Anyone who has tried to fix a leaky tap or install a new bathroom knows the frustration of hunting down the right plumbing supplies. In Ireland, the options range from fast‑turnaround chains like Screwfix to local directories that help you compare nearby stockists.

Average hourly rate for a plumber in Ireland: €45–€80 ·
Screwfix plumbing product range: Over 5,000 items ·
Plumb Centre rebranded to: Wolseley UK ·
B&Q plumbing departments: Available in all stores ·
Heat Merchants locations in Ireland: Over 30 branches

Retailer Product Range Best For Click & Collect
Screwfix 5,000+ plumbing items Speed – 1‑minute collection Yes, free
B&Q Full plumbing department DIY-friendly range Available, no speed guarantee
Heat Merchants Heating & plumbing trade supplies Specialist trade knowledge Limited
Chadwicks Plumbing & bathroom supplies Trusted by pros Varies by branch

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Screwfix Ireland sells plumbing supplies with online stock check and click & collect in 1 minute (Screwfix Ireland)
  • GetLocal.ie offers a national directory to compare plumbing suppliers and “look local” (GetLocal.ie)
  • Plumber hourly rates in Dublin range from €70 to €100 according to a local service guide (Plumbing Repair Dublin)
  • Full‑house replumbing in Ireland costs €8,000–€15,000 on average (Plumbing Repair Dublin) (Screwfix Ireland)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact product availability varies by store even within the same chain
  • Emergency call‑out fees are not standardised across Ireland
  • Regional price differences beyond the five cities quoted are not well documented
3Timeline signal
  • Plumb Centre stores have been rebranded to Wolseley UK, consolidating the trade supply network
  • Online ordering and click‑&‑collect are becoming the default across Irish retailers
4What’s next
  • More localised inventory tools, like GetLocal.ie, that let you compare stockists without visiting each website
  • Transparent pricing for emergency work as consumer pressure builds

Five numbers, one picture: the table below pulls together the key facts every Irish homeowner needs before spending money on plumbing.

Item Value
Average plumber hourly rate €45–€80
Screwfix plumbing items 5,000+
Plumb Centre new name Wolseley UK
Heat Merchants branches 30+
B&Q plumbing availability All stores

The pattern: The big chains offer volume and convenience, but local directories fill the gap for specific stockists – especially outside Dublin.

What is the hourly rate for a plumber in Ireland?

Average hourly rates by region

According to Plumbing Repair Dublin (local service guide), hourly rates in Dublin run from €70 to €100. In Cork, Galway and Limerick the range is €50–€80, while Waterford and Wexford sit lower at €40–€70.

The national average often quoted by trade bodies – €45–€80 – reflects the mix of urban and rural pricing. A three‑bedroom house replumb costs €5,000–€9,500, and a full‑house job can hit €8,000–€15,000, according to the same source.

Factors affecting plumber costs

  • Time of day: Emergency call‑outs after hours may add €200–€500 on top of the hourly rate (Plumbing Repair Dublin).
  • Material choice: PEX pipe costs €1.50–€3 per metre, copper €5–€10, and PVC €1–€2 per metre – the material alone can swing a quote by thousands (Plumbing Repair Dublin).
  • Permits and finishing: Major work may require permits (€200–€500) and wall repairs (€1,000–€3,000) (Plumbing Repair Dublin).

How to compare quotes

Always ask for a breakdown of labour vs materials. A quote that bundles both may hide a high hourly rate. Use a directory like GetLocal.ie (Ireland business directory) to find local plumbers and compare price brackets before you call.

The catch

A cheap hourly plumber (€40–€50) may be less experienced or lack insurance. For complex work, paying €70–€80 an hour in Dublin often avoids costly mistakes later.

What this means: For a typical job – say, a new bathroom or a re‑pipe – the difference between choosing a rural and a Dublin plumber can be €2,000–€5,000. Always get three itemised quotes.

Does Screwfix do plumbing supplies?

Screwfix plumbing product range

Screwfix Ireland (national trade retailer) lists over 5,000 heating and plumbing products on its website. Categories include pipe, fittings, taps, valves, cisterns, and tools. Stock is updated in real time, and customers can check availability at their local store (Screwfix Ireland).

Screwfix vs B&Q plumbing

While both chains stock plumbing supplies, Screwfix’s model is built for speed – order online and collect in as little as 1 minute. B&Q offers a wider DIY‑friendly range but typically doesn’t offer the same “in‑and‑out” collection promise. For trade professionals, Screwfix also provides loyalty discounts and bulk‑buy pricing (Screwfix Ireland).

How to buy at Screwfix

  • You do not need a trade account – anyone can walk in and buy.
  • Delivery to home or site takes 2–3 working days (Screwfix Ireland).
  • Click & collect is free and holds the item for 7 days.

For emergency supplies, the 1‑minute collect service is hard to beat, but if the item is not in stock at your branch, delivery windows are longer.

Why this matters: If you are a homeowner doing a weekend repair, Screwfix gives you the product speed of a trade supplier without the trade‑only barrier. That convenience saves hours compared to visiting multiple stores.

Where can I find plumbing supplies near me in Ireland?

Using online directories

GetLocal.ie (Ireland business directory) lets you browse plumbing pipes by county and compare offers, stockists, and delivery options. The site explicitly frames online ordering as a way to “look local” – meaning you can support nearby businesses while checking prices from your sofa (GetLocal.ie).

National chains vs local merchants

Besides Screwfix, major options include Heat Merchants (30+ branches, trade‑focused) and Chadwicks (plumbing and bathroom supplies). For the widest choice, a combined approach works: use GetLocal.ie to find small merchants, then check Screwfix for availability and collection time.

Regional examples

  • Dublin: Screwfix has multiple branches; plumbing supplies can be collected within the hour.
  • Limerick: Heat Merchants has a dedicated branch; local directories list independent stockists.
  • Blanchardstown: Both Screwfix and B&Q are present, offering different product depths.

The trade‑off: Local merchants often have specialist knowledge and better stock of niche parts. Chains win on price and speed. Matching the job to the right outlet saves both time and money.

What is Plumb Centre now called?

Rebrand to Wolseley UK

Plumb Centre has been rebranded to Wolseley UK, consolidating the trade supply network across Ireland and the UK. The change reflects a unified brand strategy under the Wolseley parent company.

What changed for customers

Existing Plumb Centre accounts and services continue under the Wolseley UK name. Store locations and product ranges remain largely unchanged; only the signage and online presence have updated.

The implication: For tradies who relied on Plumb Centre, the shift to Wolseley UK means the same stock and trade credit, just a new name on the van.

Which five supplies are most common to plumbing?

Pipes and fittings

Copper, PEX, and PVC pipes are the backbone of any plumbing system. Fittings (elbows, tees, couplings) connect them. PEX is increasingly popular in Irish retrofits for its flexibility and lower cost (€1.50–€3 per metre).

Valves and taps

Angle valves, ball valves, and tap cartridges control water flow. A standard mid‑range tap set costs €40–€80 at Screwfix.

Seals and gaskets

Rubber washers, O‑rings, and plumber’s tape (PTFE) prevent leaks. These inexpensive items are critical for every joint.

Wrenches and cutters

An adjustable wrench, pipe cutter, and basin wrench are essential tools. Screwfix stocks them under one roof.

Plungers and snakes

A plunger (€8–€15) and a drain snake are the first line of defence against blockages.

The pattern: Pipes and fittings account for the bulk of material cost; tools and seals are relatively cheap but indispensable.

Does B&Q have plumbing supplies?

B&Q plumbing range

B&Q stocks a full plumbing department in all Irish stores, including pipes, fittings, taps, toilets, and tools. Their range is broader and more DIY‑oriented than Screwfix’s trade focus (B&Q Ireland).

B&Q vs Screwfix for plumbing

Screwfix offers faster click & collect (1 minute vs B&Q’s same‑day but slower promise). B&Q provides more choice in finishes and styles for bathroom fixtures.

B&Q store locations in Ireland

Major B&Q stores are in Dublin (Blanchardstown, Liffey Valley, etc.), Cork, Limerick, and Galway. All have dedicated plumbing aisles.

What this means: If you need a specific tap or toilet suite, B&Q’s wider range may save a trip. For quick repairs, Screwfix wins on speed.

What are typical plumbing supply costs?

Pipe material prices

According to Plumbing Repair Dublin (local cost guide), copper pipe runs €5–€10 per metre – durable but expensive. PEX (flexible, modern) costs €1.50–€3 per metre and is increasingly popular in Irish retrofits. PVC is the cheapest at €1–€2 per metre but is rarely used for hot water.

Common fixture prices

While exact fixture costs vary, a standard tap set mid‑range can cost €40–€80 at Screwfix, while a basic shower valve starts around €25. Larger items like a WC suite can run from €100 to €400 depending on brand and finish.

Item Typical price (€) Notes
½” copper pipe (3m) €15–€30 Durable, sold per length
PEX pipe (coil 25m) €37–€75 Flexible, cheaper per metre
Push‑fit connector €2–€8 No soldering needed
Angle valve €8–€20 Common for sinks
Plunger €8–€15 Essential DIY tool

The pattern: Copper may look traditional, but PEX is cheaper and easier for DIY. The material alone can save 60% on a re‑pipe job.

Why this matters

If you’re tackling a plumbing project yourself, material choice is the single biggest cost lever. Choosing PEX over copper on a 3‑bed house re‑pipe can save €1,000–€2,000.

Clarity: what we know and what’s still open

Confirmed facts

  • Screwfix Ireland sells over 5,000 plumbing items and offers click & collect in 1 minute (Screwfix Ireland)
  • GetLocal.ie provides a national directory to compare plumbing suppliers (GetLocal.ie)
  • Dublin plumber rates range €70–€100 per hour (Plumbing Repair Dublin)
  • Full‑house replumbing costs €8,000–€15,000 in Ireland (Plumbing Repair Dublin)

What’s unclear

  • Exact emergency call‑out fees vary widely and are rarely listed online
  • Stock levels at specific branch locations for fast‑moving items
  • Whether independent merchants are consistently cheaper than chains on common items

The implication: For accurate pricing, always check stock locally and ask for itemised quotes – especially for emergency work.

Quotes from the industry

“Customers can check stock, order online, and collect in as little as 1 minute.”

— Screwfix Ireland website, plumbing category page

“Browse category, compare offers, prices, stockists and delivery options … look local.”

— GetLocal.ie, plumbing pipe listing

“Dublin rates for a plumber typically range from €70 to €100 an hour.”

— Plumbing Repair Dublin, cost guide

“PEX pipe is flexible, affordable, and suitable for Irish homes.”

— Plumbing Repair Dublin, material guide

The takeaway: The three sources each serve a different role – retail, directory, and cost advice – together they paint a clear picture of the Irish plumbing supply landscape.

Homeowners and tradespeople alike can find a comprehensive list of plumbing supply stores in Ireland to compare prices and stock.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy plumbing supplies at Screwfix without a trade account?

Yes. Screwfix Ireland welcomes all customers – trade and DIY – with no account needed for in‑store or online purchases (Screwfix Ireland).

What is the difference between Screwfix and B&Q for plumbing?

Screwfix focuses on speed – order online and collect in 1 minute. B&Q offers a broader DIY range but does not guarantee the same collection speed. Both stock pipes, fittings, taps, and tools.

How do I find a reliable plumber in Ireland?

Use a directory like GetLocal.ie to find local plumbers. Ask for itemised quotes and check references. The national average rate is €45–€80 per hour, but Dublin trades higher.

What tools do I need for basic plumbing repairs?

Essentials include an adjustable wrench, plunger, pipe cutter, basin wrench, and PTFE tape. Screwfix stocks all of them under one roof.

Is it cheaper to buy plumbing supplies online or in‑store?

Prices are usually the same when buying from chains like Screwfix. Online lets you check stock across multiple stores; in‑store allows immediate pickup. Local merchants may charge a small premium for special parts.

What is the 135 rule in plumbing?

The 135 rule refers to the angle of a pipe fitting: a 135‑degree bend (or 45‑degree offset) is used to route pipes around obstacles while maintaining adequate slope for drainage. It is not a formal code but a practical technique.

What is a common nickname for a plumber?

In Ireland and the UK, “plumber” is the standard term. Slang like “Leaky Pete” appears in advertising but is not widely used professionally.

For the Irish homeowner: the choice between a national chain and a local merchant comes down to speed vs expertise. For standard parts, Screwfix’s 1‑minute collect is unmatched. For unusual fittings or large projects, a visit to a specialist merchant or a directory search is worth the extra time.