What does a plumber cost in 2026?
A plumber charges £40–90 an hour in 2026, or £250–400 a day, and most add a call-out fee of £60–120 that covers the first half hour. Evenings, weekends and bank holidays run at 1.5 to 2 times the rate, and a genuine emergency callout typically starts at £150. Anything involving gas must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Updated 15 September 2026
What moves the price
Access comes first: a combi boiler in an airing cupboard with a nearby flue route is a straightforward swap, while moving a boiler to another wall adds pipework, a new flue and often a day of labour.
The second is what the job drags in with it. Replacing a boiler usually means a system flush, a magnetic filter and sometimes upgrading the gas supply pipe to meet current requirements. A quote that omits those is the one that grows on the day.
The third is VAT. Below the £90,000 turnover threshold a plumber doesn't charge it; above it they add 20%. Certain energy-saving installations qualify for a reduced or zero VAT rate, which is worth asking about on heat pumps and insulation-related work.
Typical plumbing prices
Including standard materials unless noted. Add VAT where applicable.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £40–90 |
| Call-out fee | £60–120 |
| Fix a leaking tap | £80–150 |
| Clear a blocked drain | £100–250 |
| Replace a toilet | £150–350 plus the unit |
| Swap a combi boiler, like for like | £1,800–3,200 |
| New boiler with system upgrade | £3,000–5,000 |
| Full bathroom fit, labour only | £2,000–4,500 |
| Annual boiler service | £70–120 |
Gas Safe and landlord duties
Any work on gas appliances or pipework must be carried out by an engineer on the Gas Safe Register, and you can check the registration number and the specific qualifications on the register's site in under a minute. The ID card lists what they're qualified for — boilers, cookers, commercial — and an engineer qualified for cookers isn't qualified for your boiler.
Landlords must have a Gas Safety Record from an annual check by a Gas Safe engineer and give tenants a copy within 28 days. That's a legal duty with criminal penalties attached, not a best practice.
Emergencies and insurance
Turn the water off at the internal stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and switch off the boiler and any immersion heater if the supply is cut. Photograph the damage before you mop up.
Most home insurance policies cover sudden escape of water but exclude the failed part and gradual leaks, and many exclude damage caused by a repair you commissioned yourself from an unregistered person. Get the cause written on the invoice — that sentence is what the insurer reads.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a plumber cost per hour in the UK?
£40–90 an hour or £250–400 a day, plus a call-out fee of £60–120 on most jobs. Out-of-hours work runs at 1.5 to 2 times the standard rate.
What does a new combi boiler cost fitted?
£1,800–3,200 for a like-for-like swap and £3,000–5,000 where the system needs upgrading or the boiler moves. Ask whether a flush, filter and thermostat are included.
Who can legally work on my gas boiler?
Only an engineer on the Gas Safe Register, and only for the appliance types listed on their ID card. Check the number on the register before work starts.
Is the plumber's work guaranteed?
Labour guarantees of 12 months are normal and manufacturer warranties on boilers run 5 to 10 years, but many require an annual service by a registered engineer to stay valid.
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