Emergency Plumbing FAQs for Galston
These are the questions Galston residents ask most often when dealing with urgent plumbing situations. If your question isn't answered below, call 1800 349 338 and we'll explain your options.
What counts as an emergency plumbing situation?
An emergency is any situation where immediate action prevents further damage: active leaks flooding rooms, ruptured pipes under pressure, blocked sewers backing up into the home, gas leakages requiring isolation, or complete loss of hot water in cold weather. If you're unsure whether your situation is urgent, a quick call can confirm whether immediate dispatch is needed or if a same-day standard booking is more appropriate.
How quickly can you reach Galston for an emergency?
Immediate dispatch means urgent jobs are sent out first, with the nearest available technician allocated from West Sydney and surrounding dispatch points. Arrival timing depends on current bookings and traffic conditions, with ETA updates provided when booking. Access typically follows the Old Northern Road corridor, which can affect arrival windows during weekday peak periods.
Do you charge extra for after-hours emergency calls?
Our pricing is by the job, not by the hour, so the quote you receive is the price you pay regardless of when the work is performed. There are no hidden fees, and the quote is valid for one month from the date issued. Confirm the call-out fee status when booking, as it varies by service area and job type.
What should I do while waiting for the emergency plumber?
For active leaks, isolate water at the meter or the nearest isolation valve to stop flow. For gas leakages, isolate supply at the meter or bottle, ventilate the area, and do not operate electrical switches. For blocked drains backing up, stop using all fixtures connected to that line. We provide brief safety-first guidance by phone to reduce harm while the plumber is on the way, without asking you to diagnose the fault.
Will I get a fixed price before we start?
We provide a fixed-price quote onsite before starting work, so you know the cost upfront. The price is by the job, not by the hour, with no hidden fees. You can decide once scope is finalised and the fixed price is provided. If the initial inspection reveals additional work beyond the emergency repair, those options are explained and quoted separately.
Are your emergency plumbers licensed, insured?
All attending technicians are licensed and comprehensively insured plumbers in NSW (Licence 305428C). We're adequately insured with Public Liability and Workers Compensation, meaning you're protected if accidental property damage occurs during work, and workplace injury cover is maintained for technicians onsite. We confirm identity on arrival and explain what is being done before starting.
What causes burst pipes in Galston properties?
Burst pipes in older Galston properties often result from corrosion in galvanised steel or copper pipes, where internal rust weakens the pipe wall until water pressure causes a rupture. In newer properties, bursts can occur at joints or fittings due to thermal expansion and contraction, or from water hammer (pressure surges when taps are closed quickly). Immediate isolation at the meter stops flow and prevents further water damage.
Can you clear blocked drains without digging up the yard?
Most blockages are cleared using hydro jetting or mechanical clearing, which doesn't require excavation. We use drain inspection cameras to identify the blockage type and location first. If the camera shows structural failure or a complete collapse, trenchless drain relining may be recommended, creating a seamless pipe-within-a-pipe without digging. Excavation is only necessary when the pipe has collapsed or shifted beyond repair.
How do I know if I need a hot water system replacement or repair?
A repair is usually sufficient if the issue is a failed thermostat, heating element, gas burner, or pressure relief valve. Replacement is typically recommended if the tank has corroded and is leaking, the unit is over 10-12 years old with multiple failures, or the system is obsolete with parts no longer available. We assess the system onsite, explain the options, and provide fixed-price quotes for both repair and replacement so you can decide.
Do you provide documentation for landlords and strata?
We provide receipts and job summaries suitable for landlords, agents, and strata maintenance logs. For regulated work (such as gas fitting or backflow prevention), compliance certificates are issued where required. If you need photos or explanations of findings for records, we can provide those as part of the job documentation.
