The Tradie Cost Cutting Fee They Don't Want You to Know
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There is a sneaky little cost that tradies don’t exactly advertise — the call out fee. What they don’t want you to know is that the fee you pay just for them to turn up is often more than the cost of the repair itself. So, if you're calling a plumber to fix a leaky tap, the trick is to get your money's worth by getting them to do other little jobs while they are there.
The Small Plumbing Fixes
The smaller services available from plumbers that you can get done in one fell swoop are:
Hot water system maintenance – change out the sacrificial anode, replace seals and valves. This will keep your hot water system active and effective for longer.
Tap and toilet maintenance – replace seals which keep water out of your bathroom and in your toilet. These need to be replaced periodically anyway. If they fail, you’ll be looking at an emergency call out fee!
Replace Flexihoses – flexihoses should be replaced every five years because they are prone to bursting, causing extensive flooding.
Perform routine drainage maintenance – keeping your drains clear and well maintained will not only increase their longevity but will also mean they are ready for the next major weather event.
Change water filters – change water filters every six months to ensure water purity.
Check gutters – gutter checks are recommended after autumn to clear debris from both the gutters themselves and downpipes, and to ensure they’re in working order
Change your tapware to comply with the new WaterMark standards – the National Code of Plumbing has been updated to mandate that only products with the lead-free watermark will be authorised for drinking water pipes from May 1st, 2026, onwards. It may be time to change yours over.
Check plumbed in fridge seals – a fridge seal keeps the warmth out and the cold in, so ensuring it is in good working order is essential for energy efficiency and food safety.
Check dishwasher installation and drainage – having your dishwasher correctly installed the first time will save you from unnecessary stress, prevent water damage, and avoid costly repairs down the track.
Avoid Costly Plumbing Emergencies
Most of these jobs, if done by a reputable plumber, will only take ten to twenty minutes. With the high call out fee, you’ll be practically throwing money away if you don’t get them to do other small jobs while they are there. Plus, ensuring all of your systems and pipes are up to date will save you from expensive emergencies in the future.
