Plumbing Cost in Sri Lanka (2025 Complete Bathroom & Kitchen Guide)
Plumbing Cost in Sri Lanka (2025 Complete Bathroom & Kitchen Guide)
Water is life. And plumbing is what delivers that life to every corner of your house—kitchen sinks, bathrooms, toilets, washing machines, and gardens.
Get plumbing wrong, and you'll spend years fighting leaks, low pressure, and blocked drains. Get it right, and you'll forget it exists.
This guide breaks down every plumbing cost in a Sri Lankan house, from the humble PVC pipe to the luxury rain shower.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Plumbing Costs
- Pipe Material Options
- Bathroom Fixtures Pricing
- Water Supply Systems
- Labor Costs
- Hot Water Solutions
- Total Budget Calculation
- Common Plumbing Mistakes
- FAQs
1. Understanding Plumbing Costs
Plumbing costs are divided into two main categories:
1. Rough-In Work (Hidden):
- Pipes running inside walls and under floors
- Connections to water main and septic tank
- Done during the construction phase (before tiling)
2. Finishing Work (Visible):
- Commodes, sinks, taps, showers
- Installed after tiling and painting
| Category | Typical % of Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pipes and Fittings | 20-30% | PVC, concealed work |
| Sanitaryware (Fixtures) | 40-50% | Commodes, sinks, taps |
| Labor | 20-25% | Plumber and helper |
| Accessories | 5-10% | Towel rails, soap holders |
2. Pipe Material Options
PVC Pipes (The Standard)
Sri Lanka primarily uses PVC pipes for plumbing.
Brands: S-Lon (market leader), Anton, National
| Pipe Type | Use Case | Price (4m length, 1/2") | Pressure Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 600 (Light Blue) | Drainage, low-pressure lines | Rs. 450 - 550 | 6 bar |
| Type 1000 (Blue) | Main supply lines | Rs. 700 - 850 | 10 bar |
| Type 1600 (Dark Blue) | High-pressure, pump lines | Rs. 1,000 - 1,200 | 16 bar |
💡 Pro Tip: Use Type 1000 for all concealed (inside wall) piping. If a Type 600 pipe bursts inside a wall, you'll need to break tiles to fix it. The extra Rs. 200 per pipe is worthwhile insurance.
CPVC Pipes (For Hot Water)
Standard PVC softens at high temperatures. For hot water lines (geyser, solar heater), use CPVC.
- Price: 30-50% more than standard PVC
- Max Temperature: 80°C (vs 55°C for PVC)
- Brands: Ashirwad, Astral, S-Lon CPVC
PPR Pipes (Premium Option)
Polypropylene Random Copolymer (PPR) is a European-style piping system.
- Price: 2x PVC cost
- Pros: Heat-welded joints (leak-proof), very long lifespan
- Cons: Requires specialized tools, limited local availability
3. Bathroom Fixtures Pricing
Commodes (Water Closets)
| Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Pan (Squatting) | Rs. 4,000 - 8,000 | Budget rural option |
| Western Commode (Budget) | Rs. 15,000 - 25,000 | Chinese/Indian imports |
| Western Commode (Standard) | Rs. 35,000 - 55,000 | Rocell, Sonet |
| Western Commode (Premium) | Rs. 65,000 - 120,000 | TOTO, American Standard |
| Wall-Hung Commode | Rs. 80,000 - 150,000 | Modern design, hidden cistern |
Recommended: Rocell commodes (Rs. 35,000 - 50,000) offer the best value—Sri Lankan made, good warranty, wide service network.
Wash Basins
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Counter-Top Basin (Budget) | Rs. 6,000 - 12,000 |
| Counter-Top Basin (Premium) | Rs. 15,000 - 35,000 |
| Pedestal Basin | Rs. 8,000 - 20,000 |
| Wall-Hung Basin | Rs. 12,000 - 30,000 |
| Vessel Basin (Designer) | Rs. 25,000 - 60,000 |
Taps and Mixers
| Type | Budget | Standard | Premium (Grohe/Kohler) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pillar Tap | Rs. 1,500 | Rs. 3,500 | Rs. 8,000+ |
| Basin Mixer | Rs. 4,000 | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 25,000+ |
| Shower Mixer | Rs. 6,000 | Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 40,000+ |
| Kitchen Tap | Rs. 3,000 | Rs. 8,000 | Rs. 20,000+ |
⚠️ Warning: Cheap Chinese taps (under Rs. 3,000) often develop leaks within 1-2 years. Cartridge replacement is difficult. Buy quality and save on long-term repair.
Showers
| Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Telephone Shower (Handheld) | Rs. 3,000 - 8,000 | Standard option |
| Overhead Shower (6") | Rs. 5,000 - 15,000 | Fixed position |
| Rain Shower (8-10") | Rs. 12,000 - 35,000 | Luxury feel |
| Rain Shower System (Column) | Rs. 35,000 - 100,000+ | Multiple jets |
4. Water Supply Systems
NWS&DB Connection
If municipal water is available:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| New Connection Fee | Rs. 25,000 - 45,000 |
| Meter Deposit | Rs. 5,000 - 10,000 |
| Road Cutting (if needed) | Rs. 10,000 - 30,000 |
| Internal Piping (NWS to Tank) | Rs. 15,000 - 25,000 |
Tube Well (Ground Water)
If no municipal supply:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tube Well Boring (50-150ft) | Rs. 100,000 - 250,000 |
| Pump (0.5 HP Submersible) | Rs. 35,000 - 50,000 |
| Pump (1 HP Submersible) | Rs. 55,000 - 75,000 |
| Electrical Connection | Rs. 15,000 - 25,000 |
💡 Pro Tip: Before drilling a tube well, check with neighbors about water depth and quality. Some areas (coastal, limestone) have salty or hard water unsuitable for domestic use.
Water Tanks
| Type | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Tank (Sintex/Safechem) | 500L | Rs. 15,000 - 20,000 |
| Plastic Tank | 1000L | Rs. 28,000 - 35,000 |
| Plastic Tank | 2000L | Rs. 50,000 - 65,000 |
| Concrete Tank (Built) | 2000L | Rs. 80,000 - 100,000 |
| Stainless Steel | 1000L | Rs. 85,000 - 120,000 |
Recommendation: Install a 1000L overhead tank for a 3-bedroom house. Add a 500L ground sump if water supply is inconsistent.
Pressure Pumps
Most 2-story houses need a pressure pump for upstairs bathrooms.
| Type | Price | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Peripheral Pump (0.5 HP) | Rs. 15,000 - 25,000 | 1-2 bathrooms |
| Pressure Booster (Auto) | Rs. 35,000 - 55,000 | 2-3 bathrooms |
| Variable Speed Pump | Rs. 80,000 - 130,000 | Large house, consistent pressure |
5. Labor Costs
Plumbers typically charge per bathroom or a fixed project rate.
| Work Scope | Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Bathroom (Rough-In + Finishing) | Rs. 28,000 - 40,000 |
| Kitchen Sink | Rs. 8,000 - 12,000 |
| Water Tank Installation | Rs. 5,000 - 10,000 |
| Tube Well Connection | Rs. 10,000 - 15,000 |
| Full House (3 Bathrooms + Kitchen) | Rs. 120,000 - 180,000 |
What's Included in "Per Bathroom" Rate:
- Running all supply and drain pipes
- Installing commode, basin, shower, taps
- Connecting to main supply and septic/sewer
6. Hot Water Solutions
Electric Geyser (Instant/Storage)
| Type | Price | Running Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Heater (1-Point) | Rs. 15,000 - 25,000 | High | Heats as you use |
| Storage Geyser (25L) | Rs. 30,000 - 45,000 | Medium | Pre-heats and stores |
| Storage Geyser (50L) | Rs. 45,000 - 65,000 | Medium | Family size |
Solar Water Heater
| System Size | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100L | Rs. 150,000 - 200,000 | 1-2 person household |
| 200L | Rs. 220,000 - 280,000 | 3-4 person household |
| 300L | Rs. 300,000 - 380,000 | Large family/multiple bathrooms |
ROI: Solar heaters pay for themselves in 2-3 years through electricity savings. Highly recommended for new builds.
7. Total Budget Calculation
Per Bathroom Cost
| Level | Fixtures | Plumbing Work | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Rs. 35,000 | Rs. 25,000 | Rs. 60,000 |
| Standard | Rs. 80,000 | Rs. 35,000 | Rs. 115,000 |
| Premium | Rs. 180,000 | Rs. 45,000 | Rs. 225,000 |
Complete 3-Bedroom House
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3 Bathrooms (Standard) | Rs. 345,000 |
| Kitchen Plumbing | Rs. 45,000 |
| Water Tank (1000L) + Pump | Rs. 75,000 |
| NWS Connection | Rs. 50,000 |
| Solar Hot Water | Rs. 250,000 |
| Exterior Taps (Garden/Wash) | Rs. 15,000 |
| TOTAL | Rs. 780,000 |
8. Common Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid
Using Type 600 Pipes for Supply Lines They will burst under pump pressure. Use Type 1000 minimum.
No Slope on Drainage Pipes Drain pipes must slope downward (1 inch per 10 feet). Flat pipes lead to blockages.
Skimping on Ball Valves Install quality ball valves (Pegler, Kitz - Rs. 2,500+) at key points. If a pipe bursts, you need to shut off water fast.
No Access Points Install inspection chambers (manholes) where drain lines change direction. Without them, clearing blockages is a nightmare.
Connecting to Septic Too Early Let cement cure before flushing. Construction debris can clog the septic tank.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many bathrooms can I run on one pressure pump?
A standard 0.5 HP pump handles 2 bathrooms comfortably. For 3+, use 1 HP or a variable speed system.
Q2: Should I use PVC or PPR pipes?
PVC is fine for 95% of Sri Lankan homes. PPR is overkill unless you want premium, fully heat-welded connections.
Q3: How long do Rocell commodes last?
With normal use, 15-20 years. The mechanism (flush valve) may need replacement every 5-7 years.
Q4: Can I install a rain shower without a pump?
Only if your overhead tank is at least 3 meters above the bathroom. Most 2-story houses need a pump for good rain shower pressure.
Q5: What causes low water pressure?
- Undersized pipes (use 3/4" for main lines)
- Air locks in the system
- Clogged old pipes (mineral buildup)
- Low municipal supply pressure (need a pump)
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