Plumber and Locksmith FAQs: Costs, Call-Outs and Response Times

For urgent plumbing and locksmith problems, call us on 020 3831 5477 and we will talk through what is happening, tell you honestly when we can be there for your postcode and book the visit. Calls are answered 8am to 5pm every day, and urgent jobs can be arranged 24/7.

Before we arrive, these simple steps help limit damage and speed up the visit:

• check_circleFor leaks and burst pipes: Locate your internal stopcock (often under the kitchen sink or by the front door) and turn it clockwise until fully closed. Open cold taps to drain the system, and keep water away from electrics by switching off the affected circuit if it is safe to do so.
• check_circleFor lockouts and security repairs: Have photo ID or proof of tenancy or ownership ready, as we need to confirm you are entitled to enter the property before we open a door. Do not force the lock, as this can turn a simple entry into a costly repair.

You are told the full price before we set off, including any call-out or out-of-hours rate, and nothing goes ahead until you agree it. There are no charges you have not been told about first.

If anything changes on site, we explain why and agree the revised figure with you before carrying on.

Every job starts with a conversation about what has gone wrong, where the property is and how urgent it is. We then confirm the scope of work and the price in writing.

If a repair needs replacement parts or extra work, we explain the options and agree any change with you before we proceed, so there are no surprises when the invoice arrives.

Repairs and installations completed by Nobel Build & Repairs carry our 6-month workmanship guarantee. In practice that means:

Yes. For planned bathroom plumbing, repeat landlord repairs, lock changes across several properties and master key systems, tell us what you need and we will agree the scope and a written quote before any work begins.

You can send photos with your enquiry to help us understand the job, or we can arrange a visit where a survey is needed. Call 020 3831 5477 or use the contact page.

Often, yes. Many shower leaks come from worn cartridges, seals or connections that can be reached through the valve plate or an existing access point, so tiles can stay in place.

We find the source first, then explain whether a repair, a replacement part or access work is needed. If a tile has to be disturbed, we will tell you before we start and agree the price in writing.

Yes. We look after homeowners, private landlords, letting and estate agents, housing associations, local authorities and businesses with plumbing repairs and locksmith services.

We are accredited with CHAS, SafeContractor and Constructionline Gold (SSIP), and carry public liability insurance above £2 million, so contractor approval checks are straightforward.

We work methodically to find the source before anything is opened up:

Not if we can avoid it. We always try non-destructive entry first, which is the preferred approach for most lockouts.

If a lock has failed or seized and cannot be opened without damage, we will explain the situation and agree the next step with you before going further, then fit a replacement lock where needed. We will ask for proof that you are entitled to enter the property first.

BS 3621 is the British Standard for thief-resistant mortice locks on external doors. Many home insurance policies expect a lock to this standard on main entrance doors, so check your policy wording.

For uPVC and composite doors, we can fit anti-snap euro locks to a recognised security standard. Tell us your door type and what your insurer asks for, and we will advise on a suitable lock.

Yes. A door that has dropped or a worn gearbox makes the key or handle stiff, and forcing it can make the fault worse.

We repair and replace multipoint locking mechanisms, handles and lock barrels, and adjust hinges and keeps so the door closes and locks smoothly again.