Plumbing & gas guides Straight answers on cost, safety & compliance.
No jargon, no sales pitch. Just clear guidance from Josh, a licensed plumber and gas fitter, on the questions we get asked most.
Drains
Why Does My Drain Keep Blocking in the Same Spot?
A drain that re-blocks usually means tree roots, a bellied section, or grease. How a CCTV camera finds the cause, and relining vs digging.
Read guideHot water
Why your hot water system might be costing you more than you think
An ageing storage unit wastes power, drips away water and fails at the worst time. How to tell if yours is quietly costing more.
Read guideHot water
Hot Water System Replacement Cost in Australia (2026)
Replacing a hot water system runs roughly $1,200 to $4,500 installed, more for solar. What each type costs to buy and run, and when to repair.
Read guideEmergency
Burst Pipe? What to Do Right Now Before the Plumber Arrives
A burst pipe is a race against water damage. Turn the water off at the meter, drain the pressure, keep clear of power, then call.
Read guideHot water
Heat Pump Hot Water Rebates in NSW (2026)
A heat pump uses about a third of the power of an electric unit, and rebates plus STCs cut the up-front cost. An honest NSW guide.
Read guideCompliance
Backflow Testing Explained: Who Needs It and How Often (NSW)
Backflow testing is a yearly check on a testable backflow device, with the report sent to the water authority. Who needs a device and what the test involves.
Read guideGas safety
Swapping a Gas Cooktop, Heater or Hot Water Unit Over
Changing over a gas appliance is licensed work. What a gas fitter does for a cooktop, heater or hot water swap, and the certificate.
Read guideDrains
What Causes a Blocked Drain? Kitchen, Bathroom, Toilet and Stormwater
Grease, hair, wipes, tree roots and stormwater silt cause most first-time blocked drains. Warning signs, what you can safely try, and when to call.
Read guideDrains
What Does a CCTV Drain Inspection Show?
A CCTV drain camera shows roots, cracks, collapsed or bellied pipe, grease and foreign objects. When to camera a drain, and how that decides relining vs a dig.
Read guideCompliance
TMV Testing in NSW: Who Needs It and How Often
TMV testing in NSW: where a thermostatic mixing valve is required, how the valve is tested and serviced, and the report the owner receives.
Read guideCompliance
Grease Trap Requirements in NSW: What Cafes and Restaurants Need
Cafes and restaurants that cook need a grease arrestor and trade-waste approval. Hunter Water and Central Coast Council split Donza's area.
Read guideTaps and toilets
Leaking Tap or Running Toilet: Repair or Replace?
Most dripping taps and running toilets are a repair, not a replacement. When to fix, when to replace, how to test for a leak, and what a leak wastes.
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