How to save money when moving plumbing in my bathroom? Perhaps you’re planning a bathroom remodel and you’re worried about the cost. A small bathroom remodel may cost at least $10,000. That amount may only cover the materials (tiles, new sink, new toilet) and the costs of new or relocated plumbing are not included yet.
This is where it gets serious. Even transferring the pipes and other plumbing fixtures may double your total remodel costs. It’s possible considering the following factors:
In other words, the plumbing itself may cost you additional thousands of dollars. Also, the additional time required to finish the project will blow up the total labour costs.
The key here is to select experienced plumbers who can work efficiently and already know their way around. This will make a huge difference to the bottom line because after all, the labour costs may make up more than half of the total expenses for bathroom remodels.
Here’s how you can save money by hiring expert plumbers:
You’ll realise upfront and long-term cost savings if experienced plumbers are doing the job. In addition, you’ll save time and readily move on with your life because the project will be finished much more efficiently.
It’s to keep the toilet, sink, tub and taps where they are (or minimise the relocation of these fixtures). Keep in mind that when you move any of those things, the pipes also come with them. Also consider the miscellaneous materials needed (e.g. concrete, tiles and adhesives) to complete the remodel. Those miscellaneous materials may cost at least $500.
Perhaps you saw an awesome bathroom layout from a lifestyle magazine or website. However, it may require a major overhaul of your bathroom’s existing layout. Maybe you need to change the relative positions of the toilet and tub. Or, you might even need to make the bathroom larger to accommodate for the vanities and bathroom accessories.
In those cases plumbing fixtures (including the drain lines and water heater pipes) are likely to be moved and relocated. What lies beneath those floors, walls and ceilings will cost you thousands of dollars. That’s why it’s highly advisable to keep the original as much as possible.
Additional time and labour costs are likely because of the following:
In these cases you’ll need new pipes and possibly a drain unblocking service. This way you won’t encounter a major pipe leak or serious clog in the near future. This is crucial if you’re moving into an old property. The pipes and drains might have been already compromised. The bathroom renovation might reveal those problems.
Building owners and managers pay extra attention to plumbing because a minor issue may cause a major problem. It can cause serious water damage (water damage on surrounding floors, walls and ceilings) and may even make some of the apartment units uninhabitable. Add to that the additional costs for eventual repairs (replacing wood materials and installing new concrete and tiles).
The latest code and standards are there to protect us and ensure our safety. For example, lead has now been banned for plumbing and other construction purposes. Lead is known now to cause brain and kidney issues (especially to kids).
Another example is when a temperature control device is needed when repositioning an existing heater. This is for added safety of the end user (and possibly the installer). This would prevent possible accidents and injuries (e.g. burns and scalding).
Violation to code means non-compliance and may result to legal ramifications. More importantly, the safety of the residents and other occupants of the building are at risk. In addition, expensive property damages and loss of rental income will likely result from such negligence.
Whether it’s installing new plumbing or repositioning the fixtures, it’s crucial to ensure everything’s up to the latest standards. Licensed plumbers will adhere to those standards because they’re updated with the latest news and knowledge. That’s why it’s important to only deal with reputable and licensed plumbers to do the job.
A half day might only be needed to complete all tasks. It can also take 3 to 5 days (or more) to move all the bathroom plumbing and fixtures. Either case, expect to pay $100 to $150 per hour for a licensed plumber.
Other plumbers may charge in a per-project basis. For example, re-plumbing an entire house may require up to $12,000 labour cost. The total cost depends on the complexity of the pipes and other features. This also applies when you plan to move the plumbing in your bathroom. The total expenses might just be half that depending on your request and the job’s complexity.
Roughly, the bathroom plumbing work might require 5 days (40 work hours) and the per hour labour cost is $100. That’s a rough total of $4,000 just for the labour costs. Add the costs of materials and unexpected expenses down the road (unforeseen delays and issues).
Often there are only 2 choices:
Fortunately, there are still quality bathroom plumbing services at affordable pricing. For instance, here at Ontime Local Plumber, many Sydney families and business owners have already contacted us to take care of all their plumbing needs.
We offer upfront and reasonable pricing. We’ll tell you the total cost of everything (from materials, installations and labour) with no surprise charges. We discuss everything upfront and provide you with a written quote.
Other companies might be offering an unbelievably low price. However, prepare for those “unexpected” charges that pop up after the job. The result is you’ll actually be paying more at the end.
Although there are times when the scope of the work goes beyond the anticipated (this is true especially in bathroom plumbing jobs), you should be informed immediately so you can prepare your budget plan.
The key is to prepare a thorough plan, hire the best and prepare for some unexpected expenses. You’ll still get what you pay for because the more complex the job is (repositioning of many pipes and plumbing fixtures), the longer it will take to finish and the higher the expenses will be.
Prepare at least $10,000 for the repositioning of your bathroom plumbing fixtures (taps, shower, tub, toilet, sink and drain lines). The labour may or may not be included in that computation. Also, consider the miscellaneous expenses and possible extensions of the work. After all, there might be an underlying problem with the old plumbing (outdated or there are minor leaks).
In addition, consider the quality of the work and longevity of the result. All the plumbing fixtures should work perfectly (especially within the first few months or the first year). This way, there will be minimal inconveniences and repair expenses down the line.
That’s why here at Ontime Local Plumber, we prioritise quality and excellence in everything we do (whether it’s a simple faucet leak or a major bathroom plumbing project). You can contact us today and we’ll provide you with a quote (we price by the job, not by the hour).
With our team of qualified experts you will be guaranteed to receive:
On time, Professional and reliable service
Professional team
Quality parts and
Excellent customer
Available 24/7 for convenient appointments and emergency call outs
Affordable and upfront
Easy payment options
Written quotes and guarantees
