A call out fee is a charge that a plumber may apply for visiting your home to investigate or complete repairs in your home. A call out fee is intended to cover the costs associated with travel, time, and initial inspection or diagnosis of the repair. Here are some key aspects of call-out fees:
1. Travel time: The call-out fee compensates the plumbing company for the time and travel expenses incurred to reach your home.
2. Initial investigation: It often includes the cost of the initial investigation or diagnosis of the plumbing repair. The plumber will check the issue and provide an estimate for the repair work.
3. All companies are different: The amount can vary depending on the plumbing company, the distance travelled, the complexity of the repair and whether the plumbing visit is during regular business hours or an emergency out of hours visit.
4. Quotations: The call-out fee is usually separate from the actual repair costs. After the initial investigation, the plumber will normally give you a quote for the repair work if needed. Some plumbers might deduct the call-out fee from the total cost if you decide to proceed with the repairs, but normally the investigation forms part of the overall repair which is chargeable.
5. Emergency Call Out fees: These tend to be higher due to the urgent nature of the service and the likelihood of it being outside of normal working hours.
Celsius Plumbing and Heating Example:
Standard Call-Out Fee: £110 for the initial visit to investigate and repair if possible, a leaking pipe. Up to the 1st hour on site. Materials charged on top of any call out fee.
Emergency Call-Out Fee: £170 for an out of hours emergency call to fix a burst pipe. Covers the initial visit to investigate and repair if possible, a burst pipe. Up to the 1st hour on site. Materials charged on top of any call out fee.
It’s always a good idea to ask about any call-out fees when you contact a plumber to understand the full cost involved.
