What a callout actually costs
Daytime weekday emergency callouts in our region typically run £85–£140 for the first hour. Evenings and Saturdays £140–£220. Sundays and bank holidays £180–£280. Overnight (22:00–06:00) £200–£380.
These are first-hour rates including travel and basic containment materials. Additional time is usually charged in 30-minute or hourly increments at a lower rate (£45–£65 per half-hour daytime; double on overnight).
What should be included
First-hour callout should include: travel to site, diagnosis, isolation of the leak/issue, and basic containment materials (jubilee clips, push-fit fittings, sealant). It should NOT include: replacement parts costing more than ~£20, anything requiring a return visit, or work outside the original scope.
Red flags during the call
Anyone refusing to give a callout figure on the phone should be a hard pass — even 'it depends' should come with a range. Anyone insisting on cash only — pass. Anyone wanting payment before they've assessed the job — pass. Reputable firms quote a callout, attend, assess, then quote any further work in writing before doing it.
The 'we'll have to come back tomorrow with the part, that'll be another callout' line is sometimes legitimate, sometimes not — ask whether the part could reasonably have been on the van.
When 'emergency' is the right word
Genuine plumbing emergencies: burst pipe, no water at all, sewage backing up, gas smell (call National Gas first on 0800 111 999), no heating in winter. Not emergencies (will be charged at emergency rates anyway): dripping tap, slow drain, intermittent boiler fault, low pressure. Wait until the morning and pay 60% less.