What’s the difference between licensed plumbers and dodgy plumbers?
When you need a plumber — whether it’s a sudden burst pipe, a blocked toilet, or even a hot water system breakdown — it’s tempting to call just anyone promising a “cheap fix.” But here’s the simple truth: licensed plumbers have the training, qualifications, and legal authorisation to safely handle your plumbing. Dodgy or unlicensed plumbers, on the other hand, usually have no formal trade qualifications and often cut corners.
Licensed plumbers, such as those from Plumber To You, must follow Australian standards and carry valid insurances that protect you and your home. Dodgy plumbers don’t — and if something goes wrong, you could end up paying thousands to fix their mistakes.
If you’re searching for Campbelltown plumbers or plumbers in Campbelltown, you absolutely want to check that they hold current licenses, even if it’s a small repair. Plumber To You Campbelltown plumbing are always fully licensed and ready to go
Are licensed plumbers really worth it for small jobs?
That’s a fair question. Plenty of people wonder, “If I just need a tap changed, why pay for a licensed plumber?”
Here’s why it matters. Even “simple” jobs like swapping a tap can involve high water pressure, isolation valves, or hidden corrosion that only a properly trained plumber would recognise. Dodgy plumbers often lack this skill, leading to water leaks behind walls or even flooding.
So yes — even if it’s just changing a tap or replacing a washer, you should hire a licensed professional. This is true whether you call a plumber for the weekend, an afterhours plumber, or an urgent plumber. Your home and wallet will thank you later.
What are some jobs where you must always use a licensed plumber?
There are some plumbing tasks that, by law, require a licensed and insured plumber. These include:
✅ Hot water system installation or repairs – Only licensed hot water system plumbers can legally work on gas or electric hot water heaters. A dodgy installer can cause dangerous leaks, scalding, or even explosions.
✅ Blocked drains and sewer repairs – Licensed plumbers for blocked drains carry the right equipment and know how to identify the cause, not just push the blockage deeper. Dodgy plumbers might make the problem worse.
✅ Toilet installations or repairs – When dealing with sewage and drain pipes, only licensed plumbers for blocked toilets or repairs should be called. Bad workmanship here can lead to health hazards and costly sewer backups.
✅ Burst or leaking pipes – A licensed plumber knows how to identify if the damage goes deeper into the system. A dodgy plumber may patch it up temporarily, only for the leak to return days later.
✅ Gas fitting work – Gas work is dangerous and must be carried out by a licensed plumber with a gas license. Dodgy work can kill.
If you’re in Campbelltown, don’t risk it — stick with qualified Campbelltown plumbing professionals who have the paperwork and the experience to back up their work.
How do I spot a dodgy plumber?
It’s easier than you think. Watch out for:
- No license number shown
- No ABN or business details
- Cash-only quotes
- No written warranties
- Vague, verbal promises instead of a proper quote
If they refuse to show you their license, that’s a huge red flag. Legitimate plumbers in Campbelltown will proudly display their license and happily explain what is covered.
What happens if you hire a dodgy plumber?
Imagine this: you have a blocked toilet and hire a “cheap” unlicensed plumber. He might poke around with a coat hanger, push the blockage deeper, and leave you with a bigger sewer problem next week — plus a huge bill to fix it properly later.
Or suppose your hot water system breaks down. Dodgy repairs on a pressurised hot water unit can lead to scalding water, leaks, or even burst tanks.
In worst-case scenarios, illegal plumbing work can void your home insurance, leaving you with a total loss if the fault causes water damage.
In Campbelltown, it’s simply not worth the risk — always call licensed professionals, whether you need emergency plumbers, afterhours plumbers, or weekend plumbers. If it is urgent, call Plumber To You emergency plumbers
Do licensed plumbers really cost more than dodgy ones?
At first glance, yes — licensed plumbers Campbelltown might charge a bit more per hour. But that extra money pays for:
✅ Experience
✅ Proper tools
✅ Correct insurance
✅ Legal compliance
✅ Long-term warranties
A dodgy plumber may seem cheap, but if they botch the job and you have to call someone else to fix their mess, you’ll spend double.
What about urgent plumbing on weekends or after hours?
If you have an emergency on a Saturday night — maybe a blocked drain, or a hot water system failure — you might be desperate. That’s when dodgy operators prey on people most.
Licensed weekend plumbers and afterhours plumbers like Plumber To You offer 24/7 call-outs with a guarantee, proper receipts, and warranty-backed repairs. Even in an emergency, don’t settle for someone unlicensed just because they answer the phone faster.
Is it illegal to do your own plumbing?
In Australia, yes, some plumbing work is illegal for anyone other than a licensed plumber. This includes installing water heaters, repairing sewer pipes, or modifying water supply lines.
If you break these rules, you can face fines, void your insurance, and end up with dangerous leaks or floods.
So whether you’re searching for plumbers for blocked drains or a hot water system plumber in Campbelltown, stick with a licensed team.
Why do licensed plumbers use CCTV inspections for blocked drains?
Dodgy plumbers may just poke at a blockage and hope it clears. A licensed plumber, though, will usually carry a CCTV drain camera to actually see what’s causing the problem.
This means they can:
✅ Identify root intrusions
✅ Spot cracked pipes
✅ Find foreign objects
✅ Give you a long-term fix
That’s why if you need plumbers for blocked toilets or blocked drains in Campbelltown, you should always ask about their equipment and whether they do CCTV inspections.
Can a licensed plumber handle hot water emergencies?
Absolutely. Licensed hot water plumbers are trained to handle all brands and models of gas or electric hot water systems. They know the safety regulations around high-pressure tanks and scald prevention valves, and they can issue the paperwork you need for warranty claims.
Unlicensed plumbers working on hot water systems can be extremely dangerous. They might not even know about temperature-limiting valves, and could leave you with water so hot it scalds children or elderly family members.
For hot water system repairs in Campbelltown, a licensed plumber is the only safe choice.
How do I check if a plumber is licensed in NSW?
Great question. In NSW, you can check any plumber’s license online using the NSW Fair Trading license check tool. All you need is their license number or business name.
If a plumber refuses to give you their license details — walk away. It’s not worth the risk.
Why do emergency plumbers need to be licensed too?
When you have a plumbing emergency — like a burst pipe spraying water or a sewer backup — you can’t afford second-rate work. Emergency plumbers often work in stressful, high-pressure conditions where a mistake can cause massive damage.
Licensed emergency plumbers in Campbelltown are trained to handle these situations safely, fix the issue correctly the first time, and provide a warranty. A dodgy plumber in an emergency might make the problem worse.
How does a licensed plumber protect my family’s health?
It’s easy to forget, but plumbing is about protecting clean drinking water and safe sanitation. A dodgy plumber might accidentally cross-contaminate sewer and drinking water pipes, risking serious illness.
Licensed plumbers understand backflow prevention, cross-connection rules, and wastewater treatment. These standards protect your family from disease, bad smells, and contamination.
That’s why whenever you call a plumber Campbelltown for a blocked drain, hot water unit, or emergency repairs, always check they have the right credentials.
Why should I choose Plumber To You in Campbelltown?
If you live in Campbelltown or the surrounding Macarthur region, Plumber To You is the local, family-owned business trusted for over 25 years. We’re fully licensed, insured, and ready for emergencies 24/7 — including weekend and afterhours plumbers.
Whether you have a blocked drain, a broken toilet, or a hot water meltdown, our Campbelltown plumbers arrive fast with the right tools and experience to fix it properly the first time.
Unlike dodgy plumbers, we guarantee our workmanship, stand behind our reputation, and treat your home with respect. That’s why locals choose Plumber To You over any random “back of the van” plumber — we know your plumbing deserves the best.
Final thoughts: licensed plumbers protect your home, health, and wallet
If you take just one thing away from this article, it should be this:
Always hire a licensed plumber.
In Campbelltown, that means calling experts who are properly trained, insured, and qualified — whether you need an emergency plumber tonight or a weekend plumber next month.
Dodgy plumbers might seem like a cheap option, but they can cost you far more in damage, stress, and legal trouble down the track.
So next time you search “plumbers Campbelltown,” remember to pick a team like Plumber To You, who guarantee the safety and quality you deserve.
✅ Why is Plumber To You the best choice?
- Over 25 years of experience
- Fully licensed and insured
- Local to Campbelltown and Macarthur
- 24/7 emergency, afterhours, and weekend callouts
- Honest, upfront pricing with no surprises
- Backed by real warranties
If you want peace of mind — and a job done properly — then Plumber To You is your best bet.