Trade Guide - Fix multiple small kitchen leaks (U-bend, loose tap, pipe)

Robert Costart
May 29
2 min read

Updated: Jun 4

🔧 Scope of Works

Isolate hot and cold feeds (service valves or main stop-cock) and depressurise the pipework.
Empty the under-sink cupboard for unhindered access.
Leak 1 – U-bend/trap: remove the plastic P- or S-trap, clean the pipe ends and fit a new trap kit with fresh seals.
Leak 2 – loose tap: tighten or replace the tap back-nut/fixing bracket; fit new O-ring or foam gasket to stop weeping round the tap base.
Leak 3 – pipe joint: cut out or dismantle the weeping compression/push-fit joint and install a new coupler, ferrule or section of pipe.
Flush, reinstate water, check all three repairs at full flow / temperature for at least two minutes each.
Re-fit cupboard panels, wipe down, and remove old parts & packaging for recycling or licensed disposal.

💷 Typical Cost (incl. VAT, 2025)

Charge type	Low £	High £	Notes
Call-out / minimum	70	140	First-hour attendance; Checkatrade cites £100–£120 for emergencies, £70–£90 for standard visits
Labour per hour (after first)	40	90	UK plumber rates £40 avg; London/emergency £80–£90
Materials	10	60	Plastic sink trap kit £50–£200 total inc. labour; DIY trap £6–£20; push-fit coupler £2–£5; seal kits <£5 each
Disposal	0	15	Small plastic/metal parts – often included.
Extras (new isolation valves, out-of-hours, difficult access)	20	100	Only if required.
TOTAL (most jobs come in here)	180	380	Typical two-hour visit with parts but no major complications.

🕓 Time on Site

1 – 2 hours for three routine leak fixes carried out back-to-back.

Allow up to 3 – 4 hours if:

Trap or back-nut is seized/corroded.
No working isolation valves (system drain-down needed).
Pipework is concealed or needs cutting and soldering rather than a push-fit repair.
Extra time is spent sourcing an exact matching tap fixing.

❓ Questions to Ask Your Tradie

Is your quote fixed for all three leaks or hourly after the first hour, and does it include VAT?
Will you bring a selection of traps, washers and couplers, or do you need photos/model numbers first?
Are my isolation valves serviceable, or might the whole property need shutting off?
If the tap fixing is cracked, will you charge extra to fit a replacement tap base kit?
What warranty do you give on workmanship and on any parts you supply?
Do evening/weekend call-outs carry a surcharge, and do you bill for parking time?
Will you dispose of old parts and leave the cupboard resealed and tidy?

✅ How to Avoid Surprises

Send clear photos of the trap, tap underside and leaking pipe so the plumber brings the right spares.
Clear the cupboard and provide good lighting for fast diagnosis.
Test shut-offs: make sure the main stop-cock and service valves turn fully off.
Provide parking/permit close to the kitchen entrance.
Flag any water-filter, waste-disposal unit or pull-out hose that may obstruct access.
Ask if an out-of-hours uplift applies before you book the slot.

💡With this checklist you know what the plumber will do, what it’s likely to cost, and how to keep multiple small kitchen-leak repairs quick and budget-friendly in 2025.