Plumbing FAQ's in Ermington
These are the questions Ermington residents ask most often when booking a plumber. If your question isn't covered here, call us and we'll explain what's involved and how we can help.
Should I try to fix plumbing issues myself or hire a professional?
Plumbing work in NSW must be completed by a licensed, insured plumber to comply with the National Construction Code and AS/NZS 3500 standards. Unlicensed work can void your home insurance, fail building inspections, and create safety hazards like gas leaks, water damage, or sewage contamination. If you're dealing with anything beyond replacing a tap washer or unblocking a sink trap with a plunger, book a properly licensed NSW plumber to ensure the work is done safely and legally.
How much does plumbing work cost in Ermington?
Plumbing costs depend on the scope of work, access, materials, and whether it's an emergency callout. We provide a flat-rate quote before starting, based on the assessment and confirmed scope. The price is by the job, not by the hour, and it includes the work as scoped with no surprise charges. If you're unsure whether something is urgent or what's involved, call and we'll explain the process and what affects the cost.
What plumbing services do you offer in Ermington?
We handle blocked drains, burst and leaking pipes, hot water system repairs and installations, leaking taps, roof and gutter leaks, shower repairs, toilet repairs, gas fitting, and general plumbing maintenance. We also offer CCTV drain inspections, high-pressure water jetting, pipe relining, and leak detection. If it involves water, drainage, or gas, we can assess it and explain what's needed to fix it properly.
Do you provide onsite quotes, or can you quote over the phone?
Most plumbing work requires an onsite inspection to confirm the scope and provide an accurate fixed-price quote. Quoting over the phone without seeing the issue often leads to inaccurate pricing and unexpected costs once the work starts. We assess the job in person, explain what's involved, and provide a fixed quote before starting. Once you approve the quote, the price stays the same unless the scope changes and you approve the revised quote.
What does a plumber actually do?
Plumbers install, repair, and maintain water supply systems, drainage systems, hot water systems, gas lines, and fixtures like taps, toilets, and showers. The work involves diagnosing faults, replacing or repairing components, testing systems to ensure they operate safely and efficiently, and ensuring all work complies with Australian Standards and local regulations. Licensed plumbers are also trained in gas fitting, drainage, and backflow prevention.
How do I stop my toilet from running constantly?
A toilet that keeps running is usually caused by a worn flapper valve or a faulty fill valve inside the cistern. Turning off the water at the isolation valve behind the toilet will stop the water flow temporarily, but the fault needs to be repaired to prevent ongoing water waste. Replacing the flapper or fill valve is straightforward and usually resolves the issue on the first visit. If you're not sure what's causing it, book a repair and we'll assess and fix it quickly.
Can you fix a leaking shower?
Yes. Shower leaks are usually caused by failed grout or sealant around tiles, a worn mixer cartridge, or a cracked shower base. We locate the source of the leak, repair or replace the failed components, and test the repair to ensure it's watertight. If the leak has caused water damage to the surrounding structure, we'll explain what's needed to repair it and prevent further damage. Leaking showers get worse over time, so it's worth fixing early.
Do you service the entire Ermington area?
Yes. We service all of Ermington and the surrounding suburbs, dispatching from our West Sydney hub. We can reach most properties in the area within typical response windows, and we operate 24/7 for emergencies. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, call and we'll confirm availability and provide an ETA.
Can you unblock drains in Ermington?
Yes. We clear blocked drains using CCTV drain cameras to locate the blockage, then hydro jetting or mechanical clearing to remove it. We also inspect the pipe for structural damage and explain whether any follow-up work is needed to prevent future blockages. Most blockages can be cleared on the first visit, but if the pipe is damaged or collapsed, we'll provide a fixed quote for the repair before proceeding.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency in Ermington?
We operate 24/7 for emergencies and dispatch immediately when urgent jobs come in. Response times depend on current bookings, traffic, and the location of the nearest available technician, but we provide an ETA when you book so you know when to expect us. If you're dealing with an active leak, gas smell, or sewage backup, call immediately and we'll prioritise the callout.