Emergency Plumbing FAQs in St Ives
Understanding your options during a plumbing emergency helps you make informed decisions quickly. These frequently asked questions cover the practical details St Ives residents typically need when booking urgent plumbing work.
How quickly can a plumber reach St Ives for an emergency?
Fixed Today dispatches from our West Sydney hub, typically reaching St Ives within standard response windows for urgent callouts. Actual arrival timing depends on current workload, traffic conditions, and the time of day, and we provide an ETA when you book so you know when to expect the technician. Emergency jobs are prioritised and sent out first, while less urgent work is scheduled for the next available appointment.
What counts as a plumbing emergency in St Ives?
A plumbing emergency is any situation where delay creates a safety risk or worsens property damage, such as a broken pipe actively flooding rooms, a gas leakage detected by smell or sound, or sewage backing up into the property. If the fault can wait until the next business day without causing harm or damage, it qualifies as urgent rather than emergency, and we'll confirm the next available appointment when you call.
Do you charge extra for emergency callouts after hours?
Call-out fees and after-hours pricing vary depending on the time and suburb. Confirm the applicable call-out fee and any after-hours loading when you book so you understand the costs before the technician is dispatched. Once onsite, we provide a flat-rate quote for the repair work, which you can review and approve before we start.
What should I do while waiting for the emergency plumber?
If water is actively leaking, isolate the supply at the main shut-off valve or the fixture isolation valve to stop the flow and limit damage. For gas leaks, isolate the gas at the meter if it's safe to do so, ventilate the area by opening windows and doors, and avoid using electrical switches or open flames. Don't attempt to repair the fault yourself; wait for the correctly licensed plumbing technician to assess and fix it safely.
Are your emergency plumbers licensed and fully insured?
All attending technicians are NSW licensed plumbers (Licence 305428C), and Fixed Today carries full Public Liability and Workers Compensation insurance. Public Liability protects you if accidental property damage occurs during work, and Workers Compensation covers workplace injuries on the job. We can provide proof of insurance and licensing upon request.
Can you fix the problem on the first visit?
Most emergency repairs are completed on the first visit because our technicians carry common parts, diagnostic tools, and repair materials in fully stocked mobile workshops. If a specialised part needs to be ordered or the repair requires access we can't gain immediately, we'll provide a temporary make-safe solution where possible and arrange a follow-up visit once the part or access is confirmed.
How do you determine the cost of an emergency repair?
We provide a fixed-price quote after assessing the fault onsite and confirming the scope of work required. The quote includes labour, materials, and testing, with no hourly rate surprises or hidden fees. You can review the quote and decide whether to proceed before any work starts, and the price quoted is the price you pay once the job is complete.
What if the problem is worse than it first appeared?
If inspection reveals additional issues such as structural damage, non-compliant pipework, or faults beyond the original scope, we explain what's been found, why it matters, and what options are available to address it. We provide a separate quote for the additional work, and you can decide whether to proceed immediately, schedule it for later, or seek a second opinion.
Do you service strata properties in St Ives?
We handle both individual lot plumbing and common property systems in strata buildings, and we coordinate with strata managers and committee members to clarify responsibility boundaries, obtain approvals, and provide documentation for strata records. Emergency work affecting common property can often be started immediately with a temporary solution while formal approval is arranged for the full repair.
What warranty applies to emergency repairs?
All workmanship is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty, which covers the repair work we complete. Manufacturer warranties apply to any parts or components we install. If a fault develops in our workmanship after the repair is complete, contact us and we'll return to assess and rectify it at no additional charge for the labour.