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Published June 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. A burst pipe or a blocked drain at the worst possible moment is exactly when people get taken advantage of. You’re stressed, water is rising, and someone is standing in your hallway quoting a number. Most Melbourne plumbers are honest — but a small number rely on that pressure, and knowing the warning signs is the best protection you have. Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South has spent more than two decades doing this work the straight way, and this guide lays out how the scams work, how to check a plumber is properly licensed, and what a fair-dealing plumber does differently. How Plumbing Scams Usually Work Most dodgy jobs follow a familiar script. It often starts with an unsolicited approach — a cold call, a letterbox flyer, or a door-knock ‘noticing a problem’ with your pipes. From there the tactics are predictable: manufactured urgency (‘this has to be fixed today or it’ll flood’), a quote given verbally and never in writing, and a demand for a large cash deposit before any work is done. A common version is the job that balloons — a cheap-sounding call-out turns into a long list of ‘extra’ problems once the plumber is under the house, with the price climbing well past anything you agreed to. The pressure is the point: you’re meant to feel you’ve no time to check anything or get a second opinion. How to Check a Plumber Is Licensed in Victoria In Victoria, plumbing work is regulated by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), which became the state’s building and plumbing regulator on 1 July 2025, taking over the role previously held by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). You can check whether a plumber is properly registered or licensed using the free ‘Find a Practitioner’ directory, currently on the VBA website at vba.vic.gov.au. A few things worth knowing: licensing applies to individual plumbers, not companies, so check the name of the person who’ll actually do the work — not just the business. Every registered or licensed plumber carries a BPC plumbing practitioner ID card, and it’s reasonable to ask to see it; the back of the card lists the classes of work they’re allowed to carry out. Specialised work such as gas fitting, backflow prevention and thermostatic mixing valves each require their own class, so a plumber doing gas work should be licensed for it. Warning Signs Worth Walking Away From They approached you out of the blue — a door-knock, cold call or flyer. You're being pushed to decide on the spot. They want a large deposit before they've properly looked at the job. There's no written, fixed-price quote. They won't show a licence or BPC practitioner ID card. The only contact is a call-centre number, and no one can tell you who's actually coming. The price jumps mid-job without a clear, written explanation. What a Straight-Dealing Plumber Does Differently A fair-dealing plumber is easy to recognise once you know what good looks like. It starts before anyone arrives: a real, local person answers the phone — including after hours — and gives you an honest arrival window rather than a vague promise. They turn up when they say they will. On site, they diagnose the problem properly with the right equipment — acoustic leak detection with a Sewerin A200 to pinpoint a hidden leak, or a Ridgid CCTV camera down a drain to see exactly what’s blocking it — rather than guessing and upselling. They explain what’s actually wrong in plain terms, then give you a written fixed-price quote before any work starts, so the figure you agree to is the figure you pay. When the job’s done you get an itemised invoice, and the work is backed by a guarantee. None of that relies on pressure — it relies on doing the job correctly and standing behind it. Around The Clock Plumbing is registered and licensed with the Building and Plumbing Commission under licence #50694, and holds Type A gas, backflow and thermostatic mixing valve qualifications. The business carries $20 million in public liability cover, backs its work with a six-year workmanship guarantee, and has operated across Melbourne’s south-east since 2012 (ABN 49 159 059 702). Founder Christopher Unwin has 22 years in the trade and sits on the National Council of the Master Plumbers Association. Every job is quoted as a written fixed price before work starts, and we never ask for a large upfront deposit — the same standards this guide suggests you hold any plumber to. Common Questions About Plumbing Scams and Licensing How do I check if a plumber is licensed in Victoria? Use the free ‘Find a Practitioner’ directory, currently hosted on the Victorian Building Authority website at vba.vic.gov.au. Plumbers are regulated by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), and every registered or licensed plumber carries a BPC practitioner ID card you can ask to see. Because licensing applies to individuals rather than companies, check the name of the person doing the work. Who regulates plumbers in Victoria? Victoria’s plumbing regulator is the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), which took over from the Victorian Building Authority on 1 July 2025. The public register used to verify a plumber is still accessed through the VBA website during the transition. What are the warning signs of a plumbing scam? Common red flags are an unsolicited approach (a door-knock, cold call or flyer), pressure to decide immediately, a demand for a large deposit before the job is properly assessed, no written fixed-price quote, refusal to show a licence or ID card, and a price that suddenly balloons mid-job without explanation. Should I pay a plumber a large deposit upfront? Be cautious. A reputable plumber gives you a written fixed-price quote before starting and does not demand a large deposit before seeing the job. Around The Clock Plumbing provides a written fixed-price quote upfront and never asks for a large upfront deposit. What should I do if a plumbing job suddenly costs much more than quoted? Stop and ask for the change to be put in writing, with a clear explanation of why the price has changed. You are entitled to that, and it is reasonable to get a second opinion before agreeing to extra work — especially if you feel pressured to decide on the spot. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Related reading: how to tell a real 24/7 plumber from a call centre · what a fair plumbing quote looks like · transparent plumbing prices in Melbourne

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. Search for a 24/7 plumber in Melbourne and you'll find dozens of results all making the same claim. Most are not what they appear. Some are call centres that take your details and dispatch a contractor — often someone who isn't local, isn't available right now, and charges a premium for the privilege. Some list after-hours numbers that ring out, or redirect to an answering service with no guaranteed response time. This guide explains how to tell a genuinely available 24/7 plumber from one that uses the label as a marketing claim. What 'Real' 24/7 Actually Means A genuinely available 24/7 plumber means a licensed plumber — not a call centre agent — answers the phone at 2am, confirms they can attend, gives you a realistic arrival time, and actually arrives within it. It means the van that arrives has the equipment to do the job: CCTV camera, high-pressure jetter, common parts. It means you're not told 'someone will call you back' and then waiting until 7am. Signs You're Calling a Call Centre, Not a Plumber The person answering cannot tell you which suburb the attending plumber is coming from, or how long it will take to arrive. You're told 'someone will call you back shortly' rather than given a direct answer and arrival estimate. The company name on the website doesn't match the name on the plumber's van or licence when they arrive. The quoted after-hours rate is given only vaguely ('additional charges may apply') rather than as a specific figure. The attending plumber cannot provide a VBA licence number when asked. What to Ask When You Call an After-Hours Plumber Who is attending — is it one of your plumbers or a subcontractor? What is their name and licence number? What suburb are they coming from and what is the realistic arrival time? What is the after-hours call-out rate and how is it structured — flat fee, hourly, or first-hour minimum? Will you receive a fixed-price quote before work starts, or is it time-and-materials? A Real 2am Callout: Murrumbeena Burst Water Main In the early hours of a weekday morning, a family in Murrumbeena woke to their front garden flooding — a burst water main. They called ATC Plumbing at 2am. Christopher answered directly. A plumber was on site within 45 minutes from Oakleigh South. The water was isolated, the burst section repaired, and the supply restored by 5:30am — before the family needed to leave for school and work. That's what a genuine 24/7 response looks like: a real person answering, a local plumber attending, and the problem resolved within hours rather than a callback in the morning. A Friday-Night Stormwater Backup at a Dandenong Club On a wet Friday night in October 2025, a function venue in Dandenong rang with stormwater backing up through a 300mm drain while the rain kept falling and guests were still on site. A real person took the call and an ATC Plumbing plumber was on the road shortly after — not the next morning. We ran a Ridgid CCTV camera down the line, found the blockage, and cleared it on the spot, fishing out a mobile phone that had gone down the drain in the process. The line was left running clear: a permanent fix, not a patch-up that fails the next time it rains. A Blocked Drain During Year 12 Exams in Clayton In November 2025 a school in Clayton had a blocked drain during Year 12 exams — close to the worst possible timing, with students sitting papers nearby. Rather than reach for noisy high-pressure equipment, our plumber used a quiet electric drain machine to clear the line without disrupting a single exam. After-hours work is not always a 2am emergency; sometimes it is about judgement and timing — choosing the right tool so the people around the job barely know you were there. How ATC Plumbing Handles After-Hours Calls When you call 1300 282 758 after hours, you reach ATC Plumbing directly — not a call centre. We're based in Oakleigh South with a service area across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside. We give you an honest arrival estimate based on where we are and where you are. We quote before starting work. We carry CCTV camera equipment, high-pressure jetting, and common parts on every van so most jobs are completed in a single visit. Fast arrival → accurate diagnosis → permanent fix, whether it's 2pm or 2am. What Response Times Are Realistic After Hours? An honest arrival window matters more than a vague promise to be there 'right away'. Across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside, ATC Plumbing aims to be on site within about an hour of your call, and often within 30 minutes when the job is close by. A genuine local plumber can give you a realistic time and the name of who is coming; a call centre tends to stay vague because it still has to find someone to send. If you are deciding who to call at night, ask for an arrival time and who is actually attending. When you ring Around The Clock Plumbing on 1300 282 758 after hours, you are speaking to people who can tell you honestly how far away help is — not booking you into a queue. Common Questions About After-Hours Plumbing How much more does an after-hours plumber cost? After-hours rates are higher than standard business-hours rates — that's industry standard and honest to say so. What varies between providers is how much higher and how transparently it's communicated. ATC Plumbing quotes before starting work so you know the cost before we begin, not after. For pricing detail see our transparent rates guide. What counts as a plumbing emergency at 2am? Anything that poses a risk to safety, is causing active water damage, or cannot wait until morning without significant consequences: burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups, gas smells, complete loss of hot water in winter with elderly or young children present, flooding. A slow-draining sink is not an emergency. When in doubt, call and describe the situation — we'll tell you honestly whether it needs immediate attendance. Can I verify a plumber's licence at 2am? The VBA BAMS register is publicly accessible 24/7 at bams.vba.vic.gov.au. Ask the attending plumber for their licence number before they start work — a licensed plumber will provide it without hesitation. ATC Plumbing's licence is BPC #50694, held by Christopher Unwin. What if the plumber says they can't fix it tonight? Sometimes a full repair requires parts or conditions that make completion overnight impractical. In that case, the right move is to make the property safe — isolate the water, cap the pipe, make sure there's no ongoing damage — and return first thing in the morning with the right materials. We'll always tell you clearly what we can and can't do tonight and why. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand. Related reading: choosing a trustworthy emergency plumber · what to expect during an emergency call-out · plumbing for elderly and vulnerable residents

Honest Plumbing Prices for Melbourne Homeowners One of the most common frustrations Melbourne homeowners have with tradespeople is not knowing what something will cost until the invoice arrives. At ATC Plumbing, we believe pricing should be transparent and discussed before we start any work. Here's an honest guide to typical plumbing costs in Melbourne in 2026. These are indicative ranges based on standard residential jobs in Melbourne's south-east. Every job is different — complexity, access, parts required, and travel all affect the final price. ATC Plumbing always provides a firm quote before commencing work. Blocked Drains Clearing a standard blocked drain using high-pressure water jetting: $200–$450 depending on access and severity. CCTV drain camera inspection to diagnose a recurring blockage: $150–$300. These two are often performed together on recurring blockages, and many plumbers offer a combined price. Pipe relining costs depend on pipe diameter and length — contact us for an assessment and quote after CCTV inspection. Hot Water Systems Hot water system replacement costs in Melbourne vary significantly by system type. Gas storage systems: $1,200–$3,000 installed. Continuous flow gas systems: $1,500–$2,900 installed. Electric storage systems: $900–$1,600 installed. Heat pump systems: $2,500–$4,000+ installed, with Victorian government rebates available that can reduce this significantly. Same-day replacement is available in most cases across Melbourne's south-east. Gas Heater Servicing Annual service for a ducted gas heater including heat exchanger test, flue inspection, combustion analysis, and filter clean: $280–$380. Wall furnace and space heater service: $250–$350. If parts are required, these are quoted separately before work proceeds. Emergency gas heater repairs are quoted on assessment. Emergency Plumbing ATC Plumbing does not charge additional call-out fees purely based on the time of day. Our emergency response pricing is the same whether you call at 2pm or 2am. You will always receive a quote before we begin work — even in emergency situations. Emergency call-out with first hour of work: from $250–$350 for standard residential emergencies. General Plumbing Minor repairs (tap washers, cistern repairs, small leaks): $150–$250. Installation of tapware or fixtures (supplied by us): $200–$350 per fixture. Pre-purchase plumbing inspections: $300–$1200 depending on property size and scope. All prices include GST and are based on standard residential properties in Melbourne's south-east. What Affects Your Final Price The main factors that affect plumbing costs are: access difficulty (pipes under concrete slabs or in tight roof spaces cost more to reach), parts and materials required, whether the job is in a standard residential property or a strata/commercial building, and how long the job takes. We assess all of these before quoting. For any job, call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758 for a free phone assessment or to arrange a quote. We service Melbourne's south-east including Oakleigh, Brighton, Caulfield, Cheltenham, Moorabbin, and surrounding suburbs. Prices are approximates and each specific job is inspected and a fixed price quotation provided to each client prior to proceeding with any works. Common questions about plumbing prices in Melbourne Does ATC Plumbing charge hidden call-out fees? No. Around The Clock Plumbing does not spring surprise call-out fees on you, and any after-hours or weekend rate is explained before we attend — not added to the invoice afterwards. You approve a fixed price before any work starts, so the figure you agree to is the figure you pay. What is the difference between a fixed-price quote and time-and-materials? A fixed-price quote is one agreed figure for the whole job, given before work begins; time-and-materials charges you by the hour plus parts, so the final cost is not known until the end. ATC Plumbing quotes a fixed price upfront wherever possible and you approve it before we start, which takes the guesswork out of the bill. Will my plumbing invoice show labour and materials separately? Yes. ATC Plumbing provides an itemised invoice so you can see exactly what you paid for. Being able to read an invoice line by line is one of the simplest protections a homeowner has against being overcharged. How do I avoid bill shock from a plumber? Get the price in writing before work starts, ask whether it is fixed or hourly, confirm any after-hours rate upfront, and be cautious of anyone demanding a large deposit before they have seen the job. ATC Plumbing gives a written fixed-price quote before starting and never asks for a large upfront deposit. Do you charge more for after-hours or weekend work? After-hours, weekend and public-holiday call-outs can carry a higher rate, which is normal across the trade because of staffing costs. The difference with ATC Plumbing is that we tell you that rate before attending, so there is no surprise when the invoice arrives. How much does a plumber cost in Melbourne in 2026? As a guide, standard residential work generally runs from about $120 to $180 an hour, with emergency and after-hours rates higher, and a straightforward blocked drain or minor repair typically sits in the low hundreds. Because every job is different, ATC Plumbing inspects the work and gives a fixed price before starting rather than leaving you to guess. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Related reading: Read our licences and accreditations, our customer care charter, and our complete blocked drain guide. For hot water costs, see our full hot water system cost guide. Book at https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/book-online. Related reading: how to get a fair plumbing quote

When you call about a plumbing emergency, here is what to expect during an emergency plumbing call-out with Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South: a real person answers the phone, a licensed plumber is dispatched fast — usually within an hour across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside, and often within 30 minutes — the property is made safe, the cause is diagnosed with proper equipment, you receive a fixed-price quote before any work begins, and the repair is done properly the first time, with a written summary left behind. No call centre, no "we'll see when we get there," no surprise invoice. What to expect during an emergency plumbing call-out, step by step A genuine emergency call-out should follow the same clear sequence every time. The order matters, because it is what separates a permanent repair from a quick patch that fails again next week: A real person answers and takes the details of what is happening. A licensed plumber is dispatched to your address — not booked in for "sometime tomorrow." The property is made safe — the water is stopped, and gas or power is isolated if needed. The cause is diagnosed properly, with equipment rather than guesswork. You get a fixed-price quote before any work starts, so you approve the cost first. The repair is carried out and the area is left clean. You receive a written summary of what was found and what was done. That sequence — fast arrival, accurate diagnosis, then a permanent fix — is the spine of every job we attend, whether it is a 2am burst water main (as we handled in Murrumbeena) or a blocked sewer on a public holiday. Who actually answers when you call after hours? A real, awake person — your call is answered through our Alltel answering service, not a voicemail box and not an overseas call centre reading from a script. The person who picks up logs your details and dispatches the nearest available plumber. There is a real difference between a genuine 24/7 plumber and a number that simply books you in for the next business day; we set out how to tell a real 24/7 plumber from a call centre in a separate guide. When you call, have your address ready, describe what you can see or hear, and say whether you have already turned the water off — it helps the plumber arrive with the right parts. How fast will a plumber actually arrive? Across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside our target is under an hour, and many calls are reached within 30 minutes. Honest answer: no one can promise an exact minute — the time of night, traffic and how many jobs are already active all play a part. What a well-run service can promise is that you will be told a realistic window when you call. We explain what affects emergency plumber response times so you know what is reasonable to expect. What happens once the plumber is at your door? The first job is always to make the property safe — stopping the water at the meter or an isolation valve, and isolating gas or power where there is any risk. Only then does the diagnosis begin, and this is where proper equipment matters. Rather than guessing where the trouble is, an ATC plumber uses the right tool for the fault: Sewerin A200 acoustic leak detector — pinpoints a concealed water leak to within 0.3–0.5 m, so we open the right spot, not the whole wall. Ridgid CCTV drain camera (40–305 mm) — shows exactly what is blocking or cracking a drain, on screen. Ridgid NaviTrack pipe locator — traces pipe runs, including non-metallic ones, without digging up the whole yard. Once the cause is clear you get a fixed-price quote before any work starts — you approve the price first, so the invoice is never a surprise (we keep all rates and quoting principles in one place in our transparent pricing guide). The repair is then done to last and backed by our 6-year workmanship guarantee, and you are left with a written summary. That same standard of care — punctual, tidy, clearly explained — is set out in our customer care charter. Can one plumber handle more than one emergency at once? A single plumber works one job at a time, but a properly run 24/7 operation dispatches the nearest available plumber and keeps every van stocked with the parts most emergencies need, so most repairs are finished in a single visit. If two emergencies land together, jobs are triaged by risk — active flooding, gas and sewage come first — and you are given an honest arrival window rather than a false promise. That is the difference between a real local team and an overflow call centre juggling the whole city. What should I do if it's a leaking ceiling or burst pipe right now? While you wait, turn off the water at the meter if it is safe to reach, switch off power to any affected area, and move valuables clear of the water. A bulging or dripping ceiling, a burst main and a sewage backup are exactly the situations we attend day and night. For a quick reference on the most urgent issues and the first steps to take, see our guide to 5 urgent plumbing emergencies and how to respond. Then call — the sooner the water is controlled, the smaller the repair. Frequently asked questions: What should I do before the emergency plumber arrives? If it is safe, turn off the water at the meter, switch off power to any affected area, and move valuables clear. Then describe what you are seeing when you call, so the plumber arrives with the right parts. Will I get a price before the work starts? Yes. With Around The Clock Plumbing you receive a fixed-price quote before any work begins, so you approve the cost first and the invoice is never a surprise. How quickly can a plumber reach me in Melbourne's south-east? Our target is under an hour across the south-east and Bayside, and many calls are reached within 30 minutes, depending on traffic, the time of night and how many jobs are already active. Does a real person answer the phone at night? Yes — calls are answered by a real person through our Alltel answering service, not a voicemail box or an overseas call centre, and the nearest available plumber is dispatched to you. Will the repair be permanent or just a temporary patch? The aim is always a permanent fix. The plumber diagnoses the actual cause with equipment such as a Ridgid CCTV camera or a Sewerin A200 leak detector, then repairs it to last — backed by a 6-year workmanship guarantee. Written/reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Updated May 2026 Related reading: choosing a trustworthy emergency plumber · plumbing for elderly and vulnerable residents

Heritage home plumbing in Melbourne comes with a specific set of risks newer houses do not have: original galvanised-steel water pipes that corrode from the inside, joints where that old steel meets newer copper or plastic, and clay sewer drains that crack and let tree roots in. The signs to watch for are rust-coloured water, pressure that keeps dropping, recurring pinhole leaks, and slow or blocked drains. Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South, works on period and older homes across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside — and the goal is always to find the real fault and fix it without tearing up heritage fabric you cannot replace. Heritage home plumbing in Melbourne: the problems hiding in old pipes Homes built from roughly the 1930s to the 1980s were commonly plumbed in galvanised steel, with clay or earthenware sewer drains underground. Both were considered durable at the time; both have a finite life that many Melbourne homes have now passed. The trouble is that the worst of it happens out of sight — inside the pipe wall and under the ground — so the first you know is often discoloured water, a leak, or a drain that keeps blocking. Understanding what is actually failing lets you make a calm decision rather than an expensive panic one. How do old galvanised pipes fail? Galvanised pipes have a protective zinc lining. Over decades that zinc erodes, the steel underneath rusts, and the rust builds up inside the pipe. Two things follow: the bore narrows, so water pressure and flow drop across the house; and rust flakes break loose, discolouring the water and clogging tap aerators and appliances. As the wall thins, you get pinhole leaks — and eventually the risk of a sudden burst with no obvious warning. Rust-coloured water in the morning, pressure that has quietly fallen over the years, and small recurring leaks are the classic signs that old galvanised pipes are near the end of their life. Why is it risky where old galvanised meets newer copper or plastic? Over the years, parts of an old system get patched — a new copper or plastic run spliced into the original galvanised. Where two different metals join and carry water, you get galvanic corrosion: an electro-chemical reaction that eats away at the join faster than either pipe would corrode on its own. So a heritage home that has had piecemeal repairs can have a hidden weak point exactly where the old and new meet. It is one reason a proper assessment looks at the whole system, not just the leak in front of you — patching one more join onto a corroding network often just moves the next failure a little further down the line. Why do old clay drains crack and let tree roots in? Underground, many older homes still run on clay or earthenware sewer pipes laid in short sections. Clay is strong but brittle, and Melbourne's reactive clay soils move with the seasons, so the joints open and the pipe cracks. Tree roots — drawn to the moisture and nutrients — find those cracks and grow inside, where they snag debris and cause repeat blockages, and in bad cases collapse the pipe. If you have a drain that keeps blocking in an older home with established trees nearby, ageing clay drainage is the usual culprit, not just "something flushed." How are leaks and blockages found without ripping up heritage fabric? This is where older homes need a careful, diagnostic-led plumber rather than a guess-and-dig approach — original floors, walls and gardens are exactly what you do not want opened unnecessarily. The fault is located first, then a small, targeted area is opened. We use a Sewerin A200 acoustic leak detector to pinpoint a concealed water leak to within 0.3–0.5 m (and at depth, to 5–6 m), a Ridgid CCTV drain camera (40–305 mm) to see inside the drain on screen, and a Ridgid NaviTrack to trace pipe runs — including non-metallic ones — without exposing them. Where a dig is genuinely needed, a compact 1.7T Kubota excavator keeps it tight. For how this equipment actually works, see our explainer on advanced leak detection technologies. A concealed hot water line under a slab is a common one in older homes — we cover that in slab and concealed hot water leaks, and the everyday 5 signs you need leak detection are worth knowing too. We located a concealed leak this way with the Sewerin A200 at a commercial site in Oakleigh in September 2025, with minimal disruption to the building. Should heritage pipes be repaired, relined or replaced? Honestly, it depends on the condition of the pipe — not a one-size-fits-all upsell. A small, isolated fault may simply need a repair. Degraded clay or earthenware drains can often be relined from the inside with no digging: a CIPP liner forms a new pipe within the old one, with a 35-year design life, which is ideal for heritage homes because it preserves the original fabric. A water system that is badly corroded throughout may genuinely need staged replacement. The right answer comes from seeing the actual condition first — that is the value of fast arrival, accurate diagnosis, then a permanent fix, rather than ripping out pipe that still has life or patching pipe that does not. We walk through the trade-offs in pipe relining vs replacement, and whatever the decision, you get a fixed-price quote before any work starts (our transparent pricing guide explains how we quote). It is the same approach we used relining the drains at Heritage Hill Museum in Dandenong in 2024. Frequently asked questions How do I know if my home has galvanised pipes? Galvanised steel pipes are silver-grey and magnetic, and are common in Melbourne homes built roughly between the 1930s and 1980s. Look under sinks or near the meter; rust-coloured water and dropping pressure are common signs they are corroding internally. Why does my older home have rusty or discoloured water? As the zinc lining inside old galvanised pipes wears away, the steel rusts and flakes, discolouring the water and narrowing the pipe so pressure drops. It usually points to internal corrosion across the system rather than a single fault. Can a leak in a heritage home be found without digging everything up? Yes. Acoustic leak detection (a Sewerin A200 pinpoints to within 0.3 to 0.5 m), a Ridgid CCTV drain camera and a NaviTrack pipe locator find the exact spot, so only a small, targeted area is opened rather than the whole wall or yard. Is it better to reline or replace old pipes? It depends on the pipe's condition. An isolated fault may just need a repair; degraded drains are often relined with no digging and a long design life; a whole system that is badly corroded may need staged replacement. An honest assessment comes first. Do tree roots really damage old drains? Yes. Old clay and earthenware sewer drains become brittle and crack with ground movement, and tree roots find the cracks and grow inside, causing blockages and sometimes collapse. A CCTV inspection shows whether roots are the cause. Written/reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Updated May 2026 Related reading: water leak detection in older homes · stormwater drainage problems in Melbourne · water hammer (banging pipes)

A commercial plumbing maintenance plan is a scheduled agreement where a plumber proactively inspects, services and certifies your building's plumbing on a set cadence — instead of waiting for something to fail. For any business, reactive plumbing is the expensive option once you add up the real costs: lost trading hours, emergency after-hours rates, water damage to stock and fit-out, and the risk of a compliance breach. Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South, runs maintenance plans for businesses across Melbourne's south-east — from single sites to multi-site operators — built around one idea: catch the problem before it closes your doors. What does a commercial plumbing maintenance plan include? No two plans are identical, because a café, a petrol station and a strata building have very different plumbing. A good commercial plumbing maintenance plan is built around your site's actual risk, and typically includes: Scheduled drain maintenance. Preventive jetting and CCTV camera inspection of the drains most likely to block — kitchen lines, floor wastes and car-park pits — before they back up during service. Backflow prevention testing. Annual testing of testable backflow devices by a licensed plumber, with results lodged to your water authority as required. Thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) servicing. Annual servicing and calibration of TMVs, which matters especially in healthcare, aged-care and childcare settings. Grease trap and trade-waste support. Coordinating grease-trap servicing and keeping you aligned with the trade-waste agreement for your premises. Hot water and gas checks. Servicing of hot water plant and commercial gas appliances so a failure does not shut you down mid-week. A priority-response agreement. When something does go wrong, plan clients go to the front of the queue. Documented reporting. A record of every inspection and certificate for your compliance file. The exact compliance items depend on your site and your water authority, so part of setting up a plan is simply working out what legally applies to you and putting it on a schedule — the commercial equivalent of the plumbing health checks we recommend for homes. Why does reactive plumbing cost more than a maintenance plan? 'If it isn't broken, don't touch it' feels cheaper, but it rarely is. When commercial plumbing fails without warning, you usually pay several times over. There is the emergency call-out itself, often at after-hours rates. There is the downtime — a restaurant that cannot use its kitchen, or a service station that has to close a forecourt, loses revenue by the hour. There is secondary damage, where a hidden leak rots a floor or ruins stock long before anyone sees water. And there is the compliance risk: a missed backflow test or an overflowing grease trap can bring a notice or a fine from your water authority. A maintenance plan trades a small, predictable scheduled cost for protection against those large, unpredictable ones. It is the same logic as our preventative plumbing maintenance guide for homes, scaled up to the stakes of a business. What plumbing compliance does a commercial property need scheduled? Commercial sites carry obligations a house never does, and most run on an annual cycle set by Australian Standards and your local water authority. The common ones are backflow prevention device testing, thermostatic mixing valve servicing, and — for any premises producing food waste, oil or grease — a trade-waste agreement with scheduled grease-trap servicing. Drainage on commercial sites is also a different animal to a home; the causes and fixes for blocked commercial drains are not the same as residential ones, as we explain in commercial versus residential drain blockages. The practical value of a plan is that you are not trying to remember which certificate is due when — it is scheduled, completed and documented for you. Can one plumber maintain multiple sites? Yes, and for multi-site operators it is far simpler than juggling a different plumber in every suburb. ATC maintains plumbing for businesses with sites across Victoria — we look after more than 50 BP and Shell service stations for Jasbe Petroleum, several McDonald's restaurants, and community sites such as Ronald McDonald House. One provider means one point of contact, a consistent standard, and a single set of records across every location. Our diagnostic-led approach — fast arrival, an accurate diagnosis with a truck-mounted hydro-jetter running at 5,500 PSI or a CCTV camera, then a permanent fix — is what stops the same fault recurring across a portfolio. For drains we can often reline a failing pipe rather than dig it up; the pipe relining versus replacement decision is one we will walk you through. ATC holds Water Industry Co-ordinator clearance, $20 million public liability cover and a 6-year workmanship guarantee. Common questions about commercial maintenance plans How often should commercial drains be cleaned under a plan? It depends on the site — a busy commercial kitchen may need jetting every few months, while a low-risk office might be annual. We set the cadence based on what your drains actually do, using CCTV to confirm it is working. What happens if there's an emergency between scheduled visits? Maintenance-plan clients get priority response. We attend quickly, make the site safe, and because we already know your plumbing we usually diagnose the problem faster. Is a maintenance plan worth it for a small business? Often yes — even a single grease trap, backflow device or hot water unit failing at the wrong time can cost more in downtime than a year of scheduled servicing. The plan is scaled to your site, so you are not paying for things you do not have. Do you handle the compliance paperwork for our water authority? Yes. We carry out the required testing and servicing and provide the documentation for your compliance file, so certificates stay current and are lodged as needed. Can you maintain several locations under one agreement? Yes. We look after multi-site operators across Victoria with one point of contact and consistent records for every site, from retail chains to service-station networks. Written/reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Updated May 2026 Related reading: plumbing for property managers · landlord plumbing compliance in Victoria

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. Water leak detection in older Melbourne homes is the process of locating a hidden leak — behind a wall, under a concrete slab, or beneath the ground — without digging up the house to find it. In older homes especially, acoustic technology is what makes this possible: a sensitive listening device picks up the distinctive sound a pressurised pipe makes as water escapes, letting a plumber pinpoint the leak to within about half a metre before lifting a single tile. Here is why older homes leak in ways newer ones don't, how acoustic detection works, and when it's worth calling for. Why acoustic water leak detection finds what plumbers miss in older homes A plumber without the right equipment has to guess where a hidden leak is, and chasing it often means cutting exploratory holes or lifting flooring until the source turns up. Acoustic water leak detection removes that guesswork. It listens for the specific sound of water escaping a pressurised pipe and traces it back to the exact spot before anything is opened up. In older homes, where pipes are more likely to be corroded, jointed and buried under decades of renovation, that precision is the difference between one neat repair and a wall full of holes. Why do older Melbourne homes develop hidden leaks? Older homes often run on ageing galvanised steel or early copper pipework that corrodes from the inside out, along with original joints that loosen over time. Melbourne's reactive clay soils make it worse: they swell and shrink with the seasons, shifting the ground and putting stress on buried pipes and slab plumbing. Add tree roots seeking moisture and decades of additions and renovations, and a slow leak can run for months behind a wall or under a slab before anyone notices. How does acoustic leak detection actually work? When water escapes a pressurised pipe through a crack, pinhole or failed joint, it makes a distinctive sound that carries through the pipe, the surrounding soil and even a concrete slab. A sensitive ground microphone and acoustic detector pick up that sound, and by comparing how strong it is at different points, the plumber traces it back to the precise location. Around The Clock Plumbing uses a Sewerin A200 acoustic leak detector, which can pinpoint a leak to within roughly 0.3 to 0.5 metres and works at depths of up to 5 to 6 metres. That accuracy means a hidden leak gets the same treatment as any other job: fast arrival, accurate diagnosis with the right equipment, and a permanent fix to the one section of pipe that's failed, rather than to the whole floor. What are the signs you might have a hidden water leak? A hidden leak rarely announces itself. The common signs include: A water bill that jumps with no change in how much water you're using. A damp, warm or discoloured patch on a floor, wall or ceiling. A musty smell, or mould appearing somewhere that shouldn't be wet. The sound of running water when every tap is turned off. A drop in water pressure you can't otherwise explain. An area of floor that feels warm underfoot, which can signal a hot water line leaking under the slab. The water meter still ticking over when everything in the house is switched off. There's a fuller rundown in our guide to the five signs you need leak detection. What can acoustic detection find that other methods can't? Acoustic detection is built for pressurised water leaks — the supply lines running under slabs, behind walls and underground. That's a different job from a CCTV drain camera, which inspects the inside of drains and sewers on the waste side. For a concealed water leak, acoustic pinpointing, sometimes combined with thermal imaging and correlation, finds what a camera can't see and what guesswork misses. ATC carries the full range, which you can read about in advanced leak detection technologies, and there's more on concealed hot water leaks in our guide to slab leaks and concealed hot water leaks. A real example: pinpointing a leak at a commercial site in Oakleigh In September 2025, Around The Clock Plumbing was called to a commercial site in Oakleigh with a hidden water leak. Using the Sewerin A200, ATC located the leak acoustically and pinpointed it precisely, so the repair could target the exact section of pipe instead of excavating across the site on guesswork. That's the practical payoff of acoustic detection: less digging, less disruption, and a fix aimed squarely at the actual problem. Common questions about water leak detection in older homes How accurate is acoustic leak detection? With the right equipment, a leak can be pinpointed to within about half a metre. ATC's Sewerin A200 locates leaks to roughly 0.3 to 0.5 metres and works at depths of up to 5 to 6 metres, which usually means one targeted repair rather than exploratory digging. Can you find a leak under a concrete slab without digging? Yes. Acoustic ground microphones can hear the sound of water escaping a pressurised pipe through a concrete slab, which lets a plumber pinpoint the leak before lifting any flooring. What causes hidden leaks in older Melbourne homes? The usual causes are corroded galvanised or older copper pipes, joints that have loosened over decades, and ground movement in Melbourne's reactive clay soils, which stresses buried and slab pipework. Is acoustic leak detection the same as a CCTV drain camera? No. Acoustic detection finds leaks in pressurised water pipes, while a CCTV camera inspects the inside of drains and sewers. They solve different problems and are often used alongside each other. How do I know if I have a hidden leak? Watch for an unexplained jump in your water bill, damp or warm patches, a musty smell, the sound of running water with the taps off, or the water meter moving when everything is switched off. If you suspect a hidden leak, Around The Clock Plumbing's water leak detection service uses acoustic equipment to find it with minimal disruption, and you can review the team's licences and accreditations before you book. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin, founder of Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Related reading: pre-purchase plumbing inspections · plumbing in heritage and older homes

Buying your first home in Melbourne's south-east is exciting — and a little daunting the first time something starts dripping. The most useful plumbing tips for first-time homeowners are simple: know where your water shut-off and meter are, understand the safety valve on your hot water system, learn the early signs of a blocked drain or hidden leak, get your gas heater serviced before winter, and know which problems are real emergencies and which can wait. Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South, has guided new owners through their first year since 2012 — and this is the calm, jargon-free version of what actually matters. The first plumbing tips for first-time homeowners: find your stop tap and meter Before anything goes wrong, find the two things that let you stop water fast. The main shut-off is usually at your water meter, near the front boundary of the property — turning it clockwise stops water to the whole house. Many Melbourne homes also have small isolation valves (mini stop taps) under sinks and behind the toilet that shut off a single fixture. Locate them now, check they turn freely, and show whoever else lives there. The day a flexible hose under the sink lets go, knowing where to turn is the difference between a mop-up and a ceiling repair. What is the PTR valve, and why does it matter? Your storage hot water system has a small safety device called a PTR valve (pressure and temperature relief valve). It quietly releases a little water so the tank cannot over-pressurise or overheat — so it is genuinely a safety part, not a leak. It is the single most useful thing for a new owner to understand, and it is also why our most-read guide is the one on how often to open your PTR valve. Read that one for the how-to; the short version is that it should be checked periodically, and a licensed plumber can show you during a service. How do I spot a blocked drain or hidden leak early? Most plumbing problems give you a warning first. A drain that empties a little slower each week, a gurgle from another fixture when you run the sink, or a bad smell are early signs of a blockage building. A hidden leak is sneakier — watch for a damp patch on a wall or ceiling, a sudden jump in your water bill, or the sound of running water when every tap is off. Skip the harsh chemical drain cleaners (they damage pipes and rarely fix the cause) and act early. We list the 5 signs you need leak detection so you know when a quiet problem is worth a call. When should I service the gas heater? Before winter, and at least every two years. A proper service is a safety check as much as a tune-up: it looks for faults like a cracked heat exchanger, which can leak carbon monoxide — an odourless gas you cannot detect yourself. If your home has a ducted or wall gas heater you have not had checked, book it in autumn rather than waiting for the first cold snap, when every plumber is busy. It is one job that is never worth putting off. What counts as a real emergency, and what can wait? Knowing the difference saves you stress and money. Treat these as urgent and call straight away: a burst pipe, a gas smell, sewage backing up into the house, or no water at all. These can usually wait for a normal appointment: a single dripping tap, a slightly slow drain, a running toilet, or a small mark you are keeping an eye on. When in doubt, a quick phone call will tell you which it is — a good plumber will give you honest guidance rather than rushing a truck out for something that can wait until morning. How do I know I can trust a plumber in my home? This is the worry behind most first-year calls: who is this person, and are they doing the right thing? Look for a plumber who is licensed and insured, shows ID, explains the work in plain language, gives a fixed-price quote before starting, and never pressures you into extras. Around The Clock Plumbing is family-run, licensed under BPC #50694 and covered by $20M public liability, and the same standard — fast arrival, accurate diagnosis, then a permanent fix — applies to a routine washer just as much as a midnight burst pipe. We set out exactly what to look for (and the red flags to avoid) in our guide to choosing a trustworthy plumber, and our customer care charter is the promise we make on tidiness, clear communication and respect for your home. Once you are settled, a light-touch routine keeps small issues small. You do not need much in year one — our guide to preventative plumbing maintenance covers the simple habits that save money and avoid emergencies down the track. Frequently asked questions: Where is the water shut-off in most Melbourne homes? Usually at the water meter near the front boundary of the property. Many homes also have small isolation valves under sinks and behind the toilet that shut off one fixture. Find and test them before you need them. What is a PTR valve and do I need to do anything with it? The PTR (pressure and temperature relief) valve is a safety device on your hot water system that releases a little water so the tank cannot over-pressurise. It should be checked periodically, and a licensed plumber can show you how during a service. When should I service my gas heater? Before winter, and at least every two years. A service checks for safety issues such as a cracked heat exchanger that can release carbon monoxide, so it is not a job to skip or delay. Which plumbing problems are real emergencies? A burst pipe, a gas smell, sewage backing up, or no water at all should be treated as urgent. A dripping tap or a slightly slow drain can usually wait for a normal appointment. How do I know a plumber I can trust in my home? Look for a licensed, insured plumber who shows ID, explains the work in plain language, gives a fixed-price quote before starting, and never pressures you. Around The Clock Plumbing is family-run and licensed under BPC #50694. Written/reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Updated May 2026 Related reading: plumbing for elderly and vulnerable residents · how to get a fair plumbing quote

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. A trustworthy emergency plumber is one you can verify before they arrive: a licensed, insured plumber whose name and licence number you can check on the public Victorian Building Authority register, who answers the phone as a real person rather than a call centre, gives you a fixed price before any work starts, and leaves you with a written record of what was found and fixed. Across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside, the gap between a good outcome and an expensive one usually comes down to a few simple checks, made calmly and ideally before you ever need them. Here is exactly what to look for, and the warning signs that should make you stop and call someone else. What does a trustworthy emergency plumber actually do differently? Almost any plumber can stop the immediate problem: turn off the water, clear a blockage, stem a leak. What sets a trustworthy emergency plumber apart is what happens next. The standard worth holding out for is simple — fast arrival, accurate diagnosis, then a permanent fix. That means arriving quickly, using proper diagnostic equipment to find the real cause instead of guessing, and agreeing a fixed price with you before any repair begins. A plumber who skips the diagnosis and jumps straight to an expensive replacement is the one to be cautious about. That fast arrival, accurate diagnosis and permanent fix sequence is the standard Around The Clock Plumbing works to on every call-out. How do I check an emergency plumber is properly licensed in Victoria? This is the single most useful check, and most people never make it. In Victoria, plumbing work must be carried out by a licensed or registered plumber, and you can confirm anyone's status for free on the public Victorian Building Authority (VBA) register by searching their name or licence number. If the work involves gas, such as a gas heater or a suspected gas leak, the plumber also needs a separate Type A gas licence. Gas work by an unlicensed person is both illegal and genuinely dangerous, so it is not a corner to cut. A trustworthy plumber will give you their licence number without being asked. Around The Clock Plumbing holds BPC Licence #50694, which covers the highest classes of Type A gas, backflow prevention and thermostatic mixing valve work, alongside $20 million in public liability cover and Master Plumbers Association membership. If you'd like, you can see the full list of ATC's licences and accreditations before you ever need to make an emergency call. Will a real plumber answer, or am I calling a call centre? Plenty of "24/7" numbers don't ring a plumber at all. They route to a national call centre or a lead-generation service that sells your job to whichever contractor happens to be available. You don't get to choose who turns up, you don't know what they'll charge, and they may not know your suburb at all. A genuine local emergency plumber answers as themselves and sends its own team. After-hours calls to Around The Clock Plumbing are answered by a real person, not voicemail and not an overseas call centre, and the job goes to ATC's own licensed plumbers who know Melbourne's south-east. A fair question to ask any after-hours number is simply: "Am I speaking to the plumber, or a booking service?" There's more on this in our guide to telling a real 24/7 plumber from a call centre. How should an emergency plumber price the job, and what about after-hours rates? A trustworthy plumber gives you a fixed price before they start, even at 2am, rather than running an open-ended hourly meter while you wait and worry. Ask whether there's a call-out fee, and what after-hours, weekend or public-holiday rates apply, and get it in writing before you agree. Higher after-hours rates are normal and reasonable; what is not reasonable is a vague "we'll see when we get there." Be a little wary of "free call-out" hooks, too, as the cost often reappears in inflated labour. Around The Clock Plumbing quotes a fixed price before any work begins, with no hidden extras, which is a written promise set out in its Customer Care Charter. You can also see how honest plumbing pricing is structured in our transparent Melbourne pricing guide. What are the red flags to avoid when choosing an emergency plumber? If you notice any of the following, slow down. If more than one applies, call someone else: High-pressure urgency used to rush you, such as "this has to be replaced tonight or the whole system fails," especially if it's used to stop you getting a second opinion. Refusing to put the price in writing, or quoting by the hour with no cap or estimate. No licence number offered, an unmarked vehicle, or no ABN you can look up. Jumping straight to a major replacement without first diagnosing the cause: no camera, no leak-detection equipment, just a big quote. No written report of what was found and done, which you'll need for insurance, strata or a landlord. Evasive answers about who will actually turn up, and when. What does it look like when a plumber actually fixes the problem? A homeowner in Oakleigh called Around The Clock Plumbing about a sewer that kept backing up. Three previous plumbers had each cleared it and left, only for it to block again within weeks. Rather than repeat the same temporary clear, ATC ran a CCTV drain camera to find the actual fault in the pipe, then repaired that section properly so the problem stopped coming back. That is the practical difference between clearing a symptom and fixing the cause, and it's exactly what proper diagnostic equipment is for. You can read the full Oakleigh blocked drain case study to see how it was done. Common questions about choosing an emergency plumber: How quickly should an emergency plumber arrive in Melbourne? For a genuine emergency in Melbourne's south-east, it's reasonable to expect attendance within about an hour, and often sooner. Around The Clock Plumbing aims to be on site within 60 minutes across its service area, and in many cases within 30. Ask any plumber for a realistic arrival time before you book. How do I verify a plumber's licence in Victoria? Search the plumber's name or licence number on the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) register, which is free and public. For any gas work, confirm they hold a Type A gas licence. A trustworthy plumber will give you their licence number without being asked. Is it more expensive to call a plumber after hours? After-hours, weekend and public-holiday call-outs often carry higher rates, which is normal. What matters is that the rate and any call-out fee are explained to you in writing, and that you get a fixed price before work starts rather than an open-ended hourly charge. What's the difference between an emergency plumber and a 24/7 call centre? A 24/7 call centre or lead service takes your details and passes the job to whichever contractor is available, so you don't choose who attends. A genuine local emergency plumber answers directly and sends its own licensed team. If in doubt, ask whether you're speaking to the plumber or a booking service. Should an emergency plumber give me a written report? Yes. A written record of what was found and what was done protects you for insurance claims, strata or owners-corporation requirements, and any landlord obligations. If a plumber won't document the work, treat it as a warning sign. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin, founder of Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Related reading: what to expect during an emergency call-out · how to get a fair plumbing quote

Why Blocked Drains Are So Common in Melbourne Melbourne's south-east suburbs have some of the oldest sewer and stormwater infrastructure in Victoria. Suburbs like Oakleigh, Caulfield, Brighton, Bentleigh, Murrumbeena, and Carnegie were largely developed in the mid-20th century when clay and concrete pipes were standard. Fifty years later, those pipes are deteriorating — and Melbourne's established tree canopy means root intrusion is endemic. Add in cooking fats, wet wipes, and general debris that accumulate in household drains, and it's no surprise that blocked drains in Melbourne are among our most common call types. The Most Common Causes- Blocked Drain Melbourne: The Complete Guide Tree root intrusion is the leading cause of recurring blocked drains in Melbourne's older suburbs. Roots enter through joint separations in clay pipes and grow until the pipe is obstructed. Fat, oil, and grease accumulate on pipe walls over time, narrowing the pipe diameter until even small debris can cause a blockage. Foreign objects — wet wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products, children's toys — cause toilet blockages. Despite labelling, no wet wipe breaks down in sewers the way toilet paper does. Structural pipe failure (collapsed sections, joint separations, pipe bellying) creates zones where waste accumulates repeatedly. What a Plumber Actually Does High-pressure water jetting is the professional standard for clearing blocked drains. Water is blasted through the pipe at up to 5000 PSI, cutting through root masses, grease, and debris. It's more effective than electric eels for most blockages and safer for older pipes. CCTV drain inspection follows for any recurring or unexplained blockage — a camera fed through the drain shows exactly what's causing the problem. Pipe relining is the permanent solution for structural damage: a resin liner inserted and cured inside the pipe creates a seamless, root-resistant pipe without excavation. What Does It Cost? A straightforward blocked drain cleared with high-pressure jetting: $200–$450 depending on access and severity. CCTV inspection: $150–$300, often combined with jetting on the same visit. Pipe relining costs depend on pipe diameter and length — a CCTV assessment is required before accurate quoting. ATC Plumbing provides upfront pricing before starting any work. No hidden fees, no surprises. When to Call ATC Plumbing Call us if your drain is completely blocked, DIY methods haven't worked, the same drain keeps blocking despite being cleared, multiple drains are slow simultaneously, or you can hear gurgling from other drains when you flush the toilet. That's why we created the Blocked Drain Melbourne: The Complete Guide blog! Same-day blocked drain service across Melbourne's south-east. Call 1300 282 758. Prevention Tips for Common Drain Causes For fat, oil and grease (FOG): never pour cooking fats down the drain — let them cool and dispose in the bin. Regular hot water flushing helps slow accumulation but won't reverse serious build-up already on pipe walls. For soap scum and hair: fit a hair catcher over every shower and bath outlet. This is the single most effective prevention for slow bathroom drains and typically costs under $10. Hair and soap scum are the most common cause of slow bathroom drains and often respond to a simple DIY clear before a plumber is needed. Frequently Asked Questions About Blocked Drains How do I know if I have a blocked drain or a blocked sewer? If only one fixture is affected — just the shower, or just the kitchen sink — it's a localised drain blockage. If multiple fixtures back up simultaneously (flushing the toilet causes the shower to overflow, or the laundry floor drain floods when the washing machine drains), you have a main sewer blockage. Main sewer blockages are more urgent and need immediate professional attention. Can I use chemical drain cleaners? Chemical drain cleaners can shift very mild blockages but are largely ineffective against the most common causes — root intrusion, solid objects, and structural pipe failure. They can damage older clay and PVC pipes with repeated use, and pose a safety risk to any plumber attending after their use. High-pressure jetting is safer, more effective, and doesn't damage your pipes. Why do I hear gurgling from other drains when I flush the toilet? Gurgling indicates air being displaced in the drain system — a sign the sewer line is partially blocked downstream of where multiple fixtures connect. It often precedes a full sewer backup. Call a plumber before the situation escalates to an overflow. There's a bad smell coming from my drain — what does it mean? A sulphurous or sewage smell from drains usually means the trap has dried out (common in infrequently used floor drains — just run water into them), or there's a partial blockage allowing sewer gases to escape. If the smell persists after running water into all floor drains, a CCTV inspection is the right next step. Related reading: pre-purchase plumbing inspections · why the same drain keeps blocking · tree roots in drains · hydro-jetting for blocked drains · what to do in a sewer backup · CCTV drain inspection · pipe relining vs replacement · how to plunge a blocked toilet · DIY: unblock a drain before calling a plumber

Why Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Makes Financial Sense Most plumbing emergencies don't come out of nowhere — they develop slowly and give warning signs that are easy to miss if you're not looking. Regular maintenance catches these issues before they become expensive emergencies. Here's what to maintain and how often. Annual Gas Heater Service An annual gas heater service by a licensed Type A gas fitter does three things: keeps the heater running efficiently, extends its service life, and — most importantly — checks for carbon monoxide risks from heat exchanger faults. A $200 annual service is significantly cheaper than a mid-winter breakdown callout or, worse, a health emergency from CO exposure. Book before winter when appointment slots are plentiful. Hot Water System Anode Inspection — Every 5 Years Sacrificial anodes in gas and electric storage hot water systems protect the tank lining from internal corrosion. When anodes are depleted, corrosion accelerates dramatically — leading to tank failure, leaks, and a full system replacement. Having the anode inspected every 5 years and replaced if depleted can add 5+ years to a tank's service life. It's one of the most cost-effective maintenance items in the whole house. Return Air Filter Cleaning — Every 3 to 6 Months The return air filter on your ducted heater or air conditioner collects dust and debris. A clogged filter forces the unit to work harder, reduces efficiency, and in gas heaters can trigger safety shutoffs. Cleaning or replacing the filter takes 5 minutes and should be done every 3–6 months. Locate the return air grille (usually in a hallway ceiling) and slide out the filter to check. CCTV Drain Inspection — Every 2 to 3 Years for Older Properties If you live in an older Melbourne home with clay sewer pipes and established trees, a CCTV drain inspection every 2–3 years is worthwhile. It shows the current condition of your pipes — root intrusion, joint deterioration, or pipe bellying — before a blockage forces the issue. Catching these problems early gives you time to plan and budget for relining rather than dealing with a sewage emergency. ATC Plumbing provides scheduled maintenance inspections across Melbourne's south-east. Call 1300 282 758 to discuss a maintenance plan for your property. Related reading: plumbing for property managers · commercial plumbing maintenance plans · plumbing for first-time homeowners · water hammer (banging pipes)

5 Plumbing Emergencies and How to Respond Knowing what to do in the first few minutes of a plumbing emergency can significantly limit damage to your home. Here are the five most common emergency situations and exactly what to do before the plumber arrives. 1. Burst Water Pipe or Fitting Turn off the water supply immediately. The meter is usually near your front boundary, set into the ground under a small lid. Turn the lever or wheel to stop the flow. If water has entered electrical areas of the home, do not touch electrical equipment and switch the power off at the meter box. Call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758 — we're available 24/7. 2. Gas Leak If you smell gas: don't operate any electrical switches (including lights), don't use your phone inside, leave the property immediately and leave doors open as you go, turn off the gas at the meter (the isolation valve is usually next to the meter), call your gas company's emergency line from outside (Multinet: 132 771, AusGas Networks: 1800 GAS LINE), and then call a licensed gas plumber. Do not re-enter the property until it has been cleared. 3. Blocked Sewer or Sewage Overflow Stop using all drains and toilets immediately — every flush adds to the problem. Do not attempt to clear sewage overflow yourself without appropriate PPE — it's a health hazard. Call a plumber immediately. This is a genuine emergency requiring same-day response. ATC Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency drain service. 4. No Hot Water Less urgent than the above, but still disruptive — especially for families. Check the basics first: gas supply, circuit breakers, pilot light, isolation valves. If none of these resolve it, call ATC Plumbing. We carry hot water units on our vans and can replace failed systems same-day in most cases across Melbourne's south-east. 5. Overflowing Toilet Turn off the water supply to the toilet — there's usually an isolation valve behind or below the toilet cistern. This stops the overflow. Attempt a plunger if you have one. If the blockage doesn't clear with a plunger, or if other drains in the house are also slow (suggesting a main sewer blockage rather than a toilet blockage), call a plumber. ATC Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency service — call 1300 282 758. Related reading: what to expect during an emergency call-out · plumbing for first-time homeowners · water hammer (banging pipes)