How much does a plumber cost?

We rarely recognise the value of a plumber until something goes wrong. Plumbing experts can be the difference between an unpleasant cold shower or a warm, heated water system. In the midst of a plumbing crisis, it can be difficult knowing if the price you’re paying is reasonable. Whether it’s a bursting pipe, an unflushable toilet or a faucet that needs an upgrade, the sooner you can connect with the right expert to attend to your plumbing needs, the smoother the outcome. While the final cost of a service can depend on many factors, comparing quotes can give you an estimate of what to expect when you hire a plumber in Australia.

The below data is representative of an average plumber hourly rate from Oneflare customer quotes. It is important to be mindful of the different factors that affect the cost for a plumber such as the type and size of the project and the materials used.

Plumbing businesses in Australia offer a variety of services and the quote you receive depends on the type of service. Services generally fall under installation, replacement or maintenance. Knowing the cost differential of each service can save you hundreds when it comes to setting your budget.

Installation, maintenance or replacement – $120 – $230 average reported cost
Developing a comprehensive set of guidelines for the installation, maintenance, and replacement of household appliances is important, especially when it comes to plumbing jobs. It can help save hundreds, even thousands of dollars. It’s important to investigate, research and consult industry experts for the development of guidelines to inform the planning, equipment selection and maintenance requirements of appliances. As noted, some appliances can cost a lot of money, these include faucets, hot water systems, and day-to-day household appliances.

Repairing pipes – $130 – $230 average reported cost
Plumbers are experts in repairing or maintaining your pipes. Whether it’s corrosion or leaks, fiddling with your pipes is best left to the professionals to avoid inflicting wider damage on the rest of your home or pipe system.

Shower, tub or sink – $120 – $220 average reported cost
The sink is one of the most important items in the entire household, used every day for washing, drinking or cooking purposes. It’s important to pick the right type of sink – one that is not only practical, but that fits well into the household decor.

Renovated bathroom with white double basin vanity. | Source: Tubs & Tiles Bathroom Renovations

Toilet – $130 – $250 average reported cost
Toilets are one of the most frequented spaces of a home so any sign of damage or trouble should be acted on as soon as possible.

Renovated bathroom with new toilet, sink and basin. | Source: Yarra Property Maintenance Group

Drainage – $50 – $250 average reported cost

• Unclogging a drain – Several factors affect the average cost to unclog a drain. Plumbers will account for the materials used, the extent of the problem and the location of the job. Prices differ between $50 to $250.

Some plumbers may charge a call-out fee on top of an hourly rate but keep in mind that the cheapest price isn’t always the best quote. Take into consideration the licence, insurance and ABN details of the business and compare reviews to find the right connection. Some other factors to consider when it comes to choosing your plumber.

Plumber call out fee:

As mentioned, a call out fee is generally added to a plumber’s hourly rate. If an emergency plumbing service is required outside of working hours, customers can expect to pay an extra $50 to $200 on top of the hourly rate. This cost typically covers the travel time taken to attend the job. 

General plumbing
Experts can help with a mix of maintenance, repair, and installation of in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries. General plumbers ensure drains function as they should and that bathrooms are waterproofed. In the laundry, plumbers can help with the installation of taps or the maintenance of washing machines.

Gas fitting or hot water services
Plumbing is a skilled trade, requiring a certificate or a completed apprenticeship. Some plumbers can specialise in the installation and maintenance of gas fittings or hot water systems but further licences may be required for specific tasks, so always check an expert’s qualifications beforehand.

Outside of the home
From gutter repairs to the installation of rainwater tanks, some plumbers can help with any plumbing or pipe relocations outside your home.

Include relevant information
To receive the most accurate quote when a job is posted, it’s important to include as much information as possible. Some quotes received may include materials or it may not, and it’s essential to specify whether you’re supplying the materials needed to complete the job when you submit the request.

Timing is important
While most of the time you want your plumber to arrive on time for the job, be mindful that you have to be on time too. If you leave the plumber waiting around for you, it’s likely you will get charged for that amount of time.

Verified businesses
It is also important to note that choosing the cheapest quote isn’t always the best. Check their profile on Oneflare to see if they’re verified; this means they have provided their ABN and relevant insurance.

Check for reviews
Check for positive reviews from past customers or even photos of past work. It’s important to hire someone you think will do a good job as you don’t want them having to return after to fix the problem again.

It is also important to note that choosing the cheapest quote isn’t always the best.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources