What moves the price
Two identical-sounding jobs can differ by hundreds of pounds. These are the usual reasons.
- Access — scaffolding, tower hire or restricted parking
- Height and property type — terrace, semi, detached or commercial
- What is found once work starts, such as rotten timber or failed substrate
- Materials specified, and whether guarantees are included
- Urgency — out-of-hours and emergency attendance costs more
- Region — labour rates vary considerably across the UK
How to compare quotes fairly
Get the scope in writing on each quote, then compare like for like. A cheaper price that excludes scaffolding, waste removal or making good is not cheaper. Ask each plumber what is included, what is excluded, and what happens if something unexpected is found.
Warning signs in a quote
Pressure to decide immediately, a large up-front deposit, a verbal-only price, no company details and no insurance evidence. Any one of those is reason to get another quote.
Indicative prices by job
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Standard blockage clearDrainage | from £110 |
| CCTV survey with reportDrainage | from £180 |
| Patch repair (per metre)Drainage | from £450 |
| Leak detection visitLeaks & burst pipes | from £220 |
| Burst pipe repairLeaks & burst pipes | from £140 |
| Toilet or basin swapBathrooms | from £180 |
| Shower replacementBathrooms | from £420 |
| Full bathroom fit (labour)Bathrooms | from £2,400 |
| Boiler serviceBoilers & heating | from £85 |
| Fault diagnosis and repairBoilers & heating | from £120 |
| Combi boiler replacementBoilers & heating | from £1,900 |
Indicative starting prices only. Your written quote after inspection is the price you pay.
Common questions
- Are these prices guaranteed?
- No — they are indicative starting points. Your written quote after inspection is the real price, and it is free.
- Do you charge a call-out fee?
- No call-out fee for quotes. Emergency attendance is priced up front before anyone is dispatched.
- Do prices include VAT?
- Your written quote states clearly whether VAT applies to your job.