Understanding how much plumbers cost can be tricky, especially when rates vary by region and service complexity.
For homeowners in London and beyond, having clarity on pricing—be it hourly or daily rates—helps with budgeting and decision-making. This comprehensive guide breaks down industry averages, provides cost comparisons, and explores avenues for funding installations like boilers.
1. Average Hourly Rates for Plumbers
| Region | Typical Hourly Rate* |
|---|---|
| UK (national average) | £40–£70¹ |
| London (premium) | £70–£80¹ |
| Central London | £80–£100² |
* Rates often reflect quality, expertise, and demand.
¹ Taskrabbit reports plumber hourly rates are £40–£70, with London at the upper band (≈ £70–£80/hr)
² A central London Reddit thread reports £85–£110/hr for time‑served plumbers.
Local comparators like HaMuch suggest £50–£55/hr, rising to ~£80/hr for top-tier services.
2. Day Rates vs. Hourly Rates
- Hourly rates suit small or one-off jobs.
- Day rates are better for longer projects, such as full bathroom installs.
- Typical day rate in London: £250–£350 (≈ 4–5 × hourly)
- HaMuch figures suggest £250/day for some providers, up to £500/day for premium trades.
3. What London City Plumbers Charge
At London City Plumbers, we’re committed to offering clear, competitive pricing across Greater London and Kent. While we don’t list fixed rates on our website—because jobs can vary in scope—we’re always transparent about our hourly rates and our plumbers daily rates once we understand the work involved.
With 22 bases across the region, from Southwark to Greenwich, we’re able to cover a wide area efficiently, keeping travel costs low and response times quick. Based on industry benchmarks and what we see on local platforms, our standard pricing typically falls around £40–£60 per hour, and £250–£300 per day, depending on the job.
4. Compare Pricing with Reputable Sources
- The mybuilder website and myjobquotes rates guide consistently show London plumbers charging £50–£100/hr, with gas or emergency work on the higher end .
- National services like SOS Plumbing note £60–£75/hr for experienced trades in London, while general UK averages remain around £25–£45/hr
5. Cost Influencers & Job Examples
5.1 Location
- High rent and travel costs push London rates £70–£100/hr, compared to £25–£50/hr outside major urban centres .
5.2 Job Complexity
- Simple repairs: £40–£100.
- Emergency response: add £100–£120 surge fee.
- System installations (pipework, boiler): £150–£600 depending on urgency and scale
5.3 Materials & Extras
- Material costs (tiles, valves) are added to labour.
- Surface prep or removal work can tack on £10–£30/m² on top of hourly or daily charges.
5.4 Team Size
- Projects using a plumber + assistant may cost £300–£500/day .
6. Sample Job Hourly and Daily rates Estimates
- Fix dripping tap: 1 hr × £70 = £70
- Replace toilet flush: £60–£100
- Bleed radiators: £50–£100
- Replace radiator: £200–£250
- Boiler replacement in London: £1,600–£2,500+VAT
- Burst pipe repair: £150–£600
7. Boiler Financing & Installation Costs
A new combi or system boiler — a common choice during boiler replacement in London—can cost between £1,600 and £2,500+VAT, not including labour. Top brands—like British Gas—often price higher; check guides like new boiler cost british gas for brand comparisons.
If you’re exploring options, providers often let you finance a new boiler, spreading costs over 12–60 months. Typical monthly finance packages start from around £50–£100, depending on boiler cost and term.
8. How to Budget Accurately
To estimate total cost:
- Get multiple quotes (use mybuilder website).
- Clarify inclusive items: materials, call-out fees, certification.
- Prioritise Gas Safe–registered or certified trades.
- Supply parts yourself to save on markup.
- Ask about finance or grants for boiler installs.
- Use boiler breakdown justification to avoid overpaying for emergency rates.
9. Should You Pay Hourly or Daily?
| If your job is… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Small or quick (≤ 2 hrs) | Hourly (better control) |
| Larger (½–1 day) | Day rate provides consistency |
| Emergency or long-term | Daily or fixed-price package |
10. Tips to Save on Plumbing Costs
- Invite multiple quotes via mybuilder website, quotemyjob rates guide.
- Time your call: avoid weekends or emergency times when premiums apply.
- Bundle services: combine boiler replacement with central heating pipe flush, radiator refit, or tiling to reduce total labour costs.
- Ask about finance options, especially for expensive installs like boilers.
- Maintain your system to prevent costly breakdowns.
- Read reviews: see verified feedback online—Google, Checkatrade, MyBuilder, or site testimonials.
11. Final Takeaway
Plumber rates within London typically range:
- £70–£100/hr for trades with high expertise or urgent jobs
- £250–£350/day for regular work
- Premiums apply for after-hours or weekend calls
By understanding common rates on sites like the mybuilder website and using the checkatrade rates guide, you can spot reasonable pricing—our hourly rates and our plumbers daily rates reflect local norms. When you need substantial work like a boiler replacement in London, recognise that total costs include: boiler + labour + pipework + potential finance charges—potentially £2,000–£4,000 total.
Smart budgeting, multi-quote shopping, and exploring finance options help you gain value, avoid overcharging, and plan for future maintenance or upgrades