How much does a plumber cost in Darwin?
The average plumber in Darwin charges around $138 per hour for standard residential work. Prices vary based on the specific job, time of day, materials required, and your suburb within Darwin. Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of common plumber costs, what factors affect pricing, and tips on how to get the best deal.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| General plumbing (hourly rate) | $92 | $230 | $138 /hr |
| Call-out / service fee | $69 | $173 | $115 flat |
| Fix a leaking tap | $92 | $299 | $195 per job |
| Blocked drain (standard) | $173 | $460 | $322 per job |
| Blocked drain (CCTV + jetting) | $402 | $1,035 | $633 per job |
| Toilet repair | $92 | $402 | $230 per job |
| Toilet installation (supply + fit) | $460 | $1,035 | $690 per job |
| Hot water system (gas storage) | $1,725 | $4,025 | $2,530 installed |
| Hot water system (electric) | $1,380 | $3,450 | $2,070 installed |
| Hot water system (heat pump) | $3,450 | $6,900 | $4,830 installed |
| Gas fitting (per point) | $173 | $460 | $288 per point |
| Burst pipe repair | $230 | $920 | $518 per job |
| Tap replacement | $92 | $402 | $230 per tap |
| Bathroom rough-in | $3,450 | $9,200 | $5,750 total |
| Emergency / after-hours | $288 | $805 | $518 per visit |
Prices include GST. Based on Darwin metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Time of day
After-hours (nights, weekends, public holidays) typically adds 50–100% to the hourly rate. Book during business hours when possible.
Job complexity & access
A simple tap washer replacement is quick. A burst pipe behind a wall in a two-storey house takes longer and costs more due to access difficulty.
Parts and materials
Parts are usually charged on top of labour. A basic tap washer is a few dollars; a new hot water unit is $800–$2,000+ before installation.
Your suburb
Inner-city areas may charge more due to parking, access constraints, and demand. Outer suburbs can be cheaper but may include a higher call-out fee.
Tradie experience
A master plumber with 20 years experience will charge more than a recently licensed plumber. Both are qualified — you're paying for speed and problem-solving.
Urgency
Emergency work (burst pipe at 2am) commands premium rates. If it can wait until Monday morning, it almost always should.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →