Frequently Asked Questions
A little plumbing knowledge can save you a lot of money and stress. Below are honest answers to the questions Melbourne homeowners ask us most often: including what you can safely check yourself before calling a plumber, and when you should stop and call immediately. Can't find your question? Call us on 0423 345 575 and we'll give you a straight answer over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions: what Melbourne customers should know
Practical answers to the plumbing questions we get asked most: from water leaks and gas smells to hot water troubleshooting. We've added the detail below because choosing a plumber is a trust decision, and the more you know up front, the easier that decision is.
The practical focus is response times, upfront pricing, property access and what to expect on the day. When you enquire, include your suburb, what's happening, how urgent it is and any photos. It helps us respond faster and quote accurately the first time.
This page should mean you can compare options, understand what we check on site, and choose the next step with confidence. If anything is unclear, call 0423 345 575. You'll speak to a plumber, not a call centre, or use the quote form and we'll come back to you promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a water leak. What do I do?
Stop the water first. If the leak is at a fixture with its own isolation valve (under the sink or behind the toilet), shut that valve. If not, shut off the main supply valve where water enters the house, or at the water meter near the street boundary. Once the water is off, mop up standing water quickly: especially on carpet and near plaster: to limit mould and damage, and take photos for insurance. Then call us on 0423 345 575; depending on the leak you may qualify for an insurance claim, and we're experienced working with all the major insurers.
Why do I smell sewer in my bathroom or shower?
Usually it's a dried-out P-trap. Every drain has a P-trap, a low bend that holds water and seals sewer gases out of your home. In showers and sinks that aren't used often, that water evaporates and the seal is lost. Run water down the drain for a minute to refill the trap; the smell should clear. If it comes back within days, there's likely a deeper issue: a cracked pipe, failed seal or partial blockage, and it's worth having us take a look.
I have no hot water. What should I check before I call?
For a gas unit: check the pilot light is lit, the gas valve on the unit is open, and the water isolation valve is fully open. For an electric unit: check the hot water circuit breaker in your switchboard hasn't tripped. If the pilot won't stay lit, the breaker keeps tripping, or you see water pooling around the tank, stop there and call us. Those need a licensed plumber, and a leaking tank generally means the unit needs replacing. In most cases we can do a same-day changeover.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Leave the area immediately. Don't turn any switches on or off, don't use phones in the area, and don't start vehicles nearby. From a safe distance, call your gas distributor's emergency line first. They attend gas leaks 24/7 free of charge, and warn others to stay away. Once the site is made safe, call us to diagnose and repair the fault. Gas work must only ever be done by a licensed gasfitter.
My water pressure has dropped: why?
A few possibilities: a partially closed or failing isolation valve, corroded old galvanised pipework, a blocked filter or tempering valve, or, the one you shouldn't ignore, an undetected leak. If the pressure drop came on suddenly or your water bill has crept up, a hidden leak is the prime suspect, and it's wasting money and potentially causing damage every day. We can pressure-test the system and find the cause.
Why is my tap dripping, and is it worth fixing?
Usually it's a worn washer or cartridge: a quick, inexpensive fix. Sometimes the tap body or seat is worn, and a re-washer won't hold; then replacement is the honest answer, and we'll tell you which it is before we start. Either way it's worth fixing promptly: a dripping tap wastes up to 20,000 litres a year, the drip always gets worse, and the constant moisture damages the fixture and anything below it.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Anything that's actively causing damage or making the home unsafe or unusable: burst pipes, uncontrollable leaks, sewage backing up through drains or toilets, gas smells, no water supply, flooding, or no working toilet in the house. For all of these, call us any time on 0423 345 575. We run genuine 24/7 emergency response. If you're not sure whether it's an emergency, call anyway; we'll tell you honestly whether it can safely wait until morning.
Do you give free quotes?
Yes, quotes are free and no-obligation. For most jobs we can quote from a description and photos over the phone or email; for renovations and larger works we'll visit the site. Every quote is upfront and itemised, and the price we quote is the price you pay for the scope described. If anything unexpected turns up once work starts, we stop and talk to you before doing anything extra.
Are your plumbers licensed and insured?
Yes. All work is carried out by plumbers licensed or registered with the Victorian Building Authority, fully insured, and completed to Australian Standards including AS/NZS 3500. Compliance certificates are issued for all work that requires them, including gas work, hot water installations and drainage.
Do you service my suburb?
Almost certainly. We cover the whole of metropolitan Melbourne, from the inner city to the outer growth corridors. Check the Service Areas page for the suburbs we visit most, and if yours isn't listed just call 0423 345 575; we'll confirm availability and a realistic arrival window for your address.
How can I pay, and when is payment due?
Payment is due on completion of the work unless we've agreed otherwise in writing, for larger renovation projects we agree staged payments up front. We accept the common payment methods and every invoice itemises the work performed. You'll always know the price before we start, so the invoice is never a surprise.