How much does a plumber cost in the UK? (2026 guide)
Updated 13 July 2026 · by the Craftaven team
Plumbing prices in the UK vary widely by region, urgency and job complexity. The ranges below reflect typical 2026 prices across England — London and the South East usually sit at the top of each range, the North and Midlands nearer the bottom.
| Job | Typical UK price range* |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £40–£80/hr |
| Standard call-out | £60–£120 |
| Emergency / out-of-hours call-out (first hour) | £100–£200 |
| Replace a tap | £80–£150 |
| Fix a leaking pipe | £100–£250 |
| Unblock a drain or toilet | £80–£200 |
| Replace a radiator | £150–£350 |
| New boiler installation (combi, incl. unit) | £1,500–£4,500 |
| Full bathroom installation | £3,000–£7,500+ |
*Indicative ranges compiled July 2026 from published UK trade pricing; always confirm with a written quote for your specific job.
What moves the price
- Urgency — emergency and weekend work commands a premium; if it can wait a few days, say so.
- Access and property age — Victorian pipework or hard-to-reach runs add hours.
- Parts quality — a £60 tap and a £300 tap take similar labour.
- Gas work — anything touching gas legally requires a Gas Safe registered engineer; check the register number.
The only price that matters is a real quote for your exact job.
Post your job free — compare real quotesFree to post · vetted local trades · contact details protected until you choose
Frequently asked
Most UK plumbers charge roughly £40–£80 per hour, with London and the South East at the higher end. Many small jobs are priced as a fixed job rate rather than hourly.
Standard call-outs typically cost £60–£120. Emergency or out-of-hours call-outs usually run £100–£200 for the first hour.
Get at least three quotes for the same clearly-described job, check reviews from completed work and credentials (Gas Safe registration for any gas work), and be wary of quotes far below the going range. Posting the job on a free marketplace like Craftaven brings the quotes to you.