Plumbing FAQ's in Earlwood
Hiring a plumber, especially in an emergency, raises practical questions about cost, timing, and what to expect. Below are answers to the questions Earlwood residents ask most often. If your question isn't covered, call us on 1800 349 338 and we'll walk you through what's involved.
Should I attempt DIY plumbing repairs or hire a licensed plumbing specialist?
DIY plumbing carries significant risks, including water damage, gas leaks, and voiding home warranties or insurance coverage. In NSW, certain work legally requires a licensed plumbing professional, particularly gas fitting, drainage connections, and anything affecting the water supply. Attempting these repairs yourself can result in fines, failed building inspections, and costly damage. Hiring a properly licensed plumber (NSW) ensures the work is completed safely, to code, and with proper insurance protection if something goes wrong.
How much do plumbing services cost in Earlwood?
Plumbing costs vary based on the scope of work, access conditions, and whether parts or materials are needed. We provide fixed-price quotes after assessing the job onsite, so you know the full cost before work starts. There are no hourly rate surprises or hidden fees. For emergency service calls, the call-out fee and diagnostic assessment are explained when you book, and this cost is typically absorbed into the job price if you proceed with the repair. Confirm the call-out fee status when booking to avoid uncertainty.
What types of plumbing work do you handle in Earlwood?
We handle the full range of commercial and domestic plumbing, including blocked drains, broken pipes, leaking taps, toilet repairs, hot water system installations, gas fitting, pipe lining, roof and gutter leaks, and backflow prevention. Our team is equipped to diagnose and repair issues in both older heritage homes with terracotta or galvanised steel pipes and modern properties with PVC and copper systems. If the job requires specialist equipment or access coordination, we'll explain what's involved and confirm timing before starting.
Do you provide quotes over the phone or do you need to visit the property?
All jobs in Earlwood (postcode 2206) require an onsite assessment. Providing accurate pricing over the phone is not possible without seeing the affected area, confirming access, and identifying the cause of the issue. We visit the property, assess the scope using diagnostic tools where needed, and provide a fixed price quote before starting work. This ensures you're not surprised by the final cost and can make an informed decision once you know what's involved.
What does a correctly licensed plumber (NSW) actually do?
Licensed plumbers install, repair, and maintain water supply systems, drainage, gas lines, and fixtures in commercial and domestic properties. This includes diagnosing faults, clearing blockages, replacing pipes, installing hot water systems, connecting gas appliances, and ensuring all work complies with Australian Standards and NSW regulations. Licensing requires formal training, practical experience, and passing competency assessments, which ensures the tradesperson has the knowledge and skills to complete the work safely and legally.
How do I stop a toilet from running continuously?
A toilet that keeps running after flushing usually indicates a faulty flapper valve, fill valve, or float mechanism inside the cistern. Turning off the water supply at the isolation valve behind the toilet will stop the flow temporarily, but the underlying fault needs repair. Toilet repairs are typically straightforward and cost-effective. We carry common cistern parts and can usually complete the repair during the first visit, restoring normal function and preventing water waste.
What should I do if my shower is leaking?
Shower leaks can occur at the showerhead connection, mixer valve, or through damaged grout and waterproofing in the shower base or walls. A leaking showerhead is usually a quick fix involving a new washer or thread seal. Leaks from the mixer or through the wall require more investigation to locate the source and assess whether waterproofing or pipe repairs are needed. We assess the leak, explain what's causing it, and provide a fixed-price quote for the repair once scope is verified.
Do you service the entire Earlwood area?
Yes, we service all of Earlwood (postcode 2206) and the broader Inner West and South Western Sydney regions. We also travel up to 60 km from our dispatch hubs for emergency callouts. Our local presence means response times are reliable, and we're familiar with the area's infrastructure, housing stock, and common plumbing issues. If you're unsure whether we cover your specific location, call us and we'll confirm availability and timing.
Can you unblock drains in Earlwood properties?
Yes, blocked drain clearing is one of our core services. We use high-pressure jetting to remove tree roots, grease, and debris, and CCTV drain cameras to identify the blockage location and assess pipe condition. This allows us to confirm whether clearing alone will resolve the issue or if pipe replacement or relining is needed. Once the blockage is cleared, we test flow and explain any underlying issues that could cause future blockages if left unaddressed.
How quickly can you reach an Earlwood property for an emergency?
Emergency jobs are dispatched immediately, and the nearest available technician is allocated from our local hubs. An ETA is provided when you book, based on current jobs and travel time. Arrival timing depends on traffic conditions and the location within Earlwood, but our local dispatch capability means we typically reach most Inner West properties within typical emergency response windows. If the issue is urgent but not immediately life-threatening, same-day service is usually available. Call us to confirm current availability and expected arrival time.
