Plumbing
The complete guide to hiring a plumber in Australia
Everything you need to know about finding, vetting, and working with a licensed plumber for your home.
When do you need a licensed plumber?
In Australia, any work involving the connection, alteration, or maintenance of a plumbing system must be carried out by a licensed plumber. This includes fixing leaks, installing new fixtures, hot water system replacement, gas fitting, drainage work, and bathroom or kitchen renovations that involve moving pipes. Minor tasks like replacing a tap washer or clearing a simple drain blockage can sometimes be DIY, but anything beyond basic maintenance should be left to a professional.
How to verify a plumber's credentials
Every state and territory has a licensing authority where you can verify a plumber's credentials. In NSW, check the NSW Fair Trading website. In Victoria, use the Victorian Building Authority register. Queensland uses the QBCC. Ask for their license number upfront and verify it online before agreeing to any work. Also confirm they hold current public liability insurance — a minimum of $5 million is standard in the industry.
Getting and comparing quotes
Request at least three written quotes for any plumbing job over $500. A good quote should detail the scope of work, materials to be used, estimated timeline, total cost (including GST), payment terms, and warranty information. Be cautious of verbal-only quotes or estimates given without inspecting the site. For emergency work, ask about call-out fees and hourly rates before the plumber arrives.
What to expect on costs
Plumber call-out fees typically range from $80 to $150. Hourly rates vary from $80 to $130 depending on location and the complexity of work. Common jobs: fixing a leaking tap ($100-$250), unblocking a drain ($150-$400), hot water system replacement ($1,500-$3,500 installed), full bathroom plumbing rough-in ($3,000-$6,000). Emergency and after-hours work usually attracts a premium of 50-100%.
Red flags to watch for
Be wary of plumbers who demand large upfront payments (more than 10-20% deposit is unusual), cannot provide a written quote, are reluctant to show their license, have no online reviews or references, pressure you into immediate decisions, or quote significantly below other providers. A licensed, reputable plumber will be transparent about their credentials, pricing, and approach.