Here in the UK we have a rather strange and peculiar system of rates and charges for all sorts of things, including plumbers. This is a guide to the costs of a plumber in the UK. It is not intended to be a definitive guide – I have used it as a basis for comparison only.
This is also not a complete guide to the costs of plumbers – but it should give you a good idea of what you’ll be spending on a plumber. If this guide helps you make an informed decision about choosing a plumber, then it has served its purpose.
Hourly rate vs day rate
Most plumbers in the UK charge hourly rates, irrespective of how long it takes for them to complete the job. You can do the work yourself on a day rate, and pay as you go. I have the following example to make things easy for you. You’ve come to me to repair a leak in the roof and have told me that it’s dry, and therefore you’ll need no further repairs or maintenance for the next six months. You work for a day, do the job and deliver the keys back to me – a day’s work for £360 plus VAT (in the UK). I pay you an hourly rate of £250 plus VAT, which includes expenses and charges. This leaves £225 for the master lockmaker and other various items, so you make your gross profit of £175. If I pay you the £500 that I’ve calculated above, then you’ll make a tidy £200 for that day’s work.
Typical Plumbing Jobs
Most plumbing projects are relatively small and will only require a call to a plumber. Some jobs, like installing new sinks or toilets, will involve a plumber spending hours of time on site – so it’s important to know how much they charge for these jobs. Sinks and toilets come with their own hook-up costs, and will sometimes also have a separate bill for the fitting of drainage or a pressure cleaner. Contractors’ costs (UK Guide) You’ll be charged different rates for different types of job and for different types of contractor. However, there are some basic facts that should all be the same: the most common flat-rate is £150 for fixing a leaky tap (about £190 including fitting) a plumber will charge around £250 to install a new pipework a boiler installer should be around £500.
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Tips for choosing a plumber
Planning Take time to plan what the plumbing work is you require. Does it include a full system upgrade? Can you update to the latest product? Or is it just a minor repair or upgrade? If it’s just an upgrade, do you need the relevant trade certificates to get the work done? Consider the various elements of the plumbing job. How long will it take? Will it be a day or a week? Can the job be done from one part of the property? Do you need an electrician or gas fitter to do the work? Factoring in the cost of a plumber Although no two plumbing jobs are the same, there are some helpful, simple guidelines to help you decide how much you will be able to expect to pay for the work. For example, you can be sure to expect a significant price rise if the job involves digging up the kitchen floor.
Conclusion
Like most other people, I would use a good plumber for any job – but on a small scale I have found that you will get a good deal by being on the ball and making a few phone calls. You can find a qualified and reliable plumber, who will do the job for a reasonable price. And remember, not all plumbers are the same. Some are very good, some are bad and there are lots of false prophets around. If you are going to hire a plumber, then get in touch with one you trust. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
