UK cost guide

Plumber Hourly Rate UK 2026

Current 2026 UK plumber hourly, day, emergency and call-out cost benchmarks.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 · Sources & data · Methodology

Typical planning cost£40–£60 / hour · average £50
Broader project range£325–£375 / day; emergency labour £75–£150 / hour
Planning figures are estimates rather than quotations. Live calculators combine dated UK benchmarks with clearly separated modelling assumptions such as region, size, condition and specification.

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What affects the cost?

Plumber charges depend on location, urgency, the type of work and whether a call-out fee applies. The June 2026 benchmark is £40–£60 per hour, averaging £50, with a typical day rate of £325–£375. Emergency work is materially higher.

  • Location
  • Scheduled or emergency work
  • Minimum call-out charge
  • Job complexity
  • Specialist heating or gas qualifications
  • Parking and access
  • Parts and consumables

Typical cost breakdown

Plumber hourly rate£40–£60 / hour
Average plumber hourly rateAround £50 / hour
Plumber day rate£325–£375 / day
Average plumber day rateAround £350 / day
Emergency plumber labour£75–£150 / hour
Emergency call-out fee£100–£120

Regional planning examples

The examples below apply our published modelling factor to the same national benchmark. They are not claimed as observed city-wide average quotes.

London£50–£80 / hour
Manchester£40–£60 / hour
Birmingham£40–£60 / hour
Glasgow£40–£60 / hour
Cardiff£40–£50 / hour

Sources used for this guide

Checkatrade

Plumber Costs in the UK: 2026 Price Guide

Published / checked: Updated June 2026

Used for: Plumber hourly, day, emergency hourly and call-out fee benchmarks

View source ↗

Frequently asked questions

How much does a plumber charge per hour in the UK in 2026?

The current June 2026 benchmark is £40–£60 per hour, with an average around £50.

How much is a plumber day rate?

The current benchmark is £325–£375 per day, averaging around £350.

How much does an emergency plumber cost?

Emergency labour is currently benchmarked at £75–£150 per hour, and a separate emergency call-out fee of around £100–£120 can also apply.

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