Plumbing FAQ's in North Willoughby
Booking a plumber raises practical questions, especially when you're unsure what's involved or what it will cost. Below are answers to questions North Willoughby residents commonly ask. If your specific question isn't covered, call us on 1800 349 338 and we'll explain what's involved and arrange a convenient time for an onsite assessment.
Should I attempt plumbing repairs myself or call a licensed plumbing technician?
Licensed plumbing work in NSW must be completed by a qualified tradesperson to meet safety and compliance standards. DIY plumbing repairs risk causing further damage, voiding property insurance, and failing building inspections. For anything beyond basic fixture cleaning, it's safer and more cost-effective to book a licensed North Willoughby plumber who can diagnose the fault correctly and complete the work to code.
How is plumbing work priced and what affects the cost?
Plumbing is priced by the job, not by the hour. The cost depends on the scope of work, parts required, access difficulty, and time onsite. We provide a fixed-price quote after assessing the issue onsite, so you know the total cost before work starts. There are no hidden fees added at the end. To confirm the call-out fee status for North Willoughby, ask when you book.
What types of plumbing services are available in North Willoughby?
We provide drain blockage clearing, hot water system installations and repairs, leaking tap and toilet repairs, burst pipe repairs, gas fitting, roof and gutter leak fixes, shower repairs, strata plumbing, and 24/7 emergency plumbing across North Willoughby and surrounding suburbs. If it involves water supply, drainage, or gas, we can assess it and provide a fixed-price quote.
Do you provide onsite quotes or quote over the phone?
Accurate plumbing quotes require an onsite assessment to confirm the scope, access conditions, and parts needed. Quoting over the phone risks underestimating the work and surprising you with higher costs later. We attend the property, assess the issue, explain what's involved, and provide a fixed-price quote before any work starts. You can then decide whether to proceed based on confirmed pricing and scope.
What qualifications and licensing do your plumbers hold?
All attending plumbers are licensed in NSW under Licence 305428C, which covers plumbing, drainage, and gas fitting. The business holds current Public Liability and Workers Compensation insurance, protecting you if accidental property damage or a workplace injury occurs during the job. Technicians carry ID and can confirm their credentials on arrival.
How do I stop a running toilet temporarily?
If a toilet won't stop running after flushing, you can temporarily stop the water flow by turning off the isolation valve behind the toilet (turn clockwise until it stops). This prevents further water waste until a plumber can assess the cistern components and replace the failed part. Book a licensed and insured plumber to repair the fault properly rather than leaving the valve off long-term.
Can you repair a leaking shower quickly?
Shower leak repairs depend on the cause. A dripping tap or worn mixer cartridge can often be repaired on the first visit if parts are available. Leaks from the shower base or behind tiles may involve failed waterproofing, which requires more extensive repair including possible tile removal and re-waterproofing. We assess the leak, explain the scope, and provide a fixed-fee quote before starting any work.
Do you service all of North Willoughby and surrounding suburbs?
Yes, Fixed Today Plumbing services the entire 2068 postcode and surrounding Lower North Shore suburbs. We dispatch from nearby hubs across Sydney's metro area, with capacity to travel up to a 60km radius for urgent callouts. Response times depend on current job allocation and traffic conditions, and we provide an ETA when you book.
What methods do you use to clear blocked drains?
We use high-definition CCTV drain cameras to locate and identify the blockage, then high-pressure water jetting to clear it. The CCTV check shows what's blocking the line (roots, grease, debris, or structural damage) and where it's located. Hydro-jetting pulverises roots and scours grease from pipe walls, restoring flow capacity. If the camera reveals structural damage, we explain the repair options and confirm scope before proceeding.
How quickly can you attend an emergency plumbing callout?
Emergency plumbing jobs are dispatched immediately, with the nearest available technician sent from our local dispatch locations. Typical response windows for the Lower North Shore depend on current workload and traffic conditions. An ETA is provided when you book, and we update you if delays occur. For safety-critical situations such as gas leaks or active flooding, we prioritise rapid attendance and can provide brief safety guidance by phone while the plumber is on the way.