How Much Does Bathroom Leak Repair Cost in the UK?
Feb 6, 2026
Bathroom leak repair cost in the UK is rarely clear-cut.
One job might end with a quick fix and a modest bill, while another quietly grows into a bigger repair once access, detection, and reinstatement are involved.
The numbers can feel disconnected until you see what actually drives them. We’ll break down realistic bathroom leak repair costs, where they come from, and why similar leaks can land in very different price brackets.
Key Notes
Bathroom leak repairs range from £50 fixes to £3,000+ when ceilings, tiles, or floors are damaged.
Hidden leaks often require specialist detection, typically adding £500–£1,250 before repairs begin.
Insurance usually covers water damage and trace-and-access, but not the leaking pipe or failed seal itself.
Bathroom Leak Repair Cost in the UK: A Quick Overview
For most homes in the UK, a typical bathroom leak repair lands in one of three broad bands:
The key difference between a “cheap” and “expensive” job is rarely the pipe itself. It is how hidden the leak is, how long it has been running, and how much access and reinstatement is needed to make the property right again.
Core Bathroom Leak Repair Cost Ranges
Minor Bathroom Leak Fixes
These are the simplest jobs where the leak is obvious and easy to access.
Typical examples include:
A dripping tap
A loose joint under a basin
A visible pipe leak
Minor seal failure around fixtures
Typical cost: £50–£200 including labour and basic materials
These jobs often take under an hour and rarely involve any disruption beyond the bathroom itself.
Standard Bathroom Leak Repairs
This is where most homeowners sit.
Common issues include:
Toilet leaks from cisterns or seals
Shower tray leaks
Concealed pipework under floors or behind panels
Typical cost: £150–£400 to find and repair the leak itself
At this stage, the plumbing repair is still the main cost driver, assuming access is straightforward and there is no visible damage elsewhere.
Extensive Repairs With Water Damage
Once water escapes beyond the bathroom, costs escalate quickly.
Typical scenarios:
Water leaking from an upstairs bathroom to the ceiling below
Saturated plasterboard or sagging ceilings
Damp spreading into walls, insulation, or flooring
Typical total cost: £1,000–£3,000+ depending on damage extent
Here, the leak repair itself might only be a few hundred pounds. The rest of the cost comes from drying, plastering, redecorating, and sometimes electrical work.
What You’re Paying For
Understanding where the money goes helps make sense of quotes that feel surprisingly high.
Plumber Call‑Out & Labour
Standard UK plumber rates: £40–£60 per hour nationally
London rates: often £60–£100+ per hour
Emergency or out‑of‑hours work: £80–£150 per hour, sometimes more late at night
Most plumbers charge a minimum one‑hour call‑out, then bill in 30–60 minute blocks after that.
Leak Detection Costs (When The Source Is Not Obvious)
If the leak is visible, detection is usually part of normal labour. If it is not, specialist detection may be required.
Typical UK leak detection costs:
Basic visual/manual checks: £80–£150
Thermal imaging: £150–£1,000
Acoustic or pressure testing: £1,000–£1,500
Tracer gas testing: £250–£2,000
👉 At London Leak Detection, we charge a £490 fixed day rate for up to four hours of non-invasive detection, on a No Find, No Fee basis. That includes full reporting and insurance claim support, with no hourly escalation.
Repair Work (Plumbing Only)
Guide prices for common bathroom repairs:
Fixing a leaking tap: £50–£150
Repairing a leaking toilet: £60–£200
Repairing a burst or leaking pipe: £50–£200
Concealed pipe leaks: £200–£400 due to access time
In London and the South East, expect to sit at the upper end of these ranges.
Making Good & Reinstatement
This is where most budgets unravel.
Typical additional costs:
Ceiling repair and repainting: £1,400–£1,700
Plaster replacement and drying: £150–£200 per day
Re‑tiling or re‑grouting: £400–£2,000+
Waste removal and skips: £100–£250
A simple leak with ceiling damage can easily hit £2,000 once everything is reinstated.
Upstairs Bathroom Leaks & Ceiling Damage
Upstairs shower leaks through the ceiling below are one of the most common and expensive scenarios.
Common Causes
Failed shower drain gasket or seal
Clogged drains forcing water past seals
Cracked tiles or degraded grout
Poor shower pan waterproofing
Supply pipe failures are less common, but more serious.
Upstairs Shower Leaking Through Ceiling Cost
Without visible ceiling damage: £150–£500 if caught early
With visible ceiling damage: £1,500–£3,000+ depending on severity
Ceiling replacement alone adds £1,400–£1,700 before decoration or electrical work.
Water Leaking From Upstairs Bathroom to Downstairs Cost
Damage level matters:
Small stains: £300–£600 total
Blistering or peeling plaster: £800–£1,800
Sagging or collapsed ceilings: £2,000–£4,000+
Multi‑trade involvement is what pushes these jobs into higher bands.
Cheap vs Expensive Bathroom Leak Causes
Repair Method Comparisons That Change the Price
Re‑Sealing vs Re‑Tiling
Re‑sealing: £150–£400
Re‑tiling: £800–£2,000+
Re‑sealing works for surface failures.
Re‑tiling is needed when water has already travelled behind tiles.
Pipe Repair vs Pipe Replacement
Localised repair: £150–£440
Full replacement: £800–£3,200+
Replacement costs are driven by demolition, not pipe material.
Exposed Pipework vs Leaks Behind Tiles
Exposed pipe repairs: £100–£300, 1–2 hours labour
Leaks behind tiles: £800–£2,000+ once access and reinstatement are included
Access difficulty is the real cost multiplier.
Insurance & Bathroom Leak Repairs in the UK
Most policies cover damage from sudden “escape of water,” not the leak source itself.
Common Coverage
Structural damage to walls, ceilings, and floors
Trace and access costs, often up to £5,000–£15,000
Common Exclusions
Repairing the leaking pipe or seal
Wear and tear
Maintenance‑related failures
Expect excesses of £200–£500 even on valid claims.
Costly Mistakes That Inflate Bathroom Leak Bills
Ignoring early damp signs
DIY repairs beyond basic tasks
Using chemical drain cleaners
Not isolating the water supply immediately
Early action saves thousands.
Unsure Where The Leak Is?
Fixed-price detection with no find, no fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bathroom leak stop on its own?
Very rarely. Most leaks worsen over time as seals degrade or pressure increases. Even if symptoms fade, moisture often continues spreading behind walls or floors.
How long does bathroom leak detection usually take?
Most domestic bathroom leaks are detected within 1–3 hours using non-invasive methods. More complex hidden leaks can take longer, especially in flats or tiled areas.
Will leak detection damage my bathroom or ceiling?
Non-invasive detection methods are designed to avoid damage. In most cases, no tiles, walls, or ceilings need to be opened to find the source.
Can I use the leak detection report for insurance or disputes?
Yes. A professional, insurer-approved report can be used to support insurance claims, neighbour disputes, or landlord communications by clearly identifying the leak source.
Conclusion
Bathroom leak repair cost in the UK rarely comes down to the pipe alone. Simple fixes like taps or exposed leaks can stay in the £50–£200 range, while hidden toilet or shower leaks typically land around £150–£400.
Once water reaches ceilings, floors, or walls below, totals climb fast, often £1,500–£3,000+ once drying, plastering, and redecoration are involved.
The biggest cost drivers are how hidden the leak is, how long it’s been running, and how much access and reinstatement is required. Acting early and knowing whether detection, repair, or both are needed is what keeps costs controlled.
If you’re unsure where the water is coming from, get a free quote for fixed-price, non-invasive leak detection to stop unnecessary damage and secure insurer-ready reporting before costs escalate.
