Our FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a plumbing emergency, and do you offer 24-hour service?
A plumbing emergency is anything that risks damaging your property, your health, or leaves you without essential services. Common examples include burst pipes, gas leaks, raw sewage overflow, and a complete loss of hot water.
At Richmond Plumbing and Drainage, our team is on call 24/7, 365 days a year, which includes all public holidays. We provide a rapid-response same day plumbing service and aim to respond to your urgent request within two hours. We do not charge a call-out fee or double-time rates for after-hours work. We simply charge a flat three-hour minimum for emergency call-outs all year round.What should I do while waiting for an emergency plumber to arrive?
Do you provide plumbing services for commercial properties, real estate agencies, or body corporates?
How do you find the exact cause of a blocked drain without digging up my yard?
We use state-of-the-art technology to look directly inside your lines without invasive excavation. By conducting a high-definition CCTV plumbing inspection, CCTV drain survey, or CCTV drain inspection, we send purpose-built cameras down your underground lines.
This allows our blocked drain plumbers to accurately diagnose the problem and pinpoint its exact depth and location. We can see precisely what is causing your persistent blocked drains Brisbane wide, including tree root intrusion, heavy grease buildup, concrete, leaves, or structural pipe collapses. Once complete, we present a report showing the images along with straightforward solutions.What is high-pressure water jetting, and is it better than a traditional drain snake?
Yes, high pressure water jetting is far more effective than a traditional plumbing snake. A snake only punches a temporary hole, but our high pressure pipe cleaning equipment blasts a steady stream of highly pressurised water through hoses and custom nozzles.
This cuts through the toughest obstructions like tree roots, thick grease, and accumulated mineral sediments, scrubbing the internal pipe walls clean without scraping them. It is an environmentally friendly tool and the gold standard for long-term Brisbane drain cleaning. At Richmond Plumbing, we charge a competitive flat rate for our hydro-jetting machine, meaning you pay one fixed price to harness its power for any job.What is the difference between solar, gas, and heat pump hot water systems?
- Electric Hot Water Systems: Storage tank systems operating through a heating element and a built-in thermostat, ranging from 50L to 400L.
- Gas Hot Water Systems: LPG and natural gas storage tank models that perform exceptionally well during high-demand periods.
- Instantaneous Gas: Compact, wall-mounted units that heat water instantly on demand to provide a continuous water supply.
- Heat Pumps: Energy-efficient systems that act like a reverse air conditioner, extracting heat from the air to heat your water.
- Solar Hot Water Systems: Units that use rooftop collector panels to heat water. We provide expert repairs for these systems.
My hot water system is leaking or running cold. Do I need a repair or a replacement?
A minor leak or a faulty element can often be resolved with a standard gas hot water heater repair, electric element replacement, or solar hot water repairs. However, if your system is over 10–12 years old or the tank has rusted through, a full replacement is usually the most cost-effective path forward.
Call a certified hot water plumber immediately if you experience issues. For urgent situations, we provide a rapid-response 24-hour emergency hot water repair Brisbane service.
Whenever we carry out hot water plumbing services or install a new unit, we perform mandatory TMV testing to ensure stored water is at a safe temperature of 60°C in compliance with Australian legislation. We also offer a preventative maintenance program to change the anode in your system every two years to double its lifespan.Do you handle plumbing for new home builds and property renovations?
- Sub-surface drainage: Preparing your property to protect your foundation from future flooding, mould, and structural water damage.
- Water Rough-Ins: Running drain and water lines through walls, floors, and ceilings before installing permanent fixtures.
- Fit-off stage: Returning after the build is complete to install taps, dishwashers, garbage disposal units, showerheads, toilets, and water filtration systems.
Do you handle roof plumbing and gutter repairs?
Yes. Our team includes dedicated local roof plumbers and roof plumbing contractors who specialise exclusively in metal roofing, gutter repairs, and replacements. In Queensland, leaves and branches frequently block gutters and downpipes, causing severe water damage.
Our roof plumbing services include:
- Gutter clearing & repairs: Removing debris to protect foundations and fixing leaks or sagging.
- New gutter installation: Replacing old or severely damaged gutters.
- Downpipe services: Installing, unblocking, and repairing downpipes to redirect storm rainfall safely.
- Flashing services: Inspecting, repairing, and replacing roof flashing to create a flawless waterproof barrier.
- Pinpointing roof leaks: Using high-grade technology to find and fix leaks promptly.
- Plumbing vents maintenance: Inspecting and clearing vent pipes to restore correct system airflow.
Why is backflow prevention testing mandatory for Brisbane properties?
Backflow prevention testing Brisbane regulations are strictly enforced to protect public health. When mains water pressure drops, stagnant wastewater or chemicals can siphon backward into the clean public drinking water supply.
A backflow prevention device creates a secure, one-way barrier to stop this direction change. Local council legislation mandates annual testing by a licensed plumber specifically endorsed in backflow prevention. Our team handles the supply, installation, maintenance, and repair of these valves. Once our testing is complete, we issue a certificate of compliance and submit the test report directly to your local council to ensure you avoid heavy fines.What is TMV testing and why does my business need it?
Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) are purpose-built safety valves designed to blend hot and cold water to a safe temperature, usually 60°C, right before it reaches your taps. This completely prevents accidental, severe scalding.
Regular TMV testing Brisbane is a legal mandate under Australian statutory legislation for facilities catering to vulnerable groups, which includes childcare centres, aged care homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and NDIS providers. Our fully licensed team provides regular, scheduled TMV testing to reduce the likelihood of valve failure. Upon test completion, we submit a complete maintenance report to keep your facility meeting modern safety regulations