Plumber hourly rate in the UK
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.
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
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
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.
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.