How Much Does a Plumber Cost in the UK?
Typical UK plumber hourly rates, day rates and common job prices, plus what pushes a quote up or down and how to compare quotes fairly.
Plumbing prices vary more than most people expect. Two quotes for the same leaking tap can differ by a good margin, and both can be fair once you understand what each one includes. This guide explains how plumbers usually charge, what typical ranges look like, and how to compare quotes without getting caught out.
Every figure below is a rough guide. Prices depend on where you live, the size and difficulty of the job, and how urgent it is.
How plumbers usually charge
Most plumbers use one of three methods:
- Hourly rate. Common for small or uncertain jobs. Typically somewhere around £40 to £70 an hour outside London, and often more in London and the South East.
- Day rate. Common for longer work such as a bathroom refit or a run of pipework. Typically a few hundred pounds a day, again higher in the south.
- Fixed price. Common for well-defined jobs such as fitting a tap or a washing machine. You agree the figure first, which makes budgeting easier.
Some plumbers also charge a call-out fee, which covers getting to you and the first stretch of time. Our guide to plumber call-out charges covers how that works.
Typical prices for common jobs
These are broad ranges for labour on straightforward jobs. Parts are often extra unless the quote says otherwise.
| Job | Typical labour range |
|---|---|
| Replacing a washer in a dripping tap | Around £60 to £120 |
| Fitting a new tap | Around £80 to £180 |
| Clearing a blocked sink or basin | Around £70 to £150 |
| Plumbing in a washing machine | Around £60 to £120 |
| Fixing a toilet cistern fault | Around £70 to £150 |
| Repairing a leaking pipe | Around £100 to £250 |
Treat the table as a starting point, not a promise. A tap that is seized, a pipe in an awkward void, or a property with old pipework can all take longer.
What makes a quote go up or down
Access and condition
A sink with open space beneath it is quick. A bath with a panel that has been sealed shut, or pipes boxed in behind tiling, takes longer. Older properties may have corroded fittings that snap rather than unscrew.
Parts and materials
Fittings range from budget to premium. If you want a specific tap or shower valve, check who is buying it. Plumbers often add a margin to parts they supply, which is normal, but ask so you can compare like with like.
Timing and urgency
Evenings, weekends, bank holidays and emergencies usually cost more. If water is not actively causing damage, a daytime weekday visit is almost always cheaper. See emergency plumber costs for what is reasonable.
Location
London and the South East are typically the most expensive. Parking, congestion charges and higher living costs all feed into rates. Rural areas can add travel time.
How to compare quotes properly
Ask each plumber to confirm in writing:
- What exactly is included, and what is not.
- Whether parts are in the price.
- Whether VAT applies.
- How long the job should take.
- What happens if they find something unexpected, and how they would agree extra cost with you first.
A low quote that leaves out parts or disposal can end up costing more than a higher, complete one.
Ways to keep costs sensible
- Bundle several small jobs into one visit, so one call-out covers them all.
- Photograph the problem and describe it clearly before asking for quotes.
- Clear the work area and make sure the stopcock is reachable. Our guide to preparing for a plumber visit has a full checklist.
- Do not pay for emergency rates when a temporary fix, such as isolating a valve, makes it safe to wait.
On Compito you can send a request, receive an offer from a local ID-verified provider, and compare offers before you accept and pay online.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to pay a plumber by the hour or the job?
Neither is always cheaper. Hourly suits uncertain jobs where the cause needs finding. A fixed price suits clearly defined work and protects you if it overruns, though a plumber may price in some margin for that risk.
Do plumbers charge for travel time?
Some do, either as a call-out fee or by starting the clock on arrival. Ask before booking so the first hour is not a surprise.
Should I buy the parts myself?
It can save money on items like taps, but some plumbers will not warranty work using customer-supplied parts, and a wrong fitting wastes time. Agree it beforehand.