Napier is Hawke's Bay's commercial hub, rebuilt in art deco style after the devastating 1931 earthquake. The city has a mix of older character homes and post-war residential areas, with steady demand from homeowners and the region's thriving wine and horticulture industry. Here's what plumbers charge in Napier in 2026 and how to find a reliable one.
Napier Plumber Rates 2026
| Service | Napier typical cost |
|---|---|
| Call-out fee (weekday, standard hours) | $70–$150 |
| Hourly rate (labour only) | $95–$165/hr |
| After-hours / emergency call-out | $190–$420 + hourly |
| Blocked drain (standard) | $150–$350 |
| Toilet replacement | $400–$900 |
| Tap replacement (bathroom/kitchen) | $150–$350 per tap |
| Hot water cylinder replacement (180L) | $1,800–$3,500 installed |
| Heat pump hot water system | $3,500–$6,000 installed |
| Bathroom renovation (plumbing only) | $2,500–$6,000+ |
| Leak detection | $200–$500 |
| Drain camera inspection | $250–$500 |
| Burst pipe repair | $300–$800 |
All prices GST inclusive. Napier rates are broadly in line with regional NZ — lower than Auckland and Wellington but comparable to Hamilton and Tauranga.
Napier Plumbing Market
Napier plumbers cover both residential and some rural/horticultural work in the Hawke's Bay region. Post-earthquake pipe assessment is part of many older Napier homes' history.
Post-1931 art deco homes are a Napier signature — beautiful but sometimes requiring specialist attention for heritage materials. Post-war and 1960s–80s housing forms the bulk of the residential market.
What Requires a Licensed Plumber in NZ
In NZ, "sanitary plumbing" and "drainlaying" are restricted trades. Licensed plumbers must be registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
Licensed work includes: - Installing or modifying water supply, drainage, or sanitary systems - Hot water cylinder installation and replacement - Bathroom and kitchen plumbing fit-out - Any work connecting to the public sewer
Verify your plumber: Check registration at pgdb.co.nz. Every completed job should result in a compliance certificate.
Common Napier Plumbing Jobs
Hot Water Cylinder Replacement
The most common major plumbing job for homeowners. Standard 180L mains-pressure electric cylinders cost $1,800–$3,500 installed. Heat pump hot water systems are increasingly popular for energy efficiency ($3,500–$6,000 installed).
Blocked Drains
Tree roots, grease, and debris cause most drain blockages. A standard drain unblock (high-pressure water jetting) costs $150–$350. A camera inspection ($250–$500) identifies recurring root problems.
Bathroom Renovations
Plumbing-only costs for a bathroom renovation (moving fixtures, new waste, supply connections) typically run $2,500–$6,000. Full bathroom reno including tiles and fittings: $15,000–$35,000+.
Finding a Reliable Napier Plumber
Ask before hiring: 1. Are you PGDB registered — can I have your licence number? 2. Will I receive a compliance certificate? 3. What is your call-out fee and hourly rate? 4. Do you cover my suburb in Napier?
Find Napier plumbers: Plumbers Napier | Post a Job Free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber cost in Napier? Call-out: $70–$150. Hourly: $95–$165/hr. Blocked drain: $150–$350. Hot water cylinder (replace): $1,800–$3,500 installed.
How do I find a licensed plumber in Napier? Check registration at pgdb.co.nz. Licensed plumbers must display their licence number on quotes and invoices.
How much does a hot water cylinder replacement cost in Napier? $1,800–$3,500 for a standard 180L mains-pressure electric cylinder, installed. Heat pump hot water: $3,500–$6,000 installed but saves 60–75% on water heating energy.
Related: Blocked Drain Cost NZ | Hot Water Cylinder Cost NZ | Bathroom Renovation Cost NZ