Plumber Prices in Cairo 2026 — Leaks, Drains and Water Heaters

Plumber prices — indicative table

These are ranges for comparison, not an official tariff. The key caveat: they generally cover labour only — taps, cisterns, pipes and heaters are charged on top.

Night and holiday call-outs cost more. That's fair, not a scam — but you should be told before they arrive, not after the job is done.

Why the bill comes in higher than the quote

• Where the leak is — a visible joint under the sink is one job; a pipe inside a wall or under the floor tiles is a completely different one.
• Breaking and making good — if tiles have to come up, you're paying for plumbing plus plaster and tiling afterwards. And tiles rarely go back looking the same unless you have spares.
• Parts — quality varies enormously in both price and lifespan. Ask for the brand, not "a good one".
• Old pipework — older buildings have corroded steel pipes; touching one section can open a leak in another.
• Emergencies — a 2am plumber costs more than an 11am one, and reasonably so.
• Diagnosis — if the fault isn't obvious, there's investigation time before repair. Ask whether that's chargeable or credited.

Unblocking drains: the methods and what they cost

Drain unblocking runs roughly 250–700 EGP, and the spread isn't arbitrary — it depends on the method and the cause.

Hand auger (spring): cheapest, clears shallow blockages close to the opening. Fine for a sink or a toilet blocked by something nearby.

Electric machine: reaches deeper and breaks up build-up. More expensive, and necessary when the blockage is in a main line.

Water jetting: actually scours the inside of the pipe, and is what grease build-up in kitchen lines really needs. Most expensive, but the result lasts far longer.

An important signal: if water backs up out of a different drain, or the blockage returns every couple of months, the problem is likely the main line or the pipe fall itself — that needs a real fix, not repeat unblocking. A plumber who clears the same drain every two months isn't a solution, he's a subscription.

Suspect a hidden leak? Confirm it before anyone breaks tiles

• Turn off every tap and water-using appliance, then watch the water meter. If it's still moving, you have a leak somewhere.
• A water bill that jumped with no change in your usage is the first alarm bell.
• Damp patches on a wall, or on your downstairs neighbour's ceiling — photograph them, dated, from day one.
• The sound of running water inside a wall with everything shut off.
• Before agreeing to break tiles, ask whether there's a non-destructive way to locate it — some technicians use leak-detection equipment. It may cost a bit more and save hundreds in re-tiling.

What to ask, and what should worry you

• Ask: does this price include parts, or labour only? (Nine times out of ten: labour only.)
• Ask: if it turns out to be bigger than expected, will you stop and re-quote, or carry on?
• Ask for the old part after it's replaced. It's a completely normal request; an honest tradesman won't take offence.
• Is there a warranty on the work? What if the leak returns next week?
• Red flag: starting to break tiles without a clear diagnosis and without re-quoting first.
• Red flag: "nobody else has this part" — usually a prelude to an inflated price.
• Red flag: demanding cash for parts up front with no receipt.

Eidak: better than calling the first number you find

In an emergency, people call the first number they see on Facebook and accept the first price. On Eidak you post the job with a description and photos, and nearby plumbers send offers. Even for urgent work, you can compare two or three in minutes instead of taking one number blind.

And you don't hand over cash before the work. The money sits in escrow until you've seen the bathroom working and the leak actually stopped. Minimum task value is 200 EGP, Eidak adds 10% on top of the bid, and the plumber receives 100% of what they bid.

Because every job carries a visible rating, a plumber who inflates the price at the end loses future work — which is a real incentive to stick to what was agreed.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a plumber cost in Cairo?

It depends on the job. A leak repair runs roughly 200–600 EGP, drain unblocking 250–700 EGP, installing a water heater 300–800 EGP, and changing a tap 150–400 EGP. These generally cover labour — parts are extra.

Are parts included in the plumber's price?

Usually not. What you agree is the labour; the tap, cistern or pipe is charged separately. Ask explicitly up front and get a receipt for the part — the difference between grades of fitting is substantial.

How do I know if I have a hidden leak?

Shut off every tap and appliance that uses water, then watch the meter. If it keeps turning, there's a leak. A bill that suddenly jumps, damp patches on walls, and running water audible behind a wall are all indicators.

Why does my drain keep blocking again?

If it returns every couple of months, the unblocking is treating the symptom, not the cause — usually heavy grease build-up, an incorrect pipe fall, or a problem in the main line. Ask the plumber to diagnose the cause, not just clear it again.

How much is an emergency plumber at night?

Expect to pay more than daytime rates — that's fair compensation for the hour and the urgency. What isn't fair is being told the price only after the work is finished. Agree the number on the phone before they set out, however urgent it feels.