Ben and Lynley from Rydeau Plumbing, one of Canberra's most recommended plumbing services. Photo: Ben Calvert.
The world’s first plumbing systems emerged around 800 years BC. Created by the Romans, aqueducts and pipes supplied water across the land to homes, wells, fountains, and bathhouses. Whilst revolutionary for its time, core principals remain in what we know as modern plumbing of today.
With water being such a vital part of our very existence, it comes as no surprise that plumbing has become a complex specialisation. Anyone who has ever experienced blocked toilet will attest to the importance of functional water and waste systems.
A typical Canberra home’s plumbing consists of an intricate system of pipes and fixtures providing clean water, the safe disposal of wastes, and much more. As plumbing systems involve personal safety, their design, implementation, and maintenance are all subject to regulation.
Whether you have a gurgling sink, blocked toilet, or poor pressure, you will need a qualified and licensed professional. And this is where your trusty plumber comes into play! Plumbers are skilled and specialised trades, experienced in all facets of domestic water and waste systems.
But don’t just hire any plumber – hire a great plumber. A plumber who will work to the highest of standards, doing so safely, effectively, and relatively affordably. And the best plumbers do it properly in the first place; avoiding expensive disasters further down the track.
We have taken the liberty of rounding up the finest plumbers in the Canberra region, along with some helpful tips to get you on your way. Read on below.
What makes a great plumber?
Great plumbers are adept and well-rounded trades, navigating water and waste systems with ease. They are masters in diagnostics, knowing where, what, and how, to resolve issues as efficiently and effectively as possible. Here is what we think separates the best plumbers from the rest:
- Qualified, licensed & insured. When vetting your plumber this triple barrel of credentials should be at the top of your list. Firstly, the best plumbers have completed formal training and have years of experience. At a minimum, your plumber should be equipped with a certificate III in Plumbing and an industry white card. Additionally, your plumber must hold a state government issued plumbing license. Should your plumber offer ancillary services like drainage or gas, additional qualifications and licensing will also be required. Finally, ensure your plumber is covered by appropriate insurances such public liability, workers compensation or contracts cover.
- Industry accreditation. A great way to assess your shortlisted plumber is to check on their industry accreditation. In Canberra, the Master Plumbers Association ACT is the core industry body. This membership indicates that your contractor is one of the best in the business. An important aspect of this is the adherence to ethical guidelines and industry standards.
- Quality workmanship. Even the best products will fall short without careful hands and quality workmanship. Great plumbers believe in using only the best products and parts from reputable suppliers. They also consider their work a craft, taking meticulous care without shortcuts. We have all been there; paid for services rendered only to discover that the initial problem was still lurking. As such, look for plumbers who offer guarantees on both products, and their work.
- Professional & transparent. The best plumbers are consummate professionals, wonderful communicators, and are upfront about services and charges. With wet infrastructure being vital to the safe occupation of any building, seek a plumber that you know will get the job done. So, look for glowing customer reviews and personal recommendations as these are often great indicators. Additionally, look for plumbers who are transparent with their quotes and timelines. Ensure your quote includes the full scope of work, material specifications, along with timeframes and any guarantees.
- Swift service. Plumbing problems are notorious for emerging out of hours. Around the clock access and extended hours of operation help to swiftly address plumbing issues. Regardless of whether your plumbing needs are planned or a result of an emergency, seek a plumber with a fantastic record in punctuality, and prompt execution.
Important essentials to check before engaging a plumber
To ensure quality and professionalism a couple of minutes spent checking the following will help to give you peace of mind; and ensure you avoid a dodgy plumber.
- Confirm the provider runs a registered business through the Australian Business Registration website.
- Ensure the provider holds an appropriate plumbing license by checking the Access Canberra list of licensed plumbers.
- Check that the contractor holds a membership with a core industry body such as Master Plumbers ACT.
- Verify the providers public liability insurance and level of cover.
- Be clear on contracted inclusions, terms, and conditions.
The best plumbers in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Rydeau Plumbing
Rydeau Plumbing is a multi-award-winning family business that brings more than 25 years’ experience to the trade.
Led by long-time locals Ben and Lynley Stapleton, this team is known for their dedication to exceptional customer service and quality workmanship above all else. When clients ring Rydeau, they speak to a real person offering real advice.
Letting a stranger into your home can be daunting - but these technicians treat every space like their own.
Staff are experts in the full range of plumbing services, from blocked drains and routine maintenance to emergency callouts and complex insurance jobs. They work closely with homeowners, businesses (including child care and aged care), and strata clients across the Canberra region.
Rydeau Plumbing’s commitment to finding the best outcome for their clients has been recognised by national finalist positions in the Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards from 2023 to 2025.
Ben and Lynley have also garnered plenty of attention for their dedication; Master Plumbers ACT named Ben a finalist for Plumber of the Year in 2024 and 2025, while Lynley won the coveted Outstanding Service Award in 2024 and 2025.
Rydeau Plumbing's Ben and Lynley Stapleton accepting the Outstanding Service Award from Master Plumbers ACT. Photo: Master Plumbers ACT.
Rydeau Plumbing also employs fully qualified plumbers & gasfitters. Technicians arrive on time, every time, keeping clients in the loop with two-hour arrival windows and a quick text - including tracking - when they’re on the way.
"Seriously, getting a plumber who communicates well, arrives when they are scheduled, gives you accurate quotes, then does a really good job while being pleasant and courteous. Yes, it can happen," Harinder says on Google.
"I couldn't be happier with the work that Ben from Rydeau Plumbing did in my place after I moved in - quite a few small jobs, all done well and cheerfully."
Find out more about Rydeau Plumbing.
Climate Plus - Plumbing
Climate Plus are a household name in the capital for good reason - their licensed, insured, and local plumbers know exactly what it takes to keep Canberra plumbing systems running smoothly.
Based in Fyshwick, the team works right across the ACT and focuses on preventative maintenance, quality installations, and long-term system performance over quick fixes.
Climate Plus's full service suite covers drain inspections, cleaning and repairs, shower and bathroom leaks, backflow testing, new installations, and more.
Many team members are dually qualified in plumbing, gasfitting, and electrics. This saves homeowners money, time and stress, especially when the job involves more complex systems such as hot water heat pumps.
Climate Plus are rated one of the best plumbing businesses in Canberra. Photo: Ivy Social.
Hard-to-reach areas are no match for these plumbers. They have access to advanced diagnostic tools, including CCTV technology, for accurate inspection and planning.
Climate Plus has earned consistently high ratings on more than a thousand Google reviews. They also offer comprehensive air conditioning, heating, electrical, hot water, and solar services.
"Excellent customer service, so helpful and friendly," Kate said in her Google review.
"They were also able to quickly source a part (that was difficult to find) to fix our old evaporative cooler, which saved us heaps of money. Highly recommended!"
Find out more about Climate Plus - Plumbing.
Jet Blast Plumbing
Jet Blast Plumbing has more than 20 years of experience in quality workmanship and they’ve stayed in such a competitive business for so long by providing superior work at a good price.
No job is too big or too small and Jet Blast Plumbing covers blocked drains, leaking taps, toilet repair, hot water and even bathroom renovations, no matter what needs doing around the home, they can fix it.
Whether a customer needs an emergency callout in the middle of the night or a long-term issue fixed, they can sort it and they have a $0 callout fee with no hidden cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also provide free quotes.
When the hot water goes out or a drain is blocked, it’s best to get the pros out to fix and to get them out asap, Jet Blast Plumbing is trusted all over the Canberra region to do just that and they pride themselves on their same day service.
Jet Blast Plumbing doesn’t send apprentices, they send experienced, qualified plumbers. Jet Blast’s master plumber even won the 2021 Plumbing Industry Excellence Awards Icon Water Award for Excellent Community Outcomes.
“Amazing service ! Very prompt, affordable and friendly service. I hate people coming to my messy home but he was very respectful. Service was extremely prompt and fixed the problem in seconds ! I am very grateful and will spread the word to anyone needing a plumber!” Carly says on Google.
ACT Licensed Plumber: 2018299.
Find out more about Jet Blast Plumbing.
Water Tight Canberra
Founded in 2010 by Tom Martin, Water Tight Canberra provides plumbing, drainage and gas fitting services around the Canberra region. All work is guaranteed, and plumbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No job is too big or small and the Water Tight Canberra team has the skills, equipment and ability to get the job down asap so clients can get on with their lives.
As a national 2019 Telstra Business Award winner, Water Tight Canberra has a reputation for quality plumbing services – including repairing and replacing hot water systems – in the ACT and region.
Customers say they appreciate Water Tight Canberra’s punctuality, commitment to customer service and honest advice.
In addition to guaranteeing the quality of technicians’ work, Water Tight Canberra offers a cleanliness guarantee, and an on-time guarantee. If a team member doesn’t leave their work area in the same or better condition as when they found it, Water Tight Canberra will pay for a professional cleaning service. And if a plumber is more than 10 minutes late to a job, Water Tight Canberra will waive the service call fee.
As Maria Hart wrote on Google, “Company states they want to provide a 'WOW' experience for their customers and boy did they deliver! From the online booking system down to payment, this has been the best tradie experience I've ever had. Full transparency around price and services, excellent communication … They even wore boot covers! Very reasonably priced and professional. Thanks again team!”
ACT licensed plumber: 2017441. Member of Master Plumbers ACT.
Find out more about Water Tight Canberra.
Contemporary Plumbing Services
Contemporary Plumbing Services sets itself apart in a field with a lot of competition with a commitment to the customer that exceeds all expectations.
Across Canberra, Queanbeyan and the surrounding area, business-owners, homeowners, landlords and property managers trust Contemporary Plumbing Services across the full spectrum of plumbing services.
More than 100 years of collective experience across general maintenance, toilet installation and servicing, drainage and blocked pipes, bathroom and kitchen renovations and more have made Contemporary Plumbing Services a trusted name.
The process starts with clear, honest communication that respects the client's time.
The qualified team will then provide a written quote with no hidden costs and once the work begins, homeowners and businesspeople can be sure that each and every part of the job is performed to the highest standard.
Quality checklists, testing, photographic job reports, premium materials, and strict compliance with industry standards ensure nothing is missed.
With Contemporary Plumbing Services, the customer care doesn't stop when the tradies go home. A warranty and aftercare support system means that Contemporary Plumbing Services is just a call away if a homeowner or business owner has any questions or concerns after the job.
The Contemporary Plumbing Services team also offers a 24/7 emergency plumbing service.
"Very easy and fast to get someone out within 24hrs to Queanbeyan. Shaun was excellent - professional, easy to speak to about the issue, and provided clear advice and options before replacing our broken tap and fixing a persistent leak for a very good price," Dana says on Google.
Find out more about Contemporary Plumbing Services.
Blueline Plumbing & Gas
With an impeccable track record that spans over a decade, Blueline Plumbing & Gas have established a reputation of excellence for their residential plumbing and gas fitting service. Offering installation, maintenance, repairs, and replacement of domestic plumbing, gas, and water systems their expertise is incomparable.
This award-winning team have received industry recognition as finalists in Canberra’s Local Business Awards through to the national Australian Small Business Champion Awards. It comes as no surprise that Blueline Plumbing & Gas are all about delivering to exceptional standards. From their approachable team, through to the quality of work; their glowing customer reviews are testament to this.
Blueline Plumbing & Gas also understand the importance of transparency. They steer clear of short cuts providing clients with real clarity and solutions. They use only the best products, parts, and tools ensuring a level of quality that can be depended on. For added convenience Blueline Plumbing & Gas provide a two-hour service window and 30-minute notification period for clients.
Blueline Plumbing & Gas is fully licenced and accredited. Services are conducted with safety and regulation first, delivering results for clients the first time around. For service with a smile and quality you can trust look no further than Blueline Plumbing & Gas.
Suzanne H shared her wonderful experience with the team on Google, “The plumbers arrived on time, were polite and there was great communication about the problem with the plumbing. I recommend this service.”
Find out more about Blueline Plumbing & Gas.
Level Plumbing Canberra
Level Plumbing Canberra is a locally owned and operated all-round plumbing service, keeping Canberra homes flowing.
The experts at Level Plumbing have been operating in the area for 25 years, and they've earned the rare accolade of being the highest rated plumber in Canberra, a reputation they work for every day.
With a dedicated home-service team, Level Plumbing Canberra is an expert in blocked drains, pipe relining, hot water systems, leaky taps and everything in between. Every job includes a complimentary plumbing evaluation of your property. Their tech will look at your flexi hoses, taps, toilets, hot water unit, do a pressure test and give you a conditioning report, helping you avoid plumbing emergencies in the future.
Their fixed-rate upfront pricing means that there are no hidden surprises, as options for the plumbing solutions are provided and selected by clients before any work is commenced. Once the job is done, Level Plumbing Canberra's work is backed by their 12-month workmanship warranty as well as Master Plumbers ACT's Code of Ethics, and a $15,000 consumer guarantee.
Level Plumbing Canberra also has a 24/7 emergency plumbing service, so no matter when disaster strikes, a qualified professional can be there as soon as possible to get things under control.
No matter the issue, big or small, Level Plumbing Canberra has it covered and they've served more than 20,000 households in their 25 years of operation.
At the Master Plumbers Association ACT Awards 2025, Level Plumbing Canberra took home three awards.
"I had to get a new hot water heater installed, a new mixer tap installed, and various other fittings serviced. Level Plumbing met my requirements perfectly. I was provided with a prompt quote, the work was able to be scheduled just a couple of days after I had accepted the quote, the workers came on time and finished all the tasks even more quickly than had originally been foreshadowed, they cleaned up everything afterwards, leaving everything working well. They were friendly and helpful throughout, and the invoice for the work was provided promptly. I could not have asked for better service." Michael says on Google.
Find out more about Level Plumbing Canberra.
If you’re looking for more specialised plumbing services, check out our other articles on the best emergency plumbers, the best blocked drain plumbers, the best commercial plumbers, the best toilet repair specialists, the best hot water systems repairers, the best gas fitters, the best drain relining services in Canberra and best bathroom renovators.
Your experience with plumbers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback on plumbers in Canberra. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the plumbers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do plumbers charge per hour?
Per hour plumbing charges do vary and are often linked to the nature of work. Generally, you can expect to pay a service fee which ranges from $50-$150, plus an hourly rate of between $100-$175 per hour for labour only. Should you require emergency or out of hours assistance these rates could be higher.
Can I do my own plumbing work?
You’re only allowed to replace a tap washer without a license in the ACT. All other plumbing work requires a licensed plumber. If you choose to DIY and you’re caught, you will likely void your home insurance or end up facing a fine from Access Canberra. Why take the chance? Call a licensed plumber.
Do plumbers need to be licensed?
Absolutely. You’ll need a licensed plumber to legally complete all your plumbing work. In the ACT, all licensed plumbers are required to display their license number on all advertising. You can then check their number on Access Canberra's website: https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/services/licence/#/plumber
When should I call an emergency plumber?
Whenever plumbing fails, it can damage your home and contents. It can also cause discomfort, or even be a major health risk to your family and even neighbours. Emergency plumbing issues can range from a toilet not flushing to a burst pipe that’s highly destructive, a failing hot water system or an overflowing sewer. Whatever the cause, you can and should call an emergency licensed plumber immediately to fix any problem.
Do I need a plumber or electrician to service my electric hot water heater?
Your best bet would be to find a fully-licensed plumber who holds a restricted electrical license as well. Your plumber can handle the majority of hot water issues with these two qualifications. Electricians are unable to gain a dual-qualification that allows them to work on the plumbing aspects of electrical appliances.
