How much does a plumber cost in Perth?
Perth plumbing rates are mid-range for Australia — lower than Sydney and Melbourne but higher than Adelaide and Hobart. In 2026, expect to pay $85–$160 per hour during standard hours, with most residential plumbers quoting around $100–$135/hr. Call-out fees typically range from $65–$130.
Perth's plumbing market has some unique characteristics. The city's sandy soil makes excavation and pipe laying significantly cheaper than in Sydney or Melbourne (no rock, no clay). However, Perth's hard bore water causes accelerated scale buildup in hot water systems and tapware. The extreme summer heat (regularly 38–42°C) stresses hot water systems and can cause PVC pipes in poorly insulated roof spaces to soften — a Perth-specific issue that rarely occurs in southern cities.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| General plumbing (hourly rate) | $84 | $210 | $126 /hr |
| Call-out / service fee | $63 | $158 | $105 flat |
| Fix a leaking tap | $84 | $273 | $179 per job |
| Blocked drain (standard) | $158 | $420 | $294 per job |
| Blocked drain (CCTV + jetting) | $368 | $945 | $578 per job |
| Toilet repair | $84 | $368 | $210 per job |
| Toilet installation (supply + fit) | $420 | $945 | $630 per job |
| Hot water system (gas storage) | $1,575 | $3,675 | $2,310 installed |
| Hot water system (electric) | $1,260 | $3,150 | $1,890 installed |
| Hot water system (heat pump) | $3,150 | $6,300 | $4,410 installed |
| Gas fitting (per point) | $158 | $420 | $263 per point |
| Burst pipe repair | $210 | $840 | $473 per job |
| Tap replacement | $84 | $368 | $210 per tap |
| Bathroom rough-in | $3,150 | $8,400 | $5,250 total |
| Emergency / after-hours | $263 | $735 | $473 per visit |
Prices include GST. Based on Perth metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Inner Perth & Western Suburbs
Subiaco, Claremont, Nedlands, Cottesloe. Older homes with character, often with original copper and galvanised pipes. Salt air in coastal suburbs accelerates corrosion on exposed metalwork. Premium area with higher service expectations and rates to match.
Northern Suburbs
Joondalup, Wanneroo, Clarkson, Butler. Mix of 1990s–2000s homes and newer estates. Generally modern plumbing in good condition. Sandy soil means drainage work is straightforward and cheaper than eastern-state equivalents.
Southern Suburbs
Rockingham, Mandurah, Armadale, Baldivis. Competitive pricing from numerous plumbers servicing the growth corridors. Newer housing stock with PEX water lines and PVC drainage. Some areas have bore water connected to garden reticulation — if your bore pump fails, that's a plumber job ($300–$800 for pump replacement plus labour).
Hills & Swan Valley
Kalamunda, Mundaring, Ellenbrook. Properties on larger blocks often have long pipe runs from the meter to the house (50–100m in some cases). Longer runs mean higher costs for pipe replacement. Some rural properties rely on rainwater tanks or bore water with treatment systems — maintenance of these is a specialist plumbing job.
Leaking tap — standard repair
Perth's hard water causes scale buildup that wears cartridges and washers faster than in soft-water cities. If you're replacing cartridges frequently, a whole-house water softener ($1,500–$3,000 installed) can extend the life of all your tapware, hot water system, and appliances.
Hot water system replacement — gas storage to gas continuous flow
Perth is predominantly gas-connected via ATCO Gas. Gas continuous flow systems (Rinnai, Bosch) are the most popular choice. Unit ($1,000–$2,200), installation ($500–$900), gas connection adjustments ($200–$500), removal of old system ($100–$200). Perth's hot climate means solar hot water is also highly effective — a solar system with gas boost runs $3,500–$6,000 installed and can cut hot water energy costs by 60–80%.
Reticulation repair — bore pump or solenoid replacement
A Perth-specific job. Most Perth homes have garden reticulation fed by a bore pump. Solenoid valve replacement runs $100–$250 per valve. Bore pump replacement costs $400–$800 for the pump plus labour. Controller replacement (if the timer box fails) is $200–$500. Not all plumbers do reticulation — some specialise in it.
Gas bayonet installation for outdoor heating/BBQ
Another Perth favourite given the outdoor lifestyle. A gas bayonet point on the patio for a BBQ or outdoor heater requires a licensed gas fitter. The cost depends on how far the new point is from the existing gas line. Installing during a kitchen or bathroom renovation is cheaper than as a standalone job.
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.
WA plumbing is regulated by the Building and Energy division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).
Licence check: All plumbers must hold a current WA plumbing licence. Verify at the Building and Energy licence search.
Compliance certificates: The plumber must lodge a compliance notice with the Water Corporation (or your local water provider) after completing regulated plumbing work. You should receive a copy.
Gas work: Gas fitting in WA requires a separate gasfitting permit. After completing gas work, the plumber must issue a gas notice of completion and arrange an ATCO Gas inspection for any new gas installations. This inspection is free but can take 5–10 business days — plan accordingly if you need gas for cooking or hot water.
WA-specific — water efficiency: Perth's water restrictions mean all new plumbing fixtures must meet minimum WELS water efficiency ratings. Your plumber should only install compliant products. The Water Corporation offers rebates on certain water-efficient products — check their website before purchasing fixtures.
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 →