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A small leak can soak a ceiling or empty your tank overnight, so it's worth getting a plumber you can call again. The good news: most plumbing jobs are quick, and a fair price is easy to check if you know what to ask.
Before you call anyone
- Turn off the water at the main valve or the tap from the overhead tank if water is running.
- Take two or three clear photos of the problem and of any part you think is faulty.
- Note how long it has been happening and whether it's getting worse.
Photos help a plumber price the job before they come, so you get quotes you can compare.
Labour and parts are separate
Most plumbers charge for workmanship and then ask you to pay for parts (pipes, fittings, cistern sets, taps). Ask them to list the parts and their prices before they buy anything, and keep the old parts until the job is finished. Cheap fittings are the main reason the same leak comes back.
Big jobs: new bathrooms and full plumbing
For a new building or a full bathroom, ask for a written quote that lists every point (sinks, showers, WCs, heater) and the pipe type. Agree to pay in stages: a part at the start for materials, more when pipes are laid and tested, and the rest after a pressure test with no leaks.
After the job
Run every tap, flush every toilet and check under sinks after an hour. A good plumber will come back to fix a leak from their own work at no extra workmanship cost. Agree this before you pay the last part.
What it costs
These are estimates, not fixed prices. Estimates for Lagos and Abuja, October 2026. Prices are often lower in smaller cities and change with materials and fuel costs. Always get 2–3 quotes.
| Job | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Fix a leaking tap or pipe joint | ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 |
| Unblock a sink or toiletmore if a long line or soakaway is blocked | ₦8,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Replace toilet cistern fittingsparts extra | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Install a toilet (WC)parts extra | ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 |
| Install a water heater | ₦20,000 – ₦45,000 |
| Install or repair a pumping machine | ₦15,000 – ₦45,000 |
| Full plumbing, 3-bedroom flatworkmanship only | ₦350,000 – ₦900,000 |
Questions to ask before hiring
- Can you look at these photos and give me a price before you come?
- Is that price for workmanship only? What parts will I need to buy, and roughly how much?
- How long will it take, and will you need to turn off the water?
- If it leaks again from your work, will you come back to fix it?
- Can I see photos of similar jobs you've done?
Red flags to watch for
- Won't give any price until they've started the job.
- Asks for the full payment before doing anything.
- Insists on buying all the parts themselves without showing you prices or receipts.
- Wants to break tiles or walls without explaining why first.
Checklist
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