Plumbing Query - Quote Expectations

Hi all,

Hoping someone may be able to provide some context following a visit from a plumber - I have no knowledge of plumbing whatsoever.

After ongoing issues with recurring toilet blockages, we had a plumber inspect via camera and reported several serious issues as follows:

  • Sewer shaft cracked and was found to be under house which was deemed as non-compliant and needs to be moved

  • Numerous pipes were found to be misaligned and/or cracked

  • dropped and cracked junctions connecting 2x toilets into sewer

  • External sewer line sagging (from 1 toilet to sewer)

We were told repair work would likely take two days and not affect water supply or ability to remain at home.
I am awaiting a formal quote but we’re told to expect that repairs will be “quite pricey”.

Does anyone have any experience to give a ball park figure of what we can expect this to look like?

Located in the Hunter, NSW

Comments

  • -1

    My guess is $4833 + GST

    • -2

      5316.3
      Spells egies, not boobs
      .

      • $5,273.45 + GST

        But 5800.795 just doesn't have the same ring to it…

    • Pfft, you're dreaming.

      It's going to be $8585 + GST.

  • +6

    Best way to find out is to get another plumber in for a quote and to compare the two.
    Otherwise you've got randoms on the internet making assumptions

  • -2

    @JMosk will definitely be getting several quotes, just wondering if anyone would have an idea so I can start thinking about budgeting over the weekend

  • -2

    hmm 2 days… well if it costs $300 for 20 mins of work, I'll conclude you're looking at about 14k plus equipment hire. Make it 20k.

  • $800-$1,000 per person per day for labour, plus parts.

  • +1

    have you seen the CCTV footage and confirmed these issues? let's start there

    when the plumber says noncompliant, you need more info

  • -1

    @djsweet that’s what I was expecting when we were spoken to

    Thanks @PensionerXXL, I wouldn’t have thought of that
    I’ll ask for proof of issues

  • Sounds like they want to line your pipes with plastic sleeves, assuming you have the old earthenware pipes which are "misaligned/cracked".
    The pricing for that starts at about $800/metre of pipe.
    Then 2 days labour, materials, etc.
    I reckon $10k to $15k

    • That’s what I was thinking..

  • -1

    How long is a piece of string?

    • +1

      50 or so give or take 100%

  • Are they going to line existing pipes as above or will they dig up and replace existing pipes with PVC? If the latter, how many metres?
    A relative had <5m of claypipe dug up and replaced, including connection with sewer main to kitchen sink. Cost about $8k pre-covid.
    I reckon about $10k for yours including post-covid inflation but depends on number or people required, time spent and charge out rate.

  • Have you checked your home insurance policy?

    I just looked at the PDS on mine and reckon that they will cover some of the investigative work.

    • Who is that with?

  • AAMI.

  • Well, for me to put in the pipe work for a loo, connecting to existing new PVC sewer, no toilet, is $5000 ex GST and 100% mates rates.

    I'd budget $15k

  • Thanks all, was expecting up to 20k so we’ll see what comes from quotes

    Appreciate the feedback

  • To replace the sewer line, which is a better option than relining, relocate shaft, & the other bits & pieces expect anything up to $30,000. Relining isn't great for bends.

  • ~3 guys x ~ 16 hrs x ~$150 per hour + supplies, guessing $15k

  • Hiring a plumber costs between $100 to $150 per hour, plus a $60 to $100 call-out fee. The cost of plumber services ranges from $60 to $12,000, depending on the job and where you live.

    Some of the jobs that you mentioned, such as fixing cracked pipes and junctions, replacing sewer lines and moving sewer shafts, are likely to be on the higher end of the price range, as they involve more complex work and equipment.

    The exact cost will depend on the extent of damage, the location of your pipes and shafts, and the plumber’s skill level and experience. You may want to get quotes from several plumbers before choosing one.

  • Are you on a concrete slab on the ground? If not how easy is access under the house. The are all major factors to determine rough pricing.

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