Independent Australian Cost Guides
Updated February 2026
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Plumber Cost Australia 2026

From leaky taps to full bathroom rough-ins, plumbing is one of the most common — and most variable — home service costs in Australia.

Choose Your City

Location pin — Sydney
Sydney
From $138 per hour
+2.8%
Location pin — Melbourne
Melbourne
From $126 per hour
-1.2%
Location pin — Brisbane
Brisbane
From $120 per hour
+2.0%
Location pin — Perth
Perth
From $126 per hour
+5.4%
Location pin — Adelaide
Adelaide
From $110 per hour
+2.4%
Location pin — Gold Coast
Gold Coast
From $118 per hour
+5.8%
Location pin — Canberra
Canberra
From $132 per hour
+4.6%
Location pin — Hobart
Hobart
From $108 per hour
+4.4%
Location pin — Darwin
Darwin
From $138 per hour
+3.3%
Location pin — Newcastle
Newcastle
From $114 per hour
+3.8%
Location pin — Geelong
Geelong
From $112 per hour
+2.4%
Location pin — Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast
From $116 per hour
+2.8%

National Pricing Overview

ServiceLowHighAverage
General plumbing (hourly rate)$80$200$120 /hr
Call-out / service fee$60$150$100 flat
Fix a leaking tap$80$260$170 per job
Blocked drain (standard)$150$400$280 per job
Blocked drain (CCTV + jetting)$350$900$550 per job
Toilet repair$80$350$200 per job
Toilet installation (supply + fit)$400$900$600 per job
Hot water system (gas storage)$1,500$3,500$2,200 installed
Hot water system (electric)$1,200$3,000$1,800 installed
Hot water system (heat pump)$3,000$6,000$4,200 installed
Gas fitting (per point)$150$400$250 per point
Burst pipe repair$200$800$450 per job
Tap replacement$80$350$200 per tap
Bathroom rough-in$3,000$8,000$5,000 total
Emergency / after-hours$250$700$450 per visit

National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.

Plumbing costs in Australia depend on the type of job, your location, and whether it's an emergency. A simple tap repair might cost $120–$250, while a full bathroom rough-in can run $3,000–$8,000. Most plumbers charge an hourly rate plus a call-out fee, though many offer fixed-price quotes for common jobs like blocked drains or toilet installations.

Hourly rates typically range from $80 to $200 per hour during business hours, with the national average sitting around $120/hr. After-hours and emergency work usually attracts a 50–100% surcharge. Material costs are almost always charged separately.

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What Affects Plumber Costs

Job type & complexity

A simple washer replacement takes 15 minutes. Replacing a hot water system or re-plumbing a bathroom takes a full day or more. Complexity is the biggest cost driver.

Time of day

After-hours work (evenings, weekends, public holidays) typically adds 50–100% to the standard hourly rate. Non-urgent jobs should always be booked during business hours.

Materials & parts

Labour is only half the equation. Parts range from a few dollars for a tap washer to $2,000+ for a hot water unit. Always ask if quotes include materials.

Your location

Sydney and Darwin tend to be most expensive, while Adelaide and Hobart are generally more affordable. Inner-city jobs also attract premiums for parking and access.

Emergency vs scheduled

A burst pipe at 2am will cost significantly more than the same repair booked for Tuesday morning. If it can wait, it should.

Licence & experience

Master plumbers with decades of experience charge more, but often work faster and diagnose problems more accurately. Both they and newer plumbers carry the same licence requirements.

How to Save Money on Plumber Costs

1
Get at least 3 quotes — prices vary significantly between plumbers for the same job
2
Book during business hours (Mon–Fri 7am–5pm) to avoid after-hours surcharges
3
Ask for a fixed-price quote rather than hourly where possible, especially for common jobs
4
Bundle multiple small jobs into one visit to save on repeat call-out fees
5
Check your plumber's licence on your state authority website before hiring
6
Ask if the quote includes GST, call-out fee, and parts — some don't
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a plumber charge per hour in Australia?
Most Australian plumbers charge between $80 and $200 per hour during standard business hours. The national average is around $120/hr. Emergency and after-hours rates are typically 1.5x to 2x higher.
Do plumbers charge a call-out fee?
Yes, most plumbers charge a call-out or service fee of $60–$150 just to come to your property. This covers travel time and is usually charged on top of the hourly rate. Some plumbers waive it if you proceed with the work.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a hot water system?
If your system is under 8 years old and the repair costs less than $400, repairing is usually worthwhile. For systems over 10–12 years old, replacement is often more economical — especially when switching to a heat pump, which may qualify for government rebates.
Why do plumbing costs vary so much between cities?
Labour costs, demand, cost of living, and licensing requirements all vary by state and city. Sydney and Darwin have the highest rates due to high demand and cost of living. Regional areas tend to be cheaper but may charge higher call-out fees for travel.
What plumbing work requires a licensed plumber?
In Australia, almost all plumbing work must be done by a licensed plumber — including fixing leaks, installing hot water systems, gas fitting, and any work connected to the water supply or sewer. DIY plumbing is illegal in most states and can void your insurance.

About This Guide

Our plumber cost guides cover 12 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated quarterly — last reviewed February 2026.