20 Peacock Street, Burwood VIC 3125
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Let’s be honest, plumbing problems rarely pop up at a convenient time. Whether it’s a Saturday morning leak or a full-blown burst pipe at midnight, knowing what you might pay for a plumber in Melbourne can take some of the stress out of the situation.
Here’s the idea: you’ll usually be paying two types of fees, a call-out fee and a service fee. The call-out fee is a fixed amount your plumber charges just to come out and assess the issue. It covers their time, travel, and the initial diagnosis. Once they know what’s going on, they’ll give you a quote for the actual work, either by the hour or as a fixed price. Some plumbers might waive the call-out if you go ahead with the repair, but it depends on their policy.
Let’s break down what plumbing costs really look like in Melbourne and when it makes sense to go with a fixed price instead of hourly rates.
On average, Melbourne plumbers charge a call-out fee between $150 and $300. This covers their travel time and problem diagnosis. Always double-check what’s included, and ask if the fee might be waived if you go ahead with the job.
Emergency call-outs are more expensive, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $700, especially if it’s after hours, on a weekend, or a public holiday.
For standard plumbing work, like leaky taps, blocked sinks, or hot water repairs, hourly rates range from $100 to $180+. The final price often depends on the plumber’s experience and how tricky the job is. More experienced and licensed plumbers typically charge more, but they’ll likely get it done faster and with fewer surprises.
Note: This is general info, not a quote from Moz Plumbing. For a personalised estimate, feel free to give us a call or email.
So, should you go hourly or fixed price? It depends on the job.
Hourly rates are common when the problem isn’t fully clear, like leaks, blockages, or mystery water stains. These jobs can open up bigger issues once the work starts, like hidden pipe damage or corrosion, so the final cost can be a bit of a guessing game.
Fixed prices work well when the job is straightforward and well-defined. Think hot water system installs, repiping, or toilet replacements. Once the plumber inspects the job, you’ll get a quote that includes everything, labour, parts, and time. No surprises.
✔ Only pay for the time your plumber actually works
✔ Ideal for smaller, straightforward jobs
❌ But… the final cost might be a mystery until the job’s finished
✔ Know the total cost upfront—great for budgeting
✔ No surprise fees, even if the job takes longer
❌ Just keep in mind, you could end up paying more if the work turns out to be simple
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to plumbing prices. Here’s what influences the final number:
Simple fixes, like a dripping tap, are cheaper than major work, like pipe relining or gas fitting. Emergency jobs are usually the most expensive.
Need a plumber outside of regular hours? Expect to pay more, sometimes 1.5 to 3 times the standard rate. This is common for commercial properties that need work done outside business hours.
Where you live in Melbourne can affect travel time and, in turn, the call-out fee. For example, suburbs like Warrigal Road, Canterbury Road, or Lynden Park may attract higher fees simply due to distance or traffic.
Need a rough guide? Here’s what you might pay for common plumbing tasks:
Toilet units range from $100 for basic models up to $1,000+ for high-end options. Labour usually runs between $250 and $550, depending on how complex the job is. You might also pay extra for pipe adjustments or disposal of the old toilet.
Expect to pay $100–$300 for basic drain snaking or plunging. If the blockage’s stubborn, hydro jetting might be needed, that’s around $250–$700, depending on how bad and where the blockage is. Note, this doesn’t cover replacing damaged pipes.
Labour costs range from $300 to $1,000+, depending on the system and setup.
Here’s what makes us a favourite across Camberwell, Ashwood, Box Hill South, and Burwood:
We might not be the cheapest, but we always aim to offer fair, transparent pricing and top-quality work you can rely on.
Not sure whether you need an hourly rate or a fixed quote? We’re happy to help. Give us a call or shoot us an email. We’ll talk through your needs and offer a no-pressure, no-obligation quote.