There’s no panic quite like plumbing panic. You know the moment — it’s 2am, you’re in bed, and suddenly you hear it: the drip, the rush, the unmistakable sound of something flooding that shouldn’t be. Or worse — it’s a freezing Monday morning and your boiler won’t fire, your radiators are stone cold, and your landlord’s on holiday in Spain.
When things go wrong with your plumbing in London, you don’t have time for callbacks, 3-day waitlists, or flaky contractors who “might swing by tomorrow.” You need a 24/7 emergency plumber who picks up the phone, grabs their wrench, and gets to your door fast — whether you’re in a flat in Camden or a terrace in Tooting.
But here’s the hard part: there are dozens of companies advertising emergency plumbing in London… and not all of them are equal. Some charge through the roof for a 10-minute job. Others leave you waiting. And a few? They don’t even answer the phone at night — despite the big “24/7” logo on their website.
That’s why we’ve done the digging for you.
This guide brings together London’s most trusted, best-rated emergency plumbers — the ones with proven track records, real out-of-hours availability, and fair pricing (even when it’s pouring rain and your bathroom’s turning into a swimming pool).
We combed through hundreds of reviews, real-time callout reports, and community forum posts to find the ones people actually recommend — not just the ones who bought Google ads.
Whether you’re dealing with:
- A burst pipe at midnight
- A broken combi boiler on a freezing morning
- An overflowing toilet on Christmas Day
- Or just a weird smell coming from under the sink…
…these are the plumbers Londoners call when they’ve tried turning it off and on again — and nothing’s worked.
Let’s jump into the list.
Service #1: Pimlico Plumbers – London’s Best-Known 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Service
Overview:
If you’ve ever seen their blue and white vans zipping through central London, you already know the name. Pimlico Plumbers is one of the most recognisable and widely trusted emergency plumbing companies in the city — with engineers on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Whether it’s a flooded basement in Chelsea or a dead boiler in Hackney, they’ve probably seen (and fixed) worse.
But Pimlico isn’t just about brand power — they’re known for turning up fast, sending qualified engineers, and giving clear pricing upfront. Yes, they’re on the pricier end — but when you’re ankle-deep in water and the landlord’s abroad, quality and speed matter more than saving £30.
Real Customer Stories:
“My flat flooded from the washing machine. Called Pimlico at 10pm, plumber arrived within 90 minutes and shut off the valve before it got worse. Courteous, clean, and professional.” – Rebekah M., Islington
“They fixed our boiler at 5am when no one else even picked up. Not cheap, but they were honest, clean, and didn’t take the mick.” – James B., Clapham
Pros:
- Genuine 24/7 callout — even 2am on Sunday
- Fast response across all London boroughs
- Engineers wear uniform, show ID, and clean up after
- Can also handle gas, heating, and drainage emergencies
Cons:
– On the expensive side, especially outside normal hours
– Must pay on completion — no pay-later or invoice options
Who It’s Best For:
People who want instant peace of mind, professional engineers, and someone who will show up no matter the time or postcode.
Service #2: Aspect – Multi-Trade Experts With 24/7 Plumbing Response Across London
Overview:
Aspect isn’t just a plumbing company — they’re a full-service property maintenance crew offering emergency callouts across London, including plumbing, heating, electrics, and drainage. But when it comes to emergency plumbing, they’ve built a solid name for turning up when it counts, especially during off-hours.
Their 24/7 line is always manned, and they dispatch qualified engineers with gas-safe registration for both water-related issues and boiler breakdowns. What sets them apart? They’re excellent for tenants, homeowners, or landlords who want an organised service that also provides follow-up support and paperwork.
What Customers Say:
“Our water heater gave out in the middle of winter. They had someone at the house in under two hours, diagnosed the issue, and got the part ordered the same day.” – Lorna H., Walthamstow
“I appreciated the office support — they didn’t just send a guy, they followed up, gave a full invoice, and explained what we needed to do next.” – Ethan S., Balham
Pros:
- Full-service: plumbing, drainage, boiler, leaks
- Quick emergency dispatch from central booking team
- Clear rates, insured work, and digital paperwork
- Ideal for landlords & Airbnb hosts who need proper documentation
Cons:
– Not the cheapest — callout and first hour can cost £100+
– Larger company feel — not as personal as smaller operators
Who It’s Best For:
Londoners who want structured, professional service with admin support, perfect for anyone needing repairs and records, not just quick fixes.
Service #3: Emergency Plumbers 24/7 – Fast, No-Nonsense Callouts for Central & Greater London
Overview:
Don’t let the generic name fool you — Emergency Plumbers 24/7 is a highly-rated independent outfit that’s made its mark by doing exactly what it says on the tin: showing up fast, fixing problems, and not disappearing after the job’s done. They’re a favourite among renters, students, and landlords looking for reliable service without corporate overhead.
They cover everything from burst pipes and blocked toilets to sudden pressure loss and hot water emergencies — and they do it across Central, South, East, and even parts of Outer London. No app, no fancy dashboard — just old-school mobile booking, real-time updates, and qualified plumbers.
What Londoners Say:
“We had water coming through the ceiling at 1am. I called and spoke to an actual human. He was here in an hour, found the leak, and isolated it quickly.” – Amira J., Lewisham
“It’s not flashy, but the plumber was brilliant. No upselling, just came in, sorted the boiler, and even gave a few tips for future maintenance.” – Dave T., Ealing
Pros:
- Truly 24/7 — no voicemail runarounds
- Very responsive in South & East London
- Ideal for urgent domestic jobs: leaks, toilets, heating
- Fair, upfront pricing — no surprise “emergency rates” tacked on
Cons:
– Smaller team, so may book up fast during high-demand hours
– Not app-based — booking is via phone or online form
Who It’s Best For:
People who want a reliable, straight-talking emergency plumber, especially in Southeast, East, and South London — without corporate pricing or sales gimmicks.
Service #4: Fast Response Plumbers – Local Specialists With Under-1-Hour Arrival Goals
Overview:
Fast Response Plumbers has been quietly building a solid reputation across London for getting to emergencies quickly — often within 45 to 60 minutes of your call. They’re a smaller team of certified plumbing and heating engineers who focus purely on domestic emergencies: leaks, boiler faults, water pressure problems, radiators not working — the kinds of issues that can’t wait until Monday.
They don’t advertise heavily, but their word-of-mouth reviews are glowing, especially from older residents, single parents, and flat tenants who’ve been let down by bigger firms. They’re known for polite, skilled engineers who arrive on time, get straight to work, and explain everything clearly before touching a wrench.
What Locals Say:
“The pressure tank in our loft failed and we had no water. I called Fast Response at 6am. The plumber was here before 7 and had it fixed by 8:15. Genuinely life-saving.” – Thomas E., Streatham
“We had guests and the boiler went. Their guy not only sorted it fast — he even bled the radiators before leaving. Didn’t ask, just did it.” – Gemma K., Camden
Pros:
- Extremely fast arrival times for emergencies
- Helpful, experienced engineers — no fluff
- Good communication and time estimates
- Fair rates for urgent jobs
Cons:
– Not a big company — availability may be limited during peak hours
– Limited to Greater London only
Who It’s Best For:
People who want a human, honest, locally-focused service that turns up fast, explains clearly, and gets the job done without drama.
Service #5: WPJ Heating – Premium Plumbing & Boiler Emergency Support in West and South London
Overview:
If you live in South or West London and value clean, courteous service with long-term reliability, WPJ Heating is a standout name. While they’re better known for full heating installations and boiler upgrades, they also offer fast-response plumbing support — including emergency callouts for leaks, no hot water, low pressure, or heating failures.
What sets them apart? The professionalism. Engineers arrive in branded vans, wear overshoes indoors, clean up after themselves, and always provide written quotes before they begin. It’s a more premium experience — ideal if you’re looking for service you’d recommend to your mum (or your letting agent).
What Locals Say:
“They turned what could have been a total panic into a smooth experience. I got a text when the engineer was en route, and he explained everything clearly.” – Rachel P., Clapham
“It wasn’t cheap, but they actually fixed the issue, didn’t rush, and left the space cleaner than it started.” – Ali F., Fulham
Pros:
- Very well-trained, friendly engineers
- Excellent for heating-related plumbing problems
- Transparent quotes and tidy workmanship
- Strong customer service follow-up
Cons:
– Limited coverage (mostly South & West London)
– Premium pricing — not for low-budget jobs
Who It’s Best For:
Homeowners, landlords, and families in West/South London who want a professional, long-term plumbing partner, not just a quick patch job.
Service #6: The Handy Squad – London’s Trusted All-Rounders for Minor Plumbing Emergencies
Overview:
While not a traditional 24/7 emergency plumbing company, The Handy Squad earns its spot on this list for being surprisingly fast, especially during business hours and early evenings — perfect if your plumbing problem isn’t flooding the house but still needs attention today, not next week.
Think of them as your go-to for small-but-critical fixes: dripping taps, broken toilet flushes, radiator issues, leaky pipes under the sink. Their engineers are fully insured, uniformed, and well-reviewed across North, Central, and West London. And they’ll often squeeze you in same-day if you call before lunch.
Real Reviews:
“I didn’t need a full plumber — just someone to sort a toilet leak that was slowly ruining the floor. Handy Squad had someone here by 3pm. Sorted in 40 mins.” – Julian C., Hampstead
“It’s not emergency response like 2am calls, but for real problems during the day — they’re brilliant. Friendly, clean, didn’t make me feel dumb.” – Zara L., Marylebone
Pros:
- Ideal for minor-but-urgent plumbing issues
- Friendly, uniformed team with great manners
- Same-day service possible if you call early
- Also do handyman, electric, and odd jobs
Cons:
– Not a 24/7 company — no overnight or bank holiday cover
– Limited to smaller-scale plumbing issues
Who It’s Best For:
Busy professionals, parents, or landlords who want dependable same-day plumbing help — especially if it’s not a flood, but still needs sorting now.
Service #7: Plumbing Force – National Network with London Emergency Callouts
Overview:
Plumbing Force is a UK-wide plumbing network with certified gas-safe engineers available for same-day and emergency repairs — including boiler breakdowns, leaking radiators, blocked toilets, and no-hot-water issues. While they operate nationally, their London team is specifically trained to handle inner-city plumbing challenges: high-rise flats, Victorian pipework, and the quirks of older homes.
They’re a top pick if you’re looking for quick booking and real-time dispatch, but still want a company with scale — which means proper paperwork, guarantees, and insurance.
What Customers Say:
“Booked through their website in 2 minutes. Someone called back within 15, and the plumber was with me that same afternoon.” – Lee J., Hounslow
“The engineer sorted the pipe burst and gave a written report for the insurance. Very professional.” – Samira B., Tottenham
Pros:
- Large coverage area — ideal for Greater London & outskirts
- Online booking and same-day appointments
- Can handle both water and heating emergencies
- Ideal for insured jobs or landlords needing reports
Cons:
– Variable experience depending on the engineer assigned
– Emergency rates may be higher during weekends/peak hours
Who It’s Best For:
People needing a fast, well-documented repair — especially for insurance claims, rented properties, or bigger fixes like hot water systems or central heating.
Service #8: Heat Quick Direct – Affordable Emergency Plumbing With a Local Touch
Overview:
Based in London and running for over 20 years, Heat Quick Direct specialises in emergency plumbing, gas, and heating services across Greater London — with a focus on fast, affordable repairs that don’t sacrifice quality. They’re a favourite among young professionals, first-time renters, and small landlords looking for no-nonsense callouts that get the job done without draining the wallet.
Their team handles everything from leaking taps and burst pipes to broken boilers, and they’re known for showing up even during evenings and weekends — without the scary markup some bigger names charge.
What Londoners Say:
“I had a boiler leak on a Sunday afternoon — they were at mine within 90 minutes and didn’t charge a stupid ‘emergency fee’ like others.” – Hardeep G., Stratford
“They didn’t upsell, didn’t take the mick, and even helped me find the stopcock before they arrived.” – Petra S., Wood Green
Pros:
- Competitive pricing — great for budget-conscious emergencies
- Evening and weekend service with short notice
- Friendly, local engineers with a personal touch
- Handles heating and hot water faults as well
Cons:
– Smaller team = limited availability during peak hours
– Less known outside East/North London
Who It’s Best For:
Londoners looking for affordable, honest emergency plumbing — especially in North, East, or Southeast London — from a team that acts like your mate, not a billing machine.
Usage Comparison: Which Emergency Plumber Fits Your Situation?
Not every plumbing emergency is the same. A burst pipe at 2am is very different from a blocked toilet at 3pm or a freezing cold flat due to a broken boiler. Here’s how to match the right service to your real-world problem:
Situation | Best Services |
Middle of the night flood or leak | Pimlico Plumbers, Emergency Plumbers 24/7, Fast Response Plumbers |
No hot water or boiler failure | WPJ Heating, Aspect, Plumbing Force |
Toilet not flushing or blocked sink | Handy Squad (if daytime), Heat Quick Direct, Emergency Plumbers 24/7 |
Fast help in South or West London | WPJ Heating, Fast Response Plumbers, The Handy Squad |
Need engineer with insurance & reports | Aspect, Plumbing Force, WPJ Heating |
Budget-conscious urgent repairs | Heat Quick Direct, Emergency Plumbers 24/7 |
Landlord or Airbnb property needs fixing | Aspect, Plumbing Force, WPJ Heating |
First-time renter needing same-day help | Fast Response Plumbers, Handy Squad, Heat Quick Direct |
Don’t want to talk to a call centre | Fast Response Plumbers, Emergency Plumbers 24/7, Heat Quick Direct |
Spec & Service Comparison Table: London Emergency Plumbers (2025)
Service Name | 24/7 Support | Coverage Area | Booking Method | Response Time | Emergency Rate | Services Included |
Pimlico Plumbers | ✅ Yes | All London Zones | Phone / App / Website | 1–2 hours | High (£££) | Plumbing, boilers, heating, gas, drainage |
Aspect | ✅ Yes | Greater London | Website / Phone | Same-day | Mid to High (££) | Full trade support, certified engineers |
Emergency Plumbers 24/7 | ✅ Yes | Central, East, South London | Phone / Online Form | 1–2 hours | Fair (££) | Domestic plumbing, heating, leaks |
Fast Response Plumbers | ✅ Yes | Greater London | Phone / Text / Form | Under 1 hour typical | Reasonable (££) | Domestic emergency plumbing |
WPJ Heating | ✅ Yes | South & West London | Website / Phone | 2–4 hours typical | Premium (£££) | Boilers, heating, plumbing |
The Handy Squad | ❌ Daytime Only | North/Central/West London | Website / Phone | Same-day (8am–6pm) | Affordable (£) | Minor plumbing, handyman, odd jobs |
Plumbing Force | ✅ Yes | London + Nationwide | Online Booking / Phone | Same-day | Variable (££–£££) | Plumbing, boiler, insurance claims |
Heat Quick Direct | ✅ Yes | East, North, SE London | Phone / Website | 1–2 hours | Affordable (£) | Heating, boiler, leaks, water pressure |
Rates vary based on time, location, and parts required. Always confirm full charges during booking — especially after-hours.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Emergency Plumber in London (2025)
When water’s gushing or the boiler’s gone cold, you’re not thinking clearly — you just want someone to show up fast and fix it without bankrupting you. But here’s the truth: not all “24/7 emergency plumbers” are actually available 24/7… and not all are worth the callout fee.
Here’s how to pick the right one — based on urgency, budget, and peace of mind.
1. How Urgent Is It… Really?
Before you panic and call the first ad you see, figure out what kind of emergency you’re facing.
- Burst pipe, leaking ceiling, or toilet overflow?
➤ Call a 24/7 plumber immediately – like Pimlico, Fast Response, or Emergency Plumbers 24/7. - Radiator not working or boiler error code?
➤ Might be safe to wait a few hours — call someone like Aspect or WPJ Heating. - Dripping tap or slow sink drain?
➤ These are non-emergency fixes. Book Handy Squad or Heat Quick Direct for a better rate.
2. Don’t Be Fooled by “From £29.99” Ads
Many services advertise super low rates that don’t include:
- VAT
- Emergency surcharges
- Parts
- Labour beyond the first 30 minutes
Always ask:
“What is the total price including emergency callout, if the fix takes under an hour?”
3. Do You Need Documentation?
If your plumbing issue might require:
- Insurance claims
- Landlord/tenant disputes
- Airbnb or short-term lets
… then go with companies like Aspect, Plumbing Force, or WPJ Heating who provide invoices, reports, and insured work.
4. Check Their Actual Services
Not all “emergency plumbers” do heating. Some don’t touch gas. Others won’t replace pumps or immersion tanks on weekends.
Check they actually fix your issue type, not just general leaks.
5. Speed vs. Quality vs. Price
There’s always a trade-off.
If you need… | Choose… |
Fastest arrival | Fast Response, Emergency Plumbers 24/7 |
Best quality engineers | WPJ Heating, Pimlico |
Lowest cost fix | Heat Quick Direct, Handy Squad |
Well-rounded service | Aspect, Plumbing Force |
Final Tip: Trust Real Reviews, Not Just the Website
- Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Nextdoor often reveal how they handle pressure
- Look for keywords like “on time,” “didn’t overcharge,” or “explained everything clearly”
FAQs: Emergency Plumbers in London (2025 Edition)
1. What qualifies as a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any issue that poses an immediate risk to your property, health, or comfort. This includes:
- Burst pipes or visible leaks
- Blocked or overflowing toilets
- Boiler breakdowns with no hot water or heating
- Gas or water leaks
- Leaking radiators or pressure loss
If water is gushing, toilets are unusable, or it’s freezing with no heating — call now.
2. Are emergency plumbers really available 24/7 in London?
Yes — some are. But not all services with “24/7” on their website actually pick up after hours.
Pimlico, Fast Response, and Emergency Plumbers 24/7 have real overnight coverage.
Others may divert to voicemail or only offer “next-day” urgent slots.
3. How much does an emergency plumber cost in London?
Costs can vary depending on:
- Time of day (nights/weekends = higher rates)
- Type of repair (simple leaks vs full boiler faults)
- Location and callout distance
Typical rates:
- Daytime standard jobs: £60–£100/hour
- Emergency callouts (evenings/weekends): £100–£200+
- Boiler faults: often start from £120+
Always ask if rates include VAT, parts, and time minimums.
4. Can I book an emergency plumber online?
Yes, services like Aspect, Plumbing Force, and Pimlico offer online booking or apps.
Others may require a direct call for true emergencies.
Pro tip: Phone calls are fastest — especially outside 9–5.
5. Will they fix it on the spot?
Most emergency plumbers will aim to fix your issue on the first visit, especially for leaks or blockages.
If parts are needed, they may temporarily isolate the problem and return later.
Ask upfront: “Do you carry common parts, and will this be fixed today?”
6. Should I turn off the water while waiting?
Yes — if it’s safe to do so. Locate your main stopcock (usually under the sink or in a cupboard).
Turning it off can prevent further damage.
If unsure, call and ask the plumber what to do while you wait.