What a plumber can help with
- Leaking or dripping taps
- Blocked toilets, sinks and drains
- Hot water cylinders
- Burst or noisy pipes
- New basins, toilets and showers
Not on the list? Describe the job anyway and we'll tell you if we can help.
What we check
Before we book a plumber, we look them up on the PGDB public register and check their licence is current.
How we check a tradie, or read how to check a plumber's licence yourself.
What plumbing costs in NZ
Published NZ prices, so you know roughly what to expect. Every job is different, so your plumber quotes after looking at it. We check that quote against figures like these.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Plumber hourly rateper hour, plus GST, most charge a minimum call-out fee | $90 to $150Call A Tradie NZ, 2026 |
| Call-out fee (plumbers and electricians)the source says these two trades have the highest call-out fees, rates exclude GST | $150 to $280Call A Tradie NZ, 2026 |
| Fix a leaking tapincludes the call-out fee and one hour of labour, parts extra, GST not stated | $100 to $250Flowpro, 2025 |
| Hot water cylinder replacementinstalled, rates exclude GST unless stated | $2,000 to $4,500Call A Tradie NZ, 2026 |
Before you say yes
Good questions to ask your plumber, and the warning signs to walk away from.
Questions to ask
- Are you a licensed plumber, and what is your licence number?
- Is the price a fixed quote or an estimate, and does it include GST?
- What is your call-out fee, and does it cover the first hour?
- Will you give me the paperwork for the job when you finish?
- Do you have insurance for this work, and what does it cover?
Red flags
- They can't show a current practising licence, or the number isn't on the PGDB public register.
- The licence is for a different type of work, for example drainlaying when the job is plumbing.
- They won't say who supervises them if they are a trainee or restricted practitioner.
- They ask for the full price in cash before starting.
- They won't say if they hold insurance, or won't put the price in writing.
How it works
- Tell us the jobType what needs doing and where. That is all we need to start.
- We call you and checkWhere the trade needs a licence, we check the public register first.
- One local tradie, bookedThey look at the job and give you their own quote.
- A fair priceWe check the quote against what the job usually costs in NZ.
Plumbing questions
Is it free to find a plumber with GoodTradie?
Yes. You pay nothing to us. We're paid by the pros we match you with, and you pay the tradie for the job as normal.
What do you check before booking a plumber?
We look them up on the PGDB public register and make sure their licence is current. You can check it yourself too.
Will I get several plumbing quotes?
No. We book one checked local plumber. They look at the job and give you their own quote.
How do I know the price is fair?
We check the quote against what the job usually costs in NZ, using published cost guides. You decide whether to go ahead.
How much does plumbing cost in NZ?
Plumber hourly rate: $90 to $150 (Call A Tradie NZ, 2026). Call-out fee (plumbers and electricians): $150 to $280 (Call A Tradie NZ, 2026). Fix a leaking tap: $100 to $250 (Flowpro, 2025). Hot water cylinder replacement: $2,000 to $4,500 (Call A Tradie NZ, 2026). Your plumber quotes after looking at the job.
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