Frequently asked questions

Yes. If you want a job priced, such as a bathroom, a roof, a sewer repair or a hot water replacement, we come and look at it and give you a price at no charge. You know the number before any work starts.

No, and we would rather tell you why. A $99 deal usually means a quick poke through the blockage, a camera shot of the problem and a quote for thousands to dig it up. We clear the drain properly, remove the roots, and give you an honest view of your options, including relining, replacement or regular maintenance. More on $99 drain deals.

The office is open Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Leave a message outside those hours and we will call you back. We call back within 24 hours, guaranteed.

The Lower North Shore and North Shore, from Mosman and Kirribilli to Chatswood, Lindfield and North Ryde. See the areas we cover, or ring and ask if yours is not listed.

Yes. NSW contractor licence 227192C, with current public liability and workers compensation cover. Every plumber who comes to your house works for STS.

Go to a white basin or bath. Run the hot tap, then turn it off and run the cold. If the water is only brown on the hot side, the hot water system is rusting inside and needs replacing. The sooner you call, the more options you have, including a heat pump or gas system. See hot water systems.

Usually not. The most common cause is the water seal in the floor waste drying out. Tip a bucket of water down the floor waste and see if the smell goes within a day. If it does not, give us a call.

We need to find the cause first. That means testing the pipes for a burst and testing the tiles and shower base to see whether the waterproofing has failed. The investigation is charged by the hour. Once we know the cause, you get a price for the repair, whether that is a reseal, a new section of pipe or new waterproofing.

Usually you need an appliance technician. They check the isolation tap and the hose and repair the machine, and they will tell you if a plumber is needed. If the sink fills up when the machine pumps out, that is a drain problem, so call us.

Yes. If you can see where it starts, it speeds things up: watch while the tap runs, or fill the bowl and let it drain. Put a towel or a bowl under it until we get there.

Usually at the front boundary, near the meter. Turn the tap clockwise until it stops. It is worth finding it before you need it. More on turning off your water main.