Published UK price guides put a plumber at about £40 to £70 an hour, or £250 to £400 for a day, with higher prices in London and the South East. Here is what to expect to pay in Reading, and how to check you are getting a fair quote.

What plumbers typically charge

These are national figures from two UK price guides checked in October 2026.

• Hourly rate: about £40 to £70, depending on the type of work.
• Day rate: about £250 to £400. One guide gives an average of about £380.
• Emergency call-out fee: about £60 to £120 on top of the work. Some plumbers include the first hour or so in the fee, so ask what it covers.
• London: about £75 to £95 an hour. Other big cities outside London run about £55 to £75.

The guides give no separate figure for Reading. Treat the £55 to £75 range as your starting point and expect the upper end in the South East.

Typical prices by job

• Leaking tap: about £60 to £120.
• New tap: about £80 to £250.
• Toilet repair: about £80 to £250.
• Burst pipe repair: about £100 to £500 or more, depending on where the pipe is and the damage.
• Radiator replacement: about £150 to £500.
• Outside tap: about £100 to £300.
• Shower installation: about £300 to £1,500 or more.

Emergency and out-of-hours work

Evenings, weekends and bank holidays usually cost more, and a call-out in the middle of the night can carry a bigger fee. A typical emergency repair costs about £135 to £255 in total. If it is a burst pipe, turn off the water at the stopcock first, then call. If you smell gas, do not call a plumber first: call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

What makes the price go up

• Timing. Out-of-hours and same-day jobs cost more than booked work.
• Access. A pipe behind a wall or under a floor takes longer than one you can see.
• Parts. Ask whether parts are included or charged separately.
• Minimum charge. Many plumbers charge a minimum of one hour, even for a 20-minute fix.

How to get a fair deal

1. Describe the problem clearly, with a photo if you can.
2. Ask for the call-out fee, the hourly rate, and whether parts are included.
3. For anything beyond a small repair, ask for a fixed price in writing before work starts.
4. Check the plumber is registered. Work on gas appliances must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. For other plumbing, the WaterSafe register lists approved plumbers.

Frequently asked questions

Why do plumbers charge more than other trades?

Their rate covers training, insurance, tools and a van full of parts, not just the time on site.

Should I pay a call-out fee as well as the hourly rate?

It depends on the plumber. Some charge both, some include the first hour. Ask before you book.

Is a fixed price better than an hourly rate?

For a clear job such as fitting a tap, a fixed price removes the surprise. For a fault that needs diagnosing, an hourly rate with an agreed cap is more realistic.

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Sources: WaterSafe Register plumber cost guide (2026) and MyJobQuote emergency plumber cost guide (updated October 2026). Prices are typical figures checked in October 2026 and your quote will vary.