Need an Emergency Plumber? What to Do (and What It Costs)
A burst pipe, flooding or no hot water can be stressful. Here is what to do in a plumbing emergency, how much it costs, and how to find a reliable emergency plumber fast.
Immediate Steps in a Plumbing Emergency
1. Turn off the water — Find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and turn it clockwise
2. Turn off the boiler — Prevents further heating of leaking water
3. Open taps to drain — Run cold taps to drain water from the system
4. Turn off electrics if water is near sockets — Switch off at the consumer unit
5. Contain the leak — Use buckets, towels and tape as temporary measures
6. Call an emergency plumber — Post an urgent job on TradeMatch for quick quotes
Emergency Plumber Costs
| Time | Callout Fee | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (8am–6pm) | £50–£100 | £60–£100/hr |
| Evening (6pm–11pm) | £80–£150 | £80–£130/hr |
| Weekend | £80–£150 | £80–£150/hr |
| Bank holiday / night | £100–£200 | £100–£180/hr |
Common emergency repairs: burst pipe fix (£150–£400), boiler breakdown (£100–£500), unblocking drains (£60–£200).
How to Avoid Being Overcharged
Get a quote before work starts — Even in an emergency, a reputable plumber will give you a rough cost. Check credentials — Ask for Gas Safe registration (if gas-related) and insurance. Compare on TradeMatch — Even urgent jobs can be posted for quick quotes from multiple plumbers. Avoid cold callers — Never use a plumber who turns up unsolicited.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can an emergency plumber arrive?
Where is my stopcock?
Need a professional?
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