How Much Does Line Pump Hire Cost in the UK?
By PumpX Team ·
If you are pouring a driveway, extension base or garden room slab in the UK and the ready-mix truck can not get close, you will probably be quoted for a line pump. Prices vary widely by region and by firm, so here is what drives the number and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
Note: figures here are general guidance only. I am not quoting specific current UK prices because they change and vary a lot. Always ask for written quotes in pounds including VAT.
What a line pump is
A line pump is a trailer-mounted or small truck-mounted concrete pump with a hopper and a length of hose. The ready-mix lorry tips concrete into the hopper and the pump pushes it through the hose to your pour. It is the standard answer for a rear garden, a narrow side return or a basement, where a larger boom pump can not reach.
How UK line pump hire is usually charged
| Charge | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Minimum charge | A set price covering a minimum time, such as the first few hours on site |
| Hourly rate | Applied once you go past the minimum |
| Call-out or travel | Getting the pump to and from your site, sometimes by mileage |
| Hose or pipe | Extra for long runs beyond the standard length |
| Per-cubic-metre rate | Some firms add a charge for each cubic metre pumped |
| Out-of-hours | Extra for weekends, bank holidays or very early starts |
| Waiting time | If lorries are late or the site is not ready |
Domestic jobs for line pumps are commonly priced as a package, covering the pump, operator and minimum hire. As a rough ballpark, many people report totals for small domestic pours in the hundreds of pounds rather than thousands, but that depends heavily on region, distance and demand. The only reliable number is a written quote for your job.
What affects the price
- Distance and hose length. More hose means more set-up and cleaning.
- Volume. Larger pours take more time. Very small pours may not be worth pumping at all.
- Location. Prices differ between London, the South East and other regions.
- Time of year. Busy seasons push prices up.
- How ready you are. Delays on site are paid for by the hour.
Is a pump even necessary?
Small pours of a few cubic metres close to the road may only need a chute or barrows. See our guide to pump vs chute vs wheelbarrow. If a barrow gang would take hours and cost labour, a pump often makes sense even for modest volumes.
Concrete is separate
Do not forget the concrete itself: ready-mix suppliers charge per cubic metre, often with a short load charge for small orders, plus delivery. Tell them the concrete is being pumped so they supply a suitable mix.
How to get a good quote
- Measure the pour and work out the volume in cubic metres.
- Send photos of access and the pour area.
- Ask for the minimum charge, the hourly rate after that and any hose or travel charges.
- Confirm whether VAT is included.
- Ask what happens if the job overruns or is cancelled.
- Compare at least three quotes.
You can find local operators in the concrete pumping directory, and the rate calculator shows how hourly rates and minimums add up.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Be ready when the pump arrives (formwork, mesh and inspections done).
- Book the lorries to arrive in a steady sequence.
- Keep the access clear for the hose.
- Have enough people to place and finish.
- Pick a weekday if the firm charges extra on weekends.
Planning around delivery and access
In many UK streets, parking and access are tight. The lorry, the pump and any permit for parking on the road all need planning, and some councils require permissions for placing vehicles or equipment on the highway. Check with your local authority, your builder and your pump operator what is needed. Telling neighbours in advance makes the day smoother. Also consider where the hose will run, whether it crosses a pavement and how you will protect people walking past.
Key takeaways
- UK line pump hire is usually a minimum charge plus extras for hose, travel and overruns.
- Prices vary by region and firm, so get written quotes.
- Ask whether VAT is included.
- Concrete is a separate bill.
- Being prepared is the easiest way to save money.
Compare line pump operators near you on PumpX.
Original question on Reddit: r/DIYUK: Concrete line pump cost