# How Much Does a Plumber Cost in London?
The cost of plumbing services in London varies [phone] alot depending on the job, the urgency, the location (inner vs outer London), the type of plumber, and whether parts/materials are needed. Below are typical rates, breakdowns, and example costs.
Typical Rates
**Situation Hourly Rate Call Out / First Hour Fee Day / Half Day Rate**
Regular plumbing work (normal hours) ≈ £70 – £120/hr Usually there is a call out or diagnostic fee, often included in or equating to the first hour. For standard hours: ~£70 £150 £250 £350/day typical for non premium trade work
Emergency / After hours (evenings, weekends, holidays) ~£120 – £180/hr or more depending on urgency/location Call out fees are higher out of hours: £120 £250+ Premium day or emergency day rate or minimum job cost applies
Call out / first hour usually covers the plumber coming to your home, diagnosing the issue. Parts & extra labour come on top.
## Example Costs for Common Plumbing Jobs
Here are ballpark figures for typical plumbing/repair jobs in London:
Job / Repair Approximate Cost*
Fixing a leaking tap ~ £60 £150 depending on whether parts need replacing, how accessible the tap is.
Unblocking a drain ~ £100 200, depending on severity and access.
Toilet replacement ~ £150 400 (includes removal & disposal + fitting)
Shower installation ~ £200 500 for basic installation; premium fixtures or complex plumbing increases this.
Boiler service (non emergency) ~ £80 150
Full bathroom re-fit From ~ £1,000 to £4,000+ depending on size, complexity, and fixtures. Luxury jobs will cost more.
### Materials, VAT, disposal of old parts, access difficulties etc. often add extra.
What Affects the Cost
The wide variation in pricing comes from these factors:
1. Location in London – Inner / Central London jobs tend to be more expensive due to travel, congestion, parking fees, permits etc. Outer suburbs are cheaper but still above many other UK regions.
2. Time of day / urgency – After hours, weekends, bank holidays cost more. Emergency call outs have premiums.
3. Type of work & complexity – Is it a simple repair or a full installation? Are there hidden issues (old pipework, difficult access, need to remove tiles / floors)? Does it need specialist tools or permissions (e.g. building control)?
4. Materials & fixtures – Sometimes the cost of the part is small, sometimes large (e.g. premium taps, specialist valves, pipe lengths, boiler parts).
5. Experience & reputation of plumber – A master plumber or specialist (e.g. for boilers or heritage plumbing) may charge higher rates. Also, companies vs independent tradespeople differ.
6. Travel time / call out fee – Especially in London, travel time (traffic, congestion charges) and parking can add to the effective hourly cost. Some plumbers include this in the call out; others charge separately.
### A Summary of What Londoners Usually Pay
Putting it all together:
• For a small job (e.g., tap replacement, minor leak) during regular hours: expect something like £80 £150 total.
• For an emergency outside regular hours: perhaps £150 £300+ depending on the severity.
• For larger installations (bathroom, full system work): £1,000 £4,000+, often more if high end fixtures or unusual plumbing layouts.
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
Here are answers to common questions people have about plumber costs in London:
**1. Do plumbers charge for diagnosing the problem / call out?**
Yes — most plumbers charge a call out fee or include it as the first hour. This covers them travelling, initial inspection, etc.
**2. Is the quoted hourly rate inclusive of VAT?**
Not always. Many quotes are + VAT (20%). Always ask whether VAT is included.
**3. How long will common jobs take (and how that affects cost)?**
Simple jobs (tap, small leak) could take < 1 hour; more complex or hidden jobs take longer. The longer the job, the more labour cost. Difficult access etc. adds time.
**4. Can I get a fixed price instead of hourly?**
Yes. Many plumbers offer fixed prices for standard jobs (e.g. new tap, unblocking drain) especially if they can see what's involved. It's safer to get a written fixed quote for bigger work.
**5. What counts as an “emergency” and how much more does it cost?**
Emergencies are usually leaks causing damage, burst pipes, no water, etc., especially outside normal working hours. You’ll usually pay a premium (higher call out fee, higher hourly rate).
**6. How do materials factor into the bill?**
You’ll pay for parts — pipe, fittings, fixtures etc — separately. Good plumbers will give you a breakdown. Materials may include VAT or special import costs for premium items.
**7. Do I need permits or building control involvement?**
Sometimes yes — for example in major works, changing soil/waste pipes, installing boiler systems etc. That adds to cost (inspections, paperwork).
**8. Does London’s congestion / parking / ULEZ affect cost?**
Yes. Travelling in/out, parking, traffic delays, ULEZ/other environmental charges can add cost (in plumber’s time or direct charges).
**9. What about after hours / weekend work?**
More expensive. Expect higher hourly rates, higher call out fees.
**10. Is insurance and certification included?**
A good plumber should have insurance (liability, employer’s etc.) and appropriate certifications (GasSafe for boiler work, etc.). This protects you, but plumbers with credentials may charge more.
**11. How much does a plumber make per day in London?**
Day rates are typically in the range £250 £350 for standard jobs (non premium) for a full day. Premium trades or complex work may go higher.
**12. What if the plumber needs to travel far or bring special equipment?**
That’s likely to increase the call out / hourly cost. If they need specialist tools, or bring an assistant, that adds cost.
**13. How to avoid overcharging / ensure fair pricing?**
o Get at least 2 3 quotes.
o Ask for itemised quotes (labour + parts + call out).
o Check reviews / recommendations.
o Ask if VAT is included.
o Ask whether any extra fees apply (after hours, materials, travel).
**14. Will the cost of materials be cheaper if I supply them?**
Possibly yes, but sometimes plumbers mark up supplied parts (for procurement, warranty, etc.). Make sure you clarify ahead whether you supply materials, and whether they include supply costs.
**15. Can I pay less by waiting (non emergency)?**
Yes — schedule work during regular hours, avoid emergency/urgent calls, avoid evenings/weekends.
**16. What is a typical charge for maintenance / periodic checks?**
Routine maintenance (checks of visible pipework, taps/valves, basic leak detection) might cost £150 £250 for a full visit. Hourly rate applies for basic work.
**17. If many plumbers are needed (or plumbing + electrician etc.), can I get bundled deals?**
Yes. Projects involving multiple trades may get bundled quote; sometimes trade companies handle plumbing + heating etc., or you can combine jobs to save on call out time.
**18. Does working in certain areas of London cost more?**
Yes — central London (Westminster, Chelsea, City of London etc.) tends to be more expensive than outer boroughs. Access issues, congestion, parking all make a difference.
**19. How soon should I get quotes?**
Before urgent work, always try to get quotes ahead. For emergencies you might not have time, but for anything planned (refits, installations etc.), get quotes in writing.
**20. What payment methods are typical, and is a deposit required?**
Plumbers usually accept bank transfer, sometimes cash or card. For larger jobs, a deposit is often required (e.g. 20 50%) with the remainder on completion. Always get a written agreement.
Typical Cost Ranges You Might See (London 2025)
To give you a sense in “real money”, here are some rough ranges for different situations in London:
• Small repair (tap, washer, minor leak): ~ £80 £150
• Drain unblock (standard access): ~ £100 £200
• Toilet replacement (basic): ~ £150 £400
• Bathroom install / refurb (mid range): ~ £1,500 £3,000+
• Premium bathroom or large scale plumbing work: £4,000 £6,000+ etc.
If you like, I can pull up average quotes in your specific postcode (or borough) so you can see what people are paying close to you. Do you want me to do that?