When you compare plumbers in Melbourne, you’ll notice they price jobs in two different ways. Some charge an hourly rate. Others charge a fixed rate for the job. For most household jobs, a fixed rate is the easier choice, because you know what you’ll pay before the work starts. Here’s how each one works so you can decide for yourself.

How an hourly rate plumber charges

An hourly rate plumber comes to your home and does the work you need at an hourly rate. The rate is set before the plumber arrives, but the final bill depends on how long the plumber spends on the job.

For example, if clearing your blocked drain takes 2.5 hours, an hourly rate plumber charges you for 2.5 hours of their time instead of a flat price for the job.

If you’re getting quotes from hourly rate plumbers, ask:

What is the hourly rate, and is there a minimum charge?
Is there a call-out fee or travel time on top?
How are part hours charged?
Are parts and materials extra?

How a fixed rate plumber charges

A fixed rate plumber is the direct opposite. Your bill isn’t based on the hours it took. It’s based on the work the plumber did.

For example, if a plumber fixes the blocked drain in your kitchen, it’s done for a price agreed up front. You pay the same price whether the job takes the plumber 30 minutes or 4 hours.

What if the plumber finds more work?

With a fixed rate plumber, the price only changes if something extra needs to be done. Sometimes a plumber comes out to clear a blocked drain, starts the work and finds the pipe needs replacing. Replacing the pipe costs more, but that should only happen with your permission.

A good plumber stops, explains what they’ve found, gives you the options and the price for each, then lets you decide.

Which is better: fixed rate or hourly?

The choice is up to you, but most people prefer a fixed rate plumber. Here’s why:

You know exactly what you’ll pay, so there are no surprises on the bill.
Any extra charges are discussed with you first, so you can plan for them.
It’s easier to compare prices. You’re comparing a set price for the job instead of guessing how long each plumber will take.

An hourly rate can look cheaper when you first hear it. The catch is that the final cost depends on how long the job runs, and you won’t know that until it’s finished.

How to compare plumbing quotes

However a plumber charges, make sure you’re comparing the same thing:

Is the scope of work the same?
Are materials, testing and compliance included?
Who is doing the work?
What happens if extra work is found?
What guarantee backs the work?

Our guide to how our pricing works explains what shapes the cost of a plumbing job, from access and the real cause of the problem to materials, testing and compliance.

How O’Shea Plumbing prices its work

O’Shea Plumbing prices service and repair work by the job, not by the hour. We assess the job, explain what we find and give you a clear price before any work begins. Nothing goes ahead until you say so.

Homeowners in the Melbourne area looking for a fixed rate plumber can trust the team at O’Shea Plumbing. We provide non-emergency plumbing and emergency plumbing services at fixed rates. Contact us to book an appointment.

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Which Is Better: A Fixed Rate or Hourly Plumber?