Emergency Plumbing FAQs for North Narrabeen
These questions reflect what North Narrabeen residents ask when facing urgent plumbing issues. The answers are direct, factual, and grounded in how emergency plumbing actually works. If your question isn't covered here, call 1800 349 338 to discuss your situation and confirm what happens next.
How quickly can you reach North Narrabeen for an emergency?
Urgent jobs are dispatched immediately, with the nearest available plumber allocated from our Northern Beaches coverage area. An estimated arrival time is provided when you book, though actual timing depends on current workload and traffic along Pittwater Road and Wakehurst Parkway. If the issue is immediately hazardous (active leak, gas smell), we provide safety-first phone guidance to reduce harm while the plumber is on the way.
Do you charge extra for after-hours or weekend emergencies?
After-hours work may include an emergency surcharge, which is quoted upfront when you book, not added as a surprise at the end. The fixed-price quote provided onsite includes all labour, parts, and any applicable surcharges, so you know the full cost before deciding to proceed. We don't inflate pricing during emergencies or charge by the hour.
What counts as a plumbing emergency versus something that can wait?
A plumbing emergency involves immediate risk: broken pipes flooding rooms, active gas leaks, complete loss of water supply, or sewer backing up into the property. Issues like a dripping tap, slow-draining sink, or intermittent hot water fluctuation can usually wait for a scheduled appointment without creating safety or property damage risks. If you're unsure, call and describe what's happening, we'll confirm the urgency.
How do you locate the source of a hidden leak?
Hidden leaks behind walls or under floors are traced using electronic ultrasonic leak detection and thermal imaging cameras. These tools identify temperature differentials and sound patterns from escaping water without invasive demolition. Once the leak location is confirmed, we access the affected pipe with minimal disruption, repair or replace the damaged section, then test and verify the fix before closing up.
Can you fix blocked drains permanently or just clear them temporarily?
Temporary clearing removes the blockage and restores flow, but doesn't address the underlying cause (root intrusion, pipe damage, bellied sections). After clearing, we run a CCTV camera through the line to confirm the pipe condition. If structural issues are found, we explain the options, pipe relining, section replacement, or ongoing maintenance, and provide clear pricing for the permanent fix. You decide whether to proceed with the long-term solution or just the immediate clearing.
What should I do while waiting for the emergency plumber to arrive?
For broken pipes, locate and turn off the water main to stop flooding (usually near the front boundary or meter box). For gas leaks, don't operate electrical switches, ventilate the area if safe, and evacuate if the smell is strong. For sewer backups, avoid using water fixtures until the plumber arrives. We provide brief safety-first guidance by phone when you book if immediate action is needed to limit damage.
Do your plumbers carry the parts needed to fix emergencies on the spot?
Our mobile workshops are stocked with common parts for burst pipes, leaking fixtures, hot water systems, and drainage clearing equipment. Most straightforward emergency repairs (split fittings, failed washers, standard blockages) can be completed on the first visit once scope is verified. If specialised parts or full system replacements are needed, we make the property safe first, then return with the required materials to complete the permanent fix.
Are your emergency plumbers properly licensed and insured for residential work?
All attending technicians are licensed, insured plumbers in NSW under our master licence 305428C. We carry comprehensive Public Liability insurance (covering accidental property damage during work) and Workers Compensation insurance (covering workplace injuries on the job). Technicians arrive in uniform, carry identification, and can verify credentials before entering your property. Police checks and background checks are completed as part of our employment process.
Will you provide a written quote before starting emergency repairs?
Once the issue is assessed onsite and scope is established, a fixed-price quote is provided before repair work starts. The quote covers labour, parts, and any applicable after-hours surcharges. You decide whether to proceed once you understand the full cost. If scope changes during work (additional damage discovered, more extensive repair needed), we stop, explain the situation, and provide a revised quote before continuing.
What areas around North Narrabeen do you service for emergencies?
Fixed Today Plumbing services the entire Northern Beaches region, including North Narrabeen, Narrabeen, Warriewood, Mona Vale, and surrounding suburbs. We dispatch from multiple Sydney hubs, with coverage extending up to 60 km from our base locations for emergency jobs. If you're located in a neighbouring suburb, call to confirm coverage and estimated arrival time for your specific address.
