InstallationUnderfloor Heating RepairShower Installationtoilets taps & traps Ltd
10.00
(5 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberBathroom & Kitchen PlumbingTap RepairPipe FitterBlocked SinksJG Swan Housing Ltd
10.00
(77 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberBathroom & Kitchen PlumbingWater Mains Specialist (Pipe Replacement, Moling and Lead Pipes)Power FlushingShower InstallationFlowtech Plumbers
10.00
(28 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberBathroom & Kitchen PlumbingShower InstallationPower FlushingWater Leak Detection3F Heating and Plumbing Ltd
10.00
(109 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberGeneral PlumbingRadiator Thermostat Valve RepairPipe FitterRadiator InstallationHighgate Heating and Plumbing Ltd
10.00
(542 reviews)Services & skills
PlumberGeneral PlumbingThermal DynamicsUnderfloor Heating InstallationBathroom & Kitchen Plumbing
Hiring a plumber FAQs
The average hourly rate for a plumber is around £50, although rates vary depending on location, experience, and the type of work required.
Some plumbers charge a call-out fee to cover travel time and inspection. This may be around £110 for emergency or out-of-hours visits.
Start by comparing plumbers working in your area, read customer reviews, and be sure to request written quotes from more than one tradesperson before choosing.
A plumber typically installs the pump and connects it to the plumbing system. If electrical wiring is required, an electrician may also need to complete the electrical connection.
Many dishwashers can be installed by homeowners if the plumbing connections already exist. However, a plumber can ensure the appliance is correctly connected and there are no leaks.
Look for plumbers with consistent customer reviews, experience with similar jobs, clear quotes, and good communication about the work.
Installing an outside tap usually involves connecting to internal pipework, which is typically carried out by a plumber to ensure the system is installed safely.
A plumber focuses on pipework and water systems. A bathroom fitter manages the overall bathroom installation and may coordinate multiple trades including plumbers, electricians, and tilers.
Emergency plumbers deal with urgent problems such as burst pipes, severe leaks, blocked drains, or heating failures that need immediate attention.
Some plumbers offer free quotes, while others charge for site visits or detailed assessments. It’s best to confirm this upfront.
A rotten egg smell may be caused by hydrogen sulphide in the water supply or issues within the plumbing system. A plumber can inspect the system to identify the cause.
If the thermostat controls a heating system, a plumber or heating engineer may replace it. Electrical connections may require an electrician.
The timing of when you should pay a plumber depends on the individual plumber and the job they’re doing for you. Payment is definitely something you should confirm before hiring, so both parties are clear on the payment terms — how much is due and when.
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