Emergency Plumbing FAQs in West Sydney
Emergency plumbing situations are stressful. These answers address the practical questions West Sydney residents ask when dealing with urgent plumbing faults, from what constitutes a genuine emergency to how pricing and response timing work in practice.
What qualifies as an emergency plumbing situation in West Sydney?
A plumbing emergency involves immediate risk to safety, property, or loss of essential services: active water leaks flooding occupied spaces, gas odours requiring urgent isolation, completely blocked sewer lines in homes with one toilet, or hot water service failures causing safety risks. If the situation can wait until morning or standard business hours without worsening, it's typically a same-day or next-day service call rather than an after-hours emergency.
How quickly can a plumber reach West Sydney for emergencies?
Arrival timing depends on current job commitments and where the nearest available plumber is dispatched from, typically our West Sydney hub. Urgent safety situations (gas leaks, major ruptured pipes) are sent out first, with ETA updates provided once the plumber is on the way. Same-day service for non-emergency work depends on scheduling availability and is confirmed when you book.
What should I do immediately if a pipe bursts while waiting for the plumber?
Turn off the water supply at the meter or isolation valve to stop the flow, then move items away from the affected area to limit damage. If you can't locate the valve or it's seized, call us for guidance and we'll talk you through it. Don't attempt repairs yourself if water or electrical systems are involved in the same area.
Does Fixed Today charge extra for after-hours emergency callouts?
Emergency work outside standard business hours may attract different pricing due to after-hours dispatch and availability requirements. We explain the cost structure when you book and provide a fixed price quote once the plumber assesses the fault onsite. The quote includes all labour and standard materials required to resolve the issue; you decide whether to proceed before work starts.
How does upfront pricing work for emergency plumbing in West Sydney?
We assess the fault onsite, confirm what's required to make it safe or restore service, and provide a fixed-price quote before starting the work. The price covers labour, standard materials, and testing, with no hidden costs once the scope is confirmed. If additional issues are discovered during the job, we explain what's needed and quote any extra work separately before proceeding.
Are your emergency plumbers licensed and insured in NSW?
Every plumber we send is licensed in NSW (our company holds Licence 305428C), and we carry Public Liability Insurance (covering accidental property damage) and Workers Compensation (covering workplace injuries). Licensing and insurance details can be verified before the plumber starts work, and compliance certificates are issued for regulated work like gas fitting.
What's involved in fixing a blocked drain that's backing up into the house?
We locate the blockage using a CCTV drain camera to identify the cause and position (tree roots, grease buildup, foreign objects), then clear it using high-pressure water jetting to restore flow. If the camera shows structural damage like collapsed pipe sections, we explain repair options (excavation or trenchless relining) and provide a fixed quote for that additional work. The initial clearing resolves the immediate blockage; structural repairs are quoted separately.
Can you fix hot water service system failures during an emergency callout?
If the hot water failure involves an active leak or gas fault creating a safety risk, we make it safe first by isolating water or gas supply. If the system is repairable and parts are in stock, we explain the fix and quote it upfront. If replacement is required, we outline options (electric, gas, heat pump) and provide fixed pricing for installation, but full replacement typically occurs during a scheduled follow-up visit rather than the emergency callout unless you need it completed immediately.
Do you service strata and commercial properties for emergency plumbing?
We respond to emergency plumbing in strata complexes, commercial buildings, and industrial sites across West Sydney, handling issues like main line blockages, burst pipes in common areas, and gas leaks. We coordinate with building managers or onsite contacts, follow site safety requirements, and provide documentation suitable for strata records and insurance claims.
What happens if I smell gas in my West Sydney home?
A gas smell requires immediate assessment. Turn off gas appliances if safe to do so, don't operate electrical switches or create sparks, ventilate the area by opening windows, and contact us for urgent dispatch. We'll send a properly licensed gas fitter to locate the leak using detection equipment, isolate the faulty section, and make the system safe. Repairs and pressure testing follow once the leak is isolated, with compliance certification issued where required by regulation.