FAQ

sometimes you can make your own plumbing repairs without calling in help.
Click on the items in the list below for our home plumbing tips.

Alternatively call us on 1800 219 682 and we will send a member of our team out to see you.

FAQ

  • Plumbers Licence
  • Helping to Keep Sydney’s Plumbing in Good Order

    Dealing with plumbing properly requires a certain level of skill and expertise.

    Whilst in the hands of a novice things can sometimes go to plan; however, there are many occasions when the complete opposite can happen. The reality is that disaster can easily strike.This is why it is vital to find a Sydney plumber that you can really trust.

    Experienced Professional Plumbers

    When it comes to plumbing services, Sydney has a lot of choice.

    However, few companies can claim the level of experience that Sweeney’s can. We have been providing expert, friendly assistance in Sydney’s Northshore and Hills areas for nearly 30 years.This is just one of the many reasons why our customers come back to us time and time again.

    Wide Range of Services

    Plumbing can of course take many different forms.

    You will be glad to know that we are skilled in the following key areas:

    • Emergency repairs
    • Blocked drains
    • Water leaks
    • Fitting and installation

    Our fully insured plumbers take time to listen to each customer’s requirement. This way we can constantly deliver the highest service levels.

    Affordable Plumbing and Maintenance

    No job is too big, or indeed too small.

    We pride ourselves in offering the most affordable solutions for both residential and commercial customers.

    To ensure complete satisfaction, we offer FREE cost estimates before any work is commenced. Yet another reason that distinguishes us from much of the so-called competition.

    Your First Choice

    We understand that when you need an emergency plumber Sydney, you need assistance fast. For this and all your plumbing requirements, we have the solution.

    Calling 1800 219 682 will put you in touch with one of our master plumbers who will be able to provide all the help you need.

  • Drains
  • Q : How do I make sure that a stopped sink drain doesn’t turn from an inconvenience into an emergency? Can I prevent clogs before they happen?

    A : Sink Drains: Run or pour scalding water down the drain to break up grease buildups. If hot water doesn’t unclog the drain, there could be some object in the drain. To check, remove and thoroughly clean the sink pop-up stopper or strainer. Determine if the clog is close to the sink by checking the other drains in your home. If more than one won’t clear, something is stuck in the main drain. The most effective way to clear a clog is with a snake. You can try using a plunger or a chemical drain. Never use a plunger if a chemical cleaner is present in the drain; you risk splashing caustic water on yourself and don’t look down the drain after pouring a chemical. The solution often boils up and gives off toxic fumes.

  • Water
  • Q : My water bills appear to be rather high. None of the faucets appear to leak. What else could contribute to a high water bill?
    A : You may want to check to see if a toilet is leaking. First, check the water level to ensure that water is not overflowing the tank by way of the overflow pipe. This is the pipe in the middle of the tank. It has a small tubing connected to it. If water is running into the overflow, adjust the fill valve to stop the flow approximately 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube or to the water level mark stamped on the side of the tank. Second, put a few drops of food colouring into the tank to test the flush valve mechanism. If the water in the bowl changes colour within 15 minutes, this is an indication that water is leaking into the toilet bowl and that the ball or flapper needs to be replaced.


     

    Q : The temperature of my hot water seems to be very high. How can I conserve energy, yet also be sure that there is an adequate amount of hot water?
    A : Most people are comfortable with their hot water set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is also the new standard that manufacturers use when pre-setting it at the factory. If you have an older model, set the thermostat at medium. On a gas model, there is a dial on the front of the gas valve. On electric models, the thermostats (there may be two) are concealed behind the two panels on the side of the tank.

    **NOTE: Turn off the electricity before removing the panels. There are exposed wires behind the panels containing HIGH VOLTAGE.


     

    Q : After a five-minute shower, the water starts to turn cold.
    A : There are two possibilities. First, the dip tube has broken off. This is a tube that forces incoming water to the bottom of the tank so that hot water will be drawn off of the top. When the dip tube breaks, cold water entering the tank mixes with the hot water and cools it down. This can occur in both gas and electric models.

    Second, if your water heater is electric, the lower element that heats the water may not be operating properly, thus only the upper half of the tank will heat up. The cause of this problem could be a bad element or a thermostat malfunction. This type of problem should be evaluated by a qualified technician.

  • Leaks
  • Blocked sewer & stormwater drains/Downpipes

    Sydney’s Northside experienced Residential & commercial drain experts have the equipment to clear the most stubborn drain blockages. This could be a grease trap, clogged toilet blocked sink or sewer-storm water drain or commercial sewer line.

    Sweeney’s Plumbing Northside Drains uses the following;
    Electric eels – High pressure drain cleaners – CCTV drain cameras to resolve your drain problem from 100mm to 450mm pipelines.

    Un like a lot of other plumbers we can both clean and repair your drain using trenchless no dig pipe patch relining. This can save both our Residential and commercial clients thousands of dollars on costly dig ups.

    Pipe Patching

    Once we have determined the location of the root intrusion or pipe breakage with our CCTV camera equipment we can determine if a suitable patch repair can be inserted to the problem area.
    The new patch repair can be inserted into the problem area to seal up the pipeline section so there are no further disruptions with that section.
    Our patches can be as small as 300mm in length and up to 1500mm long. This application is perfect where tree roots are growing in through an earthen-ware inspection point or collar area that is difficult to get to.

    Our patch repairs can be used on the following pipelines:
    –    Downpipes
    –    Stormwater pipes
    –    Sewer pipes

  • Why Choose Sweeneys Plumbing?
  • Why Use OUR Company??
    • Sweeney’s plumbing still offers the old fashioned service & reliability which built the company over 25 years ago.
    • We are fully insured and carry a $20million public liability policy giving you and your property protection.
    • Our business is built of repeat customers so we guarantee our workmanship.
    • We enjoy our work and meeting new people, so helping others when in need makes us feel better.
    • Our equipment is up to date technology so you benefit with proved experience.
    • Fully trained plumbers who are clean-polite and always respectful of your property.
    • Our trucks are fully stocked so whatever part is required we should have it on board.
    • Our office is always available to answer questions about any problem you may experience.
    In short, we care about our work and your property; so give us a go and experience the difference.

    Call now for a new experience!

    1800 219 682

Helping to Keep Sydney’s Plumbing in Good Order

Dealing with plumbing properly requires a certain level of skill and expertise.

Whilst in the hands of a novice things can sometimes go to plan; however, there are many occasions when the complete opposite can happen. The reality is that disaster can easily strike.This is why it is vital to find a Sydney plumber that you can really trust.

Experienced Professional Plumbers

When it comes to plumbing services, Sydney has a lot of choice.

However, few companies can claim the level of experience that Sweeney’s can. We have been providing expert, friendly assistance in Sydney’s Northshore and Hills areas for nearly 30 years.This is just one of the many reasons why our customers come back to us time and time again.

Wide Range of Services

Plumbing can of course take many different forms.

You will be glad to know that we are skilled in the following key areas:

  • Emergency repairs
  • Blocked drains
  • Water leaks
  • Fitting and installation

Our fully insured plumbers take time to listen to each customer’s requirement. This way we can constantly deliver the highest service levels.

Affordable Plumbing and Maintenance

No job is too big, or indeed too small.

We pride ourselves in offering the most affordable solutions for both residential and commercial customers.

To ensure complete satisfaction, we offer FREE cost estimates before any work is commenced. Yet another reason that distinguishes us from much of the so-called competition.

Your First Choice

We understand that when you need an emergency plumber Sydney, you need assistance fast. For this and all your plumbing requirements, we have the solution.

Calling 1800 219 682 will put you in touch with one of our master plumbers who will be able to provide all the help you need.

Q : How do I make sure that a stopped sink drain doesn’t turn from an inconvenience into an emergency? Can I prevent clogs before they happen?

A : Sink Drains: Run or pour scalding water down the drain to break up grease buildups. If hot water doesn’t unclog the drain, there could be some object in the drain. To check, remove and thoroughly clean the sink pop-up stopper or strainer. Determine if the clog is close to the sink by checking the other drains in your home. If more than one won’t clear, something is stuck in the main drain. The most effective way to clear a clog is with a snake. You can try using a plunger or a chemical drain. Never use a plunger if a chemical cleaner is present in the drain; you risk splashing caustic water on yourself and don’t look down the drain after pouring a chemical. The solution often boils up and gives off toxic fumes.

Q : My water bills appear to be rather high. None of the faucets appear to leak. What else could contribute to a high water bill?
A : You may want to check to see if a toilet is leaking. First, check the water level to ensure that water is not overflowing the tank by way of the overflow pipe. This is the pipe in the middle of the tank. It has a small tubing connected to it. If water is running into the overflow, adjust the fill valve to stop the flow approximately 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube or to the water level mark stamped on the side of the tank. Second, put a few drops of food colouring into the tank to test the flush valve mechanism. If the water in the bowl changes colour within 15 minutes, this is an indication that water is leaking into the toilet bowl and that the ball or flapper needs to be replaced.


 

Q : The temperature of my hot water seems to be very high. How can I conserve energy, yet also be sure that there is an adequate amount of hot water?
A : Most people are comfortable with their hot water set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is also the new standard that manufacturers use when pre-setting it at the factory. If you have an older model, set the thermostat at medium. On a gas model, there is a dial on the front of the gas valve. On electric models, the thermostats (there may be two) are concealed behind the two panels on the side of the tank.

**NOTE: Turn off the electricity before removing the panels. There are exposed wires behind the panels containing HIGH VOLTAGE.


 

Q : After a five-minute shower, the water starts to turn cold.
A : There are two possibilities. First, the dip tube has broken off. This is a tube that forces incoming water to the bottom of the tank so that hot water will be drawn off of the top. When the dip tube breaks, cold water entering the tank mixes with the hot water and cools it down. This can occur in both gas and electric models.

Second, if your water heater is electric, the lower element that heats the water may not be operating properly, thus only the upper half of the tank will heat up. The cause of this problem could be a bad element or a thermostat malfunction. This type of problem should be evaluated by a qualified technician.

Blocked sewer & stormwater drains/Downpipes

Sydney’s Northside experienced Residential & commercial drain experts have the equipment to clear the most stubborn drain blockages. This could be a grease trap, clogged toilet blocked sink or sewer-storm water drain or commercial sewer line.

Sweeney’s Plumbing Northside Drains uses the following;
Electric eels – High pressure drain cleaners – CCTV drain cameras to resolve your drain problem from 100mm to 450mm pipelines.

Un like a lot of other plumbers we can both clean and repair your drain using trenchless no dig pipe patch relining. This can save both our Residential and commercial clients thousands of dollars on costly dig ups.

Pipe Patching

Once we have determined the location of the root intrusion or pipe breakage with our CCTV camera equipment we can determine if a suitable patch repair can be inserted to the problem area.
The new patch repair can be inserted into the problem area to seal up the pipeline section so there are no further disruptions with that section.
Our patches can be as small as 300mm in length and up to 1500mm long. This application is perfect where tree roots are growing in through an earthen-ware inspection point or collar area that is difficult to get to.

Our patch repairs can be used on the following pipelines:
–    Downpipes
–    Stormwater pipes
–    Sewer pipes

Why Use OUR Company??
  • Sweeney’s plumbing still offers the old fashioned service & reliability which built the company over 25 years ago.
  • We are fully insured and carry a $20million public liability policy giving you and your property protection.
  • Our business is built of repeat customers so we guarantee our workmanship.
  • We enjoy our work and meeting new people, so helping others when in need makes us feel better.
  • Our equipment is up to date technology so you benefit with proved experience.
  • Fully trained plumbers who are clean-polite and always respectful of your property.
  • Our trucks are fully stocked so whatever part is required we should have it on board.
  • Our office is always available to answer questions about any problem you may experience.
In short, we care about our work and your property; so give us a go and experience the difference.

Call now for a new experience!

1800 219 682