Emergency Plumbing FAQs for Erskineville
Plumbing emergencies are stressful and often happen at inconvenient times. The questions below address common concerns about emergency callouts, pricing, response times, and what to expect during an urgent repair in Erskineville.
How quickly can Fixed Today Plumbing reach Erskineville for an emergency?
We dispatch the nearest available licensed plumber from our West Sydney hub immediately for urgent jobs, with typical Inner West response windows depending on current bookings and traffic conditions. You receive an ETA update when booking so you know when to expect arrival. Genuine emergencies (broken pipes, gas leaks, sewage backups) are prioritised over routine work.
What does the call-out fee cover for emergency plumbing in Erskineville?
The call-out fee covers the plumber's travel and initial onsite assessment. Confirm the call-out fee status when booking, as it varies by service area and job type. Once the fault is diagnosed, we provide a fixed-price quote for the repair work, and you decide whether to proceed. There are no surprise charges added later.
Do you provide upfront pricing for emergency plumbing repairs?
Yes. After diagnosing the fault onsite using specialised equipment, we provide a fixed-price quote covering the full scope of the repair before starting any work. The quote is valid for the job as described, and if inspection reveals additional issues, we explain the options and provide a separate quote before proceeding with any extra work.
What should I do if I smell gas in my Erskineville property?
If you smell gas (a distinctive "rotten egg" odour), turn off the gas supply at the meter if it's safe to do so, open windows for ventilation, do not operate electrical switches or appliances, and call us immediately for an emergency gas leak assessment. Our licensed gas fitters will locate the leak, make the system safe, and complete repairs to AS/NZS 5601.1 standards.
Can you repair hot water systems in Erskineville on the same day?
In many cases, yes, if the fault is repairable and we have the required parts in our mobile workshops. If the system needs replacement due to age, safety concerns, or irreparable damage, we explain the options and provide a fixed quote for a new installation, which can often be completed the same day or next day depending on the system type and access.
What causes blocked drains in older Erskineville properties?
Older Erskineville properties often have original terracotta or clay drainage lines that are vulnerable to tree root intrusion from established street trees. Fine roots enter microscopic cracks, expand over time, and trap debris, eventually causing a full blockage. Kitchen drains also commonly block from FOG (Fat, Oil, Grease) buildup, which solidifies and narrows the pipe diameter.
Do you service strata and apartment buildings in Erskineville?
Yes. We work with strata committees, property managers, and owners corporations across Erskineville to handle common property drainage repairs, emergency callouts, and scheduled maintenance. We provide clear documentation for strata records, explain lot vs common property responsibility boundaries where relevant, and coordinate access through occupied units to minimise disruption.
Are your emergency plumbers licensed, insured in NSW?
Yes. All attending technicians are licensed plumbers (NSW) (Licence 305428C), and Fixed Today Plumbing carries comprehensive Public Liability insurance (protection if accidental property damage occurs during work) and Workers Compensation (protection related to workplace injuries on the job). Our emergency repairs are backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship.
What happens if a burst pipe is causing active water damage?
If a pipe has burst and water is actively damaging your property, turn off the water supply at the mains if you can access it safely, then call us immediately for emergency dispatch. Our plumber will isolate the affected section, stop the leak, assess the damage, and provide a fixed quote for the repair. We can also provide documentation and photos for insurance claims where needed.
Can you clear blocked drains in Erskineville properties with tight rear lane access?
Yes. Compact terrace layouts and narrow rear lanes are common in Erskineville, and we use equipment sized for tight access constraints. For external drainage blockages, we may need to coordinate with neighbours or strata where shared laneways or common property boundaries affect access. We confirm access requirements during the initial assessment and explain any coordination needed before starting work.