What does a plumber really cost for a leaking tap? (and when it's unnecessary)

The bill nobody shows you upfront

Calling a plumber for a leaking tap feels logical — until the bill arrives. Call-out fees of €50-90 are common, plus an hourly rate of €45-75. For a 15-minute job (replacing a cartridge) you quickly pay €90-150, while the part itself costs €10-25.

When is a plumber actually the right choice?

• For pipework behind walls or floors.
• When in doubt about the main water line or pressure issues throughout the house.
• If you don't have the time or inclination — that's a legitimate reason, not a weakness.

When you can easily do it yourself

Most tap issues come down to a small, easily accessible part: cartridge, aerator, sink strainer, check valve. With a pipe wrench, screwdriver, and 15-20 minutes, you can handle it yourself — no specialist knowledge required.

A cost example

Cartridge replacement by a plumber: €90-150 (call-out + labour). Cartridge replacement yourself: €10-25 (part) + 20 minutes of your time. With two or more jobs like this per year, any tool investment pays for itself.

The biggest hurdle: knowing which part

The reason people still call a technician often isn't the job itself — it's uncertainty about which part they need. That's exactly what we're here for: send a photo of your tap or the broken part, and you'll have certainty within a day.

Done? Here's your next step

Not sure if your job is DIY-friendly? Send a photo via WhatsApp — we'll tell you honestly whether it's a 15-minute job or truly a plumber's task.