How Much Do Plumbers Charge Per Hour in the UK?

How Much Do Plumbers Charge Per Hour in the UK?

For anything plumbing related in your home or business premises, whether its planning renovations, or something simple such as a leaking tap or pipe, to facing a full-blown plumbing emergency, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is: how much does a plumber charge per hour in the UK? Like most things, the answer would depend on a number of factors, including where you are (location), the type of work required, and whether it's an emergency call-out.



Average Hourly Rate for Plumbers in the UK

As of 2025, the typical hourly rate for a plumber in the UK ranges anything from £40 to £80 per hour. However, as mentioned earlier, this rate will probably vary depending on a few things:

• Location: As you would expect, areas in London and the South East tend to be more expensive, with hourly rates often between £70 and £120. In other parts of the UK, such as the North or the Midlands areas, rates are typically lower—around £40 to £60.
• Type of Job: What do you need doing? More basic jobs such as fixing a leaky tap or unblocking a drain usually fall at the lower end of the price range. More complex work—such as boiler installations, central heating issues, or bathroom fittings—will cost more.
• Emergency Call outs: Need a plumber right away, out of standard working hours, such as on weekends or in the middle of the night? Expect to pay a premium. Emergency call-out charges can range from £100 to £175 per hour. These sometimes may include a call-out fee.
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Day Rates vs Hourly Rates

For more of the larger, planned installation or renovation work, some plumbing companies also offer day rates, especially for larger projects. These can be anything from £250 to £400 per day.

Although seemingly more expensive initially, these larger projects which usually include things such as bathroom renovations or heating system installations, this sometimes work out cheaper than paying by the hour.

What about Call-Out Charges?

A call-out fee is not unusual for plumbers to charge for on-site visits, especially if they're responding to an urgent issue. This can be a flat fee of £50 to £100, which may or may not include the first hour of labour. Always clarify this when getting a quote.

How do I Get a Fair Price?

Some tips to help you get good value:

• Get multiple quotes. Always compare at least 2–3 quotes for non-urgent work.
• Check reviews and credentials. A qualified plumber should be Gas Safe registered (for gas-related work) and have positive feedback.
• Ask for a breakdown. A clear, consise quote should list labour, materials, and any extra charges separately.
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Final Thoughts

From routine maintenance to urgent, emergency work and installation, the extent of plumbing work can vary, but it is all necessary to prevent serious damage to your home. The prices as we have seen can vary, so understanding average hourly rates and typical call-out fees will help you budget more effectively and avoid unexpected costs.

Need a local plumber? A good place to start is by checking local listings, reading reviews, and always ask for a written estimate upfront.