How Much Does A Water Pump Replacement Cost in the UK?

A water pump in a car is a device that helps circulate coolant throughout the engine. The water pump is driven by a belt connected to the engine's crankshaft. As the crankshaft turns, the belt turns the water pump. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine to keep it operating at a consistent temperature. If the water pump fails, it will affect the circulation of coolant and cause the engine to overheat.

How much does it cost to replace a water pump?

The average cost of replacing a car water pump is £200, with prices ranging from £115 and £375. This cost is generally cheaper when the water pump is driven by the auxiliary belt rather than the timing belt. It is important to note here that most mechanics will not carry out a timing belt replacement without replacing the timing belt-driven water pump. The exact price of the water pump replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a car water pump replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a car water pump replacement.

Average cost of a water pump replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a water pump replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for water pump repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a car water pump replacement for your car.

Average cost of a water pump replacement by manufacturer

Signs your car water pump needs to be replaced

• Engine overheating
• Coolant leaking/ low coolant level
• Whining noise from engine
• Rusting near the water pump
• Vibrations from engine
• Steam/ smoke coming from engine bay

The car's engine overheats

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If the water pump is faulty, it may not be able to circulate coolant through the engine properly. This can cause the engine to overheat. It’s best to get any overheating inspected as soon as possible to avoid expensive engine damage.

The car's coolant level is low/coolant leaks

You may notice a puddle of coolant on the ground after you park your car if your water pump is faulty. In a water pump, there are several different seals and gaskets that eventually dry out, crack or break, causing coolant to leak. It’s not always easy to identify a coolant leak as it comes in various colours so if you notice any type of leak that isn’t water, it’s best to get it inspected and fixed by a mechanic.

Whining noise from engine bay

A high-pitched whining sound when you accelerate is generally bad news for the engine. It can indicate an issue with one of the components on the belts that keep the engine running, including the water pump.

Corroded water pump

In the event of even a small leak, there will be a gradual buildup rust on the water pump itself. As the water pump becomes less efficient, coolant will not flow as efficiently through the engine, eventually resulting in a complete failure.

Frequently asked questions about water pump replacement cost

Can I drive with a broken water pump?

A broken water pump will not necessarily cause your car to break down immediately, however, if you continue to drive with a faulty water pump that is leaking coolant, it will result in overheating which can lead to catastrophic engine damage. It’s highly recommended to get it inspected and fixed by a mechanic as soon as possible without driving the vehicle further.

Can a faulty water pump cause engine failure?

A faulty water pump can cause engine failure if it is not replaced in a timely manner. If the water pump fails, it will not be able to circulate coolant through the engine, causing the engine to overheat which leads to damage to several components such as gaskets, seals, pistons and sometimes even total engine failure.

Is it worth fixing the water pump?

This depends on the severity of damage. For example, if the water pump failure has not caused damage to the engine or to the head gasket then it’s definitely worth getting it fixed. However, if the faulty water pump has resulted in overheating, it is likely that the associated components may have blown too. A professional mechanic will be able to assess the extent of damage and advise what parts need to be repaired and replaced after which you can make a more informed decision about whether it is worth replacing the water pump.

How long does a car water pump replacement take?

On average, car water pump replacement times can range from 1 hour to 4 hours with an average of 1.75 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Can I carry out a car water pump replacement myself?

Water pump replacement is a fairly complex job as it involves accessing and removal of components in the engine such as belts, hoses, and sometimes even other engine parts.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a car water pump replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What else could be the problem if my car’s water pump isn’t broken?

If your car is experiencing cooling system issues but the water pump itself isn't the problem, there could be several other potential causes such as:

• Coolant leak - overheating is generally caused by coolant leakage from the radiator or thermostat for example. Make sure to check the engine and under the car for any signs of leakage
• Thermostat - if the thermostat is faulty it will not be able to regulate the flow of coolant leading to engine overheating
• Blown head gasket - blown head gasket can cause coolant to mix with oil or combustion gases, leading to overheating
• Belt or pulley - if the associated components of the water pump such as a timing belt or pulley is malfunctioning then it will show similar symptoms
• Drive belt - if there’s a fault with the drive belt or serpentine belt, it will create a whining noise which is similar to the sound of a malfunctioning car water pump

What happens during a water pump replacement?

Firstly, the mechanic will inspect the water pump and the cooling system.

• Mechanic will subject the cooling system to a pressure test which should reveal any leaks.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the water pump.
• Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• Mechanic will inspect the system again, test drive the car and check for any leaks.
• Mechanic will make any adjustments if necessary.