Emergency Plumber Como

An emergency plumbing situation is one where immediate action is required to prevent property damage, safety risk, or loss of essential services. In Como homes, this typically includes active water leaks from burst pipes, gas leaks with a detectable odour or hissing sound, complete loss of hot water in winter, or sewage backing up into the property. If water is pooling, gas is suspected, or a critical fixture has failed, that's when you call for urgent dispatch rather than scheduling a standard appointment.

Blocked drains become emergencies when water can't drain at all and is overflowing inside the home, or when multiple fixtures are affected simultaneously, indicating a main line blockage. A single slow-draining sink is inconvenient but not usually urgent. However, if a toilet is overflowing or a shower is flooding the bathroom, that requires immediate attention to limit water damage and restore hygiene.

Hot water system failures are considered urgent in colder months or when a household has young children, elderly residents, or medical needs. A complete loss of hot water affects daily routines and comfort. If the system is leaking, making unusual noises, or showing visible rust and corrosion, it's safer to have it assessed quickly before a tank failure causes flooding.

Gas-related issues are always treated as high priority. If you smell gas (a distinctive "rotten egg" odour added for safety), hear hissing near an appliance or meter, or notice soot buildup on gas burners, turn off the gas supply at the meter if safe to do so, ventilate the area, and contact us immediately. Gas leaks pose explosion and carbon monoxide risks, so licensed assessment and repair can't wait.

For properties in Como with older plumbing infrastructure, common in homes built during the post-war and Federation eras—pipe failures can escalate quickly due to corrosion or root intrusion. If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure, discoloured water, or damp patches on walls and ceilings, it's worth having the system checked before a small leak becomes a burst.

Our emergency service operates 24/7, every day of the year. When you call, we confirm the nature of the fault, provide an ETA based on current dispatch availability, and send a fully stocked service vehicle with the tools needed to diagnose and repair onsite. Most emergency repairs are completed in a single visit, with parts carried as standard stock.

A burst or leaking pipe is stopped by isolating the water supply to the affected section, locating the failure point, and repairing or replacing the damaged pipe to restore pressure and prevent further water damage. This covers accessible copper, PVC, and galvanised steel pipes in walls, ceilings, and under floors; if the leak is hidden or structural access is required, we explain what's involved and provide a fixed quote before proceeding.

Pipe bursts typically occur due to corrosion in older metal pipes, pressure surges from water hammer, or ground movement affecting buried lines. In Como properties with ageing galvanised steel or copper plumbing, pinhole leaks and joint failures are common as the metal deteriorates over decades of use. Temperature fluctuations can also cause pipe expansion and contraction, stressing joints and weak points.

When you call for a burst pipe, the immediate priority is stopping the water flow to limit damage. If you can safely access your water meter or isolation valve, turning it off will stop the leak until we arrive. If the burst is in a ceiling or wall cavity and water is actively flowing, we'll guide you through safe isolation over the phone while the plumber is on the way.

We use electronic ultrasonic leak detection equipment to pinpoint hidden leaks behind walls, under slabs, or in ceiling spaces without invasive demolition. Once the leak is located, we assess whether the pipe can be repaired with a compression fitting or sleeve, or whether a section needs to be cut out and replaced. The fixed quote covers the diagnosed fault and the work required to make it watertight.

After the repair is completed, we test the system under normal operating pressure to confirm there are no secondary leaks, and check that water flow and pressure have been restored to all affected fixtures. If the burst caused ceiling or wall damage, we can coordinate with your insurer or provide documentation for claims purposes.

For properties with recurring leaks or widespread corrosion, we discuss whether partial or full repiping is a more cost-effective long-term solution than repeated patch repairs. That decision is yours, and we provide transparent pricing for both approaches so you can weigh the options with full information.

Leaking tap problems in Como are repaired by identifying the faulty component, typically a worn washer, O-ring, or ceramic disc cartridge, and replacing it to restore a watertight seal. This covers standard mixer taps, separate hot and cold taps, and laundry and outdoor taps; if the tap body is corroded or the valve seat is damaged beyond resurfacing, replacement may be recommended and quoted separately.

A dripping tap wastes water, increases your water bill, and can stain sinks and basins over time. The constant drip also indicates that internal components are worn and the tap is no longer sealing correctly under mains pressure. In most cases, replacing the washer or cartridge is a straightforward repair that stops the leak immediately.

For older tap designs with separate hot and cold handles, the issue is usually a worn rubber washer that compresses against the valve seat to stop water flow. Over time, the washer hardens, cracks, or wears unevenly, allowing water to seep through even when the tap is fully closed. Replacing the washer and resurfacing the valve seat if needed restores the seal.

Modern mixer taps use ceramic disc cartridges instead of washers. These cartridges are more durable but can still fail due to sediment buildup or manufacturing defects. If the cartridge is faulty, we replace it with a compatible part, and test the tap under normal operating pressure to confirm the leak is resolved.

Outdoor taps and hose connections are prone to leaks at the tap body or hose coupling due to exposure to weather and temperature fluctuations. We inspect the tap for cracks, check the backflow prevention device if fitted, and replace any damaged components to prevent water waste and ensure compliance with Sydney Water's backflow requirements.

After the repair, we confirm that the tap operates smoothly, the leak has stopped, and water flow and temperature control are functioning correctly. If multiple taps in the property are showing wear, we can assess them all in one visit and provide a quote for any additional repairs needed.

Shower repair services in Como address leaking shower heads, faulty mixer valves, low water pressure, and drainage issues by diagnosing the specific fault and replacing or repairing the affected component. This covers standard mixer showers, thermostatic valves, and shower waste fittings; if the leak is coming from behind the tiles or the shower base is compromised, we explain the waterproofing scope and provide a fixed quote before proceeding.

A leaking shower head is often caused by a worn washer or O-ring inside the head or at the swivel connection. Replacing these seals restores a watertight connection and stops the drip. If the shower arm or head thread is corroded, we replace the affected part with a compatible fitting.

Mixer valve faults present as inability to control temperature, fluctuating hot and cold water, or no water flow at all. The issue is usually a worn cartridge inside the mixer body. We replace the cartridge, test the temperature control under operating conditions, and confirm that the mixer responds correctly to adjustment.

Low water pressure in the shower can be caused by sediment buildup in the shower head, a partially closed isolation valve, or pressure imbalance in the hot and cold supply lines. We check the water pressure at the shower outlet, clean or replace the shower head if blocked, and inspect the supply lines for restrictions or valve faults.

Shower waste blockages are cleared by removing the grate and trap, extracting hair and soap buildup, and flushing the waste line to restore drainage. If the blockage is further down the line or the waste pipe is damaged, we use a CCTV inspection to confirm the location and provide a quote for the additional work required.

Leaks from behind the tiles or around the shower base indicate failed waterproofing or damaged tile grout. These leaks can cause structural damage to the floor and walls if not addressed. We assess the extent of the failure, explain whether re-grouting or full waterproofing membrane replacement is required, and provide a fixed quote for the repair.

Gas fitting services in Como include leak detection and repair, appliance installation and replacement, new gas line connections, and compliance testing, all performed by licensed gas fitters to Australian Standards (AS/NZS 5601.1). This covers residential gas hot water systems, cooktops, ovens, and heating appliances; if a gas leakage is detected, the system is isolated immediately, the fault is located and repaired, and a pressure test is performed before the gas supply is restored.

Gas leaks are identified by the distinctive "rotten egg" odour (an added safety odorant called mercaptan), hissing sounds near appliances or the meter, dying vegetation over underground lines, or soot buildup on burners indicating incomplete combustion. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply at the meter if it's safe to do so, ventilate the area, do not operate electrical switches or ignition sources, and contact us immediately.

We use combustible gas detectors and thermal imaging to locate leaks in pipes, fittings, and appliance connections, including those hidden behind walls or under floors. Once the leak is found, we isolate the affected section, repair or replace the faulty component, and conduct a pressure loss test to confirm the system is gas-tight before recommissioning.

New gas appliance installations require correct sizing of the gas line, secure connection to the appliance, and commissioning to confirm safe operation. We test the burner flame pattern, check for leaks at all connection points, and issue a compliance certificate where required by NSW regulations.

Gas hot water system replacements follow the same compliance requirements as new installations. We disconnect the old unit safely, install the new system with compliant fittings and venting, test for leaks, and commission the system to confirm it ignites correctly and maintains temperature. All gas fitting services are performed by licensed gas fitters, and documentation is provided for council and insurance records.

After any gas work, we explain the warning signs of future faults, like yellow or orange flames instead of blue, unusual smells, or pilot lights that won't stay lit, and confirm that you know where the gas isolation valve is located and how to shut it off in an emergency.