Emergency Plumbing FAQ's in Waterfall
These questions reflect what Waterfall residents commonly ask when facing plumbing emergencies. If your specific situation isn't covered below, call us directly?we can assess urgency over the phone and confirm whether immediate dispatch is needed or if the issue can wait for a scheduled visit.
How fast can you reach Waterfall in an emergency?
Urgent jobs are dispatched immediately from our Dolans Bay hub, with the closest available fully licensed NSW plumber allocated. An ETA is provided when you book, and arrival timing depends on current job loads and traffic conditions across the Sutherland Shire. For genuine emergencies like burst pipes or gas leaks, response is prioritised to contain damage quickly.
What counts as an emergency versus something that can wait?
Emergency situations involve active property damage, safety risks, or loss of essential services: burst pipes flooding rooms, gas leaks requiring isolation, sewage backflowing into the home, or complete hot water failure in winter. Issues that can wait include slow drains, minor drips, or cosmetic fixture problems. If unsure, a quick call clarifies the urgency level.
Do you charge a call-out fee for emergency work in Waterfall?
For many service areas there's no call-out fee, but confirm the call-out fee status for Waterfall when booking. Once onsite, you receive a fixed-price quote covering the repair work before anything proceeds. After-hours emergency rates may apply outside standard business hours, and all pricing is explained upfront with no hidden charges.
Will I know who's coming and when they'll arrive?
Yes. When you book, we provide an ETA based on the technician's current location and workload. The attending plumber is a licensed tradesperson who can identify themselves on arrival. Where possible, we send arrival updates if timing changes due to traffic or a previous job running longer than expected.
What should I do immediately if a pipe bursts before the plumber arrives?
Turn off the water supply at the mains (usually near the front boundary or water meter) to stop the flow. Move belongings away from the problem area and place towels to contain water spread. Avoid operating electrical switches near pooled water. Once isolated, the situation is stabilised until the plumber arrives to assess and repair the damaged pipe.
Can you fix the problem on the first visit or do you just quote?
For most typical emergencies, we carry the parts and tools needed to complete repairs during the first visit. After diagnosing the fault, we provide a fixed-price quote; if you approve, the work proceeds immediately. Complex issues requiring specialty parts or extensive access may need a follow-up visit once materials are sourced, which we explain clearly before leaving.
How do I know the fixed price won't change once work starts?
The fixed price quoted onsite covers the work scope confirmed during assessment. If unexpected issues are discovered during the repair (such as concealed damage behind walls), we stop, explain the additional work needed, and provide a revised quote before continuing. The price doesn't change for the work originally agreed upon?that's our Fixed Price Guarantee.
Are your emergency plumbers properly licensed and insured?
All attending technicians are licensed plumbers in NSW (Licence 305428C). We carry current Public Liability insurance, which protects you if accidental property damage occurs during the work, and Workers Compensation, which covers workplace injuries onsite. This ensures you're protected during emergency repairs, not exposed to additional risk.
What if the emergency happens at 2am?can you actually come out then?
Yes, we operate 24/7 including overnight hours. Genuine emergencies like broken pipes flooding the house or gas leaks are dispatched immediately regardless of the time. After-hours rates apply for work performed outside standard business hours, and all pricing is confirmed before work starts so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Is the repair work covered by any warranty or guarantee?
All emergency repairs are backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on the workmanship completed. If a fault develops in the work we performed, we return to fix it at no additional labour cost. Manufacturer warranties apply separately to any parts or appliances installed, and we provide documentation of both warranty types with your invoice.