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Tips & AdviceUpdated May 2026By TradeMatch Editorial Team·14 January 2026·Updated 12 April 2026·5 min read
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?
Most emergency plumbers aim to arrive within 1–2 hours during business hours. Evening and weekend response times may be 2–4 hours. On TradeMatch, posting an urgent job typically gets you quotes within minutes.
Where is my stopcock?
The stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink, in a utility room, or near the front door. In flats, it may be in a communal cupboard. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Need a professional?
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