Emergency Plumbing FAQ's in Frenchs Forest
Emergency plumbing situations are stressful, and clear answers help you make decisions quickly. The questions below cover the practical concerns we hear most often from Frenchs Forest residents dealing with urgent plumbing faults. If your specific situation isn't addressed here, a quick call to 1800 349 338 is enough to get immediate guidance and arrange an assessment.
What qualifies as a plumbing emergency in Frenchs Forest?
A plumbing emergency is any fault that risks property damage, safety hazards, or loss of essential services: burst pipes flooding rooms, gas leaks requiring isolation, severe blocked drain issues causing sewage backup, or complete hot water unit failure in winter. If you're unsure whether your situation is urgent, a quick call can confirm whether immediate dispatch is needed or whether the fault can be scheduled for a standard appointment without risking further damage.
How quickly can you reach Frenchs Forest for an emergency?
Fixed Today dispatches from local hubs across Sydney's Northern Beaches and North Shore, with urgent jobs sent out immediately and the nearest available licensed and insured plumber allocated. An ETA is provided when you book, typically within one to two hours for genuine emergencies, though arrival timing depends on current job load, traffic conditions, and the specific location within Frenchs Forest. If there's a delay, you'll be notified and kept updated on the technician's progress.
Do you charge extra for after-hours emergency callouts?
We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Frenchs Forest. Pricing is based on the scope of work required, not the time of day, and a fixed-price quote is provided before we begin so you can decide whether to proceed once cost is confirmed. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges at the end, and the call-out fee status is confirmed when you book (many service areas have no call-out fee; check when arranging the visit).
What should I do immediately if a pipe bursts?
If a pipe bursts and water is flooding the property, turn off the water supply at the mains (usually located at the front boundary near the street) to stop further damage, then call us immediately on 1800 349 338 so we can dispatch a NSW-licensed plumbing specialist to assess the fault, isolate the damaged section, and complete the repair. Move belongings away from the water if safe to do so, and avoid using electrical appliances or switches in wet areas until the plumber confirms it's safe.
Can you fix blocked drains on the first visit?
Most blocked drains are cleared on the first visit using high-pressure water jetting or mechanical tools, provided the blockage is accessible and the pipe structure is intact. If CCTV inspection reveals structural damage?such as a collapsed or cracked pipe?the clearing is completed to restore drainage, then repair options are explained and quoted once the full scope is confirmed. We carry diagnostic equipment and common clearing tools in our mobile workshops, which means we can assess and clear typical blockages without waiting for equipment or parts.
What happens if the fault is worse than initially thought?
If onsite inspection reveals the fault extends beyond the initial scope?such as a burst pipe caused by widespread corrosion, or a blocked drain caused by a collapsed section?the additional work is explained in plain English and quoted before proceeding. You receive a revised fixed-price quote covering the full scope, and you decide whether to proceed with the additional work or arrange it separately. We don't start unquoted work without your approval, and the original quote remains valid for the initially scoped work.
Are your emergency plumbers licensed and fully insured?
All attending plumbers are licensed in NSW (Plumber, Drainer & Gasfitter - 305428C). Fixed Today carries full Public Liability insurance (protection if accidental property damage occurs during work) and Workers Compensation insurance (protection related to workplace injuries on the job). We provide documentation and photos where relevant, and all work is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship, meaning we stand by the repairs we complete.
Do you service strata properties and apartment blocks in Frenchs Forest?
Yes, we service strata properties including units, townhouses, and apartment blocks throughout Frenchs Forest. Strata plumbing often involves confirming responsibility boundaries between lot owner and owners corporation, coordinating access with strata managers, and working within building rules regarding noise and parking. We provide documentation suitable for strata records and maintenance logs, and we follow site requirements including inductions and sign-in procedures where applicable.
Can you provide documentation for insurance claims?
Yes, for emergency work involving property damage?such as a burst pipe that has flooded rooms or damaged ceilings?we provide photos, scope documentation, and invoices suitable for insurance claims and landlord records. If the damage requires further assessment by a building inspector or insurance assessor, we coordinate access and provide technical details where requested. The documentation is provided at no additional charge as part of the emergency service.
What payment methods do you accept for emergency work?
We accept all major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Payment is due upon completion of the work once you've confirmed the repair is complete and the system is functioning correctly. If the job requires parts or materials that aren't in stock, we explain the delay and confirm payment arrangements before ordering. For larger commercial or strata jobs, alternative payment terms can be arranged in advance.