Relocating plumbing in a laundry is one of those upgrades that can completely transform how usable your space feels — especially in Sydney, where laundries are often squeezed into tight corners, narrow hallways, under-stair nooks, or tiny apartment cupboards. Whether you’re trying to move your washing machine for better flow, shift your sink to gain benchtop space, or reconfigure the entire room, plumbing relocation is usually the biggest cost driver in a laundry renovation.

So how much should you expect to spend? Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way that gives you real clarity for budgeting.

Average Cost to Relocate Laundry Plumbing in Sydney

Across most suburbs in Sydney, the cost to relocate plumbing in a laundry generally falls between:

$750 and $3,500+

depending on how far the plumbing needs to move, the existing building conditions, and what additional work is triggered by the move.

If you’re shifting the plumbing only a small distance, it’s at the lower end. If you’re flipping the whole room layout — or working inside an apartment with tricky access — the price moves upward.

Why Plumbing Relocation Costs Vary So Much

Every Sydney home tells a different story. For example:

• Inner West terraces (Newtown, Balmain, Stanmore) often have tight service cavities, old copper pipes, or brick walls that make access difficult.

• High-density CBD apartments (Chatswood, Wolli Creek, Mascot, Haymarket) frequently require strata approvals and have restrictions on waste pipe direction.

• Newer homes in The Hills, Kellyville, Rouse Hill often have flexible plumbing layouts, making relocation easier and more affordable.

• Older Federation homes in Strathfield, Ashfield, Burwood may require wall reinforcement and upgrades to meet current standards.

Because of this, costs can’t be one-size-fits-all — but the ranges below will help you plan confidently.

Typical Plumbing Relocation Costs in Detail

1. Moving the Washing Machine Plumbing

This includes:

• Hot and cold water points

• Drainage connection

• Adjusting or extending pipework

Cost Range: $750 – $2,100

What affects price?

• Distance moved (e.g., 30cm vs 3m)

• Wall type (gyprock = easier, masonry = harder)

• Access under the floor or behind walls

• Whether the pipes need upgrading to comply with current codes

Homes in areas like Parramatta, Epping, Hornsby and Blacktown usually allow easier access behind walls and floors, making the work quicker and cheaper. In contrast, older suburbs like Rozelle or Glebe often mean more labour due to complex structures.

2. Moving a Laundry Sink / Trough

Relocating a sink typically involves:

• Reconfiguring hot and cold water

• Extending or relocating the waste pipe

• Adjusting the benchtop or cabinetry

Cost Range: $900 – $2,500

Why the cost jumps:

Sink waste pipes need correct fall angles, proper venting and compliance with Australian plumbing standards — meaning more labour and sometimes cutting into walls or floors.

In apartments (e.g. Randwick, Zetland, Rhodes), the restrictions on drainage can make sink relocation significantly more expensive.

3. Full Plumbing Reconfiguration (Most Common in Renovations)

This includes moving:

• Washing machine points

• Sink/tub plumbing

• Mixer taps

• Waste pipes

• Possibly hot water lines

Cost Range: $1,800 – $3,500+

This is typical in full laundry renovations, especially when homeowners want:

• Stacked washer/dryer setups

• New custom cabinetry layouts

• Hidden European-style laundries behind bi-fold doors

• A complete redesign of the space

In newer suburbs like Marsden Park, Box Hill and Edmondson Park, open access and modern plumbing allow faster work. In contrast, heritage homes in Paddington or Leichhardt may require creative solutions and additional compliance steps.

4. Plumbing for a European Laundry in Apartments

European-style laundries are compact laundries hidden inside kitchen-style cabinets. They usually require:

• Re-routing plumbing inside cabinets

• New drainage alignment

• Ventilation considerations

• Waterproofing adjustments

Cost Range: $1,800 – $3,200

Strata approval is likely required in most buildings across Sydney CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Wolli Creek, and Olympic Park.

Extra Costs You Should Be Aware Of

Plumbing relocation often triggers other trades. The most common additional costs include:

Wall Repairs (Plastering)

After plumbing work, walls need patching.
Cost: $150 – $500

Carpentry Adjustments

Cabinets may need modification or replacement.
Cost: $200 – $900

Waterproofing (If Work Affects Wet Zones)

Especially important in laundries with floor wastes.
Cost: $300 – $600

Tiling Repairs

If tiles must be removed for pipe access.
Cost: $250 – $1,200

Electrical Adjustments

Power point relocations for new appliance layout.
Cost: $150 – $400 per outlet

Strata Approvals

If applicable.
Cost: Varies — often $80 – $300 in admin fees

These add-ons can push a simple job upwards if planning isn’t done carefully.

What Impacts the Cost the Most?

1. The Distance You Move the Plumbing

A 30cm shift is a small job.
A 2m shift? Completely different story.

2. Apartment vs House

Plumbing in apartments must follow existing service risers and fall directions. Houses offer far more freedom — making the job cheaper.

3. Type of Wall

• Gyprock: cheapest

• Masonry/brick: more labour

• Concrete: highest cost due to drilling difficulty

4. Age of the Home

Older suburbs across Sydney often have low-pressure pipes, ageing copper lines, or unusual construction methods that increase labour time.

5. Whether You’re Installing New Cabinetry

If you’re getting custom cabinetry (common in full laundry renovations), plumbing is usually integrated into the design — which means efficiency and better long-term layout decisions.

Examples

1. Marrickville Laundry Refresh

• Move washing machine plumbing 1m

• Minor gyprock cut and patch
  Total: ~$1,050

2. Ryde Family Home

• Move sink plumbing 2m to opposite wall

• New waste pipe route

• Partial waterproofing
  Total: ~$2,200

3. Manly Apartment European Laundry

• Plumbing relocated into a double cabinet

• Ventilation compliance

• Strata approval
  Total: ~$3,300

4. Castle Hill Full Laundry Reconfiguration

• Complete layout change

• New cabinets and benchtop

• Relocated sink + washing machine
  Total: ~$3,800 (plumbing portion $2,600)

Is Relocating Plumbing Worth It?

Absolutely — if it improves functionality.

A well-planned laundry layout can give you:

• More bench space

• Better appliance positioning

• More storage options

• A safer and more ergonomic environment

• Higher resale appeal

• A space that actually feels enjoyable to use

In Sydney homes where laundry areas are often tiny or awkward, upgrading the plumbing layout is one of the best investments you can make.

How to Save Money When Relocating Laundry Plumbing

1. Keep plumbing on the same wall if possible

Shifting up, down, or sideways on the same wall saves thousands.

2. Plan your cabinetry layout first

A good cabinet plan reduces rework — and therefore cost.

3. Pre-select appliances

Top-loader vs front-loader dramatically changes plumbing requirements.

4. Choose licensed and experienced local plumbers

Cheap work always costs more later.

5. Bundle plumbing work with a full renovation

This reduces call-out fees and improves efficiency across trades.

Final Answer: How Much Should You Budget?

In Sydney, expect to pay:

**$750 to $3,500+

to relocate plumbing in a laundry**,
depending on distance, complexity, home type, access and supporting trades.

If you're renovating your laundry, kitchen or bathroom, planning the plumbing layout early ensures better function, better aesthetics and better long-term results.

For more renovation guidance and professional services across Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to learn more about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation solutions provided by MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.