Plumbing Repairs in Erith — Emergency & Routine
Emergency and routine plumbing repairs across Erith, Belvedere, Thamesmead and surrounding areas. Available 24/7 for genuine emergencies. Aim to arrive within 60 minutes in our core area.
When Something Goes Wrong, You Need Someone Who Can Actually Come Out
Thames Plumber Services provides emergency and routine plumbing repairs across Erith, Belvedere, Thamesmead, Slade Green, Abbey Wood, Crayford, Northfleet and Swanscombe. Our engineers are available 24 hours a day for genuine plumbing emergencies — burst pipes, active flooding, complete water supply failures.
We're Gas Safe registered and fully insured. All repair work is carried out by qualified plumbers who work directly for us, and every job is backed by our 12-month workmanship guarantee.
We take booked appointments for routine repair and maintenance work at times that suit you — call or use the contact form to arrange a convenient time.
Types of Plumbing Repairs We Carry Out
From burst pipes to dripping taps — we handle the full range of domestic plumbing repairs.
Burst Pipes & Leak Repair
Burst pipes are the most urgent domestic plumbing emergency. If you have a burst pipe, turn off the water at your main stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and call us immediately.
We carry out burst pipe repairs in copper, plastic (MDPE, polybutylene, push-fit) and older lead pipework. We also repair pinhole leaks in copper pipes, leaking soldered joints and push-fit fittings, and burst mains supply pipes.
Tap Repair & Replacement
A dripping tap wastes up to 5,400 litres per year — and the constant drip is irritating and can stain sinks over time.
We repair and replace all types of taps — traditional pillar taps, mixer taps, monobloc, quarter-turn and ceramic disc types — in kitchens, bathrooms, cloakrooms and utility rooms.
Toilet Repairs & Cistern Work
Toilets develop several common faults that an experienced plumber can usually resolve in one visit: running toilet, poor flush, rocking at the base, or slow-filling cistern.
Running toilet (failing flap valve or float arm), toilet not flushing properly (failing siphon), toilet rocking or leaking at base (failing wax seal), slow-filling cistern (blocked fill valve). All straightforward repairs.
Overflow Pipes
An overflow pipe continuously dripping from outside your property is a sign that a cistern or tank is overfilling.
We identify the source (toilet cistern, cold water storage tank in the loft, water supply tank) and repair or replace the faulty ball valve or float mechanism.
Blocked Drains & Clearing
We clear blocked sinks, basins, baths, toilets and floor drains. Most household blockages are in the immediate waste trap or the first few metres of the drain run.
For stubborn or deeper blockages, we use drain rods or a high-pressure water jetter. We do not carry out CCTV drain surveys — if a blockage cannot be cleared manually or drainage appears to have a structural problem, we'll advise appropriately.
Stopcock Repair & Replacement
Your main stopcock is the most important valve in your home's plumbing system. Older stopcocks often seize up or fail to close fully when needed.
If your stopcock is stiff, only partially closes, or is actively leaking around the gland, we can repair or replace it. A small job that can make an enormous difference when you need to act fast in an emergency.
Water Pressure Problems
Low water pressure is a common complaint, particularly in areas supplied through older pipework infrastructure.
We diagnose water pressure issues and carry out remedial work where plumbing-related causes are identified — blocked inline filters, failing pressure reducing valves, undersized pipework connections. Note: some pressure issues are supply-related (Thames Water's responsibility) — we'll identify what's within our scope.
Kitchen Plumbing
We connect and disconnect appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, waste disposal units), replace flexible hoses, install under-sink water filters and instant hot water taps.
Flexible hoses under kitchen sinks are a common source of hidden leaks — we recommend inspecting and replacing them proactively every 5–7 years.
Bathroom Plumbing Repairs
We repair and replace individual bathroom components beyond full bathroom fitting — shower valves, electric shower units, shower enclosure waste traps, bath taps and mixers, and heated towel rails.
See our bathroom fitting page for complete bathroom renovation services.
Emergency Plumbing — What Counts as an Emergency?
Call Immediately (Day or Night):
- !Active burst pipe with water escaping
- !Flooding inside the property
- !Complete loss of water supply
- !Sewage backing up into the property
- !Gas smell (call National Gas Emergency Service 0800 111 999 first, then us)
Can Usually Wait Until Morning:
- ✓Dripping tap
- ✓Slow-draining sink or bath
- ✓Running toilet cistern (annoying but not urgent)
- ✓Low water pressure
- ✓Non-urgent leak that can be contained with a bowl or towel
If in doubt, call 01474 329154 and we'll advise you honestly on whether you need someone now or whether it can wait.
What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives
In the event of a burst pipe or active leak, these steps can significantly limit water damage while you wait for us to arrive.
Turn off the water at the main stopcock
Usually located under the kitchen sink or where the supply pipe enters the property from outside.
Turn off the electricity
If water is near electrical outlets, fuse boards or lighting.
Drain taps
Open cold taps to drain the pipes of remaining water.
Contain the water
Place towels, buckets or containers to limit spread and water damage.
Take photos
For insurance purposes, photograph the damage before any repair work begins.
Call us on 01474 329154
We'll give you an ETA and any additional advice over the phone.
Plumbing Repair Pricing
All prices are indicative. The final price depends on the specific fault, access requirements and whether additional parts are needed. You'll receive a price before work starts.
| Type of Work | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Standard call-out (office hours, inc. first assessment) | From £60 |
| Emergency call-out (out of hours) | From £120 |
| Tap repair (washer/cartridge replacement) | £60 – £100 |
| Tap replacement (supply and fit) | £80 – £150 |
| Toilet cistern repair (flap valve/siphon) | £60 – £100 |
| Burst pipe repair | £100 – £300+ |
| Blocked drain clearing | £80 – £150 |
| Stopcock replacement | £100 – £180 |
Plumbing Repairs — Areas Covered
We cover Erith (DA8), Belvedere (DA17), Thamesmead (SE28), Slade Green, Abbey Wood (SE2), Crayford (DA1), Northfleet (DA11) and Swanscombe (DA10). View location-specific pages:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber charge per hour in the Erith area?+
For standard work during office hours, expect to pay £65–£80 per hour plus the initial call-out fee of £60. Emergency out-of-hours work is typically charged at around £100 per hour. For larger, planned jobs, we provide a fixed-price quote rather than an hourly rate.
How much does it cost to call a plumber?+
Our standard call-out fee is £60, which includes the engineer's travel and first assessment. This is deducted from the total cost if work proceeds. Emergency call-outs (out of hours) start from £120.
What plumbing problems are covered by home insurance?+
Most home and contents insurance policies cover damage caused by sudden and accidental escape of water — a burst pipe, for example. They typically do not cover gradual leaks, wear and tear, or the cost of repairing the source of the leak itself. Check your policy before assuming — the terms vary significantly between insurers. We can provide reports and photographs for insurance claims where needed.
Can I fix a leaking tap myself?+
You can replace a washer or cartridge in a tap without any licence requirements — this is legal for homeowners. However, if the tap itself is in poor condition, connected to ageing pipework, or the leak is coming from the supply connection rather than the tap itself, it's safer to call a qualified plumber. A failed DIY repair under a kitchen sink can cause significant water damage.
What should I do if my stopcock won't turn off?+
Don't force it — old stopcocks can snap if over-stressed. Call us on 01474 329154. If you need to isolate the water supply urgently during a burst pipe, your water supplier Thames Water has a team that can shut off supply at the street valve. Thames Water's emergency line is available 24/7.
Need a Plumber in Erith or Surrounding Areas?
Available 24/7 for emergencies. Monday to Saturday 8am–6pm for bookings and quotes.
Call 01474 329154