Plumbing problems range from minor and DIY-friendly through to jobs that legally require a licensed plumber. This page gives a general sense of what's involved — it isn't a substitute for a proper inspection of your own property.
Common issues
Blocked drains, dripping taps, running toilets, and hot water system faults are among the most common household plumbing issues. Some, like a dripping tap washer, can be a simple DIY fix, while others — particularly anything involving gas, sewer connections, or significant water damage — need a licensed professional.
What legally needs a licensed plumber
In Australia, most plumbing, gas fitting and drainage work legally requires a licensed practitioner, and unlicensed work can affect insurance claims and, for gas work in particular, creates a genuine safety risk. Always check a plumber's licence before engaging them for anything beyond very minor fixes.
Hot water systems
Hot water systems (electric, gas, solar, or heat pump) typically last 8-15 years depending on type and maintenance, and a system that's struggling to keep up is often more cost-effective to replace than repeatedly repair. Some households pair a solar hot water or heat pump system with their home solar setup to reduce running costs further.
Preventing problems
Avoiding pouring fat or oil down drains, not flushing wipes or sanitary products, and having a plumber check ageing pipes before they fail are all sensible, low-cost ways to avoid a more expensive emergency call-out later.