We’re replacing a toilet and a sink in the bathroom (straightforward plumbing). Were quoted £700 for labour only. Optional rubbish removal - £200 (recycling unit is 5 minutes drive away). Does it seem right? To me it seems like original low quote to lure us in, then very expensive “extras” to make up the price without our realising it.
Not a big deal, just wondering about tradesmen’s tricks of trade.
Just get another quote. Then compare. Simples.
you also mentioned the recycling unit is a short driveaway. Is that for commercial waste? Do they need a permit? Do they need to pay for disposal? They certainly need a waste carriers license
Yes, he’s licensed. He’ll pay something like £10-20 for disposal but it would be free for us. It’s not a big deal. I just wonder if he gave lower initial quote on purpose and then made it up with overpriced optional extras.
Sounds quite a lot.
According to checkatrade ‘toilet installation cost’ page. Jan 2026
The average toilet installation hourly rate for a plumber to carry out the work is around £40-60 per hour. If it’s a big job, you might be charged a day rate, which is usually in the region of £320-£480 per day.
(These hourly rates way to low for London where 80+VAT common)
Of course there is disconnection of old, and the basin too, and you might need to adjust the pipework (for example If you have had tiling done so floor is higher than before). Depending how basin/toilet connected to wall removing old may need doing carefully to avoid pulling tiles of a wall (if attached to toilet/basin with mastic) or tiles may then need putting back..all takes time
And the basin.
But should be 1 day work max.
Remember if it’s like for like not an upgrade it can be claimed under repair/maintenance under landlord expenses for tax purposes (as can the cost of the new fittings) - sorry if obvious
I’d generally get some quotes via checkatrade or my builder and use somebody with no 1* and at least 20 reviews and an average 4.5/5 or more. And not necessarily the cheapest. If it’s done sloppily the cost of a leak down the line isn’t worth the saving.
Good luck
I have replaced lots of these items it is NEVER “straightforward” adjusting wastes and pipework. Having said that ,if I were pricing up as a job it would be around £350 mark
Very expensive quote! Stay away and get a couple of quotes from Checkatrade.
Always get 3 quotes if you unsure 
700 for labour alone sounds steep for a like for like toilet and basin swap unless there’s hidden pipework or tiling to sort; in my experience a competent plumber would normally quote around £250–£450 for a day’s work though London rates do run higher. Ask for an itemised written quote with estimated hours and a receipt for waste disposal and check their waste carriers licence, and if your able to take the old stuff to the recycling centre yourself the £200 extra becomes pointless. Get a couple more quotes and mention you’ll haul the old fittings away, personally that’s what I do on my lets and it definately trims the bill.
This is not even a day’s work . I would not pay more than £250 for labour
Well, on the flip side, how many will be available to do the job (good job, too) the next day? Let’s consider we paid for promptness and convenience. We asked around, and nobody was available for a few weeks
But I agree, we should have haggled.
There is a downturn in the economy
People are not as busy as you think
It’s been 15 years but I’m not having to wait people are turning up for jobs
Good for you. We have had a different experience.
While I will not call it a downturn, I had similar experience in Feb when I was getting my flat in SW London ready. Workmen had appointments for same or next week - plumbers, electricians, handymen etc. I do tend to get multiple quotes from my builders and my job quote though so that helps. The reviews in both the websites seem genuine.
I have been in this business for 20 years or so and though I used to Chekatrade earlier, I have stopped now. I have started finding their reviews not genuine (multiple instances where my positive reviews were posted; while negative reviews were initially posted but then removed upon the tradespersons request without even basic checks made). I also find the workmen there are always booked for weeks and extremely overpriced, so don’t find any reason to go there anymore.
What are these two websites, please?
My builder and myjobquote