When you get a quote for a bathroom renovation, new kitchen, or laundry fit-out, you'll often see pricing listed "per point." It sounds straightforward, but most homeowners don't know what a point actually is, what's included, or whether the price they've been quoted is reasonable.
Here's a plain-English breakdown of how plumbing fitting charges work in Australia in 2026.
What is a plumbing "point"?
A plumbing point is a single water connection — anywhere water enters or leaves a fixture. Every tap, toilet, shower, dishwasher connection, and washing machine outlet is a point. A double vanity has two points (one per basin). A toilet has one point. A shower has one point.
When plumbers quote "per point," they're pricing each individual connection they install or move.
Standard plumbing fitting charges by type
| Fitting / Point Type | Points | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet installation | 1 | $150–$250 |
| Basin / vanity (single) | 1 | $120–$200 |
| Basin / vanity (double) | 2 | $200–$350 |
| Shower rough-in | 1 | $180–$300 |
| Bath | 1–2 | $200–$400 |
| Dishwasher point | 1 | $120–$200 |
| Washing machine points | 2 (hot + cold) | $150–$280 |
| Outdoor tap | 1 | $150–$300 |
| Gas point (per point) | 1 | $200–$400 |
Labour only. Fixtures, fittings, and materials quoted separately.
Rough-in vs. fit-off — two different charges
For renovations and new builds, plumbing happens in two stages, each billed separately:
- Rough-in: Running pipes through walls and floors before tiling or lining. This is the structural plumbing work. Charged per point, typically $180–$350 per point depending on complexity and run length.
- Fit-off (or trim-out): Connecting fixtures after tiling is complete. Attaching the toilet, basin, taps, and shower fittings. Typically $120–$200 per point.
A bathroom renovation will usually involve both stages. A simple fixture swap (replacing a tap, installing a new toilet) is fit-off only.
Plumbing fitting charges by city
| City | Per Point (Fit-off) | Per Point (Rough-in) |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $150–$220 | $250–$400 |
| Melbourne | $140–$200 | $220–$380 |
| Brisbane | $130–$190 | $200–$350 |
| Perth | $130–$195 | $210–$360 |
| Adelaide | $120–$180 | $190–$330 |
| Canberra | $135–$195 | $210–$360 |
| Gold Coast | $130–$190 | $200–$350 |
Got a plumbing quote with per-point pricing? Paste it in and we'll tell you if it's fair.
Check My Quote →What affects the per-point price?
Access difficulty is the biggest variable. A point in an open wall cavity with short pipe runs is quick. A point that requires cutting into concrete, running pipes through two floors, or working in a cramped space takes much longer and costs more.
Existing vs. new location — replacing a tap in the same position is a fraction of the cost of moving the connection to a new location. Every metre of pipe relocation adds cost.
Hot water system distance — points far from the hot water system require longer pipe runs, more materials, and more labour.
Frequently asked questions
What is a standard plumbing fitting charge per point in Australia?
In 2026, standard fit-off labour is $120–$200 per point in most Australian cities. Rough-in work (running pipes before tiling) costs $180–$350 per point. Sydney and Melbourne are at the top of these ranges.
How many plumbing points does a bathroom have?
A standard bathroom typically has 3–5 points: toilet (1), shower (1), vanity basin (1–2), and sometimes a bath (1–2). A full renovation rough-in for a standard bathroom might total 4–6 points across both rough-in and fit-off stages.
Does per-point pricing include fixtures?
Generally no — per-point pricing covers labour only. Fixtures (taps, toilets, basins) are either supplied by you or quoted separately by the plumber as supply-and-install.
What is the difference between rough-in and fit-off plumbing?
Rough-in is the first-fix structural work — running pipes through walls and floors before tiling. Fit-off (trim-out) is the second-fix work — connecting fixtures after tiles are laid. Both are charged per point but at different rates.
How much does it cost to move a plumbing point to a new location?
Moving a point (not just replacing in-place) costs $400–$1,500+ depending on pipe run distance and floor type. On a timber floor, extending supply and waste lines by 1–2 metres might add $300–$600. Moving through a concrete slab can add $600–$1,500 just for cutting and patching.
Why do plumbers charge so much per point for a new build?
New build rough-in ($180–$350/point) costs more than a like-for-like replacement because the plumber is running new supply and drain pipes from scratch through open wall frames — often 5–20 metres of pipe per point depending on the building layout. It's fundamentally a different scope of work.