A little prep before the plumber arrives makes the visit smoother, keeps the job on track, and can save you money, because less time goes on moving things and hunting for the problem. Here's a simple checklist we'd love every customer to see.
Step 1: Describe the problem clearly
When you book, give as much detail as you can:
- What's happening: dripping, blocked, no hot water, a noise, a smell, a wet patch.
- Where: which room, which fixture, inside or outside.
- When it started, and whether it's constant or comes and goes.
- What you've already tried, for example "plunged it twice" or "replaced the washer."
This helps us bring the right parts and gear the first time.
Step 2: Take photos and a short video
A photo is worth a lot to a plumber. Useful shots include:
- The problem itself (the leak, the blocked drain, the damp patch)
- The compliance plate on your hot water system, showing brand, model and size
- The tap, toilet or mixer brand and model if there's one visible
- A short video of a noise, a drip, or water backing up
Send them through when you book or reply to our text. It often means we can quote more accurately and bring the right part.
Step 3: Find your main water shut-off
Every home should know where its main water stopcock is. It's usually at the water meter near the front boundary, sometimes in a small box set into the ground. Check that you can turn it by hand. If it's seized or buried, let us know. In a leak, being able to turn the water off is the single most useful thing you can do while you wait.
If the issue involves gas, know where your gas meter is too, but don't try to fix gas appliances or fittings yourself.
Step 4: Clear the work area
- Under sinks: empty the cupboard so we can reach the trap, valves and pipes.
- Hot water system: clear boxes, bikes and garden gear away from it, inside or out.
- Toilets and bathrooms: move bath mats, bins and any products off the floor and cistern.
- Outside: make sure we can get to the overflow relief gully (the small grated drain near the house) and any inspection openings or manholes in the yard.
- Ceiling or subfloor access: if the job might need it, clear a path to the manhole.
Step 5: Sort out pets, parking and access
- Pets: please keep dogs and cats inside or secured away from the work area and gates. Even friendly pets can get under feet, slip out an open gate, or get curious about open drains.
- Parking: if you can, leave space on the driveway or out the front for the van, as we'll be carrying tools and gear back and forth.
- Gates and codes: unlock side gates, and pass on any gate, lockbox or building codes when you book.
- Someone home: make sure an adult is there to let us in and talk about the job, or arrange access ahead of time if you can't be.
Step 6: Stop using the problem fixture
If a drain is blocked, don't keep running water into it. If a toilet is blocked, don't keep flushing. If the hot water relief valve is pouring, you can turn off the cold water valve going into the tank. Keeping things as they are also makes it easier to see what's going on.
Step 7: Make a list of other small jobs
While a plumber is at your place, it's often worth adding the little things you've been putting off, like a dripping outdoor tap, a running toilet, or a loose shower rose. Mention them when you book so we can allow time and bring parts.
When to call us (rather than wait)
- Water is leaking and you can't turn it off at the stopcock
- Sewage is coming up inside, or the outdoor overflow gully is overflowing
- You smell gas (leave the area, turn off at the meter if safe, and call)
- There's water near power points, switches or light fittings
For urgent problems, see our emergency plumbing page.
Ready to book?
Small jobs start from $80, and a bit of prep helps us make the most of the visit. Call 1800 224 229 or book a quote and let us know what's going on. Photos always welcome.