What should a plumber cost?

A ballpark for common plumbing jobs from published Canberra prices, and the Canberra rules on who fixes what: you, your landlord, or Icon Water.

1Taps and toilets

Leaking taps to fix0

Taps to replace0

Toilets to repair (running, leaking, flush)0

New toilets, supplied and fitted0

Toilets to move (new drain position)0

2Drains

Slow sinks, gurgling, or a toilet that fills high? It's probably a blockage.

3Leaks and emergencies

A burst pipeIt can't wait: after hours or on the weekend

4Renovating?

Bathroom rough-in (before tiling)Bathroom fit-off (after tiling)Laundry renovation plumbing

5Something else?

Leaks and odd jobs are often charged by the hour once they've seen it.

Hours of work0

6About you

I'm renting

Standing by

$— – $—

ACT rules

Who fixes what in Canberra

Your pipes, Icon Water's pipes: you're responsible for the drains on your property, up to where they join Icon Water's network, usually just past the last inspection opening near your boundary. That includes tree roots in your pipes.
Icon Water's side is free: if the blockage is in their network, they fix it at no charge. Your plumber should call Icon Water rather than clear it. If your plumber confirms the blockage is on Icon Water's side, you can claim the plumber's charges back from Icon Water, but not if the plumber cleared Icon Water's side themselves.
Renting: burst pipes, blocked or broken toilets and gas leaks are urgent repairs your landlord must fix as soon as necessary. If they can't be reached, you can arrange it, up to 5% of a year's rent.
Emergencies: Icon Water faults (02) 6248 3111. Gas leaks: Evoenergy 13 19 09. If anyone's in danger, 000.

From Icon Water: Wastewater boundaries, responsibilities and blockages and Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (ACT), standard terms 59–62 and Evoenergy: Contact us (emergencies and faults) (checked 17 Oct 2026). A guide, not legal advice: check the source before you rely on it.

Licensed work

Check their licence

In the ACT, plumbing and drainage work has to be done by a licensed plumber or drainer. Ask for their licence number, then look them up on Access Canberra's public register. It shows expired, suspended and cancelled licences, and any disciplinary action.

Access Canberra: choosing a tradesperson →