You’ve got to hand it to plumbers – not only do they manage some of the dirtiest work in Australia, but nobody ever really wants to call them.

A call to an emergency plumber is often a stressed one. Whether it’s a blocked toilet or a treasured ring dropped down the drain, it’s not like we’re getting in touch for a friendly chat. But in these moments, a plumber may as well don a cape and wear their underwear on the outside, because they morph into everyday heroes with their powers of fixing, saving and creating.

So what does a plumber actually do? Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect from a plumber when you give them a ring – and don’t forget to say a friendly ‘hello’ while you’re at it!

Does a plumber install toilets?

Yes. A plumber can also install showers, sinks and any other appliance that you’re considering adding to your bathroom or kitchen renovation.

Does a plumber fix dishwashers?

Yes and no. If your dishwasher (or fridge, or washing machine, or other water-related appliance) is leaking everywhere, you might not be able to tell if it’s a problem with the machine or the pipes. If you can tell the issue stems from the appliance, you’ll likely need a general appliance repairman, but if you can tell it’s the pipes, it’s a job for a plumber. Not sure? Give one a ring and they may be able to guide you over the phone to figure out which hero you need today.

Does a plumber design piping systems for new projects?

Yes. If you’re looking at some kind of renovation that involves laying new pipes, a plumber can help create the road map for where they will go for maximum safety and efficiency.

Does a plumber inspect and test pipes?

Yes. Inspecting and testing pipes is part of the general maintenance a plumber can carry out on a site. It doesn’t need to be an emergency leaky sink situation for them to make this kind of visit.

Does a plumber fix drainpipes?

Another yes and no. You can hire a roof plumber to deal with any part of the system up on your roof that collects water, drains it, or flushes it away through down pipes or other systems. If you need the roof tiles or coverings fixed, you’ll need a roofer for that.

Does a plumber know about safety standards and building regulations?

Definitely yes. When a plumber is crawling around fitting and laying pipes and doing other technical work behind the scenes (or walls, specifically), they need to make sure they’re following your local building standards.

Does a plumber clear blocked drains?

Absolutely. If your sinks or shower drains aren’t clearing or are clearing slowly (and you’ve already tried a sneaky bit of drain cleaner), give one a call to get everything running again.

Not sure what else a plumber does? Why not give one a ring and ask them? Find a plumber near you to talk about your project and ask for a quote.