Emergency Plumber St Andrews

Urgent plumbing in St Andrews covers urgent situations where continued use of the system creates a safety risk, causes active property damage, or leaves a home without essential water or gas supply. Fixed Today Plumbing handles burst pipes, gas leaks, sewer backups, complete hot water service failures, and other time-critical faults that require immediate professional attention. Our process starts with an onsite assessment to isolate the fault, confirm what's affected, and explain the repair scope and fixed price before work begins.

A burst pipe or active leak can cause structural water damage within hours, particularly if it's behind walls or under floors. In practice, we see broken pipes in older galvanised steel or copper lines where corrosion has thinned the wall, or in PVC joints that have shifted due to ground movement. The priority is stopping the water flow, assessing the extent of damage, and confirming whether a localised repair is sufficient or if sections need replacing.

Gas leaks require prompt attention due to the explosion and carbon monoxide risks. If you smell gas (the added "rotten egg" odour), hear hissing near appliances, or notice dying vegetation over underground gas lines, turn off the gas at the meter if safe to do so and arrange an assessment. Our licensed gas fitters use combustible gas detectors and pressure testing to locate leaks, repair or replace affected sections, and verify the system is gas-tight before recommissioning.

Blocked drains and sewer backups become urgent when wastewater is entering the home or when multiple fixtures are affected simultaneously, which typically indicates a main line obstruction. We use high-definition CCTV drain cameras to locate the blockage and identify the cause (tree roots, collapsed pipe sections, or solidified grease), then clear it using high-pressure water jetting. If the camera reveals structural damage, we explain the repair options and confirm scope once the line is accessible.

Our 24/7 availability means urgent jobs are dispatched immediately from our West Sydney hub, with the plumber contacting you to confirm ETA once allocated. Fixed upfront pricing applies to all emergency work; the quote provided onsite is the price you pay, with no hourly rates or surprise charges added later. You decide whether to proceed once the scope and price are confirmed.

Blocked drains across St Andrews homes usually trace back to tree root intrusion in older terracotta or clay sewer lines, or Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG) buildup in kitchen waste lines where solidified grease traps food scraps and paper products. Our approach starts with a high-definition CCTV drain camera inspection to identify the blockage type, depth, and precise location, which tells us whether clearing alone will restore flow or if structural repair is needed.

High-pressure water jetting uses specialized nozzles firing water at 3,000 to 5,000 PSI to pulverise roots and scour grease from pipe walls, restoring the line to near-full capacity. This method is effective for most blockages in PVC, clay, cast iron, and concrete pipes, provided the pipe structure hasn't collapsed. If the camera shows cracks, displaced joints, or root masses too dense to clear, we explain the options: trenchless drain relining (where a resin-saturated liner is inserted and cured inside the existing pipe) or excavation and replacement of the affected section.

Kitchen sink blockages are typically FOG-related. As hot grease cools in the pipe, it solidifies and narrows the diameter, eventually trapping food waste and causing a slow drain or complete backup. The jetter clears it, but long-term prevention involves disposing of fats and oils in the bin rather than the sink. Main sewer line blockages often present as multiple fixtures draining slowly or backing up simultaneously, gurgling sounds from floor drains, or sewage odour around gully traps. That pattern indicates the obstruction is downstream of all branch lines, usually in the section between the house and the street connection.

Stormwater clogged drains become obvious during heavy rain, when water pools around the property rather than draining away. Common causes include leaf litter, silt buildup, or root intrusion into older terracotta stormwater pipes. We clear the line and check that downpipes are discharging correctly and grates aren't obstructed. Following our standard process, the camera footage is reviewed with you onsite, the fixed price is confirmed before clearing begins, and we test flow rates after the work to verify the line is functioning properly.

Roof and gutter leaks in residential properties often start as small entry points where sealant has perished, flashing has lifted, or gutter joints have separated, then escalate during heavy rain when water volume overwhelms the compromised seal and enters the roof space or flows down internal walls. Early intervention prevents the leak from causing ceiling damage, insulation saturation, or electrical hazards where water contacts wiring.

Our assessment involves inspecting the roof and gutter system to locate the entry point, checking that downpipes are clear and discharging correctly, and confirming the gutter fall directs water toward outlets rather than pooling. Common issues include rusted gutter sections in older homes, blocked downpipes causing overflow, or missing roof tiles and deteriorated ridge capping. Once the fault is identified, we explain what needs replacing or resealing, provide a fixed quote, and complete the work using weather-resistant materials suited to Australian conditions.

For properties with tile or metal roofing, we check that sarking (the waterproof membrane under the tiles or sheets) is intact and that penetrations like vent pipes and skylights are properly flashed and sealed. If the leak has caused internal damage, we note the affected areas and recommend follow-up trades (ceiling repairs, repainting) once the roof is watertight. In strata or multi-unit properties, roof and gutter repairs are typically common property responsibility, so we coordinate with strata managers and provide documentation suitable for maintenance records.

After repairs are complete, we test the gutter system by running water through it and checking that flow is directed correctly and no leaks appear at joints or downpipe connections. Durable repairs reduce the chance of repeat call-outs and protect the property from the long-term structural issues that result from uncontrolled water entry.

Toilet faults range from minor annoyances (a constantly running cistern) to urgent hygiene issues (a blocked pan that's overflowing or a cracked cistern leaking water across the floor). We address both routine repairs and emergency situations, with the first visit used to diagnose the fault, confirm what parts or replacement are needed, and provide a fixed quote before proceeding.

A toilet that keeps running after flushing usually indicates a failed flapper valve or inlet valve inside the cistern, where the seal no longer closes completely and water continuously flows into the overflow. This wastes hundreds of litres daily and is audible as a constant trickle. The repair involves replacing the faulty valve components, adjusting the float height if needed, and testing that the cistern fills to the correct level and shuts off cleanly.

Blocked toilets occur when foreign objects, excessive paper, or non-flushable items obstruct the pan outlet or the waste line immediately downstream. If plunging doesn't clear it, we use a closet auger (a specialized short snake designed for toilet traps) or remove the pan to access the blockage if it's lodged in the S-bend. Where the blockage is further downstream in the sewer line, a CCTV CCTV check locates it and determines whether jetting will clear it or if structural issues need addressing.

Cracked cisterns or pans require replacement rather than repair, as the crack will continue to leak and worsen over time. We confirm the suite measurements (S-trap or P-trap configuration, setout distance, and cistern type) to source a compatible replacement, then remove the old suite, install the new one with compliant connections, and test for leaks and proper flushing action before leaving.

All toilet repairs and installations must comply with Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) requirements and local plumbing codes. We ensure connections are watertight, the cistern is securely mounted, and the flush mechanism operates correctly. After repairs, we verify the toilet flushes cleanly, refills to the correct level without overflowing, and that no leaks appear at the pan collar or cistern connections.

Burst pipes cause rapid water damage and require immediate professional attention to stop the flow, isolate the affected section, and repair or replace the damaged pipe before water saturates structural timber, ceiling plaster, or electrical systems. In practice, ruptured pipes in residential properties usually occur in older galvanised steel or copper lines where internal corrosion has thinned the pipe wall to the point of failure, or in PVC lines where ground movement has stressed a joint or a physical impact has cracked the pipe.

The first priority is stopping the water flow by turning off the water supply at the meter or isolation valve. If the leak is behind a wall or under a floor, we use electronic ultrasonic leak detection to pinpoint the location without unnecessary demolition, then access the pipe through the smallest practical opening to minimize repair costs and disruption. Once the damaged section is exposed, we assess whether a localized repair (cutting out the burst section and joining new pipe) is sufficient, or if the surrounding pipe shows similar deterioration and warrants replacing a longer run to avoid repeat failures.

Hidden leaks (where water escapes slowly behind walls or under concrete slabs) are harder to detect but cause more long-term damage as the moisture saturates building materials over weeks or months before becoming obvious. Warning signs include unexplained water usage increases on bills, damp patches on walls or ceilings, a musty smell in certain rooms, or the sound of running water when all taps are off. We locate these using acoustic leak detection or thermal imaging, which identifies temperature differences caused by water escaping into surrounding materials.

After completing pipe repairs, we test the system at normal operating pressure to confirm the repair is watertight and that pressure readings are stable across the property. If the burst caused water damage to surrounding structures, we document the affected areas and recommend follow-up trades (builders, ceiling fixers, electricians) once the plumbing is secure. Our repairs are backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship, and we use durable materials (copper, PEX, or PVC depending on the application) that meet Australian Standards for potable water systems.

General plumbing across St Andrews properties covers non-emergency repairs, renovations, new fixture installations, and maintenance work that improves function, water efficiency, or compliance with current standards. This includes installing new tapware and bathroom fixtures, replacing ageing pipework before it fails, upgrading to water-efficient appliances, and ensuring backflow prevention devices are tested and compliant.

Bathroom and kitchen renovations require coordinating fixture placement, pipework routing, drainage connections, and compliance with waterproofing standards before tiling and finishing work proceeds. We work from architectural plans or site measurements to confirm pipe locations, verify that drainage falls are adequate for waste removal, and ensure water supply lines are correctly sized for the fixtures being installed. All work is completed to AS/NZS 3500 plumbing standards, with pressure testing of water lines and drainage smoke testing where required to verify the installation is sound before covering pipes with walls or floors.

Water filter installations (under-sink filters, whole-house filtration, or reverse osmosis systems) require connecting to the cold water supply, installing the filter housing and cartridges, and providing an isolated tap or bypass so mains water remains available if the filter needs servicing. We explain the filter's maintenance schedule (typically cartridge replacement every 6-12 months depending on usage and water quality) and confirm the system is delivering filtered water at adequate pressure without leaks.

Backflow prevention is a compliance requirement in many situations where water systems could allow contaminated water to flow back into the potable supply, such as properties with irrigation systems, fire sprinklers, or commercial processes that connect to mains water. We install testable backflow prevention devices, conduct annual testing as required by Sydney Water, and provide compliance documentation to confirm the device is functioning correctly and protecting public water supply.

For maintenance work, we assess the current system, identify components that are reaching end-of-life or showing early signs of deterioration, and provide recommendations for proactive replacement before failures occur. That approach reduces the likelihood of emergency call-outs and gives you time to budget for necessary upgrades. All general plumbing work follows our standard process: assess and confirm scope onsite, provide a fixed quote before starting, complete the work using quality materials and compliant methods, then test and verify function before leaving.