Jet Blast Plumbing, one of Canberra's most recommended plumbers. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
If you’ve ever faced a plumbing disaster that needs to be fixed urgently before it causes costly damage, you’ll understand the value of a professional emergency plumber.
Plumbing emergencies, such as overflowing toilets, blocked pipes, or hot water issues, can strike at any time and when it’s least convenient so you’ll want to act quickly. While not all plumbing firms are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, those that are should be able to solve your problem and remove your stress.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing an emergency plumber, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great emergency plumber?
Even though fixing your plumbing emergency quickly is a priority, you’ll not want to make hasty decisions about which plumber to use. The first one you find online might not be the best plumber for you.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing an emergency plumber.
- Responsive and reliable. You’ll want an emergency plumber who can get to you quick sharp and when they say they will. Emergency plumbers can be super busy so if the one you call isn’t available asap, try another.
- Appropriate licenses and insurances. In the ACT, all plumbers must be licensed and meet eligibility requirements (such as having completed a relevant qualification). Double check that your emergency plumber is licensed and has public and products liability insurance.
- Highly experienced. Experienced plumbers have seen it all and are more likely to get your plumbing problem under control much faster than someone just starting out. Check for a proven track record of success.
- Transparent pricing. Emergency tradespeople in any industry can charge more for emergency services, including plumbers. Your plumber should be upfront about how much things will cost. Quotes and invoices should be transparent, with no unexpected fees or charges.
- Guaranteed work. Make sure your emergency plumber guarantees their work and will return to fix additional issues related to their repair, should these occur.
Important essentials to check before engaging a plumber
Master Plumbers ACT recommends you conduct these checks before engaging a plumber. They’re easy and only take five minutes. They’ll ensure you don’t engage a dodgy plumber.
- Check that the plumber has a registered business by checking they’re registered through the Australian Business Registration website.
- Check that the plumber is registered on the Access Canberra List of Licensed Plumbers. If you can’t find their name, they’re probably not licensed.
- Check the plumber’s website and advertising. Make sure their ABN and license number are posted and check if they have Public Liability Insurance. Also check if they hold a membership in a reputable industry association such as Master Plumbers ACT. If they don’t have a website or don’t have this information on their site, it’s likely best to move on.
- Ask the plumber you choose to bring proof of their Public Liability Insurance when they arrive on site.
The best emergency plumbers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook and maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Jet Blast Plumbing
Jet Blast Plumbing provides 24-hour emergency services, 7 days a week. This family owned and run business has more than 25 years of experience. Jet Blast Plumbing provides upfront pricing and quick response times, no matter what time of day or night.
No job is too big or too small for Jet Blast Plumbing. Experienced, qualified and fully licensed plumbers assist with blocked drains and toilets, gas fitting, leaking taps and toilets, burst pipes, hot water repairs and installation, and all emergency plumbing services. Equipped with a high-pressure water jetter and CCTV drain camera, plumbing problems are diagnosed and rectified in no time.
As Angie Marlow wrote on Google, “Tony was fantastic. He came over in half an hour and cleared our blocked drains with the pressure hose. He was the cheapest quote with no hidden extras. I recommend him highly. He's also a lovely guy.”
ACT Licensed Plumber: 2018299.
Water Tight Canberra
As a national 2019 Telstra Business Award winner, Water Tight Canberra delivers quality emergency plumbing services in the ACT and region. Its team is available for all plumbing emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Water Tight Canberra has the skills, equipment and ability to get the job repaired and cleaned up as soon as possible.
Allan Baxter wrote on Google, “I arrived at my townhouse on a Friday afternoon at about 1:30 after a week away to find that the hot water service had sprung a leak during my absence. I called Water Tight and Tom was here within an hour. After an inspection and quotation Tom undertook to replace the hot water service that day and did so with two other members of staff. I was very favourably impressed with the prompt and efficient service. I would recommend Water Tight to anyone with an urgent plumbing problem.”
ACT licensed plumber: 2017441. Member of Master Plumbers ACT.
JML Plumbing and Gas
JML Plumbing & Gas’s team of highly experienced and licensed tradesmen deliver the highest service standards to clients across Canberra and surrounding region. In 2022, the company was nominated in the Canberra Region’s Local Business Awards and was runner-up in the best trades and service business category.
With over 70 years’ combined experience, JML Plumbing & Gas provides the full range of plumbing, drainage and gas services. The team provides 24/7 emergency callouts and yearly maintenance schedules, including for large commercial assets and buildings.
JML Plumbing & Gas’s professional, licensed plumbers are knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of plumbing. They cover blocked drains, hot water issues, dripping taps, gas leaks, leaking toilets and burst water pipes. With fully stocked vehicles, JML Plumbing & Gas handles the majority of plumbing tasks immediately and always with great customer service, honesty, and integrity. Continual training ensures staff operate at best practice.
ACT licensed plumber: 201244. Member of Master Plumbers ACT.
Mark Hankinson wrote on Google, “One of the best experiences I’ve ever had dealing with trades … The team at JML Plumbing were extremely professional and easy to deal with. I didn’t have to wait for a couple of days for their service and they took care of all inspections and approvals needed. Great service. Great staff. Would highly recommend.”
Definitive Plumbing and Gas
Definitive Plumbing’s highly skilled, trained and experienced plumbers provide responsive emergency services 24-7. Emergency requirements include blocked drains, new and leaking taps, and blocked and leaking toilets. With over 10 years’ experience, plumbers handle jobs large and small, accurately and safely, using the latest and most innovative tools. Locally owned and operated, Definitive Plumbing offers free, no-obligation quotes. Customer satisfaction is guaranteed. Servicing all of Canberra.
ACT Plumbing License: 20121603. NSW Plumbing License: 291889C.
If you’re looking for more information on plumbing services in Canberra, check out our other articles on the best plumbers, including the best plumbers in Belconnen and Tuggeranong, the best blocked drain plumbers, the best commercial plumbers, the best toilet repair specialists, the best hot water systems repairers and the best gas fitters in Canberra.
Your experience with emergency plumbers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the emergency plumbers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does emergency plumbing cost?
Each company has its own fee structure. Some charge a call-out fee, but some don’t. Get a quote before work begins so you know how much it will cost to fix your problem. Ask the emergency plumber for advice on whether the problem can wait until the next day.
Do ACT emergency plumbers need to be licensed and insured?
In the ACT, all plumbers must be licensed and meet eligibility requirements (such as having completed a relevant qualification). Double check that your chosen emergency plumber is licensed and has current public and products liability insurance to protect you if work doesn’t go to plan.
Is all emergency plumbing work guaranteed?
Ask this question when you call to organise the emergency plumber to head your way. Quality emergency plumbers aim to work as cost effectively and efficiently as possible and guarantee their work. If the plumber you call won’t guarantee, try someone else.
Do emergency plumbers service all of Canberra?
Many emergency plumbers service all areas of Canberra 24-7, but some only restricted areas so ask by phone or check their website. If you’re in a real state, with water gushing everywhere for example, you’ll want a plumber who can get to you quick sharp.
What if my emergency plumbing problem persists?
If your problem persists after the emergency plumber has left, don’t hesitate to call them back. Reputable emergency plumbers aim to get things fixed right the first time and are happy to guarantee their work.
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