Upgrading plumbing and drainage in a laundry is one of the most critical steps in a laundry renovation. Whether it’s moving your washing machine to a more convenient location, installing a new laundry trough, or improving drainage to prevent leaks and water damage, plumbing and drainage upgrades ensure your laundry is functional, safe, and long-lasting.

In Sydney, the costs of plumbing and drainage upgrades vary widely depending on the home type, location, age of plumbing, and complexity of the work. From apartments in Zetland and Mascot, to terraces in Newtown, Balmain, and Paddington, or family homes in Castle Hill, Ryde, and Kellyville, every project is unique.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of costs, factors affecting pricing, and practical tips for homeowners planning a laundry renovation.

Average Cost of Laundry Plumbing and Drainage Upgrades in Sydney

The typical cost range for upgrading plumbing and drainage in a laundry depends on the scope of work:

• Small upgrades (moving washing machine or sink 0.5–1 m): $750 – $1,800

• Medium upgrades (new sink, relocating plumbing 1–2 m, minor drainage rerouting): $1,800 – $3,500

• Full plumbing reconfiguration (new water points, drainage rerouting, and connecting to new cabinetry layouts): $3,500 – $5,500+

These figures include labour, materials, and minor wall or floor adjustments. Larger homes, complex layouts, or heritage terraces can push costs higher due to additional work like wall chases, subfloor access, or compliance upgrades.

Key Factors That Affect Costs

1. Distance and Complexity of Relocation

The further the plumbing moves, the higher the cost.

• Moving a washing machine 30–50 cm: relatively inexpensive

• Shifting plumbing across walls or into a different part of the laundry: more labour, more piping, higher cost

Suburbs like Newtown, Balmain, or Marrickville often have narrow, brick-lined service cavities that make relocation more labour-intensive, whereas newer homes in Castle Hill, Kellyville, or Rouse Hill allow more flexibility and quicker installation.

2. Type and Condition of Existing Plumbing

Older Sydney homes often have copper pipes, which may need replacement during upgrades.

• Copper piping: $80 – $120 per metre installed

• PEX (modern flexible piping): $60 – $90 per metre installed

• Polyethylene or PVC for drainage: $50 – $100 per metre installed

Heritage homes in Paddington, Ashfield, Petersham, or Glebe often require pipe replacement to meet modern standards, increasing costs.

3. Drainage Considerations

Proper drainage ensures water flows correctly and prevents flooding or long-term water damage. Factors affecting cost include:

• Existing floor waste location and size

• Need for additional floor waste or new drainage pipes

• Floor fall adjustments for proper water flow

Typical drainage upgrade costs: $400 – $1,200 depending on complexity. Apartments in Zetland, Wolli Creek, and Mascot may face extra costs due to limited floor access or strata requirements.

4. Plumbing Fixtures

Upgrading laundry fixtures like sinks, taps, or mixer units can increase costs:

• Standard laundry trough and tap: $150 – $600 installed

• Mixer tap or designer fixtures: $400 – $1,000 installed

Choosing high-quality, durable fittings is especially important in high-use homes in Blacktown, Castle Hill, Ryde, or the North Shore, where families rely heavily on laundry functionality.

5. Labour Costs

Labour is a major cost factor, influenced by access, building type, and complexity:

• Standard single-storey house: $70 – $120 per hour

• Multi-storey or apartment with limited access: $100 – $150 per hour

Tight inner-west terraces in Newtown, Balmain, and Leichhardt may require additional labour for wall chasing, floor lifting, or careful pipe alignment.

6. Permits and Compliance

Certain plumbing upgrades require licensed plumbers and compliance with Australian Standards. Apartments may also require strata approval.

• Strata approval or plumbing permit: $80 – $300 (administrative)

• Compliance upgrades to meet current plumbing codes: $200 – $800

Suburbs with high-density living like Sydney CBD, Chatswood, and Wolli Creek often require these additional steps.

Scope of Work in Typical Laundry Plumbing Upgrades

1. Washing Machine Plumbing

• Moving hot/cold water points and drainage

• Minor wall or floor adjustments for pipe access
  Cost: $750 – $2,100 depending on distance and access

2. Laundry Sink/Trough Relocation

• Moving the sink or adding a new trough

• Re-routing hot/cold lines and drainage

• Ensuring correct fall and venting
  Cost: $900 – $2,500

3. Full Plumbing Reconfiguration

• Relocating washing machine and sink

• New drainage layout

• Connecting to new cabinetry or benchtops
  Cost: $3,500 – $5,500+

Sydney Suburb Examples

Inner West – Newtown, Balmain, Marrickville

• Older terraces with tight service cavities

• Often need partial wall chasing or brick cutting

• Plumbing upgrade may cost 20–30% more than average

Eastern Suburbs – Bondi, Coogee, Randwick

• Coastal humidity may require upgraded materials

• Water-resistant piping and fixtures preferred

• Drainage must comply with wet-zone requirements

North Shore – Mosman, Killara, Lindfield

• Larger homes allow easier access and flexibility

• Often premium fixtures and designer laundry sinks are added

• Labour is moderate due to accessible layouts

Western Sydney – Castle Hill, Ryde, Blacktown

• Modern homes with accessible cavities

• Faster installation and reduced disruption

• Plumbing upgrade cost aligns with mid-range pricing

Additional Considerations

Wall and Floor Adjustments

Plumbing upgrades may require minor modifications:

• Wall chasing or patching: $150 – $500

• Floor lifting for drainage access: $200 – $800

Cabinetry and Appliance Adjustments

• Lifting or temporarily removing cabinetry

• Adjusting benchtops or connections for washing machines/dryers
  Cost: $150 – $500

Waterproofing

When drainage is upgraded, waterproofing may be needed to prevent leaks:
Cost: $300 – $600

Tips for Cost-Effective Laundry Plumbing Upgrades

1. Plan Early – Coordinate plumbing with cabinetry, flooring, and electrical work.

2. Keep Pipes on the Same Wall – Minimises distance and reduces cost.

3. Bundle Work – Combining laundry plumbing with kitchen or bathroom renovations saves labour.

4. Hire Licensed Local Plumbers – Ensures compliance and long-term reliability.

5. Choose Durable Materials – Reduces maintenance and prevents early replacement.

Case Studies

1. Marrickville Terrace

• Move washing machine plumbing 1 m

• Minor wall patching
  Total cost: ~$1,050

2. Ryde Family Home

• Sink relocation 2 m, minor drainage rerouting

• Subfloor inspection included
  Total cost: ~$2,200

3. Manly Apartment

• European-style laundry in cabinet

• Venting, drainage, and strata approval included
  Total cost: ~$3,300

4. Castle Hill Full Laundry Renovation

• Complete reconfiguration with new cabinets

• Plumbing and drainage rerouted
  Total cost: ~$3,800 (plumbing portion $2,600)

Is Upgrading Laundry Plumbing Worth It?

Absolutely. Benefits include:

• Functional, ergonomic laundry layout

• Reduced risk of leaks and water damage

• Better appliance positioning and storage integration

• Increased resale value

• Peace of mind with professional, compliant installation

Especially in Sydney, where laundry spaces are often compact and multi-functional, upgrading plumbing ensures a safe, efficient, and attractive space.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading plumbing and drainage in your laundry is an investment that significantly improves both usability and property value. When planning, consider:

• Scope and distance of plumbing moves

• Type and condition of existing pipes

• Drainage layout and floor fall

• Supporting trades, including cabinetry, flooring, and waterproofing

• Compliance and strata requirements

Budgeting $750 – $5,500+ depending on complexity, location, and fixtures ensures a long-lasting, functional laundry space.

For expert advice, professional installation, and Sydney-wide renovation services, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more about kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation solutions from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.