24/7 Emergency Plumber Tanawha
Big Blue Plumbing dispatches licensed plumbers to emergency plumbing calls in Tanawha around the clock, covering the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, and Moreton Bay regions. That includes burst pipes, gas leakages, severe blockages, hot water service failures, and flooding, situations where delay increases property damage, safety risk, or loss of essential services. If inspection at the site finds additional scope (such as drain relining or a full replacement), options are explained and a fixed-price quote is confirmed before that work proceeds.
We've been completing plumbing and gas work across South East Queensland for decades, so the team is familiar with how faults present in different property types, from older homes with original terracotta drains to newer estates with PVC systems. Tanawha sits within our Sunshine Coast service footprint, and urgent jobs are allocated from the nearest available base to reduce travel time where current bookings allow.
All attending plumbers hold the appropriate Queensland licences for the work being done, and we carry public liability and workers compensation insurance. Public liability covers accidental property damage during the job; workers compensation relates to workplace injuries on site. You'll receive a fixed-price quote once the fault is assessed and scope is agreed, and the price is based on the job, not the hour. There are no hidden fees added after quoting.
If you're unsure whether the issue counts as an emergency or can wait until standard hours, a quick call clarifies priority and timing. We explain what the first visit involves, what happens if immediate repair isn't possible, and what temporary measures can make things safe while a full fix is scheduled.
What Counts as an Emergency Plumbing Situation
An emergency plumbing call involves an active fault that risks property damage, creates a safety hazard, or cuts off an essential service like water or gas. Common scenarios include burst pipes flooding rooms or ceilings, gas leaks causing odour or appliance shutdowns, sewer backups entering the property, and complete hot water failures in winter when there's no alternative. If the situation can be safely managed until the next business day, it's often treated as urgent rather than emergency dispatch.
Burst pipes usually result from corroded joints, freeze-thaw cycles (less common on the Sunshine Coast but possible in hinterland properties), or impact damage during renovations. The consequence if ignored is water damage to floors, walls, ceilings, and electrical systems, plus high water bills from uncontrolled flow. Gas leaks can stem from corroded fittings, damaged flex hoses behind appliances, or faulty regulator valves, and the risk is fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide buildup in confined spaces.
Severe blocked drain issues that cause sewage to back up into showers, toilets, or floor wastes are treated as emergencies because of health risk and contamination. Hot water system failures become urgent in cold weather or when there's no backup supply, especially in homes with young children, elderly residents, or medical needs. We prioritise based on the immediacy of the risk, and arrival timing depends on current bookings and the location within our service area.
How the Emergency Callout Process Works
When you call for emergency plumbing, the initial step is confirming what's happening, where the fault is, and whether there's an immediate safety concern. If you can smell gas, we advise turning off the gas meter (if safe to reach), opening windows, avoiding ignition sources like switches or lighters, and evacuating until the plumber arrives. For burst pipes, the main isolation valve should be shut off if accessible; if you're not sure where it is or can't turn it, we walk you through it by phone if needed.
Urgent jobs go out to the nearest available properly licensed plumber, and we provide an ETA at booking where possible. Arrival timing is affected by current workload, traffic, and distance from the dispatch point. If the plumber is delayed, you'll receive an update. On arrival, the technician confirms identity, explains what they'll assess, and asks for access to the affected area and any relevant service points like the meter or switchboard.
The assessment identifies the cause, checks for related damage, and confirms what's needed to restore safe operation. You'll get a fixed-price quote covering the immediate repair before work starts. If diagnostics reveal a bigger problem, such as a cracked main line, a failing hot water tank, or widespread corrosion, the plumber explains the options, the risks of deferring the work, and what a temporary fix can achieve. You decide whether to proceed with the full scope or arrange a return visit.
Once the repair is done, the plumber tests the system (re-pressurises gas lines, checks for leaks, confirms water flow, verifies the hot water unit fires correctly) and cleans up the work area. You'll receive an invoice, a receipt suitable for insurance claims or landlord records, and any compliance documentation required for gas work. If a workmanship issue appears after we leave, it's covered by our workmanship warranty and we'll return to address it.
Common Emergency Scenarios in Tanawha Properties
Burst flexi hoses behind toilets, under sinks, and beneath kitchen mixers are a frequent emergency callout across residential properties. These braided stainless hoses can fail suddenly due to internal corrosion, poor installation, or age-related fatigue, and when they rupture, water floods continuously under pressure until the isolation valve or main is shut off. The usual fix involves replacing the failed hose, checking the mounting hardware, and confirming that the new installation is leak-free under full pressure.
Gas hot water systems can develop leaks at the pilot assembly, burner chamber seals, or supply line connections, especially in units older than ten years. If you notice a gas odour near the unit, the appliance should be turned off at the isolation valve, and we can assess whether a component repair is viable or a full replacement is needed. In many cases, older units with multiple faults are more cost-effective to replace than repair repeatedly.
Tree root intrusion is a common cause of severe blocked drain issues in established Sunshine Coast suburbs, where mature trees send fine roots into cracked clay or concrete pipes searching for moisture. Over months, the roots expand and trap debris, eventually causing toilets and floor drains to back up. High-pressure water jetting clears the blockage and scours the pipe, and a CCTV camera inspection confirms whether the pipe structure is intact or if relining or replacement is needed to prevent recurrence.
Corroded galvanised steel pipes in homes built before the 1980s can burst without warning as the internal lining deteriorates and pressure finds a weak spot. When this happens inside a wall or ceiling cavity, water damage spreads quickly. The emergency repair isolates the failed section and installs a temporary bypass if needed, then a full re-pipe of the affected zone is quoted separately once the scope is finalised by inspection.
What You Can Expect From the Onsite Visit
The attending plumber arrives in a marked vehicle, confirms their identity, and explains what they'll assess before entering the property. If the fault is inside a security-controlled building or gated estate, we follow entry instructions carefully and coordinate access with property managers or strata where required. We wear boot covers or protective sleeves in occupied homes, use drop sheets around the work area, and isolate the zone being worked on to reduce mess.
Assessment starts at the point of failure, checking for visible leaks, testing water pressure, inspecting gas fittings with a detector, or running a camera through a blocked drain line. The plumber explains findings in plain English as they go, shows photos or video where helpful, and confirms what's included in the immediate repair versus what would be handled as a separate job if additional work is needed.
Before starting, you'll receive the fixed price quote covering labour, parts, and any after-hours surcharge if applicable. The quote is by the job, not by the hour, so there's no risk of time-based cost blowouts. If you have a valid seniors card, we apply the discount at invoicing. Payment plans are available through Brighte with a 5, 7 minute approval process for larger repairs or replacements.
During the repair, we keep disruption as low as practical. If the job involves shutting off water or gas to the property, we let you know the expected downtime and confirm when services are restored. Once the work is finished, the plumber re-tests the system, verifies that the fault is resolved, removes rubbish generated by the job, and provides a walk-through if you'd like to see what was done. Invoices and receipts are provided on the spot, and compliance certificates are issued for regulated gas work where required.
Pricing, Call-Out Fees, and After-Hours Surcharges
Emergency plumbing is priced by the job once the scope is finalised onsite. The final cost depends on the nature of the fault, access difficulty, parts required, and whether the callout occurs during standard hours or after-hours. After-hours work (evenings, weekends, public holidays) typically incurs a surcharge to cover the availability of licensed plumbers outside business hours, but the exact call-out fee status and surcharge amount should be confirmed when booking.
We don't add hidden fees after the quote is provided. If the initial assessment reveals additional faults, such as a second leak, a damaged valve, or structural pipe damage requiring relining, those items are explained and quoted separately before any additional work proceeds. You're not obligated to proceed with extra scope; the plumber will complete the immediate emergency repair as quoted and provide advice on managing the deferred work.
For larger emergency repairs like hot water replacements or extensive pipe re-routing, a 0% interest payment plan is available through Brighte, subject to approval. The approval process typically takes 5, 7 minutes and allows the cost to be spread across manageable installments. Seniors with a valid card receive a discount applied at invoicing. Payment is due on completion, and we accept card, bank transfer, and Brighte finance.
Licensing, Insurance, and Safety Standards
All plumbers attending emergency calls hold current Queensland plumbing and gas licences where required for the work being performed. Licensing ensures compliance with Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3500 for plumbing, AS/NZS 5601.1 for gas), and it's a legal requirement for anyone carrying out regulated plumbing, drainage, or gas fitting work in Queensland. We carry the licence cards and can provide the details if you'd like to verify them.
We're adequately insured with public liability and workers compensation cover. Public liability insurance protects you if accidental property damage occurs during the job, such as a cracked tile, a damaged fitting, or water staining from an unexpected pipe failure during repairs. Workers compensation covers workplace injuries to our team while on your property. These policies provide a layer of protection that uninsured operators can't offer.
All technicians undergo police and background checks as part of our vetting process, and we can accommodate safety-sensitive requests such as confirming identity before entry, minimising movement through occupied areas, and following site-specific inductions in commercial or strata environments. We explain what we're doing before starting, confirm access permissions at the door, and keep the work area as tidy as practical throughout the job, not just at the end.
When Immediate Repair Isn't Possible
Some emergency situations can't be fully resolved on the first visit due to parts availability, the need for specialist equipment, or scope that requires excavation or structural access during daylight hours. In these cases, the plumber makes the system safe, installs a temporary repair where viable, and schedules a return visit to complete the permanent fix. You'll know what the temporary measure achieves, how long it's expected to hold, and what signs to watch for that would require another callout.
For example, a burst main line beneath a concrete driveway might be temporarily bypassed with an above-ground hose until excavation equipment and traffic management can be arranged. A failing hot water unit leaking from the tank body can be isolated and drained to prevent further water damage, with a replacement scheduled once the correct model is confirmed and delivered. A severe root-affected drain line might be cleared enough to restore partial flow, with relining or replacement quoted once a full CCTV check is completed in daylight.
We explain what the limitations are, what risks remain if the temporary fix fails, and what the next steps involve. If the deferred work is urgent (such as structural pipe damage or a gas system requiring re-certification), we flag that clearly and help prioritise scheduling. Until the permanent repair is completed, the property remains safe and usable, and you won't be left without water, gas, or drainage unless there's no safe alternative.
Avoiding DIY Risks During Plumbing Emergencies
It's tempting to attempt a quick fix during an emergency, but plumbing and gas systems involve pressurised water, flammable gas, and building code compliance, and mistakes can make the situation worse or create new hazards. If you're dealing with a burst pipe, the safest immediate action is shutting off the mains valve (usually located near the front boundary meter). If you smell gas, turn off the meter if it's safe to access, open windows, avoid using electrical switches or ignition sources, and call for professional assessment.
Do not attempt to dismantle gas fittings, re-thread pipe connections, or apply temporary sealants to pressurised water lines, these actions can cause further leaks, void insurance coverage, or breach Queensland building regulations. Licensed plumbers have the tools, materials, and compliance knowledge to make repairs safely and legally, and work is covered by public liability insurance and a workmanship warranty. DIY repairs are not.
If you're unsure whether the issue is urgent or can wait, a short call to our team clarifies the priority. We can talk you through immediate safety steps (like isolating water or gas) without asking you to diagnose the fault or attempt repairs yourself. Once the plumber arrives, they assess the situation, confirm what caused it, and restore safe operation using code-compliant methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can a plumber reach Tanawha for an emergency callout?
Arrival time depends on the current workload, the location within Tanawha, and traffic conditions at the time of booking. Urgent jobs are dispatched to the nearest available licensed plumbing specialist covering the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, and Moreton Bay service area. We provide an ETA when you book where possible, and if delays occur, you'll receive an update. Immediate dispatch doesn't guarantee instant arrival, but it does mean your job goes to the front of the queue for the next available technician.
Do you charge a call-out fee for after-hours emergencies?
After-hours emergency work typically incurs a call-out fee or surcharge to cover the cost of maintaining 24/7 properly licensed NSW plumber availability outside business hours. The exact fee and whether it's separate from or included in the job quote should be confirmed when you book. The final price is fixed once scope is assessed onsite, and there are no hidden fees added after the quote is provided.
What if the emergency involves gas and I can smell it inside the house?
If you smell gas inside, treat it as an urgent safety risk. Turn off the gas meter at the main isolation valve if it's safe to reach, open doors and windows to ventilate the area, do not use electrical switches or ignition sources (including lighters, stoves, or phone chargers), and evacuate until a licensed gas fitter arrives. We'll dispatch a experienced plumbing technician to locate the leak, test the system with a gas detector, make it safe, and explain what repair or replacement is needed. Gas work is covered by Queensland licensing and compliance requirements, and a certificate is issued once the system is re-commissioned.
Can you fix a broken pipe if it's inside a wall or ceiling?
If a pipe has burst inside a wall or ceiling cavity, the starting point is shutting off water to the affected zone and confirming the extent of the damage. The plumber cuts an access panel to reach the failed section, replaces the damaged pipe, re-pressurises the line, and tests for leaks before closing up. If significant water damage has occurred to plasterboard, insulation, or structural framing, that's noted and you may need a builder or restorer to complete the cosmetic and structural repairs separately. The plumbing repair is priced by the job once access and scope are confirmed onsite.
What happens if the hot water service fails completely on a weekend?
Complete hot water failure on a weekend is treated as an emergency if there's no alternative supply and the household includes vulnerable residents (young children, elderly, medical needs) or if the failure is caused by a safety issue like a gas leak or pressure valve failure. The plumber assesses whether the fault is repairable (faulty thermostat, pilot assembly, or relief valve) or if the unit needs replacing. If replacement is required and the correct model isn't immediately available, a temporary electric unit may be installed to restore hot water while the permanent replacement is arranged.
Are your plumbers insured and licensed for emergency work?
All attending plumbers hold current Queensland licences for plumbing, drainage, and gas work where applicable, and we carry public liability and workers compensation insurance. Licensing ensures compliance with Australian Standards and Queensland building regulations, and insurance provides protection if accidental property damage or workplace injury occurs during the job. Licence details and insurance certificates are available on request.
What if I'm renting and need emergency plumbing, who pays?
In rental properties, emergency repairs affecting safety or habitability (burst pipes, gas leaks, sewer backups, complete hot water failure) are typically the landlord's or property manager's responsibility under Queensland tenancy law. If you're a tenant, contact your property manager or landlord immediately to authorise the callout. We can coordinate directly with agents, provide invoices and job documentation suitable for maintenance records, and confirm scope before proceeding if the agent requests it. Payment arrangements are confirmed at booking.
Can tree roots cause emergency blocked drain issues?
Tree roots searching for moisture can enter cracked or poorly sealed drain pipes and expand over time, eventually trapping debris and causing severe blockages that result in sewage backflowing into toilets, showers, or floor drains. This is common in established Sunshine Coast properties with mature trees and older terracotta or clay pipes. High-pressure water jetting clears the blockage and scours the roots from the pipe, and a camera inspection confirms whether the pipe structure is intact or if replacement or relining is needed to prevent recurrence. Root-affected blockages are treated as emergencies when sewage enters the property.
What's included in a fixed-price emergency quote?
A fixed-price emergency quote includes labour, parts, testing, and verification for the specific fault assessed onsite. If the job involves after-hours work, the quote includes any applicable surcharge. The price is by the job, not by the hour, so there's no risk of time-based cost blowouts. If assessment reveals additional faults or scope beyond the immediate emergency repair, those items are explained and quoted separately before any extra work proceeds. You decide whether to proceed with additional scope or defer it.
How do I know if a plumbing issue counts as an emergency or can wait?
If the fault is actively causing property damage (flooding, sewage backup), creates a safety hazard (gas leak, exposed live electrical near water), or cuts off an essential service with no alternative (complete hot water failure in winter, no water supply to the property), it's treated as an emergency. If the issue is contained, not worsening, and can be safely managed until standard hours, it's usually handled as an urgent booking rather than an after-hours callout. A quick call to our team clarifies priority and whether immediate dispatch is recommended.
