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Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Booking and visits
How do I book a plumber?
Call us or use the quote request form. Include your suburb, a description of the problem and photos if you can.
Do I need to be home?
Usually yes, or have someone over 18 present. For some outdoor jobs we can arrange access in advance.
Do you work after hours?
Availability outside normal hours varies. Please call and we'll let you know.
Pricing
Do you charge a fixed price?
Plumbing jobs vary, so we explain costs once we understand the problem. For larger work we can provide a written quote.
What affects the cost of a plumbing job?
Access, materials, the time involved, the age and type of the system and whether the job is urgent or after hours.
Common problems
Why does my drain smell?
Smells can come from a dry trap, a build-up of waste, or a damaged vent or sewer pipe. Run water in rarely-used drains first; if the smell persists, call us.
Why is my toilet running?
Usually a worn inlet valve or outlet seal in the cistern. It's a common, generally straightforward repair.
My hot water has gone cold — what should I check?
For electric systems, check the switchboard. For gas, check the pilot or display for error codes. If those are fine, call a plumber.
Licensing and standards
Is A4plumbing licensed?
Yes — NSW Fair Trading licence 500587C and QBCC licence 15281278.
Can I do my own plumbing?
In NSW and QLD, most plumbing and drainage work legally requires a licensed plumber. Simple tasks like cleaning aerators or replacing a shower head are generally fine.
Still have a question?
Call A4plumbing to talk through the problem, or send a quote request with photos and we'll get back to you.