Emergency Plumbing FAQs for Cremorne
Emergency plumbing situations are stressful, and it's hard to know what to do when water is flooding the floor or you smell gas. These FAQs answer the most common questions Cremorne residents ask when they call us for urgent help. If your question isn't covered here, call us on 1800 349 338 and we'll explain what to do next.
How quickly can you reach Cremorne for an emergency?
Emergency plumbing assistance in Cremorne is dispatched immediately from our Sydney hubs, typically Dolans Bay or West Sydney. Arrival timing depends on traffic conditions around the Spit Bridge and Military Road during peak periods, and on the location of the nearest available licensed and insured plumber when you call. You'll receive an ETA when booking, and we'll update you if delays occur. Most emergency callouts in Cremorne are reached within typical response windows for the Lower North Shore coverage zone.
What counts as a plumbing emergency in Cremorne?
A plumbing emergency is any situation where delay increases property damage, creates safety risks, or makes the home unlivable. This includes broken pipes actively flooding the property, gas leaks or gas odour, blocked drains backing up into living areas, sewer overflows, and hot water unit failures causing leaks or flooding. Non-urgent issues like a slow-draining sink or a dripping tap can be scheduled during standard hours, which often reduces call-out fees and avoids after-hours pricing.
Do you charge extra for after-hours emergency jobs?
After-hours emergency callouts may incur additional fees compared to standard business hours. We explain the call-out fee structure when you book, so you know what to expect before the plumber arrives. The call-out fee covers dispatch, travel, and the initial assessment. Once we've confirmed the fault and explained what's required, we provide a fixed-price quote for the repair work before starting. The price quoted is the price you pay, with no hourly rates or hidden fees added at the end.
What should I do if a pipe bursts while I'm waiting for the plumber?
If a pipe bursts, turn off the water supply at the main meter if you can safely access it, turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near power points, and move valuables away from the leak. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area if needed. Do not attempt to repair the pipe yourself. Once you've taken these steps, call us on 1800 349 338 and we'll dispatch a licensed and fully insured plumber immediately to isolate the fault, stop the flooding, and explain the repair required.
What happens during the first emergency visit?
On arrival, the plumber isolates the affected system (water, gas, or drainage) to make the area safe and prevent further damage. We then assess the fault using diagnostic tools (such as CCTV cameras for blocked drains or leak detection equipment for hidden bursts), explain what caused the problem, and outline what's required to restore function or make the system safe. Once scope is clarified, we provide a flat-rate quote before starting repair work. If the fault can be resolved immediately and parts are on the van, we complete the work and test the outcome before leaving.
Can you fix emergency plumbing issues in Cremorne strata buildings?
Yes. We work with strata managers and building committees to coordinate access, confirm responsibility boundaries (common property vs individual lot), and provide documentation suitable for strata records. For emergency callouts affecting common property (such as major leaks in shared risers or sewer backups in common areas), we dispatch immediately and communicate with the strata manager or on-site building manager to arrange access. All work is completed to Australian Standards and backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship.
What if the emergency repair uncovers additional problems?
If the initial assessment reveals additional work beyond the emergency repair (such as structural pipe damage uncovered during a blockage clearance, or a failed waterproof membrane behind a leaking shower), we explain the situation, outline the options, and provide a separate quote before proceeding. You decide once you know what's involved and what it costs. The emergency repair is completed first to make the system safe and restore basic function, and any additional work is scheduled separately if you choose to proceed.
Are your emergency plumbers licensed and comprehensively insured?
Yes. All our plumbers hold current NSW licences for plumbing, drainage, and gas fitting (Licence 305428C). We're fully insured with Public Liability insurance, which covers accidental property damage that occurs during work, and Workers Compensation insurance, which covers workplace injuries that happen onsite. Our technicians arrive in uniform, can identify themselves before entry, and carry the diagnostic tools and parts needed to assess and repair most emergency faults immediately.
How does your fixed-price quoting work for emergency jobs?
Once we've assessed the fault and confirmed what's required, we provide a fixed-price quote before starting repair work. The price quoted is the price you pay, with no hourly rates or surprise add-ons at the end. The quote covers the full repair scope as explained, including labour, parts, and testing. If the fault requires additional work beyond the initial scope (such as replacing a section of damaged pipe uncovered during the repair), we explain the situation and provide a separate quote before proceeding. You decide once you know what's involved and what it costs.
What areas of Cremorne do you service for emergency plumbing?
We service all of Cremorne, from the residential streets near Robertsons Point down to the strata complexes along Military Road. Cremorne sits within our Lower North Shore coverage zone, and emergency callouts are dispatched from our Sydney hubs (typically Dolans Bay or West Sydney) to reach you as quickly as traffic and current bookings allow. Parking in Cremorne's older, narrower streets can be tight, so our plumbers use smaller service vehicles when access requires it, and we confirm parking and access instructions when you book.