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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what Brisbane and Gold Coast customers ask us most — about our services, our pricing and how we work.
Blocked Drains
Do you cover Paddington and the rest of Brisbane for blocked drains?
Yes. Aptus Plumbing & Gas clears blocked drains right across Brisbane — including Paddington and the inner-western suburbs — as well as the Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands and the Moreton Region. We have a large team of fully qualified plumbers on the road every day, so wherever you are in South East Queensland there is usually someone close by who can get to you quickly.
How do you find what is actually blocking the drain?
For anything beyond a simple clog we use a CCTV drain camera to inspect the line and locate the exact problem. The camera shows whether the blockage is a build-up of grease and debris, a foreign object, tree-root intrusion or a collapsed section of pipe. Seeing the cause first means we clear the right thing the first time, rather than guessing, and we can show you exactly what we found.
Can you clear the drain or do the pipes need digging up?
In the large majority of cases we clear the blockage without any digging at all. High-pressure water jetting scours the inside of the pipe and clears grease, sludge and root matter, and a drain camera confirms the line is running clear afterwards. Excavation is only needed when a pipe is actually broken or collapsed — and if that is the case, we will show you the camera footage before recommending any dig.
Do you handle blocked toilets and blocked stormwater drains too?
Yes. We clear blocked toilets, blocked sinks, showers and laundry drains, blocked sewer lines, blocked stormwater drains and downpipes, and blocked gutters. Whether it is a single fixture backing up inside the house or a stormwater system overwhelmed after heavy rain, the same team and the same equipment handle it — for both homes and commercial properties.
How quickly can you get to a blocked drain?
A blocked drain — especially a blocked toilet or a sewer back-up — is treated as a priority because it can quickly become a health and hygiene issue. We run a 24/7 emergency service and aim to get a plumber to urgent blockages as fast as possible. When you call, let us know what is happening and how many fixtures are affected, and we will give you a realistic arrival time.
How is a drain-clearing job priced?
We give you a clear price before any work starts — no hidden costs and no surprises once the job is done. The cost depends on what is causing the blockage, where it is and how it is best cleared, which is why we diagnose first. Once we know what we are dealing with, you get an up-front quote, and we will not proceed until you are happy to go ahead.
What can I do to stop my drains blocking again?
A few habits make a real difference: keep fats, oils and coffee grounds out of the kitchen sink, use drain strainers, and never flush wipes or sanitary products even if the packet says flushable. Outside, keep gutters and stormwater grates clear of leaves. If you have large trees near your sewer line, a periodic camera inspection can catch root intrusion early — we are happy to advise.
Hot Water Systems
Do you repair hot water systems or only replace them?
Both. Many hot water problems — a faulty valve, a failed heating element, a tripped thermostat — can be repaired, and that is often the quickest and most economical fix. We diagnose the fault first and tell you honestly whether a repair makes sense or whether the unit has reached the end of its life. You decide with the full picture in front of you.
What types of hot water systems do you install?
We install and service the full range — electric storage, natural gas and LPG continuous flow, gas storage, and solar hot water systems. Because we hold a Restricted Electrical licence as well, electric hot water work is fully certified in-house. We will help you choose the right type and size for your household so you are not paying to heat water you do not use.
My hot water has stopped — how fast can you come out?
No hot water is treated as an emergency, and we run a 24/7 service for exactly this reason. When you call, tell us whether the system is gas or electric and what you have noticed — no hot water at all, lukewarm water, leaking, or error lights — and we will prioritise getting a plumber to you. In many cases we are able to restore hot water the same day.
How long does a hot water system last?
A well-maintained hot water system will usually give reliable service for a good number of years before it needs replacing. Lifespan depends on the type of system, water quality and whether the sacrificial anode has been checked over time. If your system is getting older and showing signs like rusty water, leaks or longer recovery times, it is worth having it assessed before it fails completely.
Can you help me choose the right size system?
Yes — this is one of the most useful conversations to have before you buy. The right size depends on how many people are in the home, your hot water habits and whether you are on gas, electric or solar. We install hot water systems across South East Queensland every week, so we can match a system to your household and budget rather than selling you more capacity than you need.
How does pricing work for a hot water replacement?
We quote the job up front so you know the full picture before we start — the unit, the labour, and any valves or materials needed to bring the installation up to standard. Our approach is to explain the work and the fees clearly so there are no hidden costs or surprises once the job is done. You will always have a written price to approve first.
Do you install solar hot water systems?
Yes. We are solar hot water specialists and install and service solar systems across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Solar hot water can significantly cut the running cost of heating water, and we can talk you through whether your roof orientation, household size and budget make solar the right long-term choice or whether another system suits you better.
Leaking Tap Repairs
Is a dripping tap really worth fixing straight away?
Yes. A single leaking tap can waste a surprising amount of water over a year — that is money down the drain and pressure on a precious resource. Beyond the water bill, a slow leak can cause staining, damage to cabinetry and mould. Most tap leaks are quick and inexpensive to repair, so addressing one early almost always costs less than ignoring it.
What usually causes a tap to leak?
Most leaks come from a worn washer, a failed O-ring or ceramic cartridge, poor seating in the tap body, or a perished flexible hose under the sink. Mixer taps in particular have many internal parts. We identify exactly which component has failed rather than just replacing parts at random, so the repair lasts.
Can you repair mixer taps as well as traditional taps?
Yes. We repair every type — mixer taps, monobloc, cartridge, ball, disc, pillar and compression washer taps, plus wall-mounted, bath filler and floor-mounted taps. Mixer taps are convenient but more complex inside, so if a DIY washer change has not solved the leak, it is usually a cartridge or seat issue that is straightforward for a professional to put right.
Should I try to fix a leaking tap myself first?
You are welcome to try a basic washer replacement, and for a simple spindle tap that sometimes does the trick. But taps have many small parts, and if the leak persists after a washer change the cause is usually deeper. Forcing a stiff tap can also crack the body. If in doubt, a professional repair avoids turning a small job into a bigger one.
How quickly can you repair a leaking tap?
Leaking taps are usually a straightforward job and we can often attend promptly. If the leak is bad enough that you have had to shut off the water, let us know when you call and we will treat it with more urgency — we run a 24/7 service for genuine emergencies. Most tap repairs are completed in a single visit.
How is a tap repair priced?
We give you a clear price before we start. A simple washer or cartridge repair is a small job; if a tap is badly corroded or an old flexible hose needs replacing we will explain that and quote it before doing the work. Either way you approve the price first — we make sure the work and the fees are explained so there are no surprises.
Do you also supply and install new taps?
Yes. If a tap is beyond economical repair, or you simply want to upgrade, we can advise on a suitable replacement and install it properly. We work with everything from basic spindle taps through to quality mixer taps in a range of styles, and we will make sure the new tap is matched correctly to your existing plumbing.
Toilet Repairs
Do you fix blocked toilets as well as leaking and running toilets?
Yes — we handle the full range of toilet problems. Blocked toilets, leaking toilets, toilets that keep running, weak or noisy flushes, faulty cisterns and worn valves are all common jobs for us. We also install new toilets. Whatever the problem, the same team can diagnose it and put it right.
My toilet keeps running — is that worth fixing?
Definitely. A continuously running toilet can waste a large volume of water and quietly inflate your water bill. It is almost always caused by a worn inlet or outlet valve or a flush mechanism that no longer seals. These are inexpensive parts to replace and the repair is usually quick — well worth doing rather than living with the noise and the waste.
Can you clear a badly blocked toilet?
Yes. We clear blockages caused by too much paper, foreign objects, and more serious causes such as build-up further down the line or root intrusion in the sewer. If the blockage is beyond the toilet itself we can run a drain camera to see exactly what is going on. Either way we will get the toilet working again and explain what caused it.
How fast can you come out for a toilet problem?
A blocked or non-functioning toilet is treated as a priority — especially in a home with only one bathroom. We run a 24/7 emergency service, so call us and let us know the situation and we will give you a realistic arrival time and prioritise urgent jobs.
Can you install a new toilet for me?
Yes. If your toilet is old, cracked, inefficient or simply beyond economical repair, we can help you choose a suitable replacement and install it correctly — properly sealed, correctly connected and tested. A modern toilet also uses far less water per flush, which is a steady saving over time.
How do you price toilet repairs?
We provide upfront, transparent pricing — you know what to expect before any work begins. The cost depends on whether it is a simple valve or cistern repair, a blockage to clear, or a full toilet replacement. Once we have diagnosed the problem you get a clear quote, and we do not proceed until you have approved it.
Why does my toilet smell even though it looks clean?
A persistent sewer-type smell around a toilet usually points to a problem beyond cleaning — a failed seal at the base, a dry or faulty trap, or a venting issue in the drainage system. It is worth having it checked, because the same gap that lets the smell out can also let water seep where you cannot see it. We can find the source and fix it.
Commercial Plumbing
What kinds of commercial plumbing work do you take on?
We undertake commercial plumbing and gas projects and maintenance of all sizes — commercial gas installations, building sewerage systems and pump stations, trade waste and grease traps, stormwater systems, hot and cold water installations, backflow prevention devices, and ongoing repairs and upgrades. We work across Brisbane, the Moreton region, Logan and Ipswich for businesses, body corporates and industrial clients.
Do you carry the safety documentation our site requires?
Yes. Our commercial work is backed by a strong safety culture, with comprehensive site management plans and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) provided for your project. We are also prequalified contractors with Cm3, Australia's leading online contractor OHS/WHS prequalification system, so we can meet the compliance requirements of most commercial and managed sites.
Can you handle both project work and ongoing maintenance?
Yes. We are set up for planned project work — new installations and upgrades — and for responsive maintenance, including urgent repairs that cannot wait. Many commercial clients use us for both, because having the same team across project and maintenance work means whoever attends already understands the site.
Do you offer after-hours service for commercial clients?
Yes. We run a 24/7 service, which matters for businesses where a plumbing or gas fault during trading hours means lost revenue. If something fails outside normal hours, we can respond so the issue is contained and your premises can keep operating.
How do you price commercial plumbing work?
Commercial jobs are quoted on scope. We make sure the work and the fees are accounted for accurately so there are no hidden costs or surprises once the work is done. For larger projects we provide a detailed written quote; for maintenance we agree the approach with you before proceeding. The aim is a premium level of service at a cost-effective price.
Do you do backflow prevention testing and installation?
Yes. We install and test commercial-grade backflow prevention devices, and we install and maintain thermostatic mixing valves. These are compliance-critical items for many commercial and managed properties, and keeping them installed and tested correctly protects both your water supply and your obligations as a building owner or manager.
Property Management Plumbing
How do you support real estate agents and property managers?
We look after property managers with a focus on three things: clear communication that keeps managers, tenants and owners informed every step of the way; same-day invoicing so your systems stay current; and exceptional workmanship from fully qualified tradespeople who treat every property with care. The result is fewer follow-up calls and a maintenance partner you can rely on.
Do you offer same-day and after-hours service for managed properties?
Yes. We provide same-day service where possible and reliable after-hours emergency cover for issues that cannot wait — blocked drains, hot water failures and leak detection in particular. For a property manager juggling many properties, knowing there is a plumber who will actually answer and attend makes a real difference.
What plumbing work do you cover for managed properties?
Effectively everything a managed property needs under one roof: emergency plumbing, electric, gas and solar hot water installation and servicing, drain repairs and renewals, drain camera diagnostics, burst pipe repairs, water and gas pipe renewals, leak detection, tap and toilet repairs, rainwater tank and pump installation, roof and gutter repairs, gas fitting, and backflow and thermostatic mixing valve testing.
How do you keep tenants and owners informed?
Clear communication is built into how we work. We keep the property manager updated, liaise directly with tenants to arrange access, and make sure everyone knows what was found and what was done. Tenants consistently tell us our plumbers are respectful and tidy in their homes, which reflects well on the agency that sent us.
How does invoicing work for property management jobs?
We use efficient management systems so invoices are sent the same day the job is completed. That keeps your trust accounting and owner reporting current and removes the lag that often comes with trade invoicing. Every invoice is clear about what was done so it is easy to pass on to owners.
Can you become our regular plumbing contractor?
Yes — that is exactly the kind of relationship we are set up for. Many agencies use Aptus as their trusted plumber across a portfolio of properties because the consistency — same team, same standards, same communication — makes their job easier. Get in touch and we can talk through how we would work with your agency.
General Questions
Where is Aptus Plumbing & Gas based and which areas do you cover?
Aptus Plumbing & Gas is based in Brendale on the Brisbane northside and serves all of South East Queensland. That includes Brisbane northside and southside, the Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, the Redlands, the Moreton Region, Caboolture and Redcliffe. We have a large team of fully qualified plumbers on the road across these areas every day, so wherever you are in SEQ there is usually a plumber close by.
Are you available for emergencies and after hours?
Yes. We run a 24/7 emergency plumbing and gas service, because plumbing problems do not keep business hours. No hot water, a burst pipe, a blocked toilet or a gas concern can all be attended outside normal hours. When you call, tell us what is happening and we will prioritise genuine emergencies.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Aptus Plumbing & Gas is fully licensed, insured and local, and we hold QLD Master Plumber status. We also hold a Restricted Electrical licence, which means electric hot water work is certified in-house, and we are Cm3 prequalified for commercial OHS/WHS. Our work is quality and workmanship guaranteed.
How does your pricing work?
We explain the work and the fees clearly before we start, so there are no hidden costs or surprises once the job is done. Because plumbing jobs vary so much, we diagnose the problem first and then give you a clear price to approve. You decide with the full picture in front of you — we never start chargeable work without your go-ahead.
How do I book a plumber or get a quote?
The fastest way is to call us on (07) 3205 1991, or send an enquiry through the quote form on this site with a few details about the job. Tell us what is happening, your suburb and how urgent it is, and we will be in touch to arrange a time. For emergencies, calling will always get the quickest response.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. Our team of qualified tradespeople is fully insured, and our work is quality and workmanship guaranteed. We take a long-term view — we would rather do the job properly the first time than be called back, which is why we never compromise on workmanship or the quality of the components we use.

Still have a question?
Call the team at Aptus Plumbing & Gas or send an enquiry — we are happy to help, 24/7.
