Find a 24 Hour Plumber Near me in Eastbourne | Top Tips 2025
- Luke Yeates
- Aug 27
- 11 min read
It's a scenario every homeowner in Eastbourne dreads: a sudden leak from a radiator in your Upperton home, a blocked drain in Old Town, or a boiler failure in the middle of a cold winter night. That's when the frantic search for a '24 hour plumber near me' begins. But in a high-stress situation, how do you quickly sort the reliable experts from those who might overcharge or underdeliver? Making the right choice fast is crucial to prevent significant water damage to your property.
This guide simplifies your search. We'll walk you through the best websites and platforms for finding a trustworthy emergency plumber, including our own direct booking service at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating. We will analyse seven key options, from well-known trade directories like Checkatrade to specialised booking sites. For each platform, we'll provide direct links and screenshots, showing you exactly how to navigate them to find vetted, qualified, and rapid-response professionals when you need them most.
1. Harrlie Plumbing and Heating
Harrlie Plumbing and Heating solidifies its position as a premier service for anyone urgently searching for a "24 hour plumber near me" in the Eastbourne area. This company offers a powerful combination of rapid response and certified expertise, making it a standout choice for both emergency situations and planned projects. Their commitment to reaching clients within an hour for urgent issues provides immense peace of mind, especially when dealing with a burst pipe in a Roselands home or a complete boiler failure during a cold snap in Sovereign Harbour.

What truly distinguishes Harrlie is the depth of their service portfolio, seamlessly blending emergency repairs with high-end installations. Their engineers are not only adept at fixing immediate problems but are also Gas Safe registered (No. 669266), ensuring all boiler repairs, servicing, and installations meet the highest safety standards required for landlords and homeowners alike. So, whether it's an emergency call-out for a leaking toilet in Hampden Park or a scheduled boiler service, you're getting a qualified expert.
Key Strengths and Features
Harrlie’s operational model is built around customer trust and quality workmanship. Their Best Price Guarantee and transparent quoting process eliminate the worry of hidden costs, a common concern during stressful plumbing emergencies. This is complemented by consistently high praise in customer reviews, frequently highlighting their professionalism, clean work, and effective solutions for Eastbourne residents.
Rapid Emergency Call-Out: A one-hour response target for emergencies in Eastbourne, Hastings, and Bexhill.
Certified Expertise: All engineers are Gas Safe registered, guaranteeing safety and compliance for boiler and gas appliance work.
Comprehensive Services: From fixing leaks to full bathroom and kitchen renovations, including specialised wet room and Saniflo installations.
Transparent Pricing: Upfront quotes and a Best Price Guarantee ensure you receive fair and honest pricing without surprises.
For homeowners considering a planned upgrade, Harrlie provides free quotes and tailored design advice, helping to modernise a kitchen in Meads or install a stylish walk-in shower in Old Town. Their website is a clear, user-friendly portal to access their services, view past projects, and understand their commitment to quality. If you're currently facing an urgent issue, you can find out more about their emergency plumbing services in Eastbourne on their blog.
Website: https://www.harrlieplumbing.co.uk
2. Checkatrade
For UK homeowners, particularly those in Eastbourne and surrounding areas, Checkatrade is a household name for finding vetted tradespeople. When you’re faced with a burst pipe in your Willingdon home in the middle of the night, this platform offers a dedicated search for a "24 hour plumber near me." Simply enter your postcode, and it generates a list of available professionals, complete with detailed profiles and, crucially, reviews from previous customers in your local area.

What sets Checkatrade apart is its commitment to transparency. The platform performs its own background checks on traders, verifying their insurance, qualifications, and identity. This vetting process provides an essential layer of trust, which is vital when inviting someone into your home for an emergency repair. Reputable Eastbourne companies like Harrlie Plumbing and Heating often maintain a strong presence on Checkatrade, showcasing their verified credentials and customer feedback.
Key Features and How to Use Them
To get the most out of the platform during an emergency, follow these steps:
Use the Emergency Filter: Directly search for “emergency plumbers” or “24-hour plumbers” to narrow down results instantly.
Check the Pricing Guide: Checkatrade offers a helpful cost guide for common emergency call-outs. This gives you a baseline figure, helping you avoid unexpected bill shock before you even make a call.
Read Recent Reviews: Focus on the newest reviews, as they reflect the plumber's current service quality and reliability. For more guidance on vetting tradespeople through platforms like this, you can explore some essential tips for finding the right plumber.
Website: https://www.checkatrade.com
3. Rated People
Rated People takes a different approach by allowing you to post your job and have interested tradespeople contact you. When searching for a "24 hour plumber near me," you describe the emergency, like a leaking boiler in your Langney home, and the platform alerts local professionals. This model is built for speed, pushing your request to available plumbers who can then respond with their interest and a quote, often within minutes.

What makes Rated People unique for emergencies is its job-posting wizard, which streamlines the process of getting your problem in front of the right people. Instead of you calling multiple numbers, the platform does the initial outreach for you. This allows reputable Eastbourne companies like Harrlie Plumbing and Heating to quickly see your emergency request and decide if they have the immediate capacity to assist, making for a highly efficient matching system.
Key Features and How to Use Them
To effectively find an emergency plumber on Rated People, follow these steps:
Be Specific in Your Job Post: Clearly state that it's an emergency. For example, write "URGENT - 24 hour plumber needed for burst pipe in Polegate" to attract the right professionals immediately.
Compare Quotes and Profiles Quickly: You'll likely receive multiple responses. Use the platform to compare their profiles, check qualifications, and read reviews from other local homeowners.
Use the Mobile App: Download the app for real-time notifications. This allows you to review and respond to interested plumbers instantly, which is crucial when every minute counts. To understand more about what to look for in a tradesperson's profile, you can review some key factors for finding a reliable plumber in Eastbourne.
Website: https://www.ratedpeople.com
4. MyBuilder
MyBuilder offers a unique approach for those urgently seeking a "24 hour plumber near me." Instead of just searching a directory, you can post a description of your emergency, such as a blocked drain flooding the kitchen in your Stone Cross home. Vetted and available plumbers can then express interest, allowing you to quickly compare multiple professionals who are ready to respond.

What sets MyBuilder apart is its feedback-driven system. Homeowners can review detailed work histories and ratings from previous clients, providing a transparent track record. This is invaluable during a stressful emergency, as you can see which plumbers consistently deliver on speed and quality. Reputable local companies, like Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, often build extensive profiles here, showcasing their reliability and customer satisfaction, making it easier to choose with confidence.
Key Features and How to Use Them
To get a fast and effective response during a plumbing crisis, follow these tips:
Be Specific in Your Job Post: Instead of just "plumber needed," write "Emergency call-out: Burst pipe under kitchen sink in Eastbourne." This detail attracts the right, immediately available tradespeople.
Review Feedback for Emergency Work: Look for reviews that specifically mention out-of-hours or emergency call-outs. This tells you if the plumber has proven experience in high-pressure situations.
Use the Messaging System: Once you shortlist a plumber, use the in-platform messaging to confirm their 24/7 availability and emergency call-out fees before you commit. This ensures there are no surprises.
Website: https://www.mybuilder.com
5. TrustATrader
Similar to other directories, TrustATrader is a well-established platform for sourcing vetted professionals, but its strength lies in facilitating quick, direct contact. When searching for a "24 hour plumber near me," the site provides a straightforward list of traders in your area, prominently displaying their direct phone numbers. This is a significant advantage when you're dealing with a leak in your Eastbourne home and need to speak to someone immediately rather than submitting an online form.

TrustATrader ensures every trader on its platform has been reviewed and verified, checking for relevant qualifications and insurance. This provides a baseline of confidence when you're under pressure to find a reliable expert. Companies like Harrlie Plumbing and Heating often use such platforms to showcase their accreditations and customer feedback, making it easier for you to assess their suitability for your emergency. The platform's interface is built for speed, helping you connect with a local professional in just a few clicks.
Key Features and How to Use Them
For the fastest response during a plumbing crisis, leverage these features:
Filter for 24/7 Services: Use the search filters to specifically select traders who offer "24 Hour Call Out" services, ensuring every result is relevant to your urgent need.
Prioritise Direct Calls: Instead of messaging through the platform, use the clearly listed phone numbers for an immediate conversation. This is the quickest way to confirm availability and call-out fees.
Scan Verified Reviews: Quickly look at the star ratings and read the most recent reviews to gauge a plumber's reliability and quality of work in emergency situations. This can help you make a fast but informed decision.
Website: https://www.trustatrader.com
6. Which? Trusted Traders
For those who prioritise trust and rigorous vetting above all else, Which? Trusted Traders stands out. Backed by the UK’s renowned consumer champion, this platform endorses tradespeople who have passed a stringent assessment process. When searching for a "24 hour plumber near me," the site provides a highly curated list of professionals, giving homeowners in areas like Eastbourne extra peace of mind during a stressful emergency, for example, if their hot water cylinder fails in their Meads property.

What makes this directory unique is the Which? endorsement itself. It’s not just an open marketplace; traders must prove their financial health, business procedures, and customer service standards to be listed. This means that a company like Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, if found on the platform, would have undergone this thorough background check, signalling a commitment to high-quality service and consumer protection. This level of scrutiny is invaluable when you need a reliable expert for an after-hours call-out.
Key Features and How to Use Them
To find an emergency plumber quickly and safely, make the most of the platform with these tips:
Filter for Emergency Services: Use the search filters to specifically select "24-hour call-out" or "emergency plumbing" to see only those traders who confirm their availability for urgent jobs.
Verify Credentials: Each profile clearly displays the trader's qualifications and the services they specialise in. Check these details to ensure they match your specific plumbing emergency.
Review the Code of Conduct: Familiarise yourself with the Which? Trusted Traders Code of Conduct, which all listed plumbers must adhere to. This sets a clear standard for pricing, communication, and workmanship.
Website: https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk
7. Bark
Bark operates as a fast-paced services marketplace, connecting users across the UK with local professionals. When you’re searching for a "24 hour plumber near me" in the Eastbourne area, Bark allows you to post a single request outlining your emergency. The platform then alerts relevant, available plumbers in its network, who can respond directly to you with quotes and their availability, often within minutes.
What makes Bark unique is its speed in generating multiple options. Instead of you calling several companies one by one, the professionals come to you. This is highly effective during an urgent situation, like a boiler breakdown on a cold night in your Roselands home, as it helps you quickly compare response times and initial cost estimates from various local traders. However, it's important to remember that professionals pay to respond to these leads, so you must still perform your own due diligence on their credentials and reviews.
Key Features and How to Use Them
To find a reliable emergency plumber efficiently on Bark, follow these steps:
Be Specific in Your Request: When posting your job, clearly state it’s an emergency. Include details like "leaking boiler," "burst pipe," or "blocked toilet" and mention your Eastbourne location to get responses from the most relevant local experts.
Review Profiles Carefully: Once you receive responses, click through to each plumber's Bark profile. Look for customer reviews, verified credentials, and photos of their previous work. A professional company like Harrlie Plumbing and Heating will have a comprehensive profile showcasing their expertise.
Compare More Than Just Price: While it's tempting to choose the cheapest quote, prioritise the plumber who can arrive the soonest and has the best reviews for emergency work. A quick, effective repair is often more cost-effective in the long run.
Website: https://www.bark.com/en/gb/plumbers/
24-Hour Plumber Service Comparison
Service | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harrlie Plumbing and Heating | Moderate – certified engineers and onsite services | High – skilled labor, local coverage | High quality repairs and installations, rapid emergency response | Local urgent plumbing/heating needs & remodeling | ⭐ Certified engineers, ⭐ Rapid 1-hour emergency, ⭐ Transparent pricing |
Checkatrade | Low – directory platform, user-driven | Low – online directory maintenance | Reliable plumber contacts with price guidance | Nationwide plumber search, emergency calls | ⭐ Broad coverage, 💡 Clear cost guides, ⭐ Verified tradespeople |
Rated People | Low to Moderate – job posting + vetting | Moderate – managing profiles and alerts | Fast plumber responses, multiple quotes for comparison | Urgent out-of-hours plumbing across UK | ⭐ Rapid response, 💡 Pre-hire checklists, ⭐ Wide coverage |
MyBuilder | Moderate – job posts & direct invites | Moderate – platform plus messaging | Comprehensive reviews and availability comparison | Comparing emergency plumbers UK-wide | ⭐ Transparent reviews, 💡 Good for emergency experience checks |
TrustATrader | Low – vetted directory with direct contacts | Low – directory maintenance | Quick phone contact with verified local plumbers | Immediate emergency plumber bookings | ⭐ Direct phone access, ⭐ Strong local coverage, 💡 Verified reviews |
Which? Trusted Traders | Moderate – rigorous vetting & endorsement | Moderate – quality control & updates | High trust, vetted tradespeople with consumer protection | Prioritizing trust and safety in emergencies | ⭐ Strong vetting, ⭐ Which? endorsement, 💡 24/7 filter for genuine responders |
Bark | Low – marketplace matching with lead generation | Moderate – managing quotes and notifications | Fast multiple quote generation for urgent jobs | Quick multiple plumber quotes UK-wide | ⭐ Rapid option generation, ⚡ Free request flow, 📊 Compare response times |
Your Next Step for Peace of Mind with Eastbourne Plumbing
Navigating a plumbing emergency can feel overwhelming, but finding a dependable 24 hour plumber near me should not add to the stress. This guide has equipped you with a robust toolkit, from direct-to-expert services like our own at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating to vetted online directories such as Checkatrade and Which? Trusted Traders. Each tool offers a unique pathway to connecting with qualified professionals, but the core principles for making a smart choice remain the same.
The crucial takeaways are to prioritise local expertise, verified credentials, and transparent customer feedback. Whether you're in Eastbourne's town centre or the surrounding areas of Bexhill and Hastings, a local plumber will not only arrive faster but also have a better understanding of the region's common plumbing systems and challenges. For instance, a burst pipe in an older Victorian property in Meads requires a different approach than a boiler fault in a modern Sovereign Harbour apartment; local experience is invaluable here.
Your immediate action plan should be clear. Before an emergency strikes, take a moment to evaluate these tools.
For Direct, Rapid Response: If you value a single point of contact with a guaranteed one-hour response time and a Best Price Guarantee, a direct approach with a trusted local firm like Harrlie Plumbing and Heating is your best bet.
For Comparison and Vetting: If you prefer to compare multiple quotes and scrutinise a wide range of reviews for non-urgent work, platforms like Rated People or MyBuilder offer excellent functionality.
Ultimately, the best tool is the one that gives you confidence when you need it most. Having a pre-vetted contact ready means that when you’re faced with a sudden leak or a heating failure, you’re not scrambling through search results. You’re making one calm, informed call to a professional you can trust. By being proactive, you transform a potential crisis into a manageable problem, securing your property and your peace of mind.
Ready to take the guesswork out of your search for a "24 hour plumber near me"? For a rapid, reliable, and Gas Safe registered service in Eastbourne and the surrounding areas, contact Harrlie Plumbing and Heating. Visit our website or call us now to see how we can solve your plumbing and heating issues today.

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