Plumbing - Other

Best Places to Buy Plumbing Supplies in the UK: A Handy Guide for DIYers and Pros

Why the right plumbing store makes a difference

Picking the right place to buy plumbing supplies is a bit like choosing the right toolbox for a job — the wrong kit makes everything harder, and the right one saves time and money. Whether you’re fixing a leaky tap, rerouting waste pipework, or fitting a brand-new bathroom, the store you choose affects product range, pricing, technical support, and even how quickly you finish the job. I’ll walk you through the best UK merchants for plumbing products, what they’re good at, and simple tips to shop smarter.

How to decide between trade merchants and high-street shops

There are two main camps: trade merchants that cater to plumbers and builders, and big-box or online retailers aimed at DIYers. Trade merchants usually stock specialist items — think sizes in 1/2 in and 3/4 in, commercial valves, and long lengths of copper or plastic pipe — and often sell by the foot or roll. High-street stores and mainstream online shops are great for standard fittings, bathroom suites, and tools. Ask yourself: do I need specialist fittings and expert advice, or do I want convenience and quick access?

Top UK merchants for plumbing supplies

Below I’ve rounded up trusted names across the UK that plumbers and savvy DIYers often turn to. I’ll highlight what each store does best so you can match your job to the right supplier.

Screwfix

Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople and DIYers who want fast access to a huge catalog of products. They stock everything from tap kits and ball valves to flexible hoses and waste traps. If you’re after tools that work with plumbing jobs — pipe cutters, basin wrenches, soldering kits — Screwfix usually has competitive prices and easy in-store pickup or local collection. Their listings often include technical specs, which helps if you need a 1/2 in compression fitting or a 2 in waste connector.

Toolstation

Toolstation is similar to Screwfix but with its own selection and pricing structure. Many pros like Toolstation for repeat buys of consumables like PTFE tape, solder, and pipe sealants. They stock quick-fit plastic fittings alongside traditional copper and brass items, which is handy if you prefer snap-fit systems. The store is ideal when you need to grab a cheap but reliable tool or a boxed pack of fittings in sizes like 3/4 in or 1 in.

Wickes

Wickes blends convenience with a good range of bathroom and heating products. If you’re renovating a bathroom or installing a new shower, Wickes often has bundled bathroom suites, showers, and valves that make sourcing simpler. They also carry basic plumbing fittings and pipework for smaller jobs. For weekend DIYers wanting clear instructions and packaged products, Wickes is a friendly one-stop option.

B&Q

B&Q is another high-street favourite and is great for standard home plumbing needs: taps, shower fittings, hose connectors, and small lengths of pipe. They’re especially useful if you need accessories like garden hoses or outdoor taps measured in feet. B&Q stores are easy to navigate and often have budget-friendly ranges for straightforward jobs.

City Plumbing Supplies (CPS)

City Plumbing Supplies is a trade-focused merchant with branches across the UK. They stock specialist plumbing and heating equipment such as boilers, radiators, and commercial-grade valves, plus the niche components often required for larger installations. Pros like CPS for its depth of stock and technical know-how — think obscure couplers and large-diameter pipework measured in inches and feet, which you won’t find in high-street stores.

Plumbase

Plumbase is a solid choice when you need professional-level plumbing materials. It’s geared towards installers and contractors, with a broad selection of copper tube, waste fittings, traps, and water meters. If your job involves bespoke work — long runs of 3/4 in pipe or multiple radiator valves — Plumbase provides the options and bulk quantities that pros depend on.

Plumbworld

Plumbworld is an online retailer that specialises in bathroom and plumbing products. They are especially strong for bathroom fittings, shower enclosures, and contemporary taps. If you’re comparing designer brands or hunting for a particular finish like brushed brass or chrome, Plumbworld often lists detailed product photos and specs, helping you visualise how a new basin or mixer will look in your space.

VictoriaPlum

VictoriaPlum focuses on bathroom suites, baths, and vanity units with plenty of stylish options. They’re a great resource when you’re doing a full bathroom refit and want coordinated pieces. VictoriaPlum often bundles fittings and wastes sized for standard household installs, so it’s helpful when you want matching components without hunting across multiple sites.

Travis Perkins

Travis Perkins is a long-standing builder’s merchant with a wide plumbing range. They supply builders and contractors with robust stock — large-bore piping, insulation, pipe hangers, and boilers — often sold in bulk. Travis Perkins is especially useful for larger projects where you need consistent supply of the same materials across a site.

Jewson

Jewson is another well-known builder’s merchant stocking a complete range of plumbing materials, from basic fittings to insulation and drainage supplies. Ideal for construction or renovation projects, Jewson offers both everyday items and trade-grade products you may need when working on more complex systems like waste stacks or soil pipes measured in inches and feet.

Specialist suppliers and niche products

Sometimes you need a part that isn’t on the shelf — an odd thread, a rare valve size, or a specific brand of mixer cartridge. For those moments, specialist suppliers and online merchants like Screwfix’s trade-only lines, independent plumbers’ merchants, or manufacturer websites (e.g., Triton, Grohe, or Hansgrohe) can be lifesavers. They often stock OEM parts and replacement cartridges measured in imperial sizes like 1/2 in or 3/4 in, plus tech drawings to ensure compatibility.

Comparing prices without getting lost

Price comparison in plumbing can be tricky because the same item may come in different grades — brass, plated brass, or cheap zinc alloy. Always compare by material and size rather than by name alone. A 1/2 in brass compression elbow should be compared to another 1/2 in brass elbow, not to a cheaper alloy item. Also factor in small extras like washers or O-rings that might be sold separately. A clever trick is to list the exact spec you need — size, thread type, and finish — then check three or four stores for the best blend of price and quality.

Buying online vs in-store: what to consider

Online shopping offers convenience and breadth — it’s great for comparing specs and photos for taps, showers, and boiler components. In-store shopping suiting hands-on checks; you can test how a tap operates or match finishes in person. For emergency fixes you want local stores like Screwfix or Toolstation with fast collection, but for specialised or decorative items, an online specialist might be easier. Think of online shops as the catalogue and local merchants as the workshop where you can pick up last-minute bits.

Essential items every plumbing toolkit should have

Whether you’re a homeowner or a tradesperson, it pays to keep a few staples on hand. I recommend a basin wrench, adjustable spanner, PTFE tape, a basic compression fitting set in 1/2 in and 3/4 in sizes, and a pipe cutter suitable for copper or plastic. Also keep spare washers, a few lengths of flexible hose, and a small bottle of solder and flux if you work with copper. These essentials save frantic trips to the shop when a job reveals an unexpected leak.

Eco-friendly plumbing options to look for

Green plumbing is more popular than ever. Look for low-flow taps and showers that conserve water without sacrificing pressure, and dual-flush toilets to cut water use. Many merchants now label products with eco-features — for example, aerated mixers and flow regulators measured in gallons per minute. Sustainable options often save money over time by lowering water and heating bills, and they’re widely stocked at mainstream retailers as well as specialist suppliers.

How to spot quality plumbing parts

Quality shows in material and finish. Brass and copper parts are typically more reliable than cheap plated alloys. Check that threads are clean and that seals or O-rings are present for watertight joints. For valves, test the feel if you can — smooth operation without slop suggests better internals. Avoid items that feel light or have rough machining on threads. A small investment in trusted brands often prevents headaches later.

Tips for saving money on plumbing supplies

Buy in bulk for consumables you know you’ll use, like PTFE tape, clamps, or solder. Keep an eye on trade accounts or loyalty schemes offered by merchants — they can give you discounts or early access to sales. Also, consider standardising on a few reliable brands across your projects; it makes it easier to reuse parts and reduces the chance of incompatible fittings that drive up costs.

When to consult a professional

DIY is great for simple repairs, but some jobs are best left to licensed plumbers. If your work involves gas appliances, boiler internals, or altering a system’s flow and pressure, it’s wise to get professional help. Also consult a pro when you need to comply with building regs or when the fix involves shared drainage or stack work — mistakes here can be costly and messy.

Final checklist before you buy

Before you place an order or head to the merchant, take a checklist: measure the pipe diameter in inches and the length in feet, note the thread type (BSP, for example), confirm the material you prefer (brass, copper, or plastic), and list any additional seals or brackets needed. Having clear specs saves time, prevents returns, and helps you compare like-for-like across different stores.

Conclusion

Shopping for plumbing supplies in the UK doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing the right store for the job — whether a trade merchant for specialist parts or a high-street retailer for standard fittings — you’ll save time, cut costs, and avoid frustrating mismatches. Keep a basic toolkit and a short shopping checklist, compare materials and sizes carefully, and don’t be afraid to lean on specialist merchants for obscure parts. With the right approach, even tricky plumbing jobs become manageable and, dare I say it, satisfying.