Plumber costs: what you need to know

• Hourly rate for a plumber: £40 to £80+ 

• Day rate for a plumber: £180 to £350+ 

• Emergency call-out fee: £100 to £120+ 

Whether it’s fixing a leaky tap, unblocking a drain, or installing new bathroom fixtures, plumbing services can vary in price depending on the job’s complexity and location.  

The average hourly rate for a plumber in the UK is £60, while emergency call-outs typically cost £100+.  

This guide breaks down common plumbing costs and highlights key factors to help you budget for plumbing services. 

Data for this guide was collected in November 2024 from Yell proprietary data and online data sources.  

Plumbers typically deal with a wide range of home problems related to water supply, drainage, and heating systems.  

Here’s an overview of typical plumbing tasks and their associated costs. 

Costs accurate as of November 2024 

Bathroom plumbing involves installing and maintaining the systems that supply water and drainage for bathroom fixtures such as toilets, sinks, showers, and baths.  

You can expect to pay £2,700 to £4,000+ to plumb a full bathroom. You can learn more about these expenses with our guide on bathroom renovation costs. 

Repairing a leak is a common job for plumbers, ranging from minor issues, like a dripping tap, to major problems, such as a burst pipe or hidden leak within a wall. 

Addressing leaks promptly with the help of a professional plumber is essential to prevent water damage and high water bills. 

Repairing a leak can cost £150 to £400+, depending on severity and ease of access. 

Learn more about these expenses with our guide on how much leak repairs cost. 

A drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or drain auger, is a flexible, coiled tool used to dislodge and clear blockages in internal pipes and drains such as sinks.  

It is inserted into the drain and manually or mechanically rotated to break up or retrieve the clog, allowing water to flow freely again. 

Unblocking sinks can cost £90+.  If you're DIY savvy, you can always attempt to unblock a sink yourself to save some cash.

Common causes of low water pressure include clogged pipes, faulty fixtures, leaks, issues with the main water supply, or problems with pressure regulators. 

Fixing low water pressure can cost £100 to £750+, depending on the cause.  

Replacing kitchen taps can be a quick and effective way to freshen up your space. 

Whether you're dealing with a leaky tap or just fancy a new style, professional installation by a plumber ensures a secure fit. 

Replacing kitchen taps will cost £80 to £120+.  

Toilet installations involve connecting the toilet to the water supply and waste pipe, sealing it securely to the floor, and testing for leaks. 

The labour cost of installing a toilet is £175 to £2,500+ depending on the type of toilet you want installed.  

Bathtub installations include positioning the bathtub, connecting the plumbing for the water supply and drain, sealing edges, and checking for proper drainage and leaks. 

The labour cost for a bathtub installation is between £200 to £4,000+, depending on the complexity of the installation and the type of bathtub.  

When installing a kitchen tap, plumbers will connect the tap to the water supply lines, secure it to the sink or countertop, and ensure a leak-free operation. 

Labour for installing a kitchen tap can cost £160 to £210+.  

Shower installations involve mounting the shower unit, connecting it to the water supply, sealing all joints, and ensuring proper water flow and temperature control. 

The labour cost for a shower installation is between £400 to £1,200+.  

Hiring a qualified plumber is essential for quality work and safe installation. Here’s an overview of typical plumber rates in the UK. 

Costs accurate as of November 2024 

Typical plumbing rates range from £40 to £80+ per hour, and £180 to £350+ per day, depending on the project or task.  

Emergency plumbing services, such as handling burst pipes or major leaks, usually involve a higher call-out fee due to the urgency of the situation.  

Typical emergency call-out fees range from £100 to £120+, with hourly rates similar to standard service but subject to additional charges if extensive work is required. 

Costs accurate as of November 2024 

For those living in Scotland or Wales, the average plumbing job cost is higher than those living in Northern Ireland or the West Midlands.  

This could be due to local demand, material or transport costs.  

Whatever the reason you’re hiring a plumber, it’s important to take quotes from several professionals to make sure you’re getting a fair price. 

Still have questions about the plumber costs? Read on below and get answers to your burning questions. 

What qualifications should plumbers usually have?  

Plumbers usually have qualifications such as an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) in plumbing and heating at Level 2 or 3, which cover practical skills and safety standards.  

Many also complete apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with classroom learning. 

Some may have memberships to industry bodies, like the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE). 

Those working on gas systems must be Gas Safe registered to legally carry out gas work in the UK. 

What questions should I ask my plumber? 

There are a range of questions you can ask your chosen plumber to make sure they’re up to the task:  

• How much experience do you have with this plumbing task?  

• Are you fully insured?  

• How long will the job take to complete? 

• Do you have any references or reviews from past customers? 

• What payment methods do you accept?  

• Do you require a deposit? 

• Do you offer any warranty or guarantee on your work? 

• Are there any addition costs I should be aware of? 

An unwillingness to answer your questions or provide adequate responses might suggest you’re dealing with a less trustworthy individual. 

For more help with hiring a plumber, check out TrustMark’s top tips for hiring tradespeople. 

What is the average cost for unblocking a sink drain? 

Unblocking a sink drain using a drain snake usually costs £90+.  

Costs might vary, though, depending on the severity of the issue, and how easy it is to access your drains blockage. 

You can attempt to unblock a sink yourself, but if the blockage is deep in your plumbing, even effective DIY methods won't be enough.

How much does it cost to fix low water pressure? 

Fixing low water pressure can cost anywhere from £100 to £750+, depending on the cause. 

Common issues include clogged pipes, leaks, or faulty pressure regulators – while weak water pressure can afflict both taps and showers. 

In some cases, you can fix these issues yourself, without intervention from a hired professional. 

Having problems with your shower? Check out our guide for how to improve water pressure in your shower. 

Can I save money by doing small plumbing jobs myself? 

For small repairs like unclogging a minor blockage or changing a bath tap, DIY can save you money.  

However, for anything more extensive or complex, hiring a plumber is critical to ensure safety and proper installation. 

If you don’t use a plumbing expert, you risk several potential problems, including incorrect installations, persistent leaks, or even severe water damage to your property.  

Poorly executed plumbing work can lead to burst pipes, mould growth, or drainage issues, often requiring more expensive repairs down the line. 

If you're doing much more than unblocking a shower drain, it might be best to err on the side of caution.

How much does it cost to replace a kitchen tap? 

Replacing a kitchen tap costs between £80 to £120+ for labour.  

Costs vary based on the tap type and any adjustments needed to existing plumbing. This might be just one of several kitchen fitting costs you’ll need to cover, too. 

What is a plumbing emergency?  

A plumbing emergency typically includes situations that pose an immediate risk to your home or safety. 

This could include burst pipes, major water leaks, severe drain blockages, overflowing toilets, or a complete loss of water supply.  

Gas leaks, sewage backups, or issues that could cause significant water damage, like a malfunctioning water heater, are also considered emergencies.  

These situations require urgent attention to prevent property damage, health hazards, or safety risks. 

For more information on these situations, check out our article on plumbing emergencies. 

Do plumbers charge more for emergency callouts? 

Yes, emergency plumbing services typically incur a call-out fee between £100 and £120+ to cover the urgent response. 

This is why it’s important to recognise whether you’re really dealing with an emergency. Of course, we always recommend erring on the side of caution. 

The cost of plumbing services in the UK varies based on the job complexity and urgency.  

Basic tasks like unblocking drains start around £90+, while full bathroom installations may reach £4,000+.  

For quality and safety, hiring a professional plumber is essential, especially for complex or emergency work. 

For highly rated plumbing services, connect with experienced plumbers in your area. 

On Yell, you can find plumbers near you in seconds. Simply browse local profiles, read customer reviews, and pick your favourite services. 

Alternatively, you can post a free enquiry, providing a few quick details, and let plumbers contact you directly, by phone or email. It couldn’t be simpler! 

For more cost guides, money-saving tips, and expert home improvement advice, check out the rest of the Yell blog. 

Cost data was gathered from business estimates, profiles and websites captured on Yell.com, in up to 12 UK regions, combined with an analysis of wider industry data. Actual costs may vary depending on location or complexity of the task, project, or service. We encourage customers to reach out to industry professionals for specific quotes based on their unique requirements.