How Much Does an Emergency Call-Out Really Cost? Transparent Pricing Guide

Call-out vs hourly/fixed, evening/weekend rates, what’s included, real examples.

L;DR (Benchmark Bands — London)

• Billing model: 1-hour minimum, then 15-minute increments. Prices + VAT. Materials supplied by the engineer/company may include a handling charge.
• Plumbing (weekday bands): £150 (7am–6pm) • £185 (6pm–12am) • £300 (12am–7am).
• Plumbing (weekend bands): £185 • £215 • £325.

What “Call-Out” Actually Covers

“Call-out” is the minimum fee to mobilise an engineer, travel to site, diagnose, and begin work. Some firms include the first 30 minutes in the call-out; others skip a call-out and simply bill the first hour of labour. Either way, that first block should cover a meaningful attempt at a first-visit fix.

A transparent invoice should show:

1. Call-out or first-hour charge
2. Labour beyond the included time
3. Parts/materials
4. Parking / Congestion / ULEZ
5. VAT, and any guarantee notes

Hourly vs Fixed Price — Which Is Better?

• Hourly is best for unknowns or fault-finding (hidden leaks, complex controls, intermittent issues). You pay only for time actually used.
• Fixed price suits clearly scoped tasks (fill valve swap, TRV change, simple trap unblock). You get cost certainty once the fault and parts are known.

Tip: Ask to switch from hourly to a fixed price once the engineer confirms the diagnosis and parts.

Notes (add as a small footer under tables):

• Times are arrival-to-departure from site.
• Invoices show start/finish times, labour, parts, and any third-party charges.
• Materials supplied by the company may include a trade/handling charge—itemised clearly.
• Where safe, we offer fixed prices once a fault is identified.

What’s Usually Included (and What Isn’t)

Included in call-out / first hour: engineer mobilisation, travel, on-site assessment, and initial works within the included minutes.
Common extras: specialist kit (powerflush/CCTV), premium or uncommon parts, boxing-in / making good, access equipment (towers), third-party certification.
Paperwork: expect a job report with photos, parts listed, recommendations.

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Real-World Examples (How the Bill Adds Up)

1) Overflowing Toilet — Weeknight 8:30pm

• Band: Plumbing, weekday 6pm–12am
• First hour (includes diagnosis + fix): £185
• Part: Fill valve (mid-range) ~£22–£35
• Parking (receipt): ~£4–£8
• Indicative total ex-VAT: £211–£228 (if completed within the first hour)

2) Split Flexi Hose — Saturday 2pm

• Band: Plumbing, weekend 7am–6pm
• First hour: £185
• Part: WRAS flexi hose ~£10–£18
• Indicative total ex-VAT: £195–£203 (usually within the hour)

3) No Heating — Failed Pump — Tuesday 10am

• Band: Heating, weekday 7am–6pm
• First hour (diagnosis): £160
• Fixed price (supply & fit standard pump): from £260–£380 depending on model/access
• Indicative total ex-VAT: £420–£540

(Examples are illustrative; access, brand, isolation points, and building rules can change totals.)

How to Avoid “Bill Shock”: A 7-Point Checklist

1. Confirm the first block (call-out or first hour) and what minutes it includes.
2. Ask the increment after the first block (30 or 60 minutes).
3. Confirm evening/weekend/holiday bands before booking.
4. Once diagnosed, request a fixed price for the remedial task (where suitable).
5. Clarify parts policy (standard vs premium options).
6. Ask how parking / Congestion / ULEZ is handled (receipts).
7. Get a written job report.

FAQ