# Cheap Plumber Manchester
If you're looking for a cheap plumber in Manchester [phone] there are plenty of reliable options offering quality service at affordable rates. Many independent plumbers charge between £35–£60 per hour for non-emergency jobs, often with no hidden fees. To get the best deal, compare quotes from local tradespeople, check reviews, and ask for fixed pricing where possible. Whether it's fixing a leaking tap, unblocking a drain, or installing new fixtures, local plumbers can handle both small and large jobs quickly and cost-effectively. Always confirm if VAT and call-out charges are included in the quote to avoid surprises.
## Cheap Plumber in Manchester: A Complete Guide
Manchester is a big city, so plumbing rates vary a lot depending on location, plumber experience, urgency of job, time of day, whether work is straightforward or complex, materials required etc. “Cheap” doesn’t always mean “best value” — you want decent quality for a good price.
Here’s what you need to know.
### 1. Costs: What to Expect
• Hourly rates: For standard, non-emergency domestic plumbing work in Manchester, you’ll often see plumbers charging £35–£70/hour.
• Independent / small/trade plumbers tend to be at the lower end; bigger companies or emergency plumbing will cost more.
• Emergency / out-of-hours work (nights, weekends, bank holidays) often comes with a premium — higher call-out fees, inflated hourly rate.
• Call out fees: Many plumbers have a minimum “trip charge” or call out charge just to come to your place, even before they do work. That can be £30 £60 or more. Sometimes for emergencies this is higher.
• Fixed rates for common jobs: For some simple/common tasks (e.g. replacing faucet, unblocking drain, installing a toilet seat, washing machine plumbing etc.) a plumber may offer a fixed price rather than hourly. That helps avoid surprise extra costs.
### 2. Things That Affect the Cost
**To understand what determines the price, these are the main factors:**
• Complexity of the job: E.g. replacing a full pipe vs tightening a loose fitting.
• Location & access: If pipes are hard to reach (loft, under floor, behind walls) it adds labour/time. Travel time if far from plumber’s base increases cost.
• Urgency: Emergency jobs are more expensive. Scheduled repairs are cheaper.
• Time of day / weekday vs evening / weekend: After-hours work gets premium.
• Materials & parts required: If parts are special, rare or expensive, or need to be imported.
• Permits / building regulations: Some plumbing jobs require regulatory approval or certain certifications. Plumbing related to gas or boiler usually needs Gas Safe registered engineers and insurance, which adds to cost.
• Reputation / experience: Highly experienced plumbers or well known companies charge more.
### 3. Tips to Find a Cheap (but Good) Plumber
**Here are some ways to get good value, not just cheapest:**
1. Get multiple quotes: Contact several plumbers for the same job, ask for itemised estimates (labour, parts, call out etc.).
2. Ask local recommendations: Neighbours, Facebook groups, community boards in Manchester often share names of good plumbers.
3. Check reviews & credentials: Look for Gas Safe registration (if applicable), insurance, past work. Customer reviews on Google, TrustPilot or trade specific sites.
4. Avoid brokers / middlemen when possible: Sometimes companies or services that dispatch plumbers may add fees. Going direct saves money.
5. Plan for less urgent fixes: If something isn’t urgent, scheduling during normal hours avoids emergency surcharges.
6. Negotiate or ask if they can do a deal: For example, bundling several jobs, or agreeing on fixed price. Some plumbers might reduce rates for repeat work or for work when they’re already in your area.
7. Do basic prep work: Clear the access, move furniture, turn off water if possible — reduces plumber’s wasted time.
8. Use standard parts: If you pick non special, easy to source parts, the cost of materials is lower.
9. Check for hidden/extra charges: Always ask whether quotes include VAT, disposal of old materials, charges for time waiting etc.
### 4. Reasonable Price Ranges (Examples for Manchester)
Here are some ballpark figures for common jobs, to give you a baseline. These are estimates; your cost might differ.
Job type Estimated cost (labour + basic materials)
Fixing a dripping tap / washer replacement £30 £80
Unblocking sink/drain (standard blockage) £60 £150
Replacing a shower head / mixer tap £80 £200
Installing washing machine / dishwasher plumbing £90 £200
Replacing a toilet / WC fitting £150 £300
Burst pipe repair (if simple access) £150 £400+ depending on damage
Boiler repair / heating system fault (non urgent) £100 £400+ depending on parts needed
Emergency plumbing (burst pipes, flooding etc.) Can run into £200 £500+ easily, depending on time and severity.
### 5. Risks of Going Too Cheap
**While you might be tempted to pick the cheapest quote, beware of downsides:**
• Poor work may cost more later (leaks, water damage, needing corrections).
• Unqualified plumbers can violate regulations which could invalidate insurance or cause safety issues.
• Hidden fees / upselling parts unnecessarily.
• Poor materials that break quickly.
• Slow response or unreliable timing.
Sometimes paying a little extra up front saves you more in the long term.
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
Here are common questions people ask when trying to hire a cheap plumber in Manchester.
**1. What is a fair hourly rate for a plumber in Manchester?**
Around £35 £70/hour for non emergency domestic work, depending on the plumber and complexity.
**2. How much is a call out charge?**
Usually £30 £60 for local jobs; emergencies / after hours can be higher. Confirm before hiring.
**3. Do plumbers charge VAT?**
Yes, many will. Ask if the quote includes VAT so there are no surprises.
**4. Are emergency plumbing jobs much more expensive?**
Yes, often significantly more. Expect higher hourly rates and call out fees.
**5. Can I get a fixed price quote instead of hourly?**
Often yes, especially for common jobs. It helps avoid surprise costs.
**6. How do I know if the plumber is qualified?**
Check for qualifications, licensing (Gas Safe if gas related), insurance, references, reviews.
**7. What should a quote include?**
It should include labour cost, call out fee, parts/materials cost, time estimates, whether VAT is included, any guarantees/warranty.
**8. How much does an emergency burst pipe repair cost?**
If simple access, maybe £150 £400+ depending on damage, location and materials. Emergency labour is more expensive.
**9. How long will the plumber take for simple tasks?**
Simple jobs like tightening a fitting or fixing a tap may take < 1 hour; more complex, a few hours or more.
**10. Can I negotiate?**
Yes, to some extent – for example, for non urgent work, multiple jobs, or if the plumber is already working nearby.
**11. Should I pay a deposit?**
It depends. For big jobs, some deposit is normal. For small jobs, payment on completion is often fair. Always get it in writing.
**12. What if the plumber messes up?**
Check for guarantees or warranties. If insured, you may have recourse. Document the problem, photos help, and raise issue with them.
**13. Is it cheaper to use a lone tradesperson or a company?**
Usually, a lone tradesperson may be cheaper (lower overhead); companies may offer more reliability, insurance, guarantee etc.
**14. How to avoid being overcharged?**
Get multiple quotes; ask for itemised cost; ask what work is necessary vs optional; check reviews.
**15. Can I do some of the work myself to reduce cost?**
If you’re confident, yes. Even helping by clearing access, removing obstructions, switching off mains etc. But avoid any gas work unless qualified.
**16. What about parts & materials cost?**
That depends on what is needed. Basic fittings are cheap; specialist parts or bespoke fittings cost more. Ask plumber whether they source materials or if you can supply them.
**17. Is it cheaper to replace or repair appliances/systems?**
Depends on age, condition, frequency of repair. If something is old and likely to fail again, replacement may be more cost effective long term.
**18. How are plumbers charged for after hours / weekend work?**
Premium rates apply. Sometimes double the normal rates, depending on plumber.
**19. I'm renting / landlord – who pays?**
Usually the landlord is responsible for major plumbing problems. For minor things may depend on rental agreement.
**20. Do plumbers differ greatly by area in Manchester?**
Yes. Suburbs, outer areas, more remote or less accessible locations may cost more travel, or fewer plumbers available so higher rates. Central or busy areas may have more competition and slightly better rates.
If you like, I can pull up a list of cheap plumbers in your exact area (with quotes) so you can compare easily. Do you want me to do that?