Living in a house with plumbing problems can be a nightmare.
They come in many forms, as do their costs.
And if they aren’t fixed, they can devalue your property.
Read on to learn about the most common plumbing issues and their costs.
Reasons a plumber is needed
Leaks
A water leak in your pipes is often best looked at by a plumber. This could also apply to a tap that won’t stop dripping.
No hot water
Hot water is essential for lots of different activities. You need it for washing up, washing your hands, and taking a bath.
Low water pressure
It’s almost impossible to shower when the water pressure is very low. This could also affect the water coming from your taps.
Burst pipes
Burst pipes are very serious – flooding your property can cause immense damage.
Clogged drains
A clogged drain can often be caused by build-up over several months. Or, it may happen out of nowhere!
It’s also usually accompanied by a gurgling sound.
Toilet issues
There are several problems that you may encounter with a toilet.
Perhaps the water is running non-stop. Or you cannot flush properly.
The average cost of plumbing a house
Precise costs will depend on your location, plumber, and needs.
However, the average cost of plumbing an entire house is around £14,000. This varies based on the size of a property.
For just plumbing one room (i.e., a kitchen or a bathroom), around £3,000 is a typical price.
You’ll pay far less for a plumber if you ask them to do minor jobs. For instance, if you need them to fix a leaking tap, or improve water pressure.
These tasks’ prices will rarely go above £700, often much lower.
Plumbing a four-bedroom property brings the price above the average, to around £18,000.
But if it’s only a 1-bedroom flat, plumbing the entire property may only cost £8,000.
Precise costs will depend on your location, plumber, and needs.
Can I do my house’s plumbing myself?
Many people consider this, to save money. But it’s not recommended – unless, of course, you’ve got the expertise.
An expert will have professional insurance, which gives protection in case something goes wrong.
They’re also more likely to know where to order high-quality parts.
Smaller tasks are more feasible for you to fix, such as:
- Unclogging drains
- Installing a new toilet seat
- Replacing a shower head.
What influences the cost of hiring a plumber?
Size of the job
This is undoubtedly the most significant factor. When you’re plumbing an entire house, the cost rises into the thousands.
But for a simple one-off task, it shouldn’t go above a few hundred pounds.
When an entire four-bedroom house needs attention, this costs far more than a bathroom in a one-bedroom flat.
Location
Local plumber prices are consistent with the cost of living in your area.
For example, if you live in Central London, prices will be at least 20% higher than in rural areas of Scotland and Wales.
Price also relates to the distance your plumber needs to travel. They may charge extra for coming a long way.
It’s thus often in your interest to hire someone close to you.
Experience
Plumbers with more experience and expertise will push their prices up.
You are paying extra, expecting that if something goes wrong, they’ll know how to handle it.
Extra parts needed
Your plumber may need to order extra parts to repair your situation. This is common if you’ve got unique appliances in your bathroom or kitchen.
They may already have the extra parts on them, at an extra cost. Or they could have to order them and wait for them to arrive.
This will be added to your overall fee.
Ways to keep down the price of a plumber
Get different quotes
You will find the best prices by comparing lots of different options.
But remember: the least expensive option isn’t always the best way.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
You can try to negotiate with your plumber.
As long as you aren’t being disrespectful, there’s no harm in asking.
Schedule work during off-peak hours
Not every plumber charges the same prices every day.
There are ‘busy times’ in their schedule – and avoiding them ensures that you aren’t charged more than you should be.
