Gas Leak, Burst Pipe or Roof Leak? Who to Call for Common Household Problems

If you’re trying to work out who to call for a gas leak, a water leak or a roof problem, start with where the fault is and what system it affects. The right first call may be a gas network operator, licensed gas fitter, council, roofer or plumber. As a plumber and licensed gas fitter in Tamworth, we at ACS Plumbing provide a wide range of plumbing, hot water and gas fitting services.

Quick Answer: Who Should You Call?

If people or property are in immediate danger, call 000. Otherwise, the right first call depends on where the fault is and which part of the system is affected:

• Gas smell: Leave the area and call 000 if there’s immediate danger. From outside, contact the gas network for a suspected leak at the meter or a licensed gas fitter for a leak inside your property.
• Water leak at the street or meter: Contact Tamworth Regional Council about the public network or meter.
• Water leak inside the property: Call a licensed plumber for private pipework after the meter.
• Storm-damaged roof: Contact NSW SES on 132 500 for temporary storm assistance, then arrange permanent repairs with a roofer.
• Gutter or downpipe overflow: Call a plumber if a downpipe or stormwater drain may be blocked; contact a roofer about physical roof damage.
• No hot water: Check the switch or breaker, then contact a plumber, gas fitter or electrician depending on the system and fault.
• Blocked toilet in a rental: Tell the landlord or agent straight away. NSW classifies a blocked or broken toilet as an urgent repair.

Who to Call for a Gas Leak

If you smell gas inside, leave the area without operating switches, appliances or flames. Call from outside. If there’s immediate danger to life or property, call 000. For a suspected leak on the network side of the meter, contact the distributor; for pipework or an appliance after the meter, arrange a licensed gas fitter.

APA Group’s Central Ranges distribution network serves Tamworth. 1800 676 300 is their gas leaks line, available 24 hours a day. For a leaking LPG cylinder or equipment, contact the LPG supplier.

Water Leaking at the Street or Water Meter? Council or Plumber?

The leak’s location generally determines who to call. Tamworth Regional Council manages the public water network and the meter; property owners generally arrange repairs to private pipework after the meter. Report a street, main or meter problem to Council. For urgent issues such as a broken water main, 1300 733 625 is their 24-hour contact.

For a leak in private pipework, call a licensed plumber. If you’ve confirmed the fault is on your side of the meter, use our guide on what to do before the plumber arrives.

Who Do You Call for a Roof or Gutter Leak?

For storm or flood damage needing temporary help, contact NSW SES on 132 500. Call 000 if someone is trapped or injured. SES can help make a damaged home safe temporarily; a roofer or insurer can advise on permanent repairs.

A roofer is usually the right trade for damaged sheets or tiles. If a downpipe or stormwater drain is blocked, a plumber who handles outdoor drainage can investigate. At ACS Plumbing, we provide outdoor and stormwater drain services, including clearing downpipes and grates.

No Hot Water: Plumber, Gas Fitter or Electrician?

Start with a safe visual check: see whether a switchboard breaker has tripped, or whether a gas storage unit’s pilot light is out. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions; don’t remove covers or work on wiring or gas components. If a breaker keeps tripping, contact a licensed electrician.

A leaking tank or faulty valve usually needs a licensed plumber; gas appliance work requires a licensed gas fitter. If the unit is ageing, our guide to when your hot water system needs replacing explains signs that replacement may be due. Our team at ACS Plumbing provide hot water system services.

Renting? When Your Landlord or Agent Should Be Your First Call

NSW urgent repairs include gas leaks, burst water services, blocked or broken toilets, serious roof leaks, dangerous electrical faults and failures of essential services such as hot water. Tenants should notify their landlord or agent straight away.

Follow the repair process in your tenancy agreement. If the landlord or agent can’t be reached or the issue isn’t addressed, NSW Fair Trading explains the next steps for arranging urgent repairs. Keep a record of contact attempts and instructions. This is general information, not legal advice.

Get Help Choosing the Right Trade

The useful question is often where the problem starts. The water meter separates Council’s network from private pipework; the gas meter helps distinguish network equipment from your home’s pipes and appliances. Renters should also tell their landlord or agent promptly about urgent repairs.

Not sure who to call? Ring ACS Plumbing on 0408 614 531 and we’ll tell you whether it’s a job for us. If it can’t wait until business hours, contact our emergency plumber in Tamworth for urgent plumbing support.