Call-out Fees
Call-out Fees | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Bristol
When a burst pipe or blocked drain throws your day into chaos, you need fast, trustworthy help that won’t leave you guessing about the bill. HEP’s emergency plumbing experts are on call across Bristol 24/7, arriving with fully stocked vans and a clear, upfront call-out fee that covers diagnosis and the first hour’s labour. No hidden extras, no weekend surcharges—just rapid relief and the confidence that your home is in safe hands.
Our Gas Safe registered engineers live locally, so they know Bristol’s streets as well as its plumbing quirks. Whether you’re in Clifton, Bedminster, or beyond, we aim to be at your door within the hour, tackling everything from leaking boilers to over-flowing toilets on the spot. Transparent pricing means you authorise every step before we begin, and our workmanship is backed by a solid guarantee, giving you complete peace of mind long after the water has stopped flowing.
FAQs
What is a call-out fee and why is it charged?
A call-out fee is a fixed amount we charge to dispatch an emergency plumber to your Bristol address, assess the situation and make the system safe. It covers the cost of travel, fuel, administration and the plumber’s immediate availability, ensuring we can reach you quickly 24/7. The fee is separate from any labour or parts needed to complete the repair.
How much is your emergency plumbing call-out fee in Bristol?
For properties within the Bristol city boundary, our standard emergency call-out fee is £59 (incl. VAT) during weekday working hours (08:00–18:00). Outside these hours—nights, weekends and bank holidays—the call-out fee rises to £89 to reflect the premium cost of keeping an engineer on standby. We will always confirm the fee over the phone before we attend.
Does the call-out fee include labour and parts?
The call-out fee pays for the engineer’s attendance and initial fault diagnosis. Once on site, any additional labour is charged at our transparent half-hourly rate (£45 per 30 min weekdays, £65 per 30 min out of hours). Parts and materials are billed separately at trade prices plus a small handling charge that will be itemised on your invoice. We never carry out chargeable work without your approval.
Are call-out fees higher for properties outside Bristol?
Yes. For addresses more than 15 miles from Bristol city centre we apply a small mileage supplement of £15 to cover extra travel time and fuel. If you are unsure whether this applies, our office team can confirm your exact fee when you book.
What happens if the plumber cannot fix the problem on the first visit?
If a specialist part is required or more extensive work is necessary, the engineer will make the system safe, give you a written quotation and schedule a return visit. The initial call-out fee is still payable, but you will not be charged a second call-out fee for the follow-up appointment if it is within 14 days. Subsequent labour and parts will be billed as per the quotation.
Can I do anything to keep emergency plumbing costs down?
Yes. 1) Shut off the water supply at the stop-cock as soon as you spot a leak or burst pipe. 2) Take clear photos of the problem so our office can advise the engineer what parts to load, reducing return visits. 3) Ask for a fixed-price quote where possible. 4) Keep up with routine maintenance to avoid emergencies. 5) Check whether your home insurance or boiler cover policy will reimburse the call-out fee before you book.