What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency in Sydney?
The current COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney and New South Wales generally has caused further restrictions to be put in place, and with it, confusion over what can and can’t be done when it comes to plumbing and maintenance in your home. Here at Gladesville Plumbing, we’d like to help clear away the chaos and resolve a little of your stress. We’re available with our 24- hour emergency service when you need us, to help keep you and your family safe – even during lockdowns. Read on to find out when to call an emergency plumber, Sydney!
What are the current lockdown measures in place for tradies?
There are currently different rules in place for different parts of Greater Sydney (or Local Government Areas “LGAs”), depending on the severity of the outbreak. LGAs of concern are subject to increased levels of restrictions for the protection of everyone living and working in those communities.
The status of LGAs changes rapidly and to check whether the area you live or work in has recently been declared an LGA of concern, you should check the NSW Government website here. Some of the additional “lockdown” measures that may be applied to areas of concern include restrictions on the type of work that can be undertaken, travel restrictions, testing requirements and the vaccination status of the worker.
Plumbers are considered “authorised workers” and from 6 September 2021, plumbers who live within an LGA of concern may perform work in Greater Sydney and beyond, provided they comply with vaccination requirements. This means your plumber must have had at least one dose of a COVID_19 vaccine if they live in a LGA of concern and do work outside that LGA.
No matter where you live, your local plumber who lives in your LGA can help you in a plumbing emergency.
What services can be carried out in areas that are NOT considered an LGA of concern?
As at 1 September 2021 these areas include Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Woollongong government areas (except those areas listed as LGAs of concern). Confirm your LGA status here.
According to the New South Wales State Government health department, all work, including prescribed work such as renovations, repairs, maintenance and cleaning, is still allowed to either continue or commence provided that all parties follow the rules. That means you as the resident, and us as the tradespeople.
Face masks must be worn at all times, and if undergoing prescribed work, capacity limits need to be followed. This means that when indoors, no more than 2 people can be working, and the resident of the property needs to remain in a separate indoor area. When working outdoors, there must be no more than 5 people working at a time.
From 6 September 2021, your work will only be performed by a plumber who meets the vaccination requirements or who lives outside of an LGA of concern. Your local plumber who lives in your LGA will be able to help you in a plumbing crisis.
What services can be carried out in areas that ARE considered LGAs of concern?
As at 1 September 2021 LGAs of concern include Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Strathfield, and some suburbs of Penrith. Confirm your LGA status here.
Currently only “prescribed work that is necessary” can be undertaken – which is essentially urgent or emergency repair work. These are the services designated to be emergencies and can be carried out while these concerning areas of Sydney remain in lockdown.
- Blocked or leaking toilets
- Blocked drains
- Burst pipes
- Gas leaks
- Roof leaks
- Hot water issues
Kitchen and bathroom renovation work is not permitted in LGAs of concern, with very few exceptions to the rule. It is only permitted where there is an urgent need to address safety and the work had commenced prior to restrictions.
Please note, permitted services are subject to change as the restrictions are updated. If you need any clarification, please contact us!
Face masks must be worn at all times and capacity limits need to be followed. No more than 2 people can be working indoors, and the resident of the property needs to remain in a separate indoor area. There must be no more than 5 people working at a time on an outdoor site.
From 6 September, your work will be performed by a plumber who lives within your own LGA of concern, a plumber meeting the vaccination requirements who lives in another LGA of concern, or a plumber who lives outside of an LGA of concern. Your local plumber who lives in your LGA will be able to help you with any urgent plumbing problems.
Safety measures while dealing with your lockdown plumbing emergency
Everybody must comply with NSW Government COVID restrictions and rules – residents and the tradies. We keep a close eye on the current restrictions and comply with the requirements as they change.
You need to ensure that before anyone enters your home, you disinfect the area that needs to be serviced. You should also disinfect the area once the plumber has left. As an added precaution, you may wish to increase ventilation by opening any windows in the work area while the plumber is in your home. This protects you and your family, as well as your plumber.
In the event that you or any member of your household feels unwell, or you have been advised to self-isolate, please cancel your booking. We need to make sure that everyone stays safe, and we can always reschedule!
