Read this first. The figures below are broad, indicative ranges for general residential work in the Brisbane area, to help you judge whether a quote is in the right ballpark. They are not quotes or guarantees. Actual prices vary with the job, access, materials, urgency and the individual business. Always get your own written quotes.
Call-out fees and hourly rates
| Item | Indicative range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Call-out / attendance fee | $0 - $100 | Some businesses waive it if you proceed; some charge it regardless. Ask upfront. |
| Standard hourly labour rate | $100 - $150 / hr | Licensed plumber, non-emergency. Higher for after-hours or emergency. |
| Emergency / after-hours | $150 - $300+ / hr | Nights, weekends, public holidays. |
Common jobs
| Job | Indicative range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clear a simple blocked drain (snake/plunger) | $150 - $400 | More if the blockage is deep or difficult. |
| CCTV drain camera inspection | $150 - $400 | Locating a fault in a specific pipe. |
| Hydro-jet / jet blast | $300 - $600+ | For genuine, established blockages - not always necessary if water is flowing. |
| Replace a tap or mixer | $150 - $350 + parts | Depends on fitting and access. |
| Supply & install a stormwater grate / surface drain | ~$150 - $500 each | Varies with depth, connection and reinstatement. |
| Replace electric hot water system | ~$1,200 - $2,500 installed | Varies widely by size, brand and installation. |
What legitimately changes the price
- Access and depth - digging, cutting concrete or working in tight spaces costs more.
- Materials - quality and quantity of fittings, pipe and fixtures.
- Reinstatement - making good turf, paving or driveway afterwards.
- Urgency - genuine emergencies carry a premium.
- Compliance - some work requires permits, inspections or certification.
How to sanity-check a quote
- Compare the quote against the ranges above. If it is several times higher, ask why - in writing.
- Ask for the price to be itemised (labour hours + rate, and materials). See your right to an itemised bill.
- Get two or three independent quotes for any non-urgent job. This is the most reliable check of all.
- Be wary of pressure to decide immediately, or of extra work being bundled in that you didn't ask for. See reading a plumbing quote.
- Don't choose on the star rating alone - a high Google or review-site average is no guarantee. Filter to the lowest reviews, read them for common themes, and remember ratings can be gamed by incentivised positive reviews.
A real-world example. On this site I document a Brisbane job where a single accepted option - one stormwater grate, a cap and a sewer IO adjustment - was charged at $1,850 ex GST ($2,035 inc GST) for roughly an hour's work, and where the seven options presented ran as high as $31,250. Compare that against the ranges above and judge for yourself. Read the full account →
Indicative pricing only, based on general market observation in 2026; not a quote, valuation or legal advice. Prices change over time and by business.