Over 50% of UK plumbers raised prices in the past 12 months

​​​​​​​Rising costs are shown to be the most significant impact, with 61% of plumbers surveyed emphasising this

According to research by Wavin, more than half of UK plumbers, 52%, have raised their rates in the last year, Heating & Plumbing Monthly reported.

The data highlights the ongoing effect of the cost-of-living crisis on the plumbing industry and its customers. Rising costs are shown to be the most significant impact, with 61% of plumbers surveyed emphasising this.

After higher costs, 58% of customers cancelling or delaying jobs was identified as how the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact plumbers the most.

The report stated that these challenges aren’t just putting plumbers under pressure; they’re damaging consumers’ access to this vital service. A total of 49% of plumbers told researchers they choose to focus on higher-value jobs.

Many in the industry are also bearing the burden themselves, rather than passing on costs to customers. A further 48% said they had absorbed costs to win work, rather than charging higher rates.

Wavin reported that the data also revealed a fair amount of optimism about policymakers' ability to address the industry's issues. As many as 59% of plumbers told researchers they had confidence in the Labour government’s ability to address these issues.

When it came to specific measures to help the industry stay afloat, increased tax relief was chosen by 21% of respondents as the most impactful potential change. This was followed by increased access to affordable trade credit, chosen by 20%.