How much should I allocate for plumbing updates in laundry renovation? (Laundry Room | Costs, Budgeting & Planning)

When renovating a laundry room in Sydney, one of the most frequently asked questions is: “How much should I allocate for plumbing updates?” Whether you are updating a compact apartment in Surry Hills, modernising a terrace in Newtown, or renovating a luxury home in Mosman, plumbing is a critical element that ensures your laundry works efficiently and remains compliant with NSW regulations.

In this guide, we break down the typical plumbing costs, factors affecting pricing, planning strategies, and suburb-specific considerations for Sydney homeowners.

Why Plumbing Updates Matter in Laundry Renovations

Plumbing in a laundry room isn’t just about connecting the washing machine and laundry tub. Proper plumbing ensures:

• Safe water supply and drainage – Prevents leaks, water damage, and structural issues.

• Appliance functionality – Ensures washing machines and dryers operate efficiently.

• Compliance with NSW regulations – Water and drainage must meet local standards for safety and insurance purposes.

• Long-term durability – Upgrading old pipes reduces the risk of future repairs, especially in older Sydney terraces.

In Sydney, older suburbs like Paddington, Glebe, Balmain, and Leichhardt often have outdated pipes and drainage systems, making plumbing updates essential in medium to large-scale laundry renovations.

Common Laundry Plumbing Updates

Plumbing updates vary depending on the scope of your renovation. Here are the most common upgrades:

1. Relocating or Installing Water Supply Lines

• Scope: Moving or adding hot and cold water lines for washing machines, sinks, or laundry taps.

• Typical Cost: $500–$1,500 depending on distance and complexity.

• Considerations:

  • Older homes may have copper or galvanised pipes that need replacement.

  • Suburbs like Newtown, Marrickville, and Surry Hills often require additional labour due to brick walls or tight access points.

2. Installing or Updating Drainage Systems

• Scope: Adding or moving drainage points for washing machines, laundry tubs, and floor drains.

• Typical Cost: $600–$1,800 depending on pipe materials and installation complexity.

• Considerations:

  • Properties with limited access under floors or concrete slabs may require cutting and patching.

  • Homes in Mosman or Neutral Bay with elevated or split-level laundries may require pump-assisted drainage.

3. Tapware and Laundry Sinks

• Scope: Installing new taps, mixers, and laundry sinks.

• Typical Cost: $200–$800 depending on the quality of fittings.

• Popular Choices: Stainless steel, chrome, or designer mixers, especially in high-end suburbs like Mosman or Balmain.

4. Hot Water System Relocation or Upgrade

• Scope: Moving or upgrading hot water units to optimise laundry workflow.

• Typical Cost: $800–$2,500 depending on type (tank, continuous flow) and complexity.

• Considerations:

  • Coastal suburbs like Manly, Dee Why, or Curl Curl may require corrosion-resistant piping.

  • Stackable units or under-bench installations require precise plumbing and ventilation.

5. Waterproofing and Compliance Plumbing

• Scope: Ensuring all pipework and connections meet Australian Standards for wet areas.

• Typical Cost: $500–$1,500, depending on whether floor or wall waterproofing is included.

• Note: Required for older homes, especially in Paddington, Balmain, or Glebe, to prevent mould and structural damage.

Labour Costs for Plumbing

Plumbing is a trade that requires licensed professionals in NSW. Sydney labour rates can vary depending on experience and project complexity:

• Standard Plumber: $80–$120 per hour

• Specialist or Licensed Plumbing Contractor: $120–$180 per hour for complex renovations

• Factors Affecting Labour Costs:

  • Accessibility of existing pipes

  • Age and type of plumbing system (copper, PVC, galvanised steel)

  • Integration with electrical, cabinetry, and flooring work

Material Costs

Material selection is another significant factor in plumbing costs. Typical options include:

• PVC Pipes: $5–$15 per metre, commonly used for drainage and cold water lines

• PEX Pipes: $10–$25 per metre, flexible, durable, and increasingly popular for water supply

• Copper Pipes: $20–$40 per metre, used in high-end or heritage renovations

• Fittings and Connectors: $5–$50 per unit depending on quality and finish

• Taps, Mixers, and Sinks: $200–$800 depending on style and brand

Tip: Combining high-quality fittings with efficient labour ensures long-term durability, which is especially important in moisture-prone Sydney homes near the coast or in older inner-city terraces.

Typical Budget Allocation for Medium Laundry Plumbing

Plumbing Component Typical Cost (AUD) Notes Water Supply Lines $500–$1,500 Hot & cold, relocation or new installation Drainage System $600–$1,800 Washing machine, sink, floor drains Tapware & Laundry Sink $200–$800 Includes mixers and fittings Hot Water System $800–$2,500 Relocation or upgrade Waterproofing & Compliance $500–$1,500 Ensures pipes and fittings meet Australian Standards

Estimated Total Plumbing Budget for Medium Renovation: $2,500–$7,500 depending on the size, complexity, and suburb-specific conditions. High-end or complex renovations in Mosman, Neutral Bay, or Balmain can exceed $10,000.

Sydney-Specific Insights

1. Inner West (Marrickville, Newtown, Leichhardt)

   • Many homes built pre-1980 have outdated pipework requiring full replacement.

   • Labour may be higher due to limited wall access or brickwork.

2. Northern Beaches (Manly, Dee Why, Curl Curl)

   • Coastal humidity necessitates corrosion-resistant piping.

   • Elevated homes may require pump-assisted drainage for efficient water flow.

3. Lower North Shore (Mosman, Neutral Bay, Cremorne)

   • Luxury homes often include designer sinks, high-end tapware, and concealed plumbing.

   • Labour costs tend to be higher due to premium expectations.

4. Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Bronte)

   • Apartments and smaller homes often require compact plumbing solutions.

   • Access constraints may increase installation time.

Tips for Budgeting and Planning Laundry Plumbing

1. Plan Before Renovation – Identify all plumbing points before cabinetry and flooring installation to avoid rework.

2. Hire Licensed Professionals – Ensures compliance with NSW standards and prevents insurance issues.

3. Consider Long-Term Needs – Plan for potential upgrades such as stackable dryers, hot water relocation, or future appliance additions.

4. Integrate with Other Renovation Elements – Coordinating with electricians, cabinet installers, and tilers saves time and reduces costs.

5. Factor in Contingencies – Set aside 10–15% of your budget for unexpected issues such as hidden leaks, corroded pipes, or council compliance adjustments.

Why MB9 Australia Pty Ltd Is the Trusted Choice for Laundry Renovation

MB9 Australia Pty Ltd specialises in kitchen, bathroom, and home renovations across Sydney, providing full-service solutions for laundry plumbing and more.

We offer:

• Expert Project Management: Coordinating licensed plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and tilers

• Suburb-Specific Knowledge: Understanding challenges in heritage homes, apartments, or coastal properties

• High-Quality Materials and Craftsmanship: Ensuring durability and style

• Compliance Assurance: All plumbing works meet NSW standards and council requirements

Service areas include:

• Inner West: Marrickville, Newtown, Leichhardt

• Eastern Suburbs: Bondi, Coogee, Bronte

• Lower North Shore: Mosman, Neutral Bay, Cremorne

• Northern Beaches: Manly, Dee Why, Curl Curl

With MB9, your laundry renovation is managed from start to finish, ensuring a seamless, functional, and visually stunning result.

Key Takeaways

• Plumbing is a critical component of a successful laundry renovation, covering water supply, drainage, hot water systems, and tapware.

• Medium-scale plumbing updates in Sydney typically cost $2,500–$7,500, depending on complexity, materials, and suburb-specific challenges.

• Consider heritage buildings, coastal humidity, and apartment access restrictions when planning.

• Coordination with other trades and planning for future needs can save significant time and money.

• Hiring a licensed professional ensures compliance with NSW regulations and long-term reliability.

For Sydney homeowners planning a laundry renovation, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.