Plumbers: What They Do and When to Call One
From leaks to full bathroom fits, here is what a plumber covers and what to check.
4 min read · Updated 2026
Key takeaways
- ›Gas work needs a Gas Safe registered engineer, not just a plumber.
- ›Day rates £150–£300; many small jobs are priced per job not per hour.
- ›Always isolate leaks before calling to limit damage.
What a plumber does
Plumbers install and repair water supply, waste pipes, heating systems, bathrooms, kitchens and appliances. They fit boilers (if Gas Safe), radiators, showers, sinks, toilets and outside taps, and unblock drains. Any work on a gas appliance or flue must be done by a plumber who is also on the Gas Safe Register.
Typical prices (UK 2026)
- •Fix a leaking pipe / tap: £70–£150.
- •Replace a toilet or basin: £120–£250.
- •Fit a new radiator: £150–£250.
- •Install a bathroom suite (labour): £800–£1,800.
- •Call-out / hour: £60–£120 (some charge a minimum call-out).
Questions to ask and common mistakes
Ask whether they are Gas Safe if the job touches gas, whether the quote is fixed or per hour, and if there is a call-out charge. Common mistakes: not turning off the water at the stopcock before a leak, fitting pipes without lagging in lofts (frozen bursts), and mixing incompatible fittings (compression and push-fit need care).
- ☐Are you Gas Safe registered (if gas work is involved)?
- ☐Is the quote fixed or hourly, and is there a call-out fee?
- ☐Do you guarantee the work, and for how long?
- ☐Will you isolate the water supply before starting?
Frequently asked
Emergency call-out costs?
Out-of-hours emergency plumbing typically costs £150–£300 for the first hour. Turn off the water at the stopcock first to limit damage.
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