FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We know this emergency plumbing situation is stressful but to try minimise any additional damage costs stay calm and follow these 5 simple steps to try prevent further damage’s.

Step 1 - Remove yourself or family from any immediate danger.

Step 2 - Turn off your water or isolate the blocked drain if possible.

Step 3 - Assess the damages & note down any concerns.

Step 4 - Call our friendly plumbers.

Step 5 - Take photos of damages.
 

The most common signs include slow-draining water, gurgling noises coming from pipes or drains, foul smells near drains or manholes, water pooling around floor drains, and in serious cases, sewage overflow or backflow through floor gullies. If you notice any of these, it's worth calling a plumber before the blockage gets worse.

For a minor kitchen blockage, you can try pouring a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of salt down the drain, letting it sit for a few hours, then flushing with hot water. Avoid commercial chemical drain cleaners - they can corrode pipes and often only partially clear the blockage. If the sink is still slow or blocked after trying this, call Dr Plumbing & Gas. Kitchen blockages are almost always caused by fat and grease build-up, which requires professional clearing to properly resolve.

The right method depends on what's causing the blockage. For minor blockages we may use a plunger or drain snake. For grease and debris build-up, high-pressure hydro-jetting is the most effective solution. For tree root intrusion, an electric eel machine or hydro-jet combined with CCTV inspection is used. Where pipes are cracked or collapsed, pipe relining or excavation may be required.

Most standard blockages are cleared within an hour on the first visit. More complex jobs involving root intrusion, collapsed pipes or extensive stormwater systems may take longer. Our van is fully stocked so we can tackle the majority of jobs without needing a second trip.

We offer free 30-minute onsite consultation* (within business hours) - meaning you'll know the full cost before we start any work. The price varies depending on the type and severity of the blockage. Call us on 0433 087 906 or get in touch for a no-obligation quote.

Yes. If left unaddressed, a blocked drain can lead to burst pipes, water damage to walls and subfloors, mould growth, and in severe cases, erosion of the soil beneath your home's foundations. Early intervention is always less costly than waiting.

If your issue is actively causing water or property damage, poses a health or safety risk (such as a gas leak or sewage overflow), or has left your household without essential services like hot water or a working toilet, treat it as an emergency and call us straight away. When in doubt, call - we'd rather help you assess it over the phone than have you wait and face a larger repair bill.

We aim to arrive within the hour for emergency call-outs across the Gold Coast. We prioritise jobs based on the severity of the situation and the risk of ongoing property damage.

We provide free 30-minute onsite consultation* (within business hours), 7 days a week. Unlike some emergency plumbing services, we don't charge inflated rates simply because it's a weekend or public holiday. You'll always know the price before we begin work.

Leave the property immediately. Do not turn any lights, appliances or switches on or off - even a small spark can be dangerous. Do not use your phone inside the property. Once outside, call Dr Plumbing & Gas on 0433 087 906 and contact your gas supplier to isolate the supply. Do not re-enter the property until a licensed gas fitter has confirmed it is safe.

A continuous flow (or instantaneous) hot water system heats water on demand as you use it, rather than storing a tank of pre-heated water. This means you're not spending energy keeping a large volume of water hot 24 hours a day - which can result in meaningful savings on your power bills. You also won't run out of hot water during a long shower. These systems are wall-mounted, compact, and well-suited to Gold Coast households of all sizes.

If your hot water is suddenly not as hot as it should be, start with the hot water system itself. Common causes include a failing thermostat, a worn heating element, a faulty pilot light or gas valve, or - if everything else checks out - a tempering valve that needs replacing. The tempering valve blends cold water into your hot supply to bring it to a safe temperature, so if it's malfunctioning it can make your water feel lukewarm. Give us a call and we can diagnose the issue quickly.

Yes. Most manufacturers recommend inspecting the sacrificial anode rod every 2 years and replacing relief valves every 5 years to maintain optimal performance and extend the system's life. Regular servicing also helps identify early warning signs before a full system failure occurs.

Electric storage systems typically last 8–12 years. Gas storage systems can last 10 or more years with proper maintenance. Heat pump systems have a service life of approximately 10–15 years. Continuous flow gas systems tend to be highly durable and can last well beyond 15 years with regular servicing.

The cost depends on the type of system, the brand, and whether any additional pipework or electrical work is required. We provide free upfront fixed price quotes so you know exactly what's involved before we start. Call 0433 087 906 or send us an enquiry and we'll provide a same-day quote.

We'll always explore repair options first and give you an honest assessment. Some faults - such as a failed element, thermostat or valve - are straightforward and cost-effective to repair. Others, particularly in older systems or where the tank itself has corroded or is leaking, mean replacement is the better long-term investment. We'll give you the full picture and let you decide.

Tap repair costs vary depending on the type of tap, the fault, and whether parts need replacing. We offer free 30-minute onsite consultation* (within business hours) - so you'll know the exact cost before we begin. Call 0433 087 906 for a same-day quote.

For a very simple tap washer replacement on an older-style tap, a confident DIYer can sometimes manage this at home. However, modern ceramic cartridge taps, mixer valves and pressure-limiting components require the right tools and knowledge to replace correctly without causing further damage. Incorrect repairs can void warranty, cause flooding or lead to a much bigger job. For most leaking tap issues, calling a licensed plumber is the safer, more cost-effective option.

A constantly running toilet is almost always caused by a fault in the cistern mechanism - either the inlet valve (which controls water entering the cistern) or the outlet valve or flush seal (which allows water to escape into the bowl when it shouldn't). Both are relatively inexpensive to repair and can usually be fixed in under an hour. If left unaddressed, a running toilet can waste hundreds of litres per day.

Most tap repairs take less than an hour. Our van is stocked with common parts and tapware, so we rarely need to make a second trip for a standard repair.

Yes - this is one of the most common causes of unexplained increases in Gold Coast water bills. A leaking toilet or dripping tap can waste tens of thousands of litres over the course of a quarter without being immediately obvious. If your bill has jumped, it's worth having a plumber check your taps, toilets and water meter. We can also check for hidden leaks - see our Leak Detection page.

The most common indicators are: an unexplained increase in your water bill, a water meter that spins when no water is in use, damp patches, staining or mould appearing on walls or ceilings, the sound of running water when everything is turned off, or a council-issued leak notice. If you suspect a leak, run the water meter check described above - it's a reliable first test.

No - not for the detection phase. We use acoustic listening equipment and thermal imaging cameras to locate leaks without any invasive work. Once we've found the leak, we'll discuss the most appropriate repair method with you. In many cases, access can be made via a small targeted opening rather than widespread demolition.

We offer free 30-minute onsite consultation* (within business hours). The cost of leak detection varies depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the investigation. Call 0433 087 906 for a no-obligation quote.

Carry out regular visual checks of accessible plumbing - look for rust on flexible hoses under sinks, corrosion around tap bases, and any signs of moisture near pipe connections. Avoid driving vehicles over lawn areas where underground water lines run. Have a licensed plumber install a pressure-limiting valve at the property boundary if your mains pressure is high. And consider a routine plumbing inspection every few years to catch early signs of deterioration.

We aim to complete all leak detection and repairs on the same day. Our vehicles are fully equipped to tackle the majority of leak repairs without a return trip.

We provide fixed-price quotes for pre-purchase plumbing inspections. The cost varies slightly depending on the size and age of the property. Contact us for a no-obligation quote - we'll need the property address and your required inspection date.

Most pre-purchase plumbing inspections take between 1 and 2 hours depending on the size of the property, the number of fixtures, and what the CCTV inspection reveals. For larger homes, acreage properties or those with complex drainage systems, allow a little longer.

Absolutely - and we encourage it. Being present during the inspection means our plumber can walk you through any findings in real time, answer your questions on the spot, and give you a clear picture of what you're looking at. This is particularly valuable for buyers who are unfamiliar with plumbing systems.

Finding issues during a pre-purchase inspection is actually the best possible outcome - because you find them before they become your responsibility. Depending on what's found and the terms of your contract, you can: negotiate with the vendor for a price reduction to cover repairs; request that the vendor rectifies the issues before settlement; use the findings as grounds to withdraw from the contract (where contract conditions allow); or proceed with the purchase with full knowledge of what repairs are required and what they'll cost.

Yes, though the scope of a unit inspection is somewhat different. In a strata property, some plumbing systems - particularly those in common areas or between floors - are the responsibility of the body corporate rather than the individual owner. We'll inspect everything within the lot boundary and identify what falls within common property, so you have a clear picture of both your responsibilities and those of the strata scheme.

A building inspection assesses the structural condition of the property. It does not include a CCTV inspection of underground drains, pressure testing of water supply lines, assessment of the hot water system's remaining life, or testing of individual fixtures and fittings. These are all covered in our pre-purchase plumbing inspection. For complete due diligence before purchasing a Gold Coast property, both inspections are recommended.

Leave the property immediately. Do not use any light switches, appliances or your phone inside the building. Once outside, turn off the gas at the meter or LPG bottles if it is safe to do so, then call Dr Plumbing & Gas on 0433 087 906 and your gas supplier. Do not re-enter until a licensed gas fitter has confirmed the property is safe.

If your property has a gas meter mounted on the outside wall or near the boundary, you are on natural gas. If you have one or more large silver or white cylinders - usually in a cage at the side or rear of the property - you are on LPG. You can also check your energy bill, which will state your fuel type and supplier. If you are in a unit, check with your body corporate or building manager.

If you have recently purchased a property, had work done by a tradesperson you are unsure about, or have not had your gas installation inspected, it is worth having it checked. Dr Plumbing & Gas carries out a comprehensive 21-point gas safety inspection that covers all appliances, connections, pipework and fittings. Where the installation is compliant, we can provide a Certificate of Compliance. Where it is not, we will carry out the necessary repairs and then certify.

Even a faint smell of gas should be taken seriously. Small leaks at appliance fittings, flexible hoses or pipe joints can be difficult to detect visually but are readily found with our electronic gas detection equipment. Do not assume a faint smell means the leak is minor. Call us to have it investigated.

We provide a free 30-minute onsite consultation* (within business hours) and fixed price quotes. You will know the full cost of the repair before we begin any work. Call 0433 087 906 for immediate assistance.

Leave the property immediately. Do not use any electrical switches, appliances or your phone inside the building. Once outside, turn off the gas supply at the meter or LPG bottles if it is safe to do so, then call Dr Plumbing & Gas on 0433 087 906 and your gas supplier. Do not re-enter the property until a licensed gas fitter has confirmed it is safe.

Yes - in Queensland, all gas appliance connections and disconnections must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter. This includes new cooktops, ovens, heaters, BBQ connections and hot water systems. Connecting a gas appliance yourself, or having an unlicensed person do it, is illegal and can void your insurance. Call Dr Plumbing & Gas for a fixed price quote before your appliance is delivered.

If your property has a gas meter on the outside wall or near the street boundary, you are on natural gas. If you have gas bottles - usually housed in a cage at the side or rear of the property - you are on LPG. Natural gas is generally cheaper per unit of energy and provides a continuous supply without needing bottle refills. LPG has a higher energy content and is the better option in areas not serviced by the natural gas network. We can advise on the best setup for your property and carry out any required conversions.

If you have recently purchased a property or had work done by a tradesperson you are uncertain about, a gas safety inspection is a worthwhile investment. We carry out a 21-point gas safety inspection that covers all appliances, connections, fittings and pipework. Where the installation is compliant, we provide a Certificate of Compliance. Where it is not, we carry out the necessary repairs and certify on completion.

Yes - we repair gas appliances of all makes and models. Whether you have a Rheem hot water system, a Rinnai cooktop, a Bosch oven or a lesser-known imported brand, we have the tools and knowledge to diagnose and repair the fault. If a repair is not cost-effective compared to replacement, we will tell you honestly.

The cost depends on the scope of work - a simple appliance connection is very different from a new gas line extension across a property. We provide a free 30-minute onsite consultation* (within business hours) and a fixed price quote before any work begins. Call 0433 087 906 or send us an enquiry to book.