Fixington

Plumbing

Trade: Plumber

⭐ Introduction

Plumbing covers all the essential work connected to your home’s water supply, heating, drainage, and sometimes gas appliances. Whether you need a leaking tap fixed, a new shower installed, or your central heating serviced, a plumber is the specialist you call. Plumbing jobs are often urgent but also include planned updates or improvements like installing a new boiler or bathroom suite.

Plumbing work is crucial for hygiene, comfort, and proper functioning of your home’s systems. Ignoring plumbing problems can lead to water damage, higher bills, or health hazards. Sometimes, plumbing work must comply with UK regulations such as Building Regulations or require Gas Safe registered professionals (especially where gas appliances are concerned).

🔧 What the job involves

A plumber’s tasks vary widely depending on the job. Common tasks include:

  • Fixing leaks and drips on taps, pipes, and valves
  • Unblocking drains, sinks, toilets, or waste pipes
  • Installing or replacing baths, showers, basins, toilets, and taps
  • Installing or servicing boilers, radiators, and central heating systems
  • Connecting washing machines, dishwashers, or water softeners
  • Carrying out maintenance checks and safety tests
  • Replacing or upgrading pipework, often copper or plastic (e.g. plastic MDPE pipes)
  • Checking and ensuring compliance with water regulations and Building Regulations

Plumbers work carefully with your home’s water system. They use specialist tools like pipe cutters, wrenches, plungers, and diagnostic equipment to spot issues. In many cases, plumbers must work neatly behind walls, floors or ceilings and ensure joints and seals are watertight.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Enquiry: Contact a plumber with details of the issue or project — often via phone or online form.
  2. Survey/Quote: The plumber arranges a home visit to inspect the problem. They provide a written quote covering labour, materials and timeline.
  3. Appointment booking: You agree on a date and time, plus any guarantees or payment terms.
  4. Day of works: The plumber arrives as agreed, carries out the work with tools and materials, keeping the area tidy.
  5. Completion check: The plumber tests all fittings and pipes to ensure the work is watertight and functioning properly.
  6. Documentation: You receive any relevant paperwork such as receipts, certificates, or guarantees.
  7. Payment: Typically paid on completion unless arranged otherwise.
  8. Aftercare: Keep any warranties and remember to book servicing if needed, especially for boilers.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Typically charged by the hour or a fixed job rate. Around £40–£70 per hour depending on region and experience.
  • Materials/Parts: Pipes, fittings, taps, valves, sealants. Can range from a few pounds for washers/taps to several hundred for boilers or shower units.
  • Disposal: Removal of old fixtures or waste materials may carry a small fee.
  • Certification: Some works require official certification (e.g. Building Regulations compliance, Gas Safe certificates) which may add £50–£150.
  • Extras: Unexpected repairs such as fixing damaged pipework, removing access panels or resolving historical plumbing problems.

Example:

  • Tap replacement: Labour £80, part £15, disposal £10 = £105
  • Boiler installation: Labour £500, boiler £1200, certification £120, waste disposal £50 = £1870

📊 What affects the price

  • Ease of access to pipework and fixtures — more awkward jobs take longer.
  • Complexity of the system or installation — upgrading old pipework costs more.
  • Regulatory requirements — compliance certificates, Building Regulations, Gas Safe registration add expense.
  • Remedial works — identifying and fixing hidden faults or water damage increases costs.
  • Location — prices vary between regions, with London and the South East often more expensive.
  • Urgency/timeline — emergency call-outs typically attract higher rates.

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Simple repair (e.g. tap replacement, minor leak fix): 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Bathroom fitting (e.g. replacing basin, toilet): 4–8 hours depending on complexity.
  • Central heating servicing: 1–2 hours annually.
  • Full boiler replacement: Typically 1 to 3 days due to removal, installation, commissioning and certification.
  • Complex installations or renovations: Several days to a week, depending on scope and access.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Some very simple plumbing tasks are suitable for confident DIYers, such as:

  • Changing washers to stop a dripping tap
  • Unblocking sinks using a plunger or basic drain cleaner
  • Replacing a shower head

However, many plumbing jobs require professional skills and knowledge to:

  • Avoid leaks, damage, and water contamination
  • Comply with Building Regulations (e.g. Part G for water efficiency, Part P for electrical work in bathrooms)
  • Handle gas appliances safely — must be done by Gas Safe registered plumbers or engineers
  • Access concealed pipework or install new systems

Incorrect DIY work can increase risks and future costs. For anything beyond simple repairs or basic maintenance, it’s wise to hire a certified plumber.

💰 Typical UK price range

  • Simple plumbing repairs: £60 to £150
  • Bathroom suite installation: £800 to £2500
  • Boiler installation or replacement: £1500 to £3500+
  • Drain clearing/unblocking: £80 to £250

These are rough estimates including VAT at 20%, but prices vary widely depending on circumstances, location, and plumber rates.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Prepare clear details of the problem or project for your quote. Include photos if possible.
  • Check the plumber’s credentials — Gas Safe registration for gas work is vital.
  • Ask about materials, guarantees, and approximate timelines upfront.
  • Ensure the plumber provides written estimates and certificates where needed.
  • Keep all invoices, warranties, and certificates safely for future reference or home insurance.
  • After installation, run and test taps or fixtures several times to check for leaks.
  • Book regular servicing especially for boilers and central heating to prolong lifespan and stay safe.
  • Ensure the plumber understands and complies with current UK regulations (Building Regs, WaterRegs, Gas Safe).

Taking a little time upfront to carefully choose a plumber and understand your needs can save money and hassle later. Plumbing work is vital for your home – having it done right the first time is well worth it.