Cost of Plumbing in Melbourne (2025 Price Guide)
A licensed plumber in Melbourne charges $100–$160 per hour during business hours. Emergency callouts run $150–$300 plus labour. Drain clearing averages $180–$400 and hot water unit replacement costs $1,200–$3,500 installed.
All plumbing work in Victoria must be performed by a plumber licensed by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). It's illegal to engage an unlicensed plumber for any work covered by the Plumbing Regulations. Prices vary by job complexity, time of day, and area. All prices below are indicative — always get written quotes.
Plumbing Costs in Melbourne
| Service | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| After-hours emergency callout | $150 | $300 |
| Hourly rate (business hours) | $100 | $160 |
| Drain clearing (electric eel / jetter) | $180 | $400 |
| Toilet replacement | $300 | $650 |
| Hot water unit replacement (gas) | $1,200 | $3,000 |
| Hot water unit replacement (electric) | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Sewer line repair | $2,500 | $15,000 |
All prices are approximate estimates in Australian dollars (AUD) for the Melbourne metropolitan area. Always get written quotes before committing.
Licensing & Insurance in Victoria
All plumbing work in Victoria must be carried out by a plumber licensed or registered with the VBA. After completing work, the plumber must issue a Certificate of Compliance for any prescribed work (gas-fitting, drainage, sanitary, water supply, hot water). Verify your plumber on the VBA Find a Plumber register before booking. Never accept work without a Compliance Certificate — it can void insurance and is required at sale of the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a plumber cost in Melbourne?
- Licensed plumbers in Melbourne charge $100–$160 per hour during business hours. Emergency callouts add a service fee of $150–$300 on top of labour and parts. Most plumbers have a minimum charge of one hour.
- When should I call an emergency plumber in Melbourne?
- Call an emergency plumber for burst pipes, severe leaks, sewage backup, or gas leaks. Most Melbourne plumbing companies offer 24/7 emergency service with a higher callout fee than standard business-hours work.
- Do Melbourne plumbers need to issue Compliance Certificates?
- Yes. The VBA requires a Certificate of Compliance for any prescribed plumbing work (gas-fitting, drainage, water supply, hot water, sanitary, roofing). It's the homeowner's proof the work meets the Plumbing Regulations. You should receive it within 5 business days of work completion.
- How do I verify a plumber's licence in Melbourne?
- Search the VBA's Find a Plumber register at vba.vic.gov.au using the plumber's name, business name or licence number. The register shows their licence class, expiry date, and any disciplinary action.
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Electrical costs in Melbourne
Licensed electricians in Melbourne charge $90–$150 per hour. Powerpoint installation runs $120–$300. Switchboard upgrades cost $1,200–$3,500. EV charger installation averages $900–$2,200.
Air Conditioning & Heating costs in Melbourne
Split system air conditioning in Melbourne costs $1,500–$4,500 installed. Ducted refrigerated AC runs $9,000–$18,000 for an average home. Service callouts average $130–$220. Gas ducted heater installation costs $3,500–$7,500.
Roofing costs in Melbourne
Roof replacement in Melbourne costs $14,000–$30,000 for a tiled re-roof and $12,000–$25,000 for Colorbond. Roof restoration (clean, repoint, recoat) runs $4,000–$8,000. Emergency repairs $300–$900.