Find Plumbers in the UK

In short, plumbers install and maintain water systems. This includes pipework, drainage installations, bathroom fixtures, and even home appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers – plus so much else.

Plumbers are experts in dealing with weak water pressure, tepid water supply, and all other issues related to malfunctioning water systems in your home. Given how prominent your plumbing system is in your home, it's crucial that you find a local plumber whom you can trust.

Many plumbers can also install and service boilers, alongside gas and heating engineers. Not all plumbers can do this, so you need to check that they have the correct qualifications before hiring anyone.

These experts don't just help you keep your home functional, but can even improve your property's efficiency, saving you money. That's why, although some plumbing work can be expensive, you should really take the time to find a reliable plumber who knows what they're doing.

Yes, plumbers offer urgent callouts for emergency situations. If your plumbing problem is damaging your property and cannot wait, you’ll need these 24-hour plumbing services almost immediately – but expect to pay a higher price.

If you're unsure whether you have an emergency on your hands, don't worry – there are plenty of plumbing emergency examples around. Consider whether the problem will damage your home if it's left unresolved, or whether it's putting you or anybody else in your home at risk. In both cases, it's best to call an emergency plumber.

Emergency plumbing services are available day and night, on weekends, and even during bank holidays, so you're always covered. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to find an emergency plumber before you have a problem. That way, you won't need to scramble to find one on short notice.

Pro tip: want to know what you'll need to pay? Read our emergency plumbers cost guide to learn the real prices emergency plumbers charge.

Hourly plumbing rates are between £30 and £80, on average. The amount a plumber charges per hour will change depending on the type of work, the ease of access to your plumbing, whether they require special equipment, their experience, and your location – as well as several other factors.

For example, the cost of installing a new toilet is likely to vary considerably from the cost of installing a new boiler. Without prior knowledge, it can be hard to figure out what a fair price is for your planned work. Luckily, there are workarounds.

Getting a good deal on your plumbing work is easier when you take quotes from several plumbing services in your area. This will give you a much better idea of what constitutes a fair price while letting you balance the cost of services against other factors – like customer reviews.

It's worth remembering, too, that emergency plumbers command higher hourly rates and callout fees than regular plumbers. You can still compare prices between emergency plumbers, but you'll need to choose a service quickly to resolve urgent situations.

For a closer look at plumber rates, check out our plumbers cost guide.

Yes, many plumbers charge customers for visits to their properties. This covers the cost of travelling to your property and the time it takes to assess the problem (which might not result in any paid plumbing work for the professional).

Some plumbers do offer free consultations, though, especially if the callout is during normal working hours and you’re located nearby. Before booking a callout with a plumber, make sure you know whether they're charging you for visiting your property.

Unless you have an urgent plumbing problem, you should have plenty of time to choose between your local plumbers. To hear from the best nearby plumbers directly, post a free enquiry on Yell, explaining in simple terms what you need.

Most plumbing emergencies require intervention from experienced plumbing professionals, but, at times, there are some things you can do. If you're dealing with a bad leak or burst pipe, you can stop the water supply from flooding your home by locating and turning off the inside stop valve.

This is usually located by the kitchen sink, though it could also be in your airing cupboard or near the front door. Finding the valve on short notice can be challenging, so it's good to know where it is more generally. Once you locate the inside stop valve, gently rotate it clockwise.

If you can't find the inside valve, keep trying. Persistence is key, and there's probably nothing else you can do to help the situation. What you certainly shouldn't do is try to fix the leak or burst pipe yourself – you could end up causing more severe damage to your property.

Pro tip: find out what you can expect to pay with our guide on UK burst pipe repair costs now.

For larger projects, some plumbers will expect an upfront deposit. For smaller service requests, it’s normal to pay the full amount once the work is finished. You should always confirm exact payment methods and deposit expectations with your chosen plumber in advance.

If you fail to agree on payment arrangements with your plumber before the work begins but after paying the deposit, you could be left with an incomplete project having already paid a bill. That's the last thing you want.

Clarity is king – find out how much you'll have to pay, when you have to pay, and whether any additional charges might crop up before committing to a professional. This can help you avoid nasty surprises later down the line.

Yes, most plumbers are willing to fit bathroom fixtures. That includes toilets, showers, baths, sinks, and most other permanent additions to your bathroom. That's pretty much everything you need for a complete bathroom suite.

This isn't simply a matter of connecting these fixtures so that water's flowing. Playing a central role in bathroom renovations, plumbers will configure your setup to make sure you're getting a good supply of hot water and reliable water pressure.

You might need help from an electrician if you're planning on installing an electric shower, though many plumbers can install these, as long as they're part-P qualified. Make sure to check with plumbers whether they're allowed to install electric showers before signing off on their quote.

For more comprehensive insights into how much you'll need to pay for new bathroom fixtures, check out our guide on bathroom fitting costs.

There are many reasons that your property could suffer a water leak, but the most common cause of severe leaks is degrading or corroding pipework. Less severe leaks, like when your taps are leaking, might not cause as much damage to your property, but they can result in expensive utility bills. Some common causes of leaks include:

• Cracked or corroded pipework

• Misuse of household chemicals and cleaning products

• Frozen pipes expanding and bursting

• Excessive water pressure

• Improper fittings, often from DIY installations

• Blockages and clogged drains

• Settling or shifting in the building's foundation

• Tree root infiltration

• Roof leaks and sitting water

• Faulty fixtures (taps, faucets, and showerheads)

Remember, understanding the underlying cause of leaks is just as important as stopping the leak. If you don't make sure the cause is treated, the chances are that you'll have another leak sooner or later. Experienced plumbers will make sure that you get to the root of the problem.

It’s not always obvious if you have a water leak in your property. That's especially true where underground water pipe leaks are concerned!

Even so, there are signs of leaks you always should look out for – vigilance is key. Warning signs include spikes in your water bill, damp patches on your walls, floors, and ceilings, and low water pressure. If your property has any or several of these, there's likely a leak.

Professional plumbers can find where these leaks are located and then take steps to plug them. Finding a leak can be a challenge, since they're often hidden behind walls or underneath floors, among the pipework.

When leaks are in a hard-to-reach spot, it can increase the price of locating and repairing the leak. If you're worried about the cost of repairing a leak, make sure you take quotes from several plumbers before scheduling a callout. It's the easiest way to get the best deal.

It might feel like clogged drains and pipes are inevitable, but you can actually prevent blockages by altering your everyday behaviour. Here are some quick tips for preventing clogged drains and pipes.

• Avoid pouring grease down the drain

Many people pour grease down the sink, yet this is a major mistake. The grease and fat solidifies in your pipes, causing blockages. Instead, dispose of grease in a container (a jar, for example) and throw it in the rubbish (learn to deal with blockages with our guide on how to unblock a sink).

• Dispose of food waste properly

Take care to scrape food waste into the appropriate bin instead of rinsing it down the sink. Fibrous and starchy foods are major causes of blockages in drains and pipework. You can also use a drain screen to stop scraps from flowing down your drain while you're doing the washing up.

• Don't flush "non-flushable" items

Wipes, cotton balls, paper towels, and other sanitary products should never be flushed down the toilet, since they won't break down and will eventually cause a blockage. Even some items advertised as "flushable" aren't safe to flush, so it's best to only flush waste and toilet paper. If you don't take care, you could end up having to pay the cost of a clogged toilet repair.

• Clean drains regularly

Proactively clearing your drains of gunk and grime can help you avoid more substantial blockages later down the line. Plungers and drain snakes are both effective for clearing out blockages that would eventually cause problems in your property. When build-up is inevitable, cleaning can help – and save you from having to clear a fully blocked shower drain!

• Consider a water softener

Hard water is present in many places in the UK, and while it's just as safe to drink and use as soft water, it can lead to mineral build-ups in pipework. By installing a water softener, you can prevent this from happening - although this will require help from one of your local plumbers.

If you're having problems, these tips can help you limit how often your property gets blockages moving forward. Beyond that, plumbers can offer professional advice and support in preventing clogged drains and blockages, too.

Pro tip: need professional help with a blocked drain? Before hiring anyone, take a moment to read our guide on how much clogged drain repairs cost.

Unfortunately, despite the name, most wipes labelled as flushable are not fine to flush at all. They can cause blockages and sewage backups, and damage both the environment and water treatment infrastructure.

According to David Doran from Blackstone Plumbing & Heating Ltd, a plumbing expert with 20 years of experience, so-called flushable wipes cause "consumers to inadvertently harm their plumbing and the environment." Why exactly does this happen?

"Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to break down quickly in water, most flushable wipes do not disintegrate easily. They remain largely intact and can cause blockages in pipes and sewers. The term 'flushable' is not strictly regulated, so products labelled as such do not necessarily meet the criteria for safe disposal through flushing."

This means that even if a product is labelled as "flushable", it could still cause harm to your plumbing and lead to expensive repairs. The safest option is to throw unflushable items like wet wipes and baby wipes in your general waste bin.

In most cases, radiators don't heat up because of trapped air. If the radiator is hot at the bottom but not at the top, this is probably the case. This trapped air might seem like a big problem, but it can usually be resolved by bleeding your radiators.

More often than not, this works, but there's a chance that another issue is causing the problem. You might have a faulty thermostatic radiator valve, an unbalanced system, a sludge build-up, or even problems with your boiler.

If you've tried bleeding your radiators and it doesn't work, hiring a plumber or heating engineer is the best option. They can pinpoint what's causing the problem and get it fixed before it causes any further disruption in your property.

They might choose to flush your radiators, getting rid of the gunk and mineral muck that has built up inside. This kind of service is worthwhile for good central heating installation health, even if you're not experiencing problems.

There are many reasons a boiler might need to be repaired or replaced, but the most obvious reasons are repeated boiler breakdowns and declining performance. If your boiler needs frequent repairs, it's cheaper to replace it in the long run.

Rising energy bills could also indicate your boiler is running inefficiently, while strange noises, odd smells, and leaks could all suggest problems are around the corner. If your pilot light goes out, or if your boiler flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, seeking repair expertise from a boiler technician or gas engineer is essential.

When dealing with minor boiler issues, repairing the unit is probably going to be sufficient. For larger concerns, you can save yourself lots of time, stress, and, eventually, money by replacing your boiler entirely. Whichever option you choose, proactively service your boiler to prevent future issues.

Most professionals advise having your boiler serviced once a year. While this is a cost you might not want to pay, regular servicing makes sure the boiler is working efficiently and safely and can help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future.

You might be tempted to wait longer for newer boilers since they're surely less likely to run into repair problems. But it's still worth arranging a boiler service each year. A proactive approach helps you avoid serious issues, and a robust service record helps when selling your home, too.

There are many different types of boilers and heat pumps in the UK nowadays. To make sure you're getting the best for your unit, pay close attention to the manufacturer's guidance that came through with the initial purchase. This is the easiest way to keep your heating infrastructure in good condition.

Plumbers mainly focus on water systems (pipes, drainage, and fixtures), while heating engineers work on heating systems (boilers, radiators, underfloor heating, and central heating). Many plumbers can work on heating systems, but they must be Gas Safe registered to do so.

Since your plumbing system might be causing issues with your heating, it could make sense to hire a professional who has experience with both plumbing and heating. Due to the close relationship between these systems, many plumbers are Gas Safe registered and capable of handling both.

When you're taking quotes for work on your heating systems, make sure you ask any plumbers and heating engineers for evidence that they're Gas Safe registered. If they're not registered, or not willing to prove their registration, it's a major red flag.

Since your property's plumbing is so vital, you need to make sure only the most qualified and reliable plumbers are working on it. Here are the questions you need to ask to find those local plumbers.

• Are you a fully qualified plumber?

In the UK, plumbers are not technically required to hold formal qualifications. Many start their plumbing careers in apprenticeships, gaining experience on the job. That is just one of several routes to becoming a plumber – the most popular option, nowadays, is getting a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).

They might, though, require qualifications for working on specific aspects of plumbing. For example, plumbers working on construction sites need to hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. You can check whether their card is valid by visiting CSCS Smart Check.

If you'd prefer a plumber with evidence of formal qualifications, like an NVQ, you're perfectly entitled to ask for that. If you're happy with hiring a plumber without these formal qualifications, it's probably best to check that they're signed up with relevant trade bodies.

You can check whether plumbers are registered with the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) or the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the two largest plumbing trade associations. You can also check WaterSafe, an accreditation body for competent and qualified plumbers.

• Are you Gas Safe registered?

If your request relates to the installation, repair, or maintenance of gas appliances or systems, you'll need a Gas Safe registered professional to carry out the work. Always ask whether your plumber or heating engineer is Gas Safe registered before booking them.

Examples of work that require Gas Safe registration include boiler installation, gas appliance installation and repair (cookers, for example), and gas supply and meter installation and repair. If you're not sure whether your request requires Gas Safe registration, you can always check the Gas Safe website for guidance.

Besides making sure professionals are on the Gas Safe register, you also need to ensure they're qualified to help with the specific type of request that you need help with. For guidance, check the Gas Safe Register website's glossary for the different categories of work.

• Can you provide any references or testimonials?

The best way to tell if you're dealing with a reliable and qualified plumber is to hear about the experiences of their previous customers. Reviews, references, and testimonials can give you some great insights into their technical proficiency, communication style, and attitude towards customer service.

When plumbers cannot or refuse to provide testimonials or references, it's a definite red flag. You can save yourself some trouble by moving on from that particular professional and finding a local plumber who can prove their high level of service.

• What are your payment terms?

When hiring a plumber, many people only think about the total cost of the work. That's a mistake, though. It's important to consider the payment terms in detail. You need to know how much you're going to pay, whether a deposit is required (as well as how large that deposit would be), and specific dates for the payment schedule.

It might be that you'd rather pay a little more for the work if you get to pay in instalments, rather than upfront. Whatever you prefer, you should ask for a detailed breakdown of the payment terms at the earliest opportunity.

Understanding the payment terms before hiring a plumber allows you to make a fully informed decision. It's also good practice to ask for a written estimate of the costs since you can point to the agreement if there's a disagreement later on.

• Do you offer a warranty or any guarantees for the work?

Most reputable plumbers and heating engineers will provide guarantees or warranties for their work. This means that they're standing by the quality of their craft, and that should any issues spring up related to their work, they'll handle them.

Warranties and guarantees can vary enormously from one plumber to the next. You need to know about the period you'll be covered for, as well as any other specifics about the type of issues you'll receive help with. Ask about their terms to get a complete picture of the guarantee or warranty before booking the plumber.

If you're in a disagreement with a plumber after or during a project, don't worry. Read TrustMark's guide on what to do if a project goes wrong now.

• Do you clean up after the work is finished?

Plumbing can be messy work, and there's a reasonable chance it could cause disruption in your home. Plumbers will do what they can to limit the mess they make in your property, but some of it is inevitable and unavoidable.

You can ask plumbers whether they handle clean-up once the work is completed. This is something that some plumbers offer, but it's certainly not standard. If you're concerned about cleaning the mess up yourself, steer clear of plumbers who don't provide this service.

Plumbers and heating engineers must be Gas Safe registered to work on boilers and other heating system infrastructure. You can ask them whether they're Gas Safe registered when you're taking initial quotes, but you must also check the Gas Safe register yourself.

If you're struggling to find your plumber or heating engineer, you can also call the Gas Safe register on the phone. Once you're satisfied your chosen professional is registered, go ahead and make a booking with them.

Once the plumber or heating engineer arrives at your property, ask to see their Gas Safe ID card. Make sure the photo matches the person, that the registration isn't expired, and the type of work they're qualified to carry out. By doing this, you're making sure they are who they say they are and that they're qualified to help you.