In this guide 5 sections
The short answer
Most small plumbing jobs in Kathmandu Valley cost Rs 350 to Rs 3,500 in labour. A tap or valve swap sits at the bottom of that range; a concealed leak that means opening a wall sits near the top. Parts are extra, and you pay the plumber directly once the work is done.
Below is what each common job usually costs, what moves the price, and how to get a quote you can trust.
At a glance
- Small repairs
- Rs 350 – 600
- Bigger jobs
- Rs 800 – 3,500
- Arrival
- Usually within 1–2 hours
- How you pay
- Directly to the plumber, after the work
Labour only. Ranges from Najik’s published rate guide; the final price is agreed on site before work starts.
Plumbing prices in Kathmandu (labour)
| Job | Typical cost | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Tap, valve or bibcock repair / replacement | Rs 350 – 600 | Labour only; replacement part extra |
| Concealed pipe leak diagnosis & repair | Rs 800 – 1,800 | Depends on how much wall needs opening |
| Bathroom drain or sewer line blockage | Rs 700 – 1,500 | Mechanical snaking included |
| Water tank cleaning (up to 1,000 L) | Rs 1,500 – 2,500 | Pressure wash and disinfection |
| Full sanitary ware & mixer installation | Rs 1,500 – 3,500 | Commode, basin, diverter set |
What pushes a quote up (or down)
Two jobs with the same name can be priced very differently. These are the things a plumber is weighing when they look at yours.
-
Concealed vs exposed pipes
An exposed pipe can be cut and rejoined in minutes. A pipe inside a tiled wall means chiselling, fixing and re-plastering, and that is where most of the cost goes.
- Adds
- wall work
- Tip
- ask whether retiling is included
-
Access and floor level
Rooftop tanks, narrow shafts and top-floor flats take longer to reach and to work in. Expect a higher figure when the job is somewhere awkward.
- Adds
- time on site
-
Age of the fittings
Old galvanised pipes and seized valves often break while being worked on. A good plumber will tell you up front if one repair is likely to turn into two.
- Risk
- extra parts
-
Who buys the parts
Buying the fittings yourself is cheaper if you know exactly what is needed. Otherwise, let the plumber buy them and ask for the shop receipt.
- Saves
- markup
- Needs
- the exact part name
How to get a fair plumbing quote
-
Describe the problem precisely
Where it is, since when, and what you have already tried. A photo of the leak or the fitting saves a second visit.
-
Ask for labour and parts separately
You can then compare like with like, and you know what you are paying for.
-
Agree the price before work starts
For anything beyond a small repair, the plumber should look first and name a fixed figure. Don’t let work start on an open-ended quote.
-
Check the work, then pay
Run the tap, flush the drain, look for drips. Pay the plumber directly once you are happy.
Plumbing costs: your questions
How quickly can a plumber arrive at my house?
After you submit your job or call, a Najik coordinator contacts you within 15–30 minutes to confirm your location and problem. We then connect you with a verified plumber from your neighbourhood who can typically arrive within 1 to 2 hours.
How is plumbing labour charged in Kathmandu Valley?
Standard minor repairs (like replacing a tap or float valve) start around Rs 350 to Rs 600. For larger jobs like drain unblocking, tank cleaning or bathroom fittings, the plumber inspects the work on site and agrees a fixed price before starting. You pay the technician directly on completion.
Do I need to buy the replacement parts myself?
You can provide your own fittings (taps, pipes, valves), or ask the plumber to buy them from a nearby hardware store and show you the receipt for reimbursement.
Do you offer plumbing on Saturdays and holidays?
Yes. Najik operates 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day of the week, including Saturdays and public holidays, across Chandragiri Municipality, Kathmandu.
Leaking tap, blocked drain, no water pressure?
Tell us what’s wrong and where. A coordinator calls you back and sends a vetted plumber from your area.
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