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Checkatrade vs TradeMatch · Plumbers
TradeMatch vs Checkatrade for Plumbers
Comparing platforms for plumber work in the UK? Here is how TradeMatch and Checkatrade stack up across the three things that matter for hiring a plumber: how much you will pay, how well the tradesperson has been vetted, and what happens if the job goes wrong. Average plumber cost in the UK: £150–£350.
Avg cost £150–£3505 plumber quotesCity & Guilds Level 2/3 PlumbingEscrow included
Updated May 2026 · By TradeMatch Editorial Team
Average UK Plumber Cost
£150–£350
UK average for plumber work in 2026. TradeMatch customers typically pay 5–15% less than on Checkatrade because of competitive quoting and transparent pricing.
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At a Glance
TradeMatch vs Checkatrade for Plumbers
| Feature | TradeMatch | Checkatrade |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 plumber quotes | Yes | Varies |
| Escrow on payment | Yes | No |
| City & Guilds Level 2/3 Plumbing verified | Yes | Yes |
| Verified reviews only | Yes | Mixed |
| Background checks | Yes | Yes |
| Dispute resolution for plumber work | Yes | Limited |
Why It Matters
Why TradeMatch Wins for Plumber Work
- Plumber-specific vetting — TradeMatch verifies City & Guilds Level 2/3 Plumbing and NVQ Level 2/3 before any plumber can quote. Checkatrade has similar checks but relies on ongoing self-attestation.
- Escrow holds your money — Payment for plumber work sits protected until you confirm the job is done to spec. Critical for plumber jobs involving fix a leaking tap.
- Five competing quotes — open competition on pricing — typically saves 5–15% on plumber jobs.
- No pass-through costs — TradeMatch fees only apply on confirmed work, so there is no marketing overhead baked into your quote.
Job-by-Job Pricing
Typical Plumber Jobs & UK Pricing
| Job | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fix a leaking tap | £60 | £90 | £150 |
| Install a new bathroom suite | £1,500 | £2,500 | £4,500 |
| Boiler repair | £100 | £250 | £500 |
| Unblock a drain | £60 | £100 | £200 |
| Radiator installation | £150 | £300 | £500 |
UK average pricing. London and South East run 20–40% higher. Get an exact quote by posting your plumber job on TradeMatch.
Our Verdict
Best platform for plumber work in 2026?
For plumber work, both platforms have merit — but TradeMatch's combination of 5 quotes, escrow, City & Guilds Level 2/3 Plumbing verification and dispute resolution means fewer surprises. Checkatrade's weakness around "Reviews are not tied to verified completed jobs — anyone can post" matters more on plumber work than on cosmetic trades.
Answers
Plumbers on Checkatrade vs TradeMatch — FAQ
Is TradeMatch better than Checkatrade for finding a plumber?
For plumber work specifically, TradeMatch offers escrow-protected payments, up to 5 competing quotes and verified reviews from real completed jobs. Checkatrade lacks payment protection, which matters more for plumber work because jobs often involve Fix a leaking tap where you want recourse if something goes wrong.
How much does a plumber cost compared to what Checkatrade shows?
Average plumber prices on TradeMatch: £150–£350. Checkatrade pricing tends to be inflated 10–20% because tradespeople pass on their annual subscription costs. TradeMatch's competitive quote model typically gets you 5–15% lower prices for plumber work because professionals compete openly.
What qualifications does a plumber need, and does Checkatrade verify them?
A plumber in the UK should hold City & Guilds Level 2/3 Plumbing and NVQ Level 2/3. Checkatrade has lighter qualification checks than TradeMatch. On TradeMatch every plumber is background-checked, qualification-verified and insurance-validated before being allowed to accept work.
What happens if a plumber job goes wrong on Checkatrade vs TradeMatch?
On Checkatrade, the platform has some mediation but no escrow to hold funds. On TradeMatch, payment sits in escrow until you confirm the work is complete; if there is a dispute, our resolution team mediates and your money stays safe. For plumber work — where snags like fix a leaking tap are common — this makes a meaningful difference.
How quickly will I get plumber quotes on TradeMatch vs Checkatrade?
Most TradeMatch plumber jobs receive the first quote within a few hours and 3–5 quotes within 24–48 hours. Checkatrade uses a browse-and-contact model, so quote speed depends on how many tradespeople you message. Posting your plumber job on TradeMatch is free and only takes 2 minutes.
Can I read reviews of plumbers before hiring on Checkatrade and TradeMatch?
Both platforms display reviews. Reviews are posted by anyone who claims to be a customer — Checkatrade does not require proof of a completed booking through their platform (because most jobs are arranged off-platform). Members can dispute reviews; some reviews are removed or hidden during the dispute window. Independent investigations (Watchdog, Money Saving Expert forum threads) have flagged historic concerns about review filtering and reinstatement. On TradeMatch, every review is verified — only homeowners who have completed a plumber job through the platform can leave one. No ability to buy or solicit reviews, and every review stays visible (tradespeople cannot delete negative feedback).
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