10 Best Plumbers in Sunderland for 2026

🔧 10 businesses · 📍 Sunderland
✓ Verified Google reviews · ✓ Reviewed regularly · ✓ Updated 22 May 2026
Mark Reid
Written by Mark Reid, Trades Editor · Verified 22 May 2026
Sunderland's mix of Victorian terraces, post-war semis, and modern developments presents unique plumbing challenges. The city's older housing stock often features original cast iron soil pipes and dated heating systems, while newer builds around areas like Washington and Houghton-le-Spring deal with modern pressurised systems and combination boilers. Local plumbers understand how sea air affects pipework near the coast and know which suppliers stock parts for both heritage properties and contemporary installations.

The plumbers featured here have been selected through careful review of their Google ratings, customer feedback patterns, and verified trading history. Each maintains consistent review scores above 4.0 stars with genuine customer testimonials spanning recent months. We've checked their active trading status and, where applicable, verified relevant qualifications like Gas Safe registration numbers and City & Guilds certifications.

Before booking any plumber, confirm they're Gas Safe registered if you need boiler work, ask for a written quote that breaks down labour and materials, and don't pay large sums upfront. Getting two or three quotes for bigger jobs like bathroom refits or central heating installations helps you understand fair pricing. Check they're insured for the work and ask about guarantees on both labour and parts.
How We Select & Rate The Best Plumbers in Sunderland

Our selection process analyses Google ratings and review patterns over recent months, checking for consistent quality scores and genuine customer feedback. We verify active trading status through company records and confirm relevant credentials like Gas Safe registration where applicable. This directory provides information only. Inclusion doesn't constitute an endorsement, and we recommend readers conduct their own due diligence, obtain multiple quotes, and verify qualifications before hiring any tradesperson.

Quick Comparison — Plumbers in Sunderland

# Business Rating Reviews Phone
1 Metro Plumb (North East) Recommended ⭐ 5.0 364 +44 800 054 1375 View →
2 Pnh plumbing and heating Featured ⭐ 5.0 84 +44 7450 262610 View →
3 Plumb Plus Featured ⭐ 5.0 72 +44 7786 338272 View →
4 Sunderland Plumbers Featured ⭐ 4.8 78 +44 191 666 0247 View →
5 NGT Heating LTD Featured ⭐ 5.0 17 +44 7874 905894 View →
6 F Lowes Plumbing & Heating Ltd ⭐ 4.7 21 +44 191 565 9803 View →
7 Smith Bros & Dixon ⭐ 4.6 10 +44 7977 233452 View →
8 Steve Riley Gas Services ⭐ 5.0 3 +44 191 584 1714 View →
9 Riverside Plumbing & Heating Services ⭐ 4.1 20 +44 7950 828435 View →
10 Keith Jackson Plumbing & Heating ⭐ 4.0 4 +44 7976 911472 View →

Our Top Picks

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6
F Lowes Plumbing & Heating Ltd
4.7 (21 reviews)

F Lowes Plumbing & Heating Ltd provides professional plumbing and heating services from their Monkwearmouth base, serving Sunderland and the surrounding area. The company has earned a strong reputation with customers, maintaining a 4.7-star rating from 21 verified Google reviews. Their experienced team handles both plumbing repairs and heating installations for residential and commercial properties throughout the SR5 postcode area.

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7
Smith Bros & Dixon
4.6 (10 reviews)

Smith Bros & Dixon provides plumbing services throughout Sunderland from their base on Hart Terrace. The company has earned a 4.6/5 star rating from 10 verified customer reviews, reflecting their reliable service in the SR6 area and surrounding neighbourhoods.

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8
Steve Riley Gas Services
5.0 (3 reviews)

Steve Riley Gas Services provides plumbing and gas services to customers in Houghton le Spring and the surrounding Sunderland area. Based in Houghton le Spring, the business has earned a 5-star rating from 3 verified customer reviews on Google. The company operates from Longlands Drive and maintains a professional website for customer enquiries.

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9
Riverside Plumbing & Heating Services
4.1 (20 reviews)

Riverside Plumbing & Heating Services provides plumbing and heating solutions to customers across Sunderland and the surrounding areas from their Washington base. The company has earned a 4.1/5 star rating from 20 verified customer reviews on Google. Their team handles a range of residential and commercial plumbing work, offering reliable service to properties throughout the NE38 postcode area.

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10
Keith Jackson Plumbing & Heating
4.0 (4 reviews)

Keith Jackson Plumbing & Heating provides plumbing and heating services to customers in Sunderland and the surrounding areas from their base in Houghton le Spring. The company has earned a 4-star rating from 4 verified customer reviews on Google. Their services cover residential and commercial plumbing repairs, installations, and heating system maintenance throughout the DH4 postcode area.

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Transparency notice: Recommended (#1) and Featured (positions 2-5) listings may be paid placements. All other rankings are determined by a combined score drawn from Google ratings, review counts, and reputation signals gathered from multiple independent online sources. How we verify →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a plumber cost in Sunderland?
Hourly rates typically range from £45-65 for standard plumbing work, with call-out fees around £35-50. Simple jobs like fixing a dripping tap might cost £60-90, while replacing a toilet or radiator runs £150-300 including parts. Major work like full bathroom installations start around £2,500-4,000. Emergency weekend rates often add 50% to standard prices. Always get written quotes for work over £200, and it's normal practice to get two or three estimates for bigger projects.
Do I need a Gas Safe registered plumber for boiler work in Sunderland?
Yes, any work involving gas appliances, boiler repairs, or central heating gas connections legally requires a Gas Safe registered engineer. Check their registration number on the Gas Safe Register website before work begins. Many plumbers handle water-only jobs but subcontract gas work to qualified colleagues. For combination boiler replacements or new gas installations, expect costs from £1,800-3,500 depending on boiler type and complexity.
What plumbing issues are common in Sunderland's older houses?
Victorian and Edwardian properties often have original cast iron soil pipes that crack with age, lead supply pipes that need replacing, and outdated heating systems with single-pipe circuits. Many terraced houses have back additions with poor drainage that blocks regularly. Lime scale buildup from hard water affects taps and shower heads. Modern replacements typically involve plastic waste pipes, copper or plastic supply lines, and two-pipe heating systems with thermostatic radiator valves.
How quickly can I get a plumber in Sunderland for emergencies?
Most local plumbers offer same-day emergency services for burst pipes, boiler breakdowns, or major leaks. Response times vary from 1-4 hours depending on location and time of day. Emergency rates apply for evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, typically 50-100% above normal pricing. For non-urgent repairs like dripping taps or running toilets, expect appointments within 2-5 working days during busy periods.
Should I get multiple quotes for bathroom renovations in Sunderland?
Definitely. Bathroom refits vary widely in price from £3,000 for basic suites to £8,000+ for premium installations with tiling, electrical work, and structural changes. Different plumbers have varying approaches to labour charges, material sourcing, and project timescales. Three quotes help you spot unrealistic pricing and understand what's included. Check if quotes cover waste removal, making good walls and floors, and any building control notifications needed.
How can I verify a Sunderland plumber is legitimate before hiring them?
Check Gas Safe registration if they'll work on boilers or gas appliances. Look up their business on Companies House to verify active trading status. Read recent Google reviews and ask for references from local jobs they've completed. Request written quotes that specify materials, labour, and timescales. Confirm they have public liability insurance and ask to see the certificate. Avoid door-to-door traders and never pay large amounts upfront.