Plumbing FAQ's in Silverwater
Booking a plumber often raises practical questions about cost, timing, and what's actually involved. These answers address what Silverwater residents and businesses ask most often. If your question isn't covered below, call 1800 349 338?our line is answered 24/7 and we're happy to clarify what you need before booking.
Should I attempt to fix plumbing issues myself or call a licensed and insured plumber?
Minor tasks like replacing a tap washer or tightening a loose fixture can be handled by a confident DIYer with the right tools, but most plumbing work requires a licensed tradesperson to ensure compliance with Australian Standards and to avoid voiding warranties on fixtures or insurance coverage. Gas work, hot water installations, and drainage repairs are legally restricted to licensed professionals in NSW, and attempting them yourself creates serious safety and legal risks. If you're unsure whether a job requires professional help, a quick call can confirm what's involved.
How much does it cost to hire a plumber in Silverwater?
Plumbing costs vary based on the scope of work, access difficulty, parts required, and whether it's a standard booking or an after-hours emergency. Simple tap repairs or toilet valve replacements typically cost less than hot water system installations or extensive drainage work. We provide fixed-price quotes based on confirmed scope before starting work, so you know the total cost upfront. Call-out fee status for Silverwater is confirmed when booking. There are no hidden costs added at the end; the quoted price is what you pay.
What plumbing services do you handle in Silverwater?
We cover blocked drains (kitchen, bathroom, external lines), hot water service system repairs and installations (electric, gas, heat pump), gas fitting and leak detection, burst pipe repairs, leaking taps and toilets, shower and bathroom renovations, backflow prevention, water filter installations, and roof or gutter leak repairs. For commercial properties, we also handle strata plumbing, maintenance contracts, and compliance documentation. If it involves water, gas, or drainage, we're equipped to assess it and provide a fixed quote for the work required.
Do you provide quotes over the phone or do you need to visit the property?
Accurate pricing requires onsite assessment to confirm the scope, access the affected area, and identify what's causing the issue. We can provide general guidance over the phone about what's typically involved, but the flat-rate quote is always provided onsite after the assessment is complete. This ensures the quote reflects the actual work required and there are no surprises once we start. You decide whether to proceed once the price and scope are confirmed.
What does a licensed and insured plumbing technician actually do that makes them different from an unlicensed handyman?
A properly licensed plumber in NSW has completed a formal apprenticeship, passed trade exams, and holds a current licence issued by NSW Fair Trading (ours is 305428C). This training covers Australian Standards compliance, safety protocols, and the legal requirements for plumbing, drainage, and gas work. Licensed plumbers are also required to carry insurance (Public Liability and Workers Compensation), which protects you if something goes wrong during the job. Using an unlicensed person for plumbing work can void your home insurance, breach building codes, and create serious safety risks.
How quickly can you get to Silverwater for an emergency?
Emergency jobs are dispatched immediately from our West Sydney hub, with an ETA provided when you book. Arrival timing depends on current job load, traffic conditions, and where the nearest available technician is at the time of your call. For active leaks or gas smells, we prioritize getting someone onsite as quickly as possible to make the situation safe and stop further damage. Standard (non-emergency) work is typically scheduled same-day where booking windows allow, or at a time that suits your availability.
What should I do immediately if a pipe bursts while waiting for the plumber?
Turn off the water supply at the mains (usually located at the front boundary near the street or in a meter box) to stop the flow. If water is near electrical outlets, switchboards, or appliances, turn off power at the switchboard if it's safe to do so. Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area if possible. Do not attempt to repair the pipe yourself; wait for the licensed plumbing specialist to assess and fix it properly. Call our emergency line (1800 349 338) and we'll dispatch someone immediately.
Do you service both commercial and residential properties in Silverwater?
Yes, we handle residential homes (houses, units, townhouses) and commercial properties (warehouses, retail tenants, cafés, office buildings, strata complexes). For commercial clients, we can provide documentation suitable for landlord or strata records, work within restricted scheduled access windows, follow site induction requirements, and schedule around business operations to minimize downtime. Our multi-van fleet and team of licensed plumbers means we can handle small repairs and large-scale projects with the same attention to compliance and quality.
Can you clear blocked drains, or will I need a specialist drainage company?
We're equipped to clear most blocked drains using high-pressure water jetting and CCTV camera inspections to diagnose the cause. This covers kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, laundry lines, toilets, and external stormwater or sewer drains. If inspection reveals structural pipe damage (collapsed sections, severe root intrusion, bellied pipes), we can handle repairs using trenchless pipe lining or excavation where access permits. You don't need to call a separate drainage specialist; we assess the blockage, clear it where possible, and explain your options if further work is required.
What does your Lifetime Labour Warranty actually cover?
Our Lifetime Labour Warranty covers the workmanship of the installation or repair we complete. If a fault develops due to how we installed or repaired something, we return to fix it at no additional labour cost. The warranty does not cover manufacturer defects in parts or appliances (those are covered by the manufacturer's warranty), damage caused by misuse, or wear and tear from normal use over time. It's an accountability measure that ensures we stand by the quality of work we perform, and it applies to jobs completed across our entire service area.