If the laundry is the “forgotten workhorse” of the home, then the laundry sink is its heart. Whether you’re hand-washing school uniforms, rinsing paint brushes, bathing the family dog, or soaking muddy footy gear from kids in Epping, Ryde, Turramurra, or Chatswood, the humble laundry sink does more heavy lifting than most people realise.

So it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions Sydney homeowners ask during a laundry renovation is:

“How much does it cost to install a new laundry sink?”

The answer depends on the type of sink, the complexity of the plumbing, and whether the laundry is part of a bigger kitchen, bathroom or whole-home renovation. Let’s break everything down simply, clearly, and in a way that helps you plan your renovation budget with confidence.

1. Typical Cost Range for Installing a Laundry Sink in Sydney

In most Sydney homes, the total cost to install a laundry sink—including plumbing labour and the sink itself—generally ranges from:

👉 $450 – $1,800+

(depending on the sink style, materials, and plumbing complexity)

This includes:

• Sink purchase: $120–$950+

• Labour: $250–$650+

• Optional cabinet/benchtop modifications: $200–$450

Let’s unpack this further.

2. Cost of Laundry Sink Types (Sydney Price Guide)

Laundry sinks come in several main categories, each with its own price bracket and installation complexity.

A. Standard Stainless Steel Tub

Sink cost: $120–$350
Installation: $250–$350
Total: $370–$700

This is the classic “laundry tub” found in many Sydney homes built between the 1960s–2000s, especially in suburbs like Carlingford, Ryde, Baulkham Hills, Penrith, and Bankstown. Excellent for rental properties or budget upgrades.

B. Ceramic or Composite Laundry Sink

Sink cost: $250–$600
Installation: $300–$450
Total: $550–$1,050

Ceramic and engineered-stone sinks are popular in more modern suburbs like Kellyville, Castle Hill, Pymble, and Lane Cove. They look premium and last forever, but they’re heavier and need reinforced cabinetry.

C. Undermount Laundry Sink

Sink cost: $200–$500
Installation: $350–$550
Total: $550–$1,050

Undermount sinks create a sleek, seamless look—common in newer apartments in Zetland, Waterloo, Mascot, Rhodes, and Wentworth Point.
BUT: undermounts require stone, composite, or high-quality cabinetry support.

D. Farmhouse / Butler-Style Laundry Sink

Sink cost: $450–$950+
Installation: $400–$650
Total: $850–$1,600+

These sinks have become a style favourite in the North Shore, Inner West and certain premium pockets—think Wahroonga, Mosman, Hunters Hill, Balmain, and Leichhardt.
They’re statement pieces, but installation is more complex because the cabinetry must be custom-cut to fit the apron front.

E. Commercial-Grade Deep Laundry Sinks

Sink cost: $350–$900
Installation: $350–$650
Total: $700–$1,550+

Great for gardening families, tradies, pet owners, or hobbyists who need serious soak depth and durability.
Often chosen by homeowners in suburbs with larger backyards like Cherrybrook, West Pennant Hills, Hornsby Heights, and parts of Sutherland Shire.

3. Labor Costs for Installing Laundry Sinks in Sydney

Plumbing installation costs vary slightly depending on the difficulty of the task:

Standard swap-over (existing connections): $250–$350

• Old sink out

• New sink installed

• Basic connections

• No pipework modification

Moderate complexity: $350–$550

• Adjusting waste trap height

• New mixer/tap installation

• Cabinet modifications

• Fitting a deeper bowl

High complexity / custom installation: $550–$650+

• Moving plumbing points

• Installing undermounts into stone

• Heavy ceramic sinks

• Cutting new cabinetry or benchtop holes

• Dealing with tight spaces (e.g. inner-city terraces)

Inner west terraces (Newtown, Glebe, Paddington) are notorious for tricky plumbing access, which can add time.

Newer apartments sometimes restrict access behind walls due to strata fire-stopping requirements.

4. Additional Costs That Might Apply

Not every job will require these extras, but they’re common enough to plan for.

1. New Tap or Mixer Installation

Adds $180–$350 (labour only).
Most homeowners replace tapware when installing a new sink because it’s more cost-effective to do both together.

2. Benchtop Cutting or Modifications

Adds $150–$350 depending on benchtop material.

• Laminate is easy

• Stone or engineered stone requires specialised tools

• Solid timber requires sealing

3. Cabinetry Alterations

Adds $200–$450 if:

• The new sink is deeper

• You’re switching from drop-in to farmhouse style

• Your existing cupboards are too narrow

4. Waste Pipe Upgrades

Adds $80–$180
Especially necessary for older homes in Ashfield, Haberfield, Marrickville, and Canterbury.

5. What Affects the Final Price in Sydney?

A. Sink material and weight

Heavy ceramic sinks require more labour and cabinet reinforcement.

B. Plumbing location

If your plumbing is too high for a modern deep sink, it needs adjustment.

C. Type of renovation

If installing the sink as part of a full renovation (kitchen + laundry + bathroom), costs generally reduce due to efficient trade scheduling.

D. Access

Tight laundries, corner cabinets, and older terraces can slow down installation time.

E. The age of the home

Homes from the 1920s–1970s sometimes contain:

• old copper pipes

• rusted trap assemblies

• non-compliant plumbing

These need correcting before the new sink goes in.

6. Should You Install the Sink Before or After Cabinetry?

Your timing determines whether the installation is seamless or chaotic.

Best practice:

Cabinetry first → sink next → benchtop/final plumbing last

BUT farmhouse and undermount sinks MUST be planned during cabinetry design.

MB9 handles all sequencing and coordination between plumbers, cabinetmakers, stonemasons and tilers to avoid mistakes and reduce costs.

7. Tips to Keep Your Sink Installation Budget Under Control

1. Choose a sink with similar dimensions to your current one.

Avoids extra carpentry and benchtop costs.

2. Install a mixer tap instead of dual taps.

Modern, easier to use, and often cheaper to install.

3. Combine sink installation with other work.

If you’re already renovating your laundry, kitchen or bathroom, installation becomes more efficient = lower cost.

4. Pick durable materials.

Ceramic and stainless steel last longer and require less maintenance.

5. Plan early if you want undermount or farmhouse sinks.

These require advance cabinetry and benchtop coordination.

8. Why Many Sydney Homeowners Replace Their Laundry Sink During a Renovation

Ask any family in North Ryde, St Ives, Croydon Park, or Drummoyne—a new laundry sink brings surprisingly big lifestyle upgrades:

• Better soaking depth

• Easier cleaning

• More workspace

• Improved resale appeal

• Modern, fresh look

• Safer plumbing

• Better water efficiency

Plus, a well-designed laundry can double as:

• a mudroom

• pet-washing station

• hobby cleaning area

• linen sorting zone

The sink becomes a big part of that flexibility.

9. Average Total Budget for Sydney Homeowners

Based on thousands of Sydney renovation projects:

Most homeowners spend:

👉 $550–$1,200 on a new laundry sink installation.

Premium farmhouse or commercial setups?
Expect to budget between $1,200–$1,800+.

10. Choosing Professionals Matters — And Saves You Money

Licensed plumbers ensure the installation meets NSW Fair Trading and AS/NZS plumbing standards.
Working with a renovation company such as MB9 means you also get:

• proper sequencing

• integrated planning with cabinetry

• custom design support

• efficient trade management

• no surprise costs

• faster turnaround

MB9 has completed laundry renovations across Inner West, North Shore, Northern Beaches, Hills District, Parramatta, Eastern Suburbs and greater Sydney.

Final Takeaway

Installing a new laundry sink in Sydney ranges from $450 to $1,800+, depending on sink type, plumbing complexity and cabinetry modifications. With the right planning and the right renovation team, it becomes a smooth, cost-effective upgrade that improves everyday living and boosts home value.

To explore more options for kitchen, bathroom and home renovations in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au for expert guidance and renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.