Question 1

Do you charge a call-out fee?

Accepted Answer

No. Quotes are free and there is no call-out fee. Most jobs still need the problem to be seen before a firm price can be given, and the price is agreed with you before any work starts.

Question 2

Can the price change once the job starts?

Accepted Answer

A quote is based on what can be seen. If a wall is opened or a camera goes into a drain and something different turns up, the job and the price can change. Ask for any change to be explained and agreed before more work is done.

Question 3

Where does GSA Plumbing Services work?

Accepted Answer

We work across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and Melbourne, including the western, northern, eastern and bayside suburbs. Ring 0401 041 103 and we will confirm we can reach your address.

Question 4

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays.

Question 5

Do you do emergency plumbing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Emergency plumbing is a core part of what we do. Call 0401 041 103 at any hour for burst pipes, overflowing toilets, serious leaks, blocked sewers, hot water failures and gas smells.

Question 6

How much experience do you have?

Accepted Answer

GSA Plumbing Services brings more than 10 years of plumbing experience to residential and commercial work.

Question 7

Do you work on homes and businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work on houses, units, rentals, shops, cafes and offices.

Question 8

How do I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Call 0401 041 103 or email gsaplumbingservices@gmail.com. For urgent jobs, phone is fastest.

Question 9

What is your ABN?

Accepted Answer

GSA Plumbing Services Pty Ltd, ABN 45 694 421 031.

Question 10

How do I book a plumber?

Accepted Answer

Call 0401 041 103 or send an enquiry through the contact page. Tell us what the problem is, where you are and how urgent it is.

Question 11

Can I get a quote before work starts?

Accepted Answer

Tell us about the job when you call and we will explain the options and what is involved before we begin work.

Question 12

What should I tell you when I call?

Accepted Answer

Tell us your address, what is happening, when it started and whether the water is still running. A photo sent by message helps if the problem is visible.

Question 13

Do you work weekends and public holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Question 14

Do I need to be home?

Accepted Answer

For most jobs it helps if someone is home for access and to approve work. Tell us on the phone if you need to arrange access another way.

Question 15

Can landlords and property managers book jobs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Property managers and landlords can book repairs and give us tenant access details. Tell us who we should report back to.

Question 16

Do I get a compliance certificate?

Accepted Answer

Victorian rules require a plumbing compliance certificate for work valued at $750 or more, work on below-ground sanitary drains, installation or replacement of gas appliances and work on consumer gas piping. Ask us when you book and we will tell you what applies to your job. Source: Victorian Building Authority.

Question 17

What is a plumbing compliance certificate?

Accepted Answer

It is a document that certifies plumbing work meets the relevant standards, codes and regulations. It is a useful record if a problem comes up later. Keep a copy.

Question 18

How long do I wait for a compliance certificate?

Accepted Answer

In Victoria the certificate must be lodged within five days of finishing the work and a copy given to the customer, according to the Victorian Building Authority.

Question 19

Will you give me a receipt or invoice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will get an invoice for the work.

Question 20

What counts as a plumbing emergency?

Accepted Answer

Burst pipes, flooding, overflowing toilets, blocked sewers, no water at all, hot water systems that are leaking badly, and gas smells. If you are unsure, the simple test is whether waiting until morning would cause damage or risk. Water running out of control, sewage coming back up inside, a toilet that cannot be stopped from overflowing, a leaking hot water tank near electrics, and any gas smell are all reasons to call straight away. A slow drip, a tap that will not fully close or a drain that is slow but still draining can usually wait for a booked visit. When you ring, tell us what you can see and what you have already turned off, and we will tell you whether it needs someone now.

Question 21

What should I do while I wait for the plumber?

Accepted Answer

Turn off the water at the main tap, switch off the hot water system if the leak is on the hot side, and move valuables out of the way. If you smell gas, do not use switches, open doors and windows, keep people away and call the gas emergency number on your gas bill. Call 000 if there is a fire or emergency. Take a few photos of the problem before you start, since they help with insurance and help the plumber plan. Move rugs, electronics and anything cardboard away from the water. Mop up standing water so it does not soak into skirting boards and floors. Keep children and pets away from the area, and keep the access to the main tap, the hot water unit and the problem area clear so work can start as soon as we arrive. Do not try to dismantle pipes or fittings, because a small leak can become a large one.

Question 22

How do I turn off the water at the main?

Accepted Answer

The main tap is usually near the water meter at the front of the property or near the front boundary. Turn it clockwise to close. If you cannot find it, tell us when you call and we will talk you through it. Look for the water meter, usually in a small box near the front boundary, and the stop tap beside it. Many homes also have an isolation tap where the pipe enters the house. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops. Open a tap at the lowest point in the house to confirm the flow has stopped. Find it before you need it: show everyone in the household where it is, and check that it turns freely once a year. A stiff tap that will not move is worth telling a plumber about, because it may not shut off in a real emergency.

Question 23

What if I smell gas?

Accepted Answer

Leave the building, do not touch switches or flames, and ring 000 or your gas distributor from outside. Then call us for the repair.

Question 24

My toilet is overflowing. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

Stop flushing, lift the cistern lid and hold the float up or turn off the isolation tap behind the toilet, then call us. Stop flushing and remove the cistern lid. Lift the float arm to stop more water entering, or close the isolation tap on the wall or floor behind the toilet by turning it clockwise. Put towels around the base and move rugs out. If the water is only clean water from the cistern, it is a faulty inlet valve or float and is usually a quick repair. If the bowl is full of waste and will not drain, do not keep flushing. Leave it, and call us. If other drains in the house are also gurgling or backing up, mention it, because that points to a blockage further down the line.

Question 25

Why is my drain blocked?

Accepted Answer

Grease, hair, wipes, tree roots, collapsed pipes and objects dropped into drains are the usual causes. Most blockages build up gradually. In a kitchen it is usually grease and food scraps that cool and set inside the pipe. In a bathroom it is hair mixed with soap. In a toilet, wipes labelled flushable, paper towel and cotton buds are common causes. Outside, tree roots can enter joints in old pipes, and soil movement can crack or shift a pipe so that debris catches. A blockage that affects one fixture is usually close to it. When several fixtures are slow at once, the blockage is usually in the main drain, and a camera inspection will show where and why.

Question 26

Why does my drain keep blocking?

Accepted Answer

A repeat blockage usually points to a damaged pipe, tree roots or a build-up of grease further along. A drain camera shows what is happening. A drain that blocks again and again usually has an underlying reason that clearing alone does not fix. Common reasons are roots growing into a joint, a pipe that has sagged and holds water, a cracked or collapsed section, a build-up of grease on the pipe wall, or a pipe that is too small or has too little fall. A camera inspection shows which. After that, the options range from regular jetting to remove build-up, cutting roots, relining or replacing the damaged section. Ask for the footage and a written explanation so you can decide what suits your property.

Question 27

Can I use chemical drain cleaner?

Accepted Answer

We do not recommend it. Chemical cleaners rarely clear a real blockage and can damage old pipes. We do not recommend it. Chemical cleaners can burn through a partial blockage and leave the rest of it behind, and they can damage older pipes, rubber seals and some finishes. They are also hazardous: splashes can burn skin and eyes, and the liquid left in a blocked pipe is dangerous for whoever works on it next. If you have already used a cleaner, tell the plumber so they can take care. Try a plunger first for a sink or toilet, and clean the trap or strainer. If the problem returns, there is usually a reason, and clearing it properly with a drain machine or jetter is the lasting fix.

Question 28

What is a CCTV drain inspection?

Accepted Answer

A small camera is fed down the pipe so we can see roots, cracks, collapses and joint problems on a screen. A small waterproof camera on a flexible cable is fed into the drain and sends live video of the inside of the pipe. It shows blockages, roots, cracks, displaced joints, sagging sections and where pipes connect. It is useful before buying a house, before building over a drain, and when blockages keep coming back. The inspection is recorded so you can keep the footage. It does not fix anything by itself, but it replaces guesswork and helps you decide between clearing, repair and replacement. Ask the plumber to explain what the footage shows and to mark the position of any fault.

Question 29

What is drain jet blasting?

Accepted Answer

High pressure water is sent through the pipe to scour grease, silt and roots off the pipe wall. Jet blasting uses high pressure water through a hose and a nozzle to scour the inside of a drain. It clears grease, silt and scale from the pipe wall, and can cut through soft roots. It is more thorough than a drain machine that bores a hole through a blockage, because it cleans the whole pipe. It is not suitable for every pipe: very fragile or broken pipes can be damaged, which is why a camera inspection before or after is useful. We assess the pipe and tell you if jetting is a sound option for it.

Question 30

Who is responsible for a blocked sewer on my property?

Accepted Answer

It depends where the blockage sits and who owns that part of the pipe. The local water authority publishes guidance on this. We can help you work out which side of the boundary the problem is on. As a general guide, the part of the sewer pipe inside your property boundary is the owner's responsibility, and the water authority looks after the mains that serve the street. The exact point depends on where the sewer connects and on any shared pipe serving more than one property. Your water retailer can tell you where its assets begin and end at your address, and the property's plumbing plan, if you have one, shows the layout. A camera inspection can show the pipe's route and condition. If the blockage is in the authority's pipe, report it to them. If you are renting, report it to your rental provider or agent in writing.

Question 31

What should not go down a toilet?

Accepted Answer

Only toilet paper and human waste. Wipes, even those sold as flushable, cotton buds, nappy liners and sanitary products cause blockages.

Question 32

Why do I have no hot water?

Accepted Answer

Common causes are a pilot light that has gone out, a failed thermostat or element, a tripped power switch or a gas supply problem.

Question 33

How long does a hot water system last?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the system, the water quality and how well it is maintained. A tank that leaks from the body needs replacing. There is no single figure, because it depends on the type of system, the water quality, how it is installed and how well it is maintained. A storage tank can fail from corrosion inside the tank, and when the tank body leaks it cannot be repaired. Instantaneous gas units and heat pumps have different wear points, such as heat exchangers, fans and compressors. Signs that a system is near the end include rusty water, repeated repairs, banging or rumbling noises, water pooling beneath the unit and a drop in hot water supply. Check the warranty and the age plate on the unit, and ask for a plumber's view when you decide between repair and replacement.

Question 34

Should I repair or replace my hot water system?

Accepted Answer

A failed part, such as a thermostat or valve, is often repairable. A leaking tank cannot be repaired. We tell you which applies. Repair is sensible when one part has failed, the tank is sound and the unit is not old. Thermostats, elements, relief valves and igniters are common examples. Replacement is usually the better choice when the tank leaks, repairs keep recurring, or the unit no longer suits your household. Think about what a repair costs against the remaining life of the unit, whether replacement parts are available, running costs, and any government discounts for efficient systems. Ask the plumber to put both options in writing so you can compare them without pressure.

Question 35

What type of hot water system should I buy?

Accepted Answer

Gas, electric, heat pump and solar each suit different homes. Call us and we will talk through your household size, space and running costs.

Question 36

Is a dripping relief valve normal?

Accepted Answer

Some water from the relief valve while heating is normal. A constant stream is not and needs checking.

Question 37

Why does my hot water run out quickly?

Accepted Answer

The tank may be too small, an element may have failed or sediment may have built up. A continuous flow system never runs out.

Question 38

Is gas work something I can do myself?

Accepted Answer

No. Gas fitting must be done by a person with the right qualifications. Poor gas work is a fire and carbon monoxide risk. No. Gas fitting must be done by a licensed gasfitter. Poorly done gas work can cause leaks, fire, explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning, so it is not a job for a household to attempt. This includes installing or moving an appliance, extending a gas line and connecting a bayonet. Even a simple swap of a gas appliance involves checking the gas supply and the flue or ventilation, and testing for leaks. Ask us what testing is done after the work and what paperwork you will receive.

Question 39

Do I need a compliance certificate for gas work?

Accepted Answer

In Victoria, installing or replacing a gas appliance and working on consumer gas piping both need one.

Question 40

How often should a gas heater be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Having it checked before each winter is a sensible habit, particularly for older units. Service intervals are set by the manufacturer, so check the manual for your model and follow it. An older heater, or one that is used heavily, may need more frequent checks. A service covers the burner, flue, ventilation, safety devices and the gas connection. If you notice a yellow flame, soot marks, a smell or a pilot that keeps going out, stop using the heater and have it checked. If you rent, ask your rental provider to arrange it and keep the record.

Question 41

What are the signs of a gas leak?

Accepted Answer

A rotten egg smell, a hissing sound near a pipe or appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out and dead plants near a gas line can all point to a leak. Gas suppliers add a strong smell, often described as rotten eggs, so that leaks are noticed. Other signs are a hissing sound near a pipe or appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out, a yellow or orange flame instead of blue on a gas appliance, soot around an appliance, or dead patches of plants near an outside gas line. If you notice any of these, do not turn switches on or off or use a flame. Open doors and windows if it is safe to do so, leave the building and call 000 or your gas emergency number from outside. Do not go back until you are told it is safe.

Question 42

Why is my tap dripping?

Accepted Answer

A worn washer or cartridge is the usual cause. We fix or replace the tap. A dripping tap usually has a worn washer, a worn cartridge or a damaged seat inside. Over time, mineral build-up also stops the tap from sealing. The type of tap decides the fix: older taps with separate handles often need a new washer, and mixers use a cartridge. If the tap is old or its parts are no longer made, replacing the tap can make more sense than repeated repairs. A drip from the base of the spout or from the handle is a different fault, usually a worn O-ring. Tell us the brand if you know it.

Question 43

Why does my toilet keep running?

Accepted Answer

A worn flush valve, a faulty inlet valve or a bad float are the usual causes. A toilet that runs on or refills every few minutes is losing water from the cistern into the bowl. The usual causes are a worn flush valve seal, a faulty inlet valve, a float set too high or a cracked overflow. A quick test is to add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern and wait without flushing. If colour appears in the bowl, the seal is leaking. Even a small leak can waste a lot of water over a month, so it is worth fixing early. Most of these repairs are inexpensive and quick.

Question 44

Can you install a tap or toilet I bought myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as it suits the setup. Tell us the model when you call. Often yes, as long as the fitting suits the existing plumbing and is approved for use in Australia. Before you buy, check the product for the WaterMark certification, which shows it meets the Australian plumbing standards, and check the tap or pan connection suits your existing pipes. Ask whether you need extra parts like flexible hoses or a different trap. If the product turns out to be unsuitable, the plumber may not be able to install it. Show us the product or the model number before you buy if you can.

Question 45

Why is my water pressure low?

Accepted Answer

A blocked fitting, a faulty pressure limiting valve, a leak or corroded pipes can all cause it. First work out whether it is the whole house or a single tap. A single tap is usually a blocked aerator or cartridge. The whole house points to something upstream: a partly closed main tap, a faulty pressure limiting valve, a leak, corroded old pipework or a problem with the supply to your street. Try the outside tap, because if that is also weak the problem is likely before the house plumbing. Ask neighbours whether they notice the same thing. Give the plumber these details when you call, because they speed up the diagnosis and avoid replacing parts that are not at fault.

Question 46

How do I know if I have a hidden leak?

Accepted Answer

A water bill that rises without a reason, a meter that keeps moving when everything is off, damp patches, mould and the sound of running water all point to one. Hidden leaks give clues. Look for an unexplained rise in your water bill, a water meter that moves when everything is off, damp or musty smells, warm patches on a floor, paint that bubbles or peels, stains on ceilings or walls, mould, and the sound of water running when no one is using it. In a concrete slab home, a hot spot on the floor can mean a hot water pipe leak. Check the meter first, because it separates a real leak from other causes. Then a leak detection visit uses listening equipment and thermal imaging to find the position with less damage than opening up walls.

Question 47

How do I check my water meter for a leak?

Accepted Answer

Turn off every tap and appliance, then watch the meter. If it keeps moving, water is going somewhere. Turn off every tap and appliance inside and outside, including the dishwasher, washing machine and any automatic watering system. Find the meter and note the reading, or watch the small dial that spins when water flows. Wait 15 to 30 minutes without using any water, then check again. If the reading has moved or the dial keeps turning, water is going somewhere. If you have a hot water tank, a leaking relief valve can also register. Take a photo of the meter before and after. This test does not say where the leak is, but it tells you whether you need a leak detection visit.

Question 48

Do you have to dig up the floor to find a leak?

Accepted Answer

We narrow the leak down first so any cutting is as small as it can be. Usually not. Leak detection starts with the meter test, then listening equipment, pressure testing of sections of pipe and thermal imaging to narrow down where the leak is. That means the plumber can open up a small area at the right spot instead of lifting a whole floor. Digging or cutting is needed to fix the leak once it is found, but the aim is to keep that to a small area, and to return the surface to a usable state. For some leaks, such as those in a concrete slab, rerouting the pipe above ground may be an option. We explain the options before any cutting starts.

Question 49

Why is my gutter overflowing?

Accepted Answer

Blockages, poor fall or a blocked downpipe are the usual causes. Blocked gutters are the main cause. Leaves, seeds and roof grit collect and stop water reaching the downpipe. Other causes are a downpipe that is blocked or cracked, a gutter that has sagged and holds water, joins that leak, gutters that are too small for the roof area, or a gutter fall that sends water away from the downpipe. Overflow can damage fascias, soak walls and pool near the foundations. Cleaning twice a year, or more near trees, helps. If cleaning does not solve the overflow, ask a plumber to check the fall, the downpipes and the stormwater connection.

Question 50

Do you repair roof leaks?

Accepted Answer

We repair the plumbing side of a roof, which means gutters, valleys, flashings and downpipes. For roof tiles and sheets we can tell you who to call. Yes. We repair leaks from roof sheeting, flashings, valleys, penetrations and gutters. Roof leaks are often not where the stain shows, because water travels along rafters and insulation before it drips. We trace the water to its source, then repair or replace the failed part, such as a rusted valley, a loose flashing or a cracked sheet. For tiled roofs, repairs can involve re-bedding ridge caps or replacing broken tiles. A large leak needs quick action, so tell us if water is coming in now, and put a bucket and a tarp over belongings.

Question 51

What is the difference between stormwater and sewer?

Accepted Answer

Stormwater carries rain from roofs and yards. Sewer carries waste from toilets and fixtures. They are separate systems. They are two separate systems and should never be connected to each other. Stormwater carries rainwater from roofs, driveways and yards, and usually drains to the street or a council drain. Sewer carries waste from toilets, showers, sinks, laundries and kitchens to a treatment plant. Mixing them causes problems: stormwater in the sewer overloads it in heavy rain, and sewage in a stormwater drain pollutes waterways. If you are not sure which system a pipe belongs to, a camera inspection or dye test can show where it goes before anything is connected or repaired.

Question 52

When does a plumber come to a bathroom renovation?

Accepted Answer

Twice. First for rough-in before walls and tiles, then for fit-off once the room is finished. Plumbing is involved at three stages. First is the rough-in, after the old bathroom is stripped and before walls and floors are closed. This is when pipes, drains and any changes in position are done. Second is the waterproofing stage, which is done by a waterproofer between the rough-in and tiling, and the plumber needs to have fixed the penetrations before that. Third is the fit-off, after tiling, when the toilet, vanity, tapware and shower are installed and tested. Planning the sequence with your builder or tiler avoids delays and avoids opening up finished walls.

Question 53

Can you move my toilet, sink or shower?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. It depends on the drain position and the fall of the waste pipe. In most cases, yes, though how easy it is depends on the drain. Waste pipes need a fall to work properly, so moving a toilet a long distance from its drain may need the floor lowered or raised, or a different pipe route. Moving a sink or shower is usually simpler. Check where the existing pipes run under the floor, and whether the floor is concrete, because that affects cost and disruption. A plumber can look at the layout before you commit to a design. It is better to settle the positions before ordering fixtures.

Question 54

Do you work with builders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate plumbing stages with builders and other trades. Yes. We can work with builders, renovators and property managers, and we can discuss the stages of a job. A builder needs to know when plumbing is needed, such as the rough-in and fit-off, and what approvals or certificates are involved. We recommend giving us the plans or scope early, so we can plan the pipework, the drainage and any access we need. Talk to us about timing when you book.

Question 55

Can you connect my dishwasher or washing machine?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We connect water and waste and test for leaks. Yes. A connection needs a water supply tap within reach, a waste outlet that suits the machine and a space with enough room for hoses. If the machine is going into a new position, the plumber may need to add a tap or a standpipe. Check that the isolation tap is easy to reach, and that hoses are in good condition and not kinked. After installation, the machine should be run through a cycle while the plumber checks for leaks and drain noise. Leave the manual with the plumber, since models differ.

Question 56

Do you service Melbourne as well as Geelong?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and Melbourne.

Question 57

Do you cover my suburb?

Accepted Answer

Check the service areas page or call 0401 041 103 and we will confirm.

Question 58

Do you travel to the Surf Coast and Bellarine?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Torquay, Anglesea, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Portarlington, Queenscliff and surrounding towns are all in our area.

Question 59

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Ask when you book. We will tell you how to pay and give you an invoice for the work.

Plumbing questions, straight answers.

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