Whether your boiler has packed in, a tap will not stop dripping, or you need a full bathroom refit, the first question is always the same: how much is this going to cost me?
Here is an honest breakdown of plumber costs across the UK in 2026.
Most plumbers charge between £40 and £80 per hour. A typical call out for a small job will cost £80 to £150. Larger jobs like boiler installations run from £1,500 to £3,500.
Plumber Hourly Rates
| Region | Hourly Rate | Call Out Fee |
|---|---|---|
| London and South East | £60 to £100 | £70 to £120 |
| Midlands | £45 to £70 | £50 to £80 |
| North West | £40 to £65 | £40 to £70 |
| North East | £35 to £60 | £40 to £60 |
| Scotland | £40 to £65 | £40 to £70 |
| Wales | £35 to £60 | £35 to £60 |
Most plumbers charge a minimum call out fee that covers the first hour. After that, you pay by the hour or they quote a fixed price for the job. Always ask which pricing model they use before they start work.
Common Plumbing Job Costs
| Job | Average Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fix a dripping tap | £60 to £120 | 30 mins to 1 hour |
| Unblock a drain | £80 to £150 | 30 mins to 2 hours |
| Fix a leaking pipe | £80 to £200 | 1 to 3 hours |
| Replace a toilet | £150 to £350 | 2 to 4 hours |
| Install a new radiator | £150 to £400 | 2 to 4 hours |
| Fit a new bathroom suite | £1,000 to £3,500 | 2 to 5 days |
| Boiler service | £60 to £100 | 30 mins to 1 hour |
| Boiler repair | £150 to £500 | 1 to 4 hours |
| New boiler installation | £1,500 to £3,500 | 1 to 2 days |
| Full central heating system | £3,000 to £6,000 | 3 to 5 days |
What Affects the Price
Location
London plumbers charge roughly 40% more than plumbers in the North of England. This is consistent across almost every trade. If you are outside a major city, you will generally pay less.
Urgency
Emergency call outs (evenings, weekends, bank holidays) typically cost 50% to 100% more than standard rates. If your boiler breaks on Christmas Day, expect to pay double. If the job can wait until Monday, it should.
Parts
Labour is usually the smaller part of a big plumbing bill. A new boiler costs £800 to £2,000 for the unit alone. A bathroom suite can be £200 to £2,000+ depending on your taste. Always ask your plumber to itemise parts and labour separately on the quote.
Access
If the plumber needs to lift floorboards, cut into walls, or work in a tight space, the job takes longer and costs more. Easy access usually means lower costs.
How to Avoid Getting Overcharged
- Get three quotes. This is the single best thing you can do. Three quotes from different plumbers will show you the real market rate for your job.
- Ask for a fixed price. For anything beyond a small repair, a fixed quote protects you from a job that drags on.
- Check qualifications. Gas work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Check their registration number online.
- Read reviews. Google reviews, Checkatrade, and Trustpilot will tell you more about a plumber than their website ever will.
- Never pay everything upfront. A deposit is reasonable. Paying in full before the job is done is a red flag.
When to Call a Plumber vs DIY
Some jobs are safe and sensible to do yourself:
- Replacing a tap washer
- Unblocking a sink with a plunger
- Bleeding a radiator
- Replacing a toilet seat
Some jobs should always go to a professional:
- Anything involving gas (legally must be Gas Safe registered)
- Boiler repairs or installations
- Major leaks or burst pipes
- Moving or installing radiators
- Bathroom or kitchen fitting
Budget £80 to £150 for a small plumbing job, £150 to £500 for a mid size repair, and £1,500 to £3,500 for a boiler installation or bathroom refit. Always get three quotes, check Gas Safe registration for any gas work, and ask for a fixed price wherever possible.