How much does a plumber charge per hour in the UK?

£45–£90 per hour for domestic plumbing work, averaging around £60 nationally and £85–£110 in central London.

What's the minimum call-out fee?

£60–£150 for a standard call-out, £150–£300 for genuine out-of-hours emergencies.

Are Gas Safe engineers more expensive?

Yes — typically £10–£20 per hour more than general plumbers because of the gas qualification and insurance overhead.

How much does it cost to fix a leaking pipe?

£90–£220 for a straightforward accessible leak. Concealed leaks under floors can reach £350–£700 once access and making-good are included.

Do plumbers charge VAT?

Yes if VAT-registered (turnover above £90,000). Smaller sole traders may not charge VAT.

What's the day rate for a plumber?

£280–£480 for general work, £350–£600 for Gas Safe heating engineers, and £450–£650 in central London.

Trades · Last updated 19 October 2026

Plumber hourly rate in the UK

Typical range£45–£90· per hour

Plumbers in the UK typically charge £45–£90 per hour, with a national average around £60 per hour for general domestic plumbing work. Day rates run £280–£480 outside London and £400–£650 in the capital. Emergency call-outs out of hours add £100–£200 minimum, and Gas Safe registered engineers usually charge £10–£20 per hour more than general plumbers.

Quick answer: Plumber hourly rate in the UK in the UK typically costs between £45 and £90 (per hour). London and the South East run 20–35% above this range; the North, Wales and most of Scotland sit 5–15% below.

Homeowners researching this typically also price up electrician hourly rate in the uk, builder day rate in the uk and boiler installation cost in the uk. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, kitchen pricing and boiler & heating costs.

Cost table

Indicative price ranges (UK, GBP)

Item	Typical range (GBP)
Hourly rate — general plumbing (most of UK)	£45–£70/hr
Hourly rate — Gas Safe engineer	£55–£85/hr
Hourly rate — London	£70–£110/hr
Day rate — most of UK	£280–£420/day
Emergency call-out (first hour)	£100–£220
Out-of-hours rate (per hour)	£80–£160/hr

Labour costs

Small repair jobs are typically billed at minimum 1-hour rates. Larger work like bathroom fits is usually fixed-price.

Labour line items

Item	Typical range (GBP)
Fix a leaking tap	£60–£140
Replace a toilet (supplied)	£150–£320
Replace a radiator	£120–£280
Unblock a drain	£90–£220
Boiler annual service	£80–£150
Bathroom install (labour only)	£1,500–£3,200

Materials costs

Plumbers often source parts at trade and pass on with a 10–20% mark-up, unless you supply them.

Materials & fittings

Item	Typical range (GBP)
Standard kitchen tap	£30–£250
Toilet pan & cistern	£100–£400
Single radiator	£50–£250
Copper pipe (15 mm, per metre)	£4–£9/m
Push-fit fittings (each)	£2–£8

Hourly rate by region

Item	Typical range (GBP)
North England, Scotland, Wales, NI	£45–£60/hr
Midlands & South West	£50–£70/hr
South East	£55–£80/hr
Central London	£70–£110/hr

Factors affecting cost in the UK

·Region — London adds 30–50% to baseline rates.
·Gas Safe registration — Gas Safe engineers charge a premium over general plumbers.
·Time of day — out-of-hours rates often 1.5×–2×.
·Access — pipework under floorboards or in basements takes more time.
·Parts supply — homeowner-supplied parts can save 10–20% mark-up.

Hidden & unexpected costs

·Drain camera surveys for persistent blockages (£120–£280).
·Making good after cutting access into floors and walls.
·Replacing rotten skirting or floorboards after a leak.
·Insurance reports for water damage claims.
·Parking and congestion charges in cities.

Ways to reduce cost

·Combine multiple small jobs into a single visit.
·Use a local sole trader rather than a national emergency chain.
·Source non-specialist parts (taps, toilet seats) yourself.
·Service the boiler annually to avoid emergency call-out costs.
·Confirm the call-out fee includes the first hour, not just travel.

Hourly rate vs fixed price

Small repairs are often charged by the hour with a minimum first hour. For defined jobs — fitting a tap, replacing a toilet, installing a radiator — ask for a fixed price so you know the total before work starts.

Plumber or heating engineer?

Any work on a gas appliance, including boilers and gas hobs, must legally be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Check their ID card and the register before work starts. Unvented hot water cylinders need a G3-qualified installer.

Getting a fair price

Group several small jobs into one visit so you only pay one call-out and minimum charge. Have the parts list and photos ready, and ask whether the plumber will supply parts or expects you to.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a plumber charge per hour in the UK?: £45–£90 per hour for domestic plumbing work, averaging around £60 nationally and £85–£110 in central London.
What's the minimum call-out fee?: £60–£150 for a standard call-out, £150–£300 for genuine out-of-hours emergencies.
Are Gas Safe engineers more expensive?: Yes — typically £10–£20 per hour more than general plumbers because of the gas qualification and insurance overhead.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking pipe?: £90–£220 for a straightforward accessible leak. Concealed leaks under floors can reach £350–£700 once access and making-good are included.
Do plumbers charge VAT?: Yes if VAT-registered (turnover above £90,000). Smaller sole traders may not charge VAT.
What's the day rate for a plumber?: £280–£480 for general work, £350–£600 for Gas Safe heating engineers, and £450–£650 in central London.

Sources & how we estimate

Prices are typical UK ranges compiled by ModernExpert.AI from published trade rates and supplier price lists, and are estimates — always get at least three written quotes. Rules on permissions, safety and certification come from the official sources below. Last reviewed 19 October 2026.

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