A plumber installs, maintains and repairs the pipework, fittings and appliances that carry hot and cold water, waste, central heating and drainage throughout a building. Plumbing is a partially regulated trade in the UK - any work on gas appliances requires a separate Gas Safe registered engineer, and work on water supply fittings must comply with the Water Regulations. Using a WaterSafe approved plumber provides assurance that water fittings work meets these legal requirements. On building projects, a plumber typically works at two stages: first fix (pipes routed before plastering) and second fix (appliances and fittings connected after decorating).
What they do
- Bathroom installation and renovation - suites, showers, baths and basins
- Central heating installation, commissioning and repair
- Hot and cold water pipework - copper, plastic and push-fit systems
- Radiator installation, balancing and bleeding
- Underfloor heating pipework (wet systems)
- Water softener installation
- Waste pipe and drainage connection
- Emergency leak repair and stopcock replacement
When you need one
A plumber is needed for any work on water supply, heating pipework, bathroom fittings or drainage. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for any gas appliance work.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £45 - £85/hr |
| Day rate | £200 - £380/day |
| Full bathroom installation (labour) | £1,500 - £4,000 |
| Central heating system installation (labour) | £2,500 - £5,000 |
| Emergency call-out | £80 - £150/hr |
| New boiler installation - labour (Gas Safe) | £600 - £1,200 |
Emergency and out-of-hours rates are significantly higher than standard rates. Always agree a fixed price or maximum hours before work begins where possible.
Qualifications to look for
The core trade qualification for plumbers. Level 2 covers domestic plumbing; Level 3 covers more complex systems including heating design. Required for the blue CSCS card.
Mandatory for any work on gas appliances. Always check the Gas Safe Register at gassaferegister.co.uk before instructing any gas work. It is illegal to carry out gas work without Gas Safe registration.
WaterSafe is an industry accreditation scheme for plumbers approved by water suppliers to work on water supply pipes and fittings to the Water Regulations standard. Find an approved contractor at watersafe.org.uk.
How to find a reputable plumber
Frequently asked questions
Do plumbers need to be Gas Safe registered?
Only if they work on gas appliances - boiler installation, gas pipework and gas fire fitting all require a Gas Safe registered engineer. Plumbing work on water systems does not require Gas Safe registration, but you must use a separate Gas Safe engineer for any gas work.
What is a WaterSafe plumber?
A WaterSafe plumber is approved by a water supplier to work on water supply pipes and fittings to the Water Regulations standard. Using a WaterSafe approved contractor provides assurance that the work meets the legal requirements for water fittings. Find one at watersafe.org.uk.
How much does an emergency plumber cost?
Emergency call-outs typically cost £80-150 per hour with a minimum call-out charge of £80-150 - significantly more than standard rates. Out-of-hours and weekend rates are higher still. To reduce emergency costs, know the location of your stopcock so you can isolate the water supply yourself while waiting.