What a Plumber Charges per Hour
Plumber pricing in Ireland varies by county, job type, and whether the work is planned or emergency. A plumber in Dublin charges more than one in rural Leitrim, for the same reason a coffee costs more on Grafton Street than in Portlaoise. Overheads, demand, and cost of living all differ.
| Rate type | Dublin / major cities | Regional / rural |
|---|---|---|
| Call-out fee (standard hours) | €60–€100 | €40–€70 |
| Call-out fee (emergency / out of hours) | €100–€180 | €80–€130 |
| Hourly rate (standard) | €70–€100 | €50–€75 |
| Hourly rate (emergency / out of hours) | €100–€150 | €75–€110 |
Call-out fees typically cover the first hour or 30 minutes of labour. After that, the hourly rate applies. Always clarify this before booking, because a plumber who won't confirm it in writing is a red flag.
Common Plumbing Job Costs
The figures below are compiled from market data across Irish counties. Use them as a benchmark: if a quote falls significantly outside these ranges, ask why.
| Job | Typical total cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dripping tap repair | €80–€150 | Depends on tap type; parts extra if needed |
| Toilet repair (running or not flushing) | €80–€150 | Cistern parts usually €20–€50 extra |
| Toilet replacement | €200–€400 | Labour only; toilet priced separately |
| Blocked drain (internal) | €80–€150 | Rodding; jetting extra if needed |
| Burst pipe repair | €150–€350 | Emergency rates apply out of hours |
| Radiator replacement | €150–€300 | Per radiator; new radiator priced separately |
| Radiator balancing (full system) | €150–€300 | Depends on number of radiators |
| Stopcock replacement | €100–€200 | Main stop valve under the sink |
| Immersion heater replacement | €150–€250 | Element and thermostat; cylinder stays |
| Shower installation (fitting only) | €200–€450 | Labour only; shower unit priced separately |
| Outside tap installation | €150–€280 | Includes backflow prevention |
| Annual boiler service | €80–€120 | RGI-registered engineer required |
Boiler Installation Costs
Boiler installation is the single largest plumbing job most homeowners will face. Prices vary by boiler type, brand, and whether a like-for-like swap is possible or new pipework is needed.
| Boiler type | Supply and fit | Fit only (you supply) |
|---|---|---|
| Combi boiler (like-for-like) | €2,200–€3,200 | €600–€900 |
| System boiler | €2,800–€4,000 | €700–€1,000 |
| Oil boiler | €3,000–€4,500 | €800–€1,100 |
| Heat pump (air to water) | €12,000–€18,000 | Not applicable |
SEAI offers up to €12,500 toward a heat pump installation, made up of up to €6,500 for the heat pump itself, up to €2,000 towards the central heating upgrades it needs, and a €4,000 renewable heat bonus for replacing an eligible fossil-fuel or electric heating system. A qualifying home can bring the effective cost down to roughly €2,000–€8,000 before running cost savings, subject to eligibility.
For a fuller breakdown, see our boiler installation costs guide.
New Bathroom Plumbing Costs
A new bathroom is a big-ticket job, and the spread depends heavily on whether you supply the sanitaryware or the plumber does. The ranges below are for the plumbing and fit-out work.
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full bathroom fit-out (supply and fit) | €4,500–€9,000 | Sanitaryware and labour included |
| Full bathroom fit-out (fit only) | €1,800–€3,500 | Labour only, you supply everything |
| En-suite installation | €2,500–€5,000 | Smaller space, less pipework |
| Downstairs WC | €1,200–€2,500 | Depends on location and access |
| Shower enclosure replacement | €400–€900 | Like-for-like; enclosure priced separately |
What Affects the Price
Location
Dublin and major cities command 20–40% higher rates than rural counties. This reflects higher overheads, fuel costs, and demand imbalances.
Standard vs emergency
Emergency call-outs outside working hours (evenings, weekends, bank holidays) are legitimately more expensive. Emergency rates are typically 50–100% above standard rates.
Access and complexity
A leak under a kitchen sink is easier to reach than a pipe in a concrete floor. Difficult access means more time, which means higher cost.
Parts
Most quotes separate labour from parts. Higher-specification parts cost more. Ask specifically whether the quote includes parts or labour only.
VAT
VAT applies to plumbing and heating work in Ireland. A written quote should state whether VAT is included, because a quote given exclusive of VAT will be higher when it is invoiced. Ask the plumber to confirm the rate that applies to your job.
System condition
An older system with corroded fittings or unusual configurations takes longer. Good plumbers will flag this in the quote; poor ones will do it as an add-on.
How to Avoid Being Overcharged
- Get three quotes for any job over €200. This is industry standard practice.
- Always get a written quote before work starts. A verbal price is not a quote.
- Clarify what is included: call-out fee, labour, parts, VAT, and post-job testing.
- Know the rough rate: use the tables above to sense-check any quote.
- Never pay fully upfront: a deposit of 20–30% is reasonable for large jobs. Full payment before work starts is a red flag.
- Ask for a gas cert: for any gas work, a Certificate of Completion should be included.
If a plumber refuses to provide a written quote or invoice, find someone else. A written record is your legal protection if anything goes wrong with the work.
Key takeaways
- Standard call-out fees run €60–€100 in Dublin and major cities, €40–€70 regionally.
- Standard hourly rates are €70–€100 in cities and €50–€75 in rural counties.
- Emergency and out-of-hours rates are typically 50–100% higher than standard rates.
- Common repairs like a dripping tap, running toilet or blocked drain fall around €80–€150.
- Get three written quotes for any job over €200 and use these ranges to sense-check them.
