One of the most common questions we get is what a job actually costs before we come out. Here's a straight answer based on what we charge in 2026, so you know what to expect.
Call-out and minimum charge
Most Hervey Bay plumbers charge a call-out fee that covers the first 30 minutes on site. Ours is $90 during business hours, $150 after hours and weekends. That includes diagnosing the problem and quoting the fix. If you go ahead with the work, the call-out usually gets absorbed into the job price.
Common job prices
Blocked toilet or basin: $180-$280 depending on what's causing it. Blocked main sewer line: $280-$450 for the initial clear. If we need a CCTV camera and water jet, add $250-$400.
Replace a leaking tap: $80-$150 including the washer kit. Replace a full tap assembly: $180-$280 including supply of a mid-range mixer.
Replace a hot water system: $1,400-$2,000 for like-for-like electric. $1,800-$2,400 for gas. $3,200-$4,500 for a heat pump after rebates.
Burst pipe repair: $250-$600 depending on access. If it's under the slab, that can stretch to $1,500-$3,000 because of excavation.
Gas hot water service or check: $180-$240.
What can push the price up
Access. If we have to work in a tight roof cavity, dig through gravel, or cut through tiled floors, time increases. Old galvanised pipework where fittings won't undo cleanly. Anything in salt-corroded coastal conditions that needs extra work.
What to ask for in a quote
A real quote should give you a fixed price for the diagnosed work, not just an hourly rate. Hourly rates are fine for unknown jobs (where the scope expands as you find more problems) but for clear jobs, get a fixed number. That's what we do as standard.
A reasonable budget
If you own a Hervey Bay home, set aside $500-$800 a year for plumbing maintenance and small repairs. That covers most years. The big-ticket items (full hot water replacement, sewer relining) come every 10-15 years.