Typical emergency charges
Emergency plumbers usually charge a call-out fee, which may include the first hour, and an hourly rate after that. Rates rise in the evenings, overnight, at weekends and on bank holidays.
| Charge | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Daytime call-out or first hour | £60–£120 |
| Evening or weekend call-out | £100–£200 |
| Overnight or bank holiday call-out | £150–£250+ |
| Out-of-hours hourly rate after the first hour | £70–£150 per hour |
Indicative UK prices. They vary with location, access and the condition of the existing plumbing – always compare written quotes for your own job.
What's a genuine emergency?
It's worth paying emergency rates when water is escaping and you can't stop it, when water is near electrics, when you have no water at all, or when the only toilet in the house is blocked or leaking. A dripping tap, a slow sink or a running toilet can usually wait for a booked visit at standard rates.
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Avoiding nasty surprises
- Ask for the call-out charge and hourly rate before the plumber sets off
- Ask what's included – travel, the first hour, standard parts
- Agree that the plumber will make the situation safe and quote for any further work
- Be wary of very low advertised prices that rise sharply on arrival
- Get a written invoice listing time, parts and VAT
- Check your home insurance – some policies include emergency cover or a helpline
After the emergency
Often the emergency visit makes things safe and the full repair is done later at normal rates. That's the moment to compare quotes for the permanent fix – replacing a section of old pipe, a seized stopcock or a failed valve – rather than agreeing to everything at midnight.
