Do I Need a Plumber or Handyman?

When something goes wrong at home, one of the most common questions is: Do I need a plumber or a handyman? Both professionals can tackle repairs, but the type of problem, its complexity, and the safety implications determine who’s right for the job. Choosing correctly saves you time, money, and prevents further damage. We quite often get asked what the difference is between a handyman vs plumber.

It’s easy to see see why people get confused because some of the jobs can be fixed by a handyman such as changing tap washers, changing a simple valve, perhaps changing a trap under a sink. Certainly, handyman can also be quite good at other simple plumbing jobs as well. Plumbers are trained to carry out not only the simple plumbing, but also more complicated issues like problems with water cylinders, air locks, leaks on central heating, outside taps. You would probably call a handyman out for simpler things than a plumber would do.

Key Differences Between a Plumber and a Handyman

Plumber: A licensed tradesman who specialises in water systems, drainage, pipework, and heating. Plumbers are legally qualified to handle complex plumbing issues and installations.
Handyman: A general repair professional skilled in smaller, less specialised jobs. A handyman can take care of basic plumbing-related tasks, as well as joinery, painting, or general maintenance.

In short: handymen are ideal for small, non-technical fixes, while plumbers are essential for regulated, safety-critical, or complex plumbing work.

When to Hire a Plumber

Call a plumber if the job involves:

Installing or replacing pipework
Fixing or replacing toilets, showers, or baths
Dealing with leaks inside walls or under floors
Water heater or boiler repairs
Major bathroom or kitchen renovations

Plumbers are also the right choice for emergency situations such as burst pipes or severe leaks.

When to Call Handyman

A handyman can save you money for smaller jobs that don’t require specialist licensing, such as:

Replacing tap washers
Installing new shower heads
Fixing minor leaks under sinks
Unblocking simple drain clogs
Fitting appliances that only need basic connections

For anything involving gas, heating systems, or full plumbing installations, always call a certified plumber.

What Tradesman Do I Need to Fit a Bathroom?

If you’re planning a full bathroom installation, you’ll almost always need a qualified plumber. Bathrooms involve multiple connections to water supply and drainage systems, as well as fitting baths, toilets, and sinks. In many cases, you may also need an electrician for lighting, fans, or power showers.

A handyman may assist with tasks like tiling, painting, or fitting accessories, but the core plumbing should always be handled by a professional plumber to avoid leaks, water damage, and compliance issues.

Can a Handyman Fit a New Tap?

Yes, a handyman can often fit a new tap, especially if it’s a straightforward swap with existing connections. Tasks like tightening fittings, replacing a washer, or connecting flexible hoses are well within a handyman’s skillset.

However, if the job requires altering pipework, moving connections, or fixing a hidden leak, a licensed plumber is the safer choice. Choosing the right tradesman depends on whether it’s a simple replacement or a complex plumbing job.

When deciding between a handyman or plumber, the key question is: Does this job involve complex plumbing or just a small repair? For minor fixes, a handyman is a cost-effective option. For installations, emergencies, or anything involving hidden pipework, always hire a plumber. Call My Handyman on 020 3078 5920 for more information on handyman vs plumber questions!

We have recently set up a new division at My Plumber. This division is called My Handyman and we have a separate website to show clients exactly what types of work we carry out. We set up this division so that it was clear to everyone that we do offer a service which provides trades people who are multi-skilled. We also have specialist tradesmen who are trained in painting and decorating. This is a much more skilled job than a simple handyman – though these trades men do carry out both types of work.