Average Plumber Hourly Rates in the UK – 2026 Updated
Knowing what to charge as a plumber isn’t always straightforward.
Rates vary widely depending on the type of work, location, and what kind of pricing strategy you want to use. At the same time, running costs continue to rise — which means many plumbers risk falling behind without realising it.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average plumber hourly rate in the UK for 2026, so you can get a better understanding of where you stand.
Average Plumber Hourly Rates in the UK
In 2026, the average plumber charges an hourly rate between £40 and £70. Checkatrade cites the average as £50 and MyBuilder suggests £40 – £60 with more experienced plumbers commanding slightly higher rates. Gas Engineer Software users charge the higher end of these ranges with an average hourly rate of £58.
Where your rate sits depends on:
- Experience and skill level
- Type of plumbing work
- Location
- Your specific pricing strategy, and whether you charge hourly, per job, or per day
Read our guide for an accurate method of setting your hourly rate.
Self-Employed Plumber Hourly Rates (UK)
Most self-employed plumbers charge between £45 and £75 per hour, with higher rates common for specialist or urgent jobs.
This figure is significantly higher than an employed plumber’s hourly pay, as self-employed plumbers need to account for:
- Insurance and compliance
- Van costs, fuel, and maintenance
- Tools and replacement equipment
- Time spent quoting and invoicing
- Unpaid admin and travel time
While customers may compare rates to wages, plumbers have to price for reality — not just hours worked.
Average Plumber Call-Out Rates
Plumber call-out rates are common for repairs and diagnostics.
In 2026, call-out charges typically range from £60 – £120, often including the first hour.
Emergency or out-of-hours call-outs usually cost more, hovering at around £100 – £120 to reflect:
- Urgency
- Disruption to schedules
- Unsociable hours
As an experienced plumber, you may be able fix a problem quickly from the customer’s perspective. Call-out fees are designed to help protect your time and ensure these smaller jobs remain worthwhile, as travel time, costs, and experience must all be taken into account.
Plumber Day Rates vs Hourly Rates
For larger or more predictable work, many plumbers prefer day rates.
Typical plumber day rates in the UK range from £250–£500+ per day, depending on location and job complexity
Day rates are often used for:
- Bathroom installations
- Major pipework changes
- Boiler installations and replacements
Day rates reduce time pressure, make pricing clearer for customers, and help avoid disputes over how long a job “should” take.
Plumber Rates by Type of Work
Plumbing prices can be priced on a per-job basis as well as through hourly or day rates. This largely depends on the nature of the work, how predictable it is, urgency, experience, and other factors.
| Plumbing Jobs - 2026 Prices | |
|---|---|
| Leaks and repairs | Average of £112 |
| Blocked drains & toilets | Average of £94 |
| Toilet repairs & cistern replacements | Average of £120 |
| Replacing/installing radiator | Hourly rate + parts |
| Burst pipes | Average of £141 |
| Gas Safety Checks | Average of £78 |
| Boiler Installations | £1,500-3,500 |
Are You Charging Enough as a Plumber?
Self-employed plumbers have all the additional administrative work that comes with running a business, including setting their own prices.
Each year, inflation and the cost of doing business increases, meaning the plumbers who keep their prices the same are gradually earning less.
In 2025, 59.5% of businesses increased their prices, responding to higher operating costs and ongoing inflation. Almost 40% kept their prices the same, while only around 1% lowered them. Find out more in our 2025 Report by filling out the form below.
If your rates haven’t changed in a while, there’s a strong chance you’re now earning less per job in real terms — even if your diary is full. Staying busy isn’t the same as staying profitable.
How to Set Plumbing Rates More Confidently in 2026
More plumbers are moving towards pricing that’s:
- Clear and consistent
- Based on minimum charges and fixed prices
- Adjusted for urgency and complexity
- Supported by proper tracking of jobs and invoices
Businesses that can save time on admin and paperwork through software like Gas Engineer Software leave more time for billable hours, meaning they can set competitive rates, maximise profit, and provide a better service to their customers.
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