Emergency Plumbing FAQ's in Double Bay
Urgent plumbing faults are stressful, particularly when they occur outside business hours or threaten property damage. The questions below address common concerns about emergency plumbing in Double Bay, including response times, pricing, and what to expect during an urgent callout. If your question isn't answered here, call us and we'll explain the process for your specific situation.
What qualifies as a plumbing crisis in Double Bay?
A plumbing emergency is a fault that risks property damage, safety hazards, or loss of essential services. Burst pipes flooding the property, gas leaks causing a safety risk, blocked sewers backing up into the home, and complete hot water failure in winter are typical emergencies. If the fault can wait until business hours without increasing damage or risk, it is not an emergency. When booking, we confirm urgency and explain whether immediate dispatch is justified or a scheduled appointment is more appropriate.
How quickly can Fixed Today reach Double Bay for an emergency?
We dispatch from localised hubs across Sydney, with rapid access to Double Bay via New South Head Road and the Edgecliff interchange, allowing arrival during typical response windows for urgent calls. Immediate dispatch means urgent jobs are sent out first, with the nearest available technician allocated and an ETA provided when you book. Arrival timing depends on current bookings, traffic conditions, and the technician's location when dispatched. We update you if delays occur due to traffic or prior job overruns.
Do you charge extra for after-hours or weekend emergency service calls?
Pricing for emergency work is transparent, with a fixed-price quote provided before work starts based on confirmed scope. The price is by the job, not by the hour, and the quote is valid for one month from the date issued. Check the call-out fee status for Double Bay when booking, as suburb-specific call-out fee arrangements vary. No hidden costs are added after work is completed, and you can decide whether to proceed once the scope and price are explained.
What should I do if I smell gas in my Double Bay home?
If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply at the meter if safe to do so, ventilate the area by opening windows, do not operate electrical switches or create sparks, and leave the property if the smell is strong. Arrange an assessment immediately so the system can be checked and made safe. Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself or use matches or lighters to test for gas. Gas leaks are a safety risk and require professional detection and repair by a licensed and fully insured gas fitter.
Can you fix a broken pipe without digging up my Double Bay property?
Trenchless pipe lining is a viable alternative to excavation for many burst pipe repairs, provided the pipe has not completely collapsed. Pipe relining involves inserting a resin-saturated liner into the damaged section, which is then inflated and cured to create a seamless, structurally independent pipe-within-a-pipe. This method is effective for repairs beneath driveways, bathrooms, or established landscaping. We assess the fault onsite using CCTV inspection, explain whether relining is suitable, and provide a fixed-price quote for the repair method before proceeding.
What if my toilet is blocked and overflowing?
If your toilet is blocked and overflowing, stop using it immediately to prevent further overflow and potential hygiene hazards. Turn off the water supply to the cistern if possible, and do not attempt to flush repeatedly, as this increases the overflow. Arrange an assessment so the blockage can be cleared safely. We use CCTV cameras to locate blockages in the trap or waste line, then clear the obstruction using high-pressure water jetting or mechanical methods. Once cleared, we test the flush and check for leaks before leaving.
How do I know if a leaking shower is an emergency?
A leaking shower is an emergency if water is actively flooding the bathroom, leaking through the ceiling into the room below, or causing visible structural damage. If the leak is minor and contained within the shower area, it can usually wait until business hours for assessment. Delaying repair of any shower leak increases the risk of water damage to timber framing, plasterboard, and wall cavities, and can cause mould growth. We assess the fault onsite, explain whether immediate repair is required, and provide a fixed-price quote before proceeding.
Do you service strata buildings and apartments in Double Bay?
Yes, we provide strata plumbing services in Double Bay, including emergency repairs, planned maintenance, and compliance work for multi-unit commercial and residential buildings. We coordinate with strata managers and building committees to confirm access, approvals, and responsibility boundaries before starting. For urgent strata repairs, we attend immediately to make the fault safe and prevent further damage, then provide a detailed scope and quote for permanent repair once the extent of the damage is confirmed.
What payment methods do you accept for emergency plumbing?
We accept all major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Payment is due upon completion of work, and we provide receipts and invoices suitable for landlords, agents, and business records. For larger projects, payment arrangements can be discussed when the quote is provided. We do not require payment before the scope is clarified and you have agreed to proceed.
Are your plumbers licensed and insured for work in Double Bay?
All attending technicians are licensed plumbers (NSW), and Fixed Today Plumbing is fully licensed for Plumbing, Drainage, and Gas Fitting (Licence 305428C). We're fully insured with current Public Liability and Workers Compensation policies. Public Liability protects you if accidental property damage occurs during work; Workers Compensation covers workplace injuries on the job. Police checks and background checks are completed for technicians, and you can ask for identification on arrival.