Pipe Fitting Cost UK 2026
Pipework is charged either by the hour or as a fixed price for a defined run. In Q3 2026 a pipe-fitter charges about £45–£90 an hour, moving or extending pipework for a kitchen or bathroom costs £400–£1,200, and repiping a whole house is typically £3,000–£7,000.
Pipe Fitting Cost UK 2026 — Price Table
Typical UK prices for Q3 2026, supplied and fitted where relevant. Every quote varies with access, property type and region — London and the South East typically add 10–25%.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £45–£90/hr | Higher in London |
| Day rate | £280–£500 | |
| Kitchen or bathroom pipework | £400–£1,200 | Moving supply and waste |
| Full house repipe (3-bed) | £3,000–£7,000 | Includes making good |
| Replace lead supply pipe | £800–£2,500 | Depends on the dig length |
| Outside tap | £120–£250 | |
| Radiator move or add | £180–£450 | Per radiator |
| Gas pipe run (Gas Safe) | £200–£600 |
Indicative Q3 2026 UK market ranges. Confirm the figure for your job with a written quote.
What’s Included in a Pipe-Fitter Quote
- Isolating and draining down the system safely
- New copper, plastic or press-fit pipework as specified
- Fittings, valves and pipe insulation
- Pressure testing before closing anything up
- Lifting and refitting floorboards where access is needed
- Basic making good around the work
Always get the scope in writing. Two quotes that look far apart on price are usually not quoting the same work — the difference is normally preparation, disposal or making good.
What Moves the Price Up or Down
Access and location
Restricted access, upper floors, scaffolding or limited parking all add labour time. Regional labour rates vary by 20–30% across the UK, with London and the South East highest.
Specification
Material grade is the biggest controllable variable. Moving one step up the range usually adds far less than people expect, because the labour stays the same.
Condition of what’s there now
Preparation and remedial work to existing fabric is the most common source of a quote coming back higher than the headline rate. A survey before quoting protects both sides.
Timing
Trades price emergency and out-of-hours work at a premium, and peak season is dearer for weather-dependent trades. Booking ahead is usually cheaper.
Pipe Fitting Cost UK 2026 — FAQs
The clearest triggers are lead supply pipework, galvanised steel that has furred up and dropped your flow, repeated pinhole leaks in old copper, or a full renovation where walls and floors are open anyway. Doing it during a renovation is far cheaper than as a standalone job.
Both are compliant and both last. Copper is more rigid, tolerates heat better and looks better where pipes are visible; push-fit plastic is quicker to install in awkward runs, which is why it dominates on hidden work. Many installers mix the two by location.
It is not compulsory in most cases, but it is strongly advised — and many water companies replace their portion free or at reduced cost if you replace yours, so ask before you book the work.
Non-urgent work is typically 1–3 weeks out. Emergency leak repair is same-day, at a higher call-out rate.
Compare Quotes From Vetted Local Trades
Tell us about your job and we’ll match you with up to three vetted local specialists. No upfront cost, no obligation — and you deal direct.
Get my 3 free quotes →