Moving to Denmark can be a dream come true for many foreigners. With its high standard of living, exceptional public services, and charming Scandinavian culture, it offers a safe and enriching environment to live and work in. But while settling into your new life here, some day-to-day challenges can catch you off guard — especially when it comes to home maintenance services like plumbing. Whether you’ve just purchased a house or are renting an apartment in Copenhagen, Aarhus, or Odense, sooner or later, you’ll likely face an issue that requires a plumber in Denmark.
According to Statistics Denmark, around 8.9% of Denmark’s population consists of immigrants and descendants of immigrants as of 2023. Many of them face similar hurdles when trying to access basic home services. Also, a recent survey revealed that nearly 40% of expats in Denmark find local bureaucracy and services difficult to navigate due to language barriers and cultural differences.
Here are the key points we cover in this guide:
- Plumbers in Denmark are highly skilled and operate under strict certifications and safety regulations.
- Language barriers, unclear pricing, and lack of service transparency are major challenges for foreigners.
- Key things to consider: licenses, transparent pricing, emergency availability, English-speaking staff, and proper communication with landlords.
- Digital platforms like 3byggetilbud.dk and Handyhand.dk allow foreigners to compare and book plumbing services in English.
- The top foreigner-friendly companies include VVSPlus, Jagtvejens VVS, Chr. Beck VVS, Handyhand.dk, and more.
If you’re looking for specific advice on craft- and handymen in Denmark, we also have separate guides that dive into those topics in more detail; from handyman services to home renovations, gartners, and masons, to electricians, carpenters, homebuilders, interior designers and furnishing services.
Why Finding a Reliable Plumber in Denmark is Challenging for Foreigners
Language and Communication Barriers
Although many Danes speak English fluently, not all service providers or office staff at plumbing companies are equipped to communicate complex plumbing issues in English. This leads to frequent misunderstandings or lack of clarity about what’s included in the service and what might cost extra. Additionally, miscommunication becomes even more problematic during emergencies when timely responses are essential.
Service Transparency and Price Clarity
Danish prices tend to be among the highest in Europe — and plumbing services are no exception. Moreover, typical plumbing call-out can cost between DKK 700 – DKK 1,200 per hour before materials are even added. However, many foreigners are unfamiliar with how Danish service pricing works, including VAT (moms), travel charges, and diagnosis fees. Some companies don’t provide clear breakdowns, leaving customers confused or shocked by the final invoice.
Navigating Licensing and Quality Standards
Denmark takes professional certifications seriously, especially for trades like plumbing. The issue for many foreigners is knowing how to verify that their plumber is properly certified through the Danish Safety Technology Authority (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen). Besides, you need to determine whether the plumber can handle tasks like district heating systems, underfloor heating installations, or gas pipe maintenance—all of which require additional qualifications.
Emergency vs Non-Emergency Services
What’s considered an emergency in your home country might not be treated with the same urgency in Denmark. Furthermore, foreigners often get frustrated waiting hours (or even days) for a plumber to become available during holidays or weekends. Knowing which companies offer 24/7 services with reasonable response times can make all the difference in avoiding unnecessary stress.
Why Choosing the Right Plumber Really Matters
Plumbing issues, when not handled properly, can lead to expensive repairs, not to mention damage to your home or rental deposit. Worse yet, if you’re renting and you call a plumber without coordinating with your landlord first—as is often required in Denmark—you could end up paying for services out-of-pocket. In addition, choosing the right plumber means not just selecting someone skilled, but also someone who understands what foreigners typically overlook in Denmark’s housing system.
Whether you’re an international student, a tech professional on an expat package, or raising a family in Denmark, finding a reliable, affordable, and most importantly, foreigner-friendly plumbing service is crucial for ensuring peace of mind and protecting your investment in your new Danish home.
Things to Know Before Hiring a Plumber in Denmark
Finding a trustworthy plumber in Denmark is more than calling the first number you find online. For foreigners, the task requires navigating a landscape shaped by local customs, industry standards, and language nuances.
1. Understand the Scope of Work
In Denmark, plumbing covers a broad range of services, including heating system repairs, drainage clearing, installation of appliances like dishwashers or washing machines, and compliance with strict water and gas safety rules. Carefully define what you need. If a company only focuses on emergencies but you require a bathroom remodel, that’s not the right match.
2. Ask for Transparency in Pricing
Always ask for a written estimate or hourly rate before work begins. It’s typical to be charged by the hour, often ranging from DKK 700 to DKK 1,200, before additional material costs. Also clarify whether prices include VAT (25%) and transportation fees — both of which are standard in Denmark.
3. Check for Certification and Insurance
Ensure that the plumber or plumbing company is registered and certified by the Danish Safety Technology Authority (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen). This is the national oversight body ensuring professional competence and safety compliance. Also ask whether the company holds liability insurance, which protects you in case of property damage.
4. Availability for Emergencies
Not all plumbers offer 24/7 emergency services. If you’re living in an older apartment in cities like Copenhagen — often in buildings with complex piping systems — knowing a company that offers fast, off-hour service can be a lifesaver.
5. Foreign Customer Support and English Communication
Ask if the company offers English-speaking support, from making appointments to understanding the invoice. What’s more, some companies have tailored their services specifically to Denmark’s international community, and that’s a major benefit if you’re unfamiliar with Danish service culture.
6. Know Your Rights as a Renter or Owner
If you’re a tenant, you must inform your landlord about planned plumbing work unless it’s an obvious emergency, such as a burst pipe. In Denmark, unauthorized work can breach rental terms and cost you your deposit. Communicate and document everything.
7. Digital Booking Platforms Are Your Allies
Many of the best plumbing services also appear on digital platforms and home-service apps, making it easier to compare customer reviews, hourly rates, and availability — all in English. These platforms are lifesavers for expats.
Top 5 Plumbers and Plumbing Services in Denmark for Foreigners
After examining dozens of services, these five stood out for their combination of quality, transparency, customer service, and approachability for international customers living in Denmark.
1. 3byggetilbud.dk – Nationwide, Expats’ Go-To for Quotes
This is not a plumbing company per se, but Denmark’s largest home service comparison platform. Through 3byggetilbud.dk, you can submit a job description in English and receive up to three non-binding offers from vetted plumbers across Denmark.
Why it works for foreigners: The customer support team provides help in English, and plumbers on the platform are verified by internal quality checks. Great for comparing prices and timelines.
2. VVSPlus – Professional, Digital-First Plumbing Company
VVSPlus is one of Denmark’s leading tech-savvy plumbing companies based in Jutland but offering services in all major cities. It is particularly known for its transparent digital booking system.
Why it works for foreigners: Their website is available in English, you can book specific time slots online, and they show upfront pricing including VAT and travel. They work on everything from radiator replacements to full bathroom installations.
3. Jagtvejens VVS – Great Option in Copenhagen
If you’re living in Copenhagen, Jagtvejens VVS is a well-respected plumbing solution known for quality work and responsive service.
Why it works for foreigners: The office staff and multiple field technicians are capable of communicating in English. They specialize in urban plumbing issues and are familiar with the building styles common in expat neighborhoods like Østerbro, Nørrebro, and Vesterbro.
4. Chr. Beck VVS – Reliable & Experienced in Greater Copenhagen
Chr. Beck VVS has a strong reputation for being both professional and responsive. The company operates in København and surrounding areas, offering a full range of plumbing and gas installation services.
Why it works for foreigners: Known for straightforward service and helpfulness, particularly for international tenants with little knowledge of plumbing terminology. English support is available during standard working hours.
5. Handyhand.dk – App-Based On-Demand Plumbing and Home Help
Handyhand is one of Denmark’s most popular platforms for hiring vetted handymen, plumbers, and other home-service craft- and handymen. It’s like Denmark’s version of TaskRabbit.
Why it works for foreigners: The platform is in English, offers customer reviews, and displays hourly rates. Many service providers on Handyhand state upfront that they offer service in English.
Tip: Beware of “Black” (Unofficial) Labor
It’s tempting for some to hire “under-the-table” services suggested by a neighbor or local Facebook group in order to save money. But in Denmark, using unofficial labor for plumbing is both illegal and risky. You lose the legal protection and warranty you would otherwise have with a certified plumbing company — and insurance won’t cover any damage caused by unlicensed work.
Whether you’re in a flat in Aarhus, a home in the suburbs of Copenhagen, or living temporarily in Odense, the companies listed above provide a wide range of plumbing services with transparent practices, verified licenses, and foreigner-friendly setups. In the last few years, many of these firms have actively adapted their communication and customer service to cater to Denmark’s growing international population — a trend backed by data indicating that Denmark receives over 50,000 new foreign residents each year.
Choosing a trusted, foreigner-friendly plumbing service in Denmark is no longer a shot in the dark — with the right knowledge and resources, it’s easier than ever.
Related Services That Might Interest Foreigners in Denmark
While plumbing is one of the most urgent and essential services for any homeowner or renter, it’s only one piece of the puzzle when settling into a new home in Denmark. In most cases, your plumbing needs will overlap with or lead to other household services — especially during renovations, emergencies, or when moving house. Knowing who to call when you need more than a plumber can make your expat life far less stressful.
Here are six related service categories that foreigners often find helpful when living in Denmark:
1. Electricians – For appliance installations, fuse box issues, and electrical renovations.
2. Handymen – For general repairs like installing shelves, fixing doors, or assembling furniture.
3. Cleaning Services – Regular or move-out cleaning tailored to Danish landlord standards.
4. Carpenters – For flooring, custom wardrobe installations, or damaged woodwork repairs.
5. Heating and Ventilation Services (HVAC) – Especially important during Danish winters.
6. Moving Services – Secure transport and furniture setup from trusted expat-friendly providers.
FAQ About Plumber in Denmark for Foreigners
1. Are plumbers in Denmark certified or licensed?
Yes. Most professional plumbers in Denmark must be certified and registered with the Danish Safety Technology Authority (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen). Always ask to see credentials.
2. Does the best plumber in Denmark for foreigners speak English?
Absolutely. Many companies in larger cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense offer English-speaking staff. In addition, to ensure smooth communication, it’s best to ask about this upfront or use platforms like VVSPlus or Handyhand.dk.
3. How much does the best plumber in Denmark for foreigners cost?
Generally, plumbers charge between DKK 700 and DKK 1,200 per hour, excluding materials. Some also charge a travel or service fee. Furthermore, always ask for an estimate and breakdown of pricing.
4. Is it okay to use my landlord’s plumber?
Yes, especially if you’re a tenant. You should inform your landlord before calling a plumber unless it’s an emergency. Besides, unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed and could affect your deposit.
5. What qualifies as a plumbing emergency in Denmark?
Sudden leaks, burst pipes, blocked drains, or heating system failures during winter are treated as emergencies. Moreover, emergency services are available through select companies 24/7.
6. What’s the best way to find the best plumber in Denmark for foreigners?
Use a vetted platform like 3byggetilbud.dk to submit a service request and compare offers. Alternatively, use rated service providers on apps like Handyhand.dk or contact companies directly through their English-language websites.
7. Are plumbing services covered by insurance?
In general, homeowners’ insurance may cover water damage, but only if the work was done by a certified professional. Additionally, always keep records of who you hired and any invoices or contracts.
8. Can I get quotes from multiple companies?
Yes. Platforms like 3byggetilbud.dk allow you to get up to three non-binding offers from vetted plumbers. Also, this is highly recommended for larger or non-emergency tasks.
