Plumbing FAQ's in Waterloo
These are the questions Waterloo residents commonly ask when booking plumbing work. If your specific situation isn't covered here, call us to discuss the details and confirm what's involved.
Do you charge a call-out fee for Waterloo jobs?
Call-out fee policy varies by service area and job type. When you book, confirm whether a call-out fee applies to your Waterloo address and what it covers. For many standard plumbing jobs, the call-out fee is waived when you proceed with the quoted work.
How quickly can you reach Waterloo for an emergency?
We dispatch from West Sydney hubs, reaching most Inner Sydney addresses within typical emergency response windows. Actual arrival time depends on current job load, traffic conditions through the CBD approaches, and time of day. An ETA is provided when you book and updated if timing shifts.
What does your upfront pricing actually cover?
The fixed-fee quote covers labour, materials, and testing for the agreed scope confirmed during initial assessment. If inspection reveals additional issues beyond the original callout (such as structural pipe damage found during drain unblocking), we explain what's involved and provide a separate quote before any additional work starts, so you control costs.
Can you work in Waterloo strata buildings?
Yes, we regularly service strata properties in Waterloo. For work affecting common property (main sewer lines, building hot water systems, or gas risers), we coordinate with your strata manager to confirm responsibility boundaries and access timing. We provide documentation suitable for strata maintenance records and insurance claims where needed.
What causes blocked drains in older Waterloo streets?
In pre-war terraces with original terracotta or clay pipes, tree roots seeking moisture enter hairline cracks and expand over time, trapping debris passing through the line. Kitchen drains block when grease solidifies in the pipe, narrowing diameter until flow stops. CCTV check confirms the blockage type and whether pipe structure is compromised beyond the immediate restriction.
How do I know if a ruptured pipe is an emergency?
If water is actively spraying or pooling and you can't isolate the affected section, it's urgent. Turn off the main water supply if safe to do so, then book immediate dispatch. For slow leaks showing as damp patches or ceiling stains, isolate the water supply to that area if possible and book assessment within 24 hours to prevent further damage spreading.
What affects hot water unit replacement cost in Waterloo?
Cost depends on system type (electric storage, continuous flow gas, or heat pump), tank size needed for household usage, installation location (internal vs external), and whether existing pipework and connections suit the new unit or need modification. Compliance requirements like Tempering Valves and upgraded mounting frames where seismic bracing is needed also affect final price. We quote after confirming these factors onsite.
Can you repair heritage tapware in older Waterloo properties?
It depends on parts availability. Standard Australian tapware uses readily available washers and cartridges, making repair straightforward. Imported or custom heritage fittings may require sourcing specialised components, which affects timing and cost. We assess the tap type during the initial visit and confirm whether repair is practical or replacement is the more reliable option.
What's involved in fixing a leaking shower in a Waterloo apartment?
If the leak is from tap connections or the shower head, it's typically a straightforward repair replacing seals or cartridges. If water is seeping through tiles and affecting the unit below, it usually indicates failed waterproofing beneath the tile bed, which requires removing tiles to access and reseal the membrane. We confirm the leak source during assessment and explain repair scope once the affected area is identified.
Do your plumbers carry identification and insurance?
Yes. All attending plumbers hold current NSW licences, carry identification, and arrive in uniform. Fixed Today Plumbing maintains Public Liability insurance (covering accidental property damage during work) and Workers Compensation insurance (covering workplace injuries on the job). Insurance certificates are available on request for strata or commercial clients requiring documented proof.