Emergency Plumber Emerton

An emergency plumbing situation is one where immediate action reduces safety risk or prevents property damage. This includes active water leaks from burst pipes or failed fixtures, gas smells indicating a leak, sewage backflowing into the property, or complete loss of water supply affecting health and safety. If isolating the water or gas at the mains reduces immediate risk, do that first, then call a licensed plumbing technician to assess and repair the fault.

Situations that feel urgent but allow safe delay, such as a dripping tap, slow drain, or a water heater that's lukewarm rather than failed, can usually be handled with same-day or next-available booking rather than emergency dispatch. If you're unsure whether your situation requires immediate attention, a quick call clarifies the urgency and books the right response level.

We prioritise jobs based on risk: gas leaks and active flooding are sent out immediately, while other faults are scheduled to minimise wait time without creating false urgency. This approach ensures the plumber arriving at your door has the right tools, parts, and time allocated to resolve the issue properly rather than rushing between jobs.

Our process for emergency calls starts with isolating the fault where safe, then dispatching a licensed and fully insured plumber to assess the cause, explain what's required, provide a fixed quote, and complete the repair with verification before leaving. You're not asked to diagnose the fault yourself—just explain what you're seeing, and we'll confirm the scope onsite.

Blocked drains in Emerton properties often result from debris buildup in kitchen lines or root intrusion in older external sewer pipes. When a drain backs up, the priority is locating the blockage and clearing it with the least disruptive method for the pipework, typically high-pressure water jetting for grease and roots, or mechanical clearing for solid obstructions. This covers typical internal and external blockages in accessible lines; if CCTV inspection shows structural damage or collapse, the options are explained and scope is verified before any relining or excavation work proceeds.

Our process starts with a CCTV drain camera inspection to identify the blockage type, depth, and precise location within the property boundary. High-definition footage shows whether the restriction is grease, roots, foreign objects, or pipe deterioration, which determines the clearing method. High-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting) fires water at 3,000-5,000 PSI to pulverise roots and scour grease from pipe walls, restoring the line to near-full capacity without damaging the pipe.

For blocked drains requiring urgent attention, sewage backing up into the property, multiple fixtures affected, or overflowing gully traps—we dispatch immediately to contain the issue and restore flow. Once the blockage is cleared, we test the line with water flow and provide footage showing the cleared pipe. If the inspection reveals underlying damage, we explain whether a patch repair, relining, or replacement is recommended and provide a separate quote for that work.

Root intrusion is common in Emerton properties with established trees, where fine roots enter microscopic cracks in aging terracotta or clay pipes and expand over time. Clearing the roots restores flow temporarily, but ongoing root management or pipe lining is often recommended to prevent recurrence. We explain the trade-offs and long-term options once the immediate blockage is resolved.

When a hot water unit fails completely, no hot water at any tap, or an active leak from the tank or valves, we assess whether the fault is repairable or requires replacement. Common emergency faults include failed heating elements in electric storage systems, pilot light or gas valve issues in gas continuous flow units, or pressure relief valve leaks indicating internal tank pressure problems. We diagnose the fault onsite, explain whether repair or replacement is recommended, and provide a fixed quote before starting work.

Hot water system installations must comply with AS/NZS 3500 standards, including mandatory Tempering Valves (limiting tap temperature to 50°C to prevent scalding) and Pressure Relief Valves (preventing tank over-pressurisation). All installations are performed by licensed plumbers, with compliance certificates issued where required. We stock major brands including Rheem, Dux, and Rinnai, and can source specific models if your preferred system isn't in the van.

For hot water system emergencies, an active leak flooding the property, or complete loss of hot water affecting health and hygiene, we prioritise dispatch to restore supply as quickly as possible. If the existing system is beyond economical repair, we explain the replacement options (electric storage, gas continuous flow, heat pump) and provide upfront pricing including removal of the old unit, installation of the new system, and compliance certification.

Fluctuating water temperatures or rust-coloured water in the morning often indicate a failing sacrificial anode rod or sediment buildup within the tank. These issues reduce heating efficiency and can lead to tank corrosion or failure if ignored. We assess the system's condition, explain whether servicing or replacement is more cost-effective given the unit's age, and provide a fixed quote for the recommended work.

Roof and gutter leaks become emergencies during heavy rain, when water enters the property and causes ceiling or wall damage. We assess the leak source, whether it's damaged flashing, blocked or overflowing gutters, or roof penetration failures, then provide temporary weatherproofing if needed and a fixed quote for permanent repair once conditions allow safe roof access.

Blocked gutters are a common cause of overflow and water entry, particularly in properties with established trees. Debris buildup prevents water from draining properly, causing it to back up under roof tiles or overflow into eaves and wall cavities. We clear the blockage, test water flow, and check for any damage caused by prolonged overflow. If gutter realignment or replacement is required, we explain the options and provide a separate quote for that work.

For active roof and gutter leaks during storms, we prioritise containment, placing tarps or temporary seals to prevent further water entry, then schedule permanent repairs once weather conditions allow safe roof access. All roof work is performed with appropriate safety equipment and fall protection, and we coordinate with roofing specialists where structural repairs beyond plumbing scope are required.

Gutter leaks at joints or seams often result from age-related deterioration or thermal expansion stress. We assess whether a section repair or full gutter replacement is more cost-effective, provide a fixed quote for the recommended approach, and complete the work with verification that water drains correctly and no leaks remain under test flow conditions.

Toilet faults requiring urgent attention include blockages causing overflow, continuous running that wastes water and may flood the pan, or leaks at the base indicating a failed wax seal. We assess the fault onsite, clear blockages using appropriate methods (plunger, auger, or hydro-jetting for severe blockages), replace faulty cistern components, or re-seal the toilet base where the wax ring has failed.

A toilet that keeps running after flushing usually indicates a faulty flapper valve, fill valve, or overflow tube issue within the cistern. We assess which component has failed, replace it, adjust the water level, and test the flush cycle to confirm the toilet refills correctly and stops running. These repairs are typically completed in one visit and are backed by our workmanship warranty.

Blocked toilets are cleared using a plunger for minor blockages, a closet auger for obstructions within the toilet trap, or hydro-jetting for blockages further down the sewer line. If the blockage is beyond the toilet and affects the main sewer line, we use CCTV inspection to locate the obstruction and determine the clearing method. For severe blockages requiring excavation or pipe replacement, we explain the options and provide a separate quote for that work.

Leaks at the toilet base, where water seeps from under the toilet onto the floor, indicate a failed wax seal between the toilet outlet and the sewer flange. This requires removing the toilet, replacing the wax seal, and re-seating the toilet with proper alignment and sealing. We test the repair by flushing several times and checking for leaks before considering the job complete. All toilet repairs are verified before leaving.