What a plumber does
A plumber looks after the water side of your home: the pipes, taps, toilets, showers, drains and hot water cylinder. Most jobs are small repairs that are quicker and cheaper than people expect, but a good plumber will also fit a new bathroom, move pipework or find a hidden leak before it ruins a ceiling.
Mains water in Leeds is supplied by Yorkshire Water. If a leak is on the pavement side of your boundary or before your stop tap, report it to Yorkshire Water rather than paying a plumber, because the pipe is usually theirs to fix.
Common plumber jobs in Leeds
These are the plumber jobs you can post on Fettld. Pick the closest one, describe the problem in your own words and add a few photos so plumbers can quote accurately.
- Leaks and drips
- Taps and mixers
- Toilets and cisterns
- Blocked drains and sinks
- Radiator valves
- Bathroom installation
- Showers and pumps
- Outside taps
- Water tanks and cylinders
Before you hire a plumber
Public liability insurance
Water damage spreads fast. Make sure the plumber carries public liability cover so an accident with a pipe doesn't become your bill.
Gas work needs Gas Safe
Plenty of plumbers also work on boilers and gas pipes, but only a Gas Safe registered engineer can legally do it. If your job touches gas, check the registration card.
A fixed price in writing
Ask for a fixed quote that says what's included, such as parts, disposal of old fittings and making good. Hourly rates with no cap make small jobs unpredictable.
Plumber prices: rough guidance
To help you sense-check quotes, here are broad typical ranges for straightforward jobs. They're guidance only, not Fettld prices or averages, and every quote in Leeds will depend on access, materials, the size of the job and how soon you need it.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Repair a dripping tap or replace a tap (labour) | £80 to £200 |
| Clear a blocked sink, bath or toilet | £70 to £180 |
| Fit a new toilet (labour) | £150 to £350 |
How Fettld protects your deposit
When you accept a quote, you pay a deposit to Fettld, not straight to the plumber. Your money is held as a deposit by Fettld until you approve the work. It's released when you confirm the job is done, or automatically 7 days after the trade marks the stage complete if you don't raise a problem.
- Post your plumber job for free with photos and the Leeds postcode, so only local trades see it.
- Compare fixed quotes, reviews and checks, and message plumbers before you choose.
- Pay safely. Your money is held as a deposit by Fettld until you approve the work, and bigger jobs are split into stages. If something goes wrong, our Resolution Centre steps in.
Plumbers in Leeds: questions
Do I need a plumber or a gas engineer?
If the job is only water, such as a leaking tap, toilet or waste pipe, a plumber is right. If it involves a gas boiler, gas pipe, hob or fire, you need a Gas Safe registered engineer. Many trades are both, and Fettld shows which checks each one has passed.
How do I stop a leak while I wait for a plumber?
Turn off the water at your internal stop tap, which is usually under the kitchen sink or where the supply pipe enters the house. Then open a cold tap to drain the pressure and put a bucket under the leak.
Who pays for a leak outside my property?
Usually the water company. Pipes in the street and up to your boundary are generally theirs. The supply pipe inside your boundary is normally your responsibility, so a plumber is needed for that part.
Should I pay a plumber upfront?
Not in full. On Fettld your money is held as a deposit by Fettld until you approve the work, so the plumber knows the money is there. It's released when you confirm the job is done, or automatically 7 days after the trade marks the stage complete if you don't raise a problem.