Categories: Kitchens

How Much Does It Cost To Move Plumbing Fixtures? [2023]

Published by
James marcus

Planning on getting that dream bathroom or kitchen reno ticked off your list? If it’s a serious makeover, don’t overlook the cost to move plumbing fixtures.

Every home and job is different, but this article will give you ideas of what to expect to help you plan your project, including:

  • How much will it cost to move plumbing fixtures?
  • How much does a plumber cost?
  • Planning your plumbing project
  • Questions to ask your plumber
  • Does my plumber need to be licensed?
  • Getting quotes for the cost to move plumbing fixtures

How much will it cost to move plumbing fixtures?

The cost to move plumbing fixtures can range from $100 for minor pipe work up to $2,000 or more if it’s a complex project. Examples of more complex work include:

  • Moving a toilet or sink
  • Installing a flash wall hung vanity or concealed cistern
  • Installing a new inlet/outlet for a dishwasher

The cost of the project will also be higher if your plumber is:

  • Installing plumbing in a concrete floor – your plumber may need to core drill or jackhammer new access for piping. That takes more of their time and they may also have to hire additional equipment, which adds to the cost.
  • Working on a second-floor bathroom – upstairs bathrooms can be more expensive than a ground floor bathroom or kitchen, as they may require longer lengths of piping and other materials that will be reflected in the quote.

When budgeting for your renovation project, you will need to account for both labour and material costs, as well as any associated costs. As a rough guide, expect to outlay:

  • 50% for materials
  • 35% for labour
  • 15% for council fees, permits and extras such as a structural engineer’s report
  • It’s also recommended to set aside 10% to 15% of your budget as a buffer to cover any unexpected costs

Read more: How much does bathroom renovation cost?

How much does a plumber cost?

When you’re getting quotes from plumbers near you, be aware that some plumbers charge a flat rate per item or job, while others may charge a call-out fee and charge by the hour.

  • Plumber hourly rates can vary from $80 to $150
  • Plumber call-out fees can be anywhere from $60 to $150

The fee your plumber charges will depend on where you live and may vary according to the plumber’s skill level. A Master Plumber is likely to charge more for their services.

Depending on what plumbing fixtures you’re moving, you may also need to hire other tradies after the plumber is done, such as a tiler, painter or cabinet maker. These will need to be accounted for in your renovation budget.

Read more: What is the cost of a kitchen renovation?

Planning your plumbing project

The first step of any reno project is to plan the what, where and who.

  • The what will detail the scope of your project. This is where you should consult a plumber or builder for advice if you’re not sure. They will be able to tell you what’s possible and give you an idea about how much moving plumbing fixtures will cost.
  • The where is the nitty gritty of your project. This will require drawing up plans if it’s a significant job. This gives everyone involved an idea of what needs to be done and the new location of all the plumbing fixtures.
  • The who are all the trades you will need for your job. For a bathroom, this could be a plumber, electrician, waterproofer and/or tiler, unless you prefer to use a dedicated bathroom renovator or kitchen builder who will organise all the other trades for you.

For more ideas of what’s involved in moving plumbing fixtures, see our bathroom renovation checklist and kitchen renovation checklist.

Questions to ask your plumber

When you’re investing in your home, you need to be sure that the tradies you hire are right for your job. Screening them beforehand could save you a lot of trouble and extra expense down the track. Questions to ask them include:

  • Are you licensed for my job?
  • Are you fully insured?
  • Can you provide a written quote?
  • Do have references I can follow up?
  • Can I see examples of your work?
  • Can you take care of council submissions (if required)?

Does my plumber need to be licensed?

Yes. Due to the nature of their work, and the health and safety implications, all plumbers in Australia need to be licensed to carry out work in your home.

If your project requires any gas work, such as a gas hot water heater, make sure your plumber is also licensed as a gas fitter. Not all licensed plumbers are gas fitters.

You may also encounter some plumbers advertising themselves as Master Plumbers. This is a nationwide association whose members have access to the latest training and development in the sector. They carry the same licence as any other plumber, but hold themselves to higher standards.

Plumbers must also provide you with a compliance certificate after installing any appliance or plumbing works. This confirms that the work has been done to the required standards and protects you if the plumbing fixture develops a fault later on.

Getting quotes for the cost to move plumbing fixtures

The Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) advises, “We recommend that you obtain at least three estimates of work to be performed to compare prices. Your selection may be based on locality and reputation.”

Getting quotes from several licensed plumbers where you live will enable you to get a sense of what market rates currently are. Take the time to review each quote and choose the one that suits your budget.

Don’t always be tempted to go for the cheapest quote, as it may come back to haunt you in the long run. Rather, look at the plumber overall and see how they compare on price, reputation and customer service.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.

This post was last modified on 12/10/2023 19:53

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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Published by
James marcus

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