Cityplumbing

City Plumbing Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?

Introduction

If you've ever started a bathroom renovation, repaired a boiler, fitted a new radiator or simply needed one obscure plumbing part in a hurry, you'll know that finding the right supplier can make or break the job.

That's where City Plumbing comes in.

City Plumbing is one of the UK's established plumbing, heating and electrical suppliers, serving both trade professionals and homeowners. The business has been operating for more than 40 years and now has more than 350 branches across the UK. Its online range covers everything from plumbing supplies and heating equipment to bathrooms, electrical products, tools and renewable-energy products.

But having a huge catalogue is one thing. Being a supplier you can actually rely on when a job is waiting is another.

I've looked at what City Plumbing offers, how its branches and online service work, what customers are saying in 2026 and where I think the company offers the most value. My overall impression? City Plumbing is a very strong option for trade customers and a surprisingly useful choice for homeowners too, although you should still compare prices and check stock before making a large order.

Here's my full City Plumbing review for 2026.

Quick Verdict Table

Category	Rating
Product Range	9.5/10
Branch Network	9.5/10
Product Availability	8.5/10
Online Shopping	8.5/10
Click & Collect	9/10
Delivery	8/10
Trade Services	9.5/10
Bathroom Showrooms	9/10
Customer Service	8/10
Value for Money	8.5/10
Overall	8.8/10

My verdict: City Plumbing is worth considering if you need reliable access to plumbing, heating, bathroom, electrical or trade supplies. It's particularly appealing for professionals who value local branches and fast collection.

What Is City Plumbing?

City Plumbing is a UK plumbing, heating and electrical supplier serving tradespeople, homeowners, self-builders and DIY customers.

The company is part of the Highbourne Group and says it has more than 4,500 colleagues across its wider division, with a network of more than 350 branches and sites.

Its product selection is considerably broader than the name might suggest.

You can shop for:

• Plumbing fittings
• Boilers
• Radiators
• Heating equipment
• Plumbing spares
• Bathroom suites
• Showers
• Baths
• Taps
• Bathroom furniture
• Tiles and flooring
• Electrical and lighting products
• Renewable-energy products
• Tools
• Commercial washroom equipment
• Underfloor heating

City Plumbing currently advertises more than 44,000 products across its online catalogue, while its combined trade operation also highlights an even larger selection through its wider network.

What makes the company interesting isn't simply the number of products. It's the combination of online ordering + physical branches + trade support + specialist bathroom showrooms.

That combination is difficult for a purely online retailer to replicate.

Why Is City Plumbing Popular?

A Huge Product Selection

This is probably City Plumbing's biggest selling point.

If you're working on a plumbing or heating project, the last thing you want is to order five items from five different websites. City Plumbing attempts to be a one-stop supplier.

The online catalogue covers plumbing, heating, bathrooms, electricals, renewables, tools and spares, alongside product ranges from established manufacturers.

More Than 350 UK Branches

This is where City Plumbing becomes particularly useful for tradespeople.

The company currently lists more than 350 branches across England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Wight.

When you're halfway through a job and discover that you need an extra valve, fitting or connector, waiting several days for delivery isn't ideal.

Being able to check local stock and collect from a branch can save an entire afternoon.

Strong Trade Focus

City Plumbing has always had a strong relationship with professional installers.

Trade customers can use online accounts to check prices, manage invoices, view order history, access account information and take advantage of trade-related services.

For a professional who buys supplies regularly, those little conveniences add up.

Bathroom Showrooms

If you're renovating a bathroom rather than simply replacing a washer, the showroom side is another major advantage.

City Plumbing says its bathroom showrooms are designed to give homeowners and professionals somewhere to see products and get specialist advice.

That's much more useful than choosing a bath or vanity unit from a tiny product photograph.

Product/Service Categories Overview

Category	Examples	Best For
Plumbing	Pipes, fittings, valves, connectors	Installers and repairs
Heating	Boilers, radiators, heating controls	Heating projects
Bathrooms	Baths, toilets, basins, furniture	Renovations
Showers	Shower systems, trays, enclosures	Bathroom upgrades
Electrical	Electrical and lighting products	Multi-trade projects
Renewables	Energy-efficient technology	Modern home projects
Tools	Trade tools and equipment	Professionals and DIY
Spares	Replacement components	Repairs
Tiles & Flooring	Bathroom and kitchen finishes	Renovation projects
Commercial	Washroom and accessibility products	Commercial installations

The bathroom range alone covers showers, taps, toilets, basins, furniture, baths, shower trays, enclosures, tiles, flooring, heating and related accessories.

Key Features and Benefits

Free Click & Collect

One of my favourite features is Click & Collect.

City Plumbing advertises collection in as little as five minutes, although actual availability depends on the product and branch.

For trade customers, this is genuinely useful.

If your van is sitting outside a property and you're missing one fitting, a fast collection option is far more valuable than a slightly cheaper online price that arrives tomorrow.

Free Delivery Threshold

City Plumbing currently advertises free delivery on orders over £75 excluding VAT.

That's worth remembering when comparing prices. A product that appears cheaper elsewhere may not remain cheaper once delivery charges are included.

Stock Checking

The website allows customers to check stock and locate nearby branches.

Again, this is one of those features that sounds boring until you need something urgently.

Trade Accounts

Professional customers can access trade pricing and account-management features, including balances, invoices and order history.

Specialist Advice

The company puts considerable emphasis on knowledgeable branch teams and technical support.

For complicated installations, getting advice from somebody who understands the product category can be much more useful than reading a generic online description.

My First Impressions of City Plumbing

My first impression is that City Plumbing feels much more like a working supplier than a conventional home-improvement retailer.

That's a compliment.

The focus is clearly on getting people the products they need for real jobs. There are thousands of functional components that aren't particularly exciting but are absolutely essential when you're fitting a heating system or repairing a bathroom.

The sheer breadth of the catalogue can initially feel overwhelming. There are a lot of products, specifications and variations.

But once you know exactly what you're looking for, that becomes a strength.

I also like the branch model. For me, the biggest question with a plumbing supplier isn't whether the website looks pretty. It's whether I can get the correct part when I need it.

City Plumbing's combination of online stock checking and local collection addresses that problem nicely.

The bathroom showroom side gives the brand another personality altogether. If you're renovating your home, you're no longer simply looking for a replacement fitting; you're making design decisions. Being able to physically see baths, furniture, showers and finishes makes that process much easier.

Product Quality and Performance Analysis

Plumbing and Heating Products: 9/10

City Plumbing stocks products from established manufacturers, including names such as Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal and Grundfos.

That gives me confidence in the range.

Of course, the quality ultimately depends on the specific product you buy. A professional-grade boiler and a basic bathroom accessory shouldn't be judged by the same standard.

But as a supplier, City Plumbing generally gives customers access to the sort of brands you'd expect to see in professional installations.

Bathroom Products: 8.5/10

The bathroom range is broad enough for everything from a simple cloakroom refresh to a much larger renovation.

There are contemporary and traditional designs, alongside functional products aimed more at practicality than aesthetics.

The showroom experience is particularly valuable here because bathrooms are difficult to judge from measurements alone.

Availability: 8.5/10

The large branch network is a major advantage.

However, customers should still check the actual stock position before travelling. Recent reviews include complaints where website availability and branch-level expectations didn't match.

That's not unique to City Plumbing, but it's worth remembering.

Delivery: 8/10

City Plumbing offers standard and next-day delivery options, with its website stating that standard delivery is generally within five working days and next-day delivery aims for the next working day when eligible orders are placed before the stated cut-off.

Most customers will probably have no problem, but recent reviews do include reports of delayed deliveries, missing items and damaged goods.

Customer Service: 8/10

This is probably the most mixed category.

There are plenty of glowing reviews mentioning staff who helped customers select bathroom products, find obscure replacement parts or organise complicated orders.

But there are also negative experiences involving returns, communication and delivery problems.

I'd therefore rate the overall service positively while acknowledging that branch-level experiences can differ.

Detailed Ratings Table

Feature	Rating / 10	My Assessment
Product Selection	9.5	Excellent
Brand Selection	9.0	Very strong
Branch Availability	9.5	Major advantage
Online Ordering	8.5	Easy and practical
Stock Checking	8.5	Very useful
Click & Collect	9.0	Excellent for urgent jobs
Delivery	8.0	Good but not flawless
Trade Accounts	9.5	Excellent for professionals
Bathroom Showrooms	9.0	Very useful for renovations
Customer Service	8.0	Generally good, inconsistent at times
Value	8.5	Competitive with comparison
Overall	8.8	Highly recommended

Pros of City Plumbing

Pros	Why I Like It
Huge product range	You can source most project essentials in one place
350+ branches	Excellent for local trade customers
Fast Click & Collect	Useful when a job can't wait
Trade-focused services	Designed around professional purchasing
Bathroom showrooms	Makes renovation decisions easier
Recognised brands	Good choice of established manufacturers
Online stock checking	Helps reduce wasted journeys
Technical support	Useful for product questions
Multiple product categories	Plumbing, heating, bathrooms, electrical and more

Cons of City Plumbing

Cons	Why It Matters
Prices aren't always the cheapest	Comparison shopping still makes sense
Stock information can occasionally disappoint	Online availability may not always translate perfectly to the branch
Customer service can vary	Branch experiences aren't always consistent
Delivery problems do occur	Some recent reviews mention delays or damaged products
Returns can be complicated	Check the return conditions before ordering
Large catalogue can feel overwhelming	Beginners may need assistance choosing products

Performance Score Chart

Product Range          █████████▌  9.5/10 Branch Network         █████████▌  9.5/10 Trade Services         █████████▌  9.5/10 Brand Selection        █████████░  9.0/10 Bathroom Showrooms     █████████░  9.0/10 Click & Collect        █████████░  9.0/10 Online Experience      ████████▌░ 8.5/10 Stock Availability     ████████▌░ 8.5/10 Value for Money        ████████▌░ 8.5/10 Customer Service       ████████░░ 8.0/10 Delivery               ████████░░ 8.0/10

Customer Reviews and Reputation

City Plumbing's reputation in 2026 is generally positive, although there are enough negative reviews to justify doing your homework.

At the time of writing, its Trustpilot profile shows a 4.1/5 TrustScore from around 6,100 reviews, with 1,033 reviews recorded over the previous 12 months.

The positive feedback has some recurring themes.

Customers frequently praise individual branch employees for being helpful, knowledgeable and patient. Bathroom showroom customers particularly mention staff who help with measurements, product selection, planning and coordinating orders.

I've also noticed positive comments about drivers and deliveries, with some customers specifically mentioning polite delivery staff and carefully packaged products.

The negative side tends to revolve around a different set of issues: stock discrepancies, damaged products, delayed deliveries, missing components and difficulties resolving certain complaints.

That tells me something useful.

City Plumbing's local service appears to be one of its biggest strengths, but the experience can depend heavily on the branch and the specific order.

If I'm buying a small replacement part from a local branch, I'd feel very comfortable using City Plumbing.

For a large bathroom order worth thousands of pounds, I'd be much more careful about checking every item, delivery date, return condition and warranty before placing the order.

Who Should Buy City Plumbing?

Professional Plumbers

This is the obvious audience.

If you're regularly installing boilers, bathrooms, radiators or plumbing systems, the combination of local branches, trade pricing, stock checking and Click & Collect is extremely useful.

Heating Engineers

The heating range and access to established brands make City Plumbing worth considering for heating professionals.

Bathroom Fitters

The bathroom range and showroom network are particularly relevant for installers who work closely with homeowners.

Homeowners Renovating a Bathroom

You don't have to be a professional to benefit.

If you're planning a bathroom renovation, City Plumbing can be useful because you can explore products, visit showrooms and discuss options with staff.

DIY Customers

I'd recommend City Plumbing to experienced DIYers more readily than complete beginners.

If you're comfortable identifying fittings and understanding product specifications, the selection is excellent.

If you aren't, ask for help rather than guessing.

City Plumbing vs Competitors

Supplier	Best For	Main Advantage	Potential Drawback
City Plumbing	Trade + homeowners	Huge branch network and range	Prices need comparison
Wolseley	Professional trade	Strong trade infrastructure	Customer-service reputation is mixed
Screwfix	Fast DIY/trade purchases	Convenience and broad availability	Less specialist bathroom-showroom focus
Toolstation	Budget-conscious buyers	Competitive pricing	Smaller specialist showroom proposition
Wickes	Home renovations	Strong DIY and bathroom presence	Less trade-focused
Victorian Plumbing	Online bathroom shopping	Huge online bathroom selection	No equivalent nationwide branch network
Plumbworld	Online bathroom purchases	Strong online value	Primarily online experience

For me, City Plumbing wins when availability and local support matter more than simply finding the lowest online price.

If I needed a bathroom suite and wanted to see it in person, I'd strongly consider City Plumbing.

If I needed a single basic fitting and wanted the cheapest possible online price, I'd compare several competitors first.

8 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is City Plumbing worth it in 2026?

Yes. Its combination of a huge product range, more than 350 branches, trade services, online ordering and Click & Collect makes it a strong supplier for both professionals and homeowners.

2. Does City Plumbing sell to homeowners?

Yes. City Plumbing explicitly serves trade professionals, self-builders and DIY customers as well as homeowners working on home-improvement projects.

3. How many City Plumbing branches are there?

City Plumbing currently advertises more than 350 branches across the UK, covering England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Wight.

4. Does City Plumbing offer Click & Collect?

Yes. The company advertises free Click & Collect, with some orders available for collection in as little as five minutes. Actual timing depends on stock and branch availability.

5. Does City Plumbing sell bathroom products?

Yes. Its bathroom range includes baths, toilets, basins, taps, furniture, showers, trays, enclosures, tiles, flooring and related products.

6. Does City Plumbing offer trade accounts?

Yes. Trade customers can manage accounts online, view trade prices, check balances, pay invoices and access order information.

7. Does City Plumbing offer delivery?

Yes. City Plumbing offers standard and next-day delivery options, with free delivery advertised for qualifying orders over £75 excluding VAT.

8. Is City Plumbing cheaper than other suppliers?

Not necessarily on every product. City Plumbing offers trade pricing and promotions, but prices vary by product and customer account. My advice is to compare the complete cost, including delivery, rather than assuming one retailer is always cheapest.

Final Verdict

So, is City Plumbing worth it in 2026?

For me, the answer is yes — and especially if you're a tradesperson.

The company gets the fundamentals right. It has an enormous product selection, more than 350 branches, online ordering, stock checking, fast Click & Collect, trade accounts and specialist bathroom showrooms.

That's a powerful combination.

I particularly like City Plumbing for jobs where time matters. If you're a plumber halfway through an installation, being able to locate a part locally and collect it quickly can be worth far more than saving a few pounds online.

For homeowners, I'd also recommend taking a look, especially if you're planning a bathroom renovation. The showroom experience gives City Plumbing an advantage over online-only competitors because you can actually see products and discuss your project.

The biggest caveat is that I wouldn't assume every product is automatically the cheapest or that every branch will deliver the same level of service.

Customer reviews back that up. The overall Trustpilot rating is healthy at 4.1/5, and many customers praise helpful staff, professional advice and smooth purchases. But there are also complaints about stock, delivery, damaged products and after-sales communication.

My shopping strategy would therefore be simple:

Check the product. Check the price. Check local stock. Check the return terms. Then buy.

If you're a trade professional, I'd go one step further and investigate a trade account because the account-management tools and trade pricing can make repeat purchasing considerably easier.

For homeowners, visit a showroom if you're buying a bathroom suite or larger installation rather than relying entirely on product photographs.

Overall, my 8.8/10 rating feels fair.

City Plumbing isn't necessarily the cheapest place to buy every single fitting, but that's not really its strongest selling point anyway. Its real advantage is being a large, established, practical supplier that combines online convenience with local expertise and physical branches.

And when you're standing on a job site wondering where you're going to find the part you need before the day disappears, that convenience suddenly becomes very valuable.

Recommended for: plumbers, heating engineers, bathroom fitters, experienced DIYers and homeowners planning larger renovation projects.

My final rating: 8.8/10.