A blocked drain, a dripping tap or a hidden water leak rarely stays a small problem for long. Left unattended, these issues can escalate into burst pipes, water damage, business downtime and repair bills far larger than the original job would have cost. Whether you’re a homeowner in Geelong, a property manager coordinating maintenance across several sites, or a commercial kitchen owner keeping an eye on a grease trap, the right response starts with an experienced, licensed plumber.
MKS Plumbing (trading as MK’s Plumbing and Excavation Pty Ltd) provides residential, commercial and industrial plumbing services across Melbourne, Geelong and the surrounding areas, backed by more than 20 years in the trade. This guide covers when to call a plumber, what each service involves, and how to choose a team you can rely on.
When Should You Call a Plumber in Geelong?
Some plumbing problems can wait for a scheduled visit; others need attention straight away. Get in touch with a licensed plumber promptly if you notice:
- A blocked drain that keeps recurring, or multiple drains blocking at once
- Water leaking from pipes, fittings or the ceiling, or an unexplained rise in your water bill
- A sudden drop in water pressure across the property
- A burst or badly leaking pipe
- A tap that won’t stop dripping or won’t fully shut off
- No hot water, or a hot water system that’s leaking, noisy or inconsistent
- Gurgling drains, sewage odours or signs of a sewer blockage
- Stains on ceilings, overflowing gutters or a roof that leaks during rain
- The smell of gas, or a gas appliance that isn’t working properly
- Any plumbing failure disrupting a commercial kitchen, office or industrial site
Burst pipes and suspected gas leaks call for the fastest response — see the sections below for exactly what to do.
When Should You Call a Plumber in Geelong?
Some plumbing problems can wait for a scheduled visit; others need attention straight away. Get in touch with a licensed plumber promptly if you notice:
- A blocked drain that keeps recurring, or multiple drains blocking at once
- Water leaking from pipes, fittings or the ceiling, or an unexplained rise in your water bill
- A sudden drop in water pressure across the property
- A burst or badly leaking pipe
- A tap that won’t stop dripping or won’t fully shut off
- No hot water, or a hot water system that’s leaking, noisy or inconsistent
- Gurgling drains, sewage odours or signs of a sewer blockage
- Stains on ceilings, overflowing gutters or a roof that leaks during rain
- The smell of gas, or a gas appliance that isn’t working properly
- Any plumbing failure disrupting a commercial kitchen, office or industrial site
Burst pipes and suspected gas leaks call for the fastest response — see the sections below for exactly what to do.
Explore MKS Plumbing’s Geelong & Melbourne Services
Blocked Drains in Melbourne and Geelong
Blocked drains are one of the most common calls MKS Plumbing receives from homes and businesses across Melbourne and Geelong. The usual culprits are grease and food waste in kitchen drains, hair and soap build-up in bathroom drains, tree root intrusion in older sewer lines, and pipes that have cracked or shifted over time. A single slow drain might be a minor, isolated clog — but recurring blockages, gurgling noises or several fixtures draining slowly at once usually point to a deeper problem further down the line. A plunger or chemical cleaner won’t fix a structural issue, which is why professional diagnosis matters before repeated call-outs turn into a bigger repair bill. MKS Plumbing’s blocked drain and drain repair service is backed by full drain report services for a clear picture of a property’s drainage before recommending a fix.
CCTV Drain Inspection
CCTV drain inspection uses a waterproof camera fed through the pipework to show exactly what’s happening inside a drain — cracks, displaced joints, root intrusion, or the precise cause of a blockage that keeps coming back. Instead of guessing, MKS Plumbing can pinpoint the problem area, which is particularly useful for older properties or landlords and body corporates who need a clear drain report before authorising repair work.
Hydro Jetting Drain Cleaning
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear grease, scale and debris from the full width of a pipe, rather than just punching a hole through the blockage the way a plunger or drain snake does. MKS Plumbing uses this technique across residential, commercial and industrial jobs for a more thorough clean, particularly on drains that block repeatedly. Where a CCTV inspection finds structural damage — a cracked or collapsed pipe rather than a simple clog — that damage should be addressed alongside cleaning, since jetting a broken pipe won’t stop the blockage returning.
Water Leak Detection Melbourne
Not every leak is obvious. Hidden water leaks can run for weeks behind walls, under slabs or within a hot water system before they’re noticed, and by then may have caused mould, damp patches or structural damage. Warning signs include a water bill that’s climbed without an obvious reason, damp or discoloured patches on walls, ceilings or floors, a musty smell, or the sound of running water when every tap is off. MKS Plumbing’s leak detection service uses advanced techniques to locate the source of a leak in residential and commercial properties, so repairs can be targeted rather than exploratory.
Burst Pipe Repairs
A burst pipe is one of the more urgent plumbing emergencies, since water can spread through a property in minutes. Warning signs include a sudden loss of water pressure, an unexpected jet or pool of water, or water stains spreading quickly across a ceiling. If a pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main isolation valve as soon as it’s safe to do so, and switch off power to any area where water is near powerpoints or wiring — never touch electrical fittings in a wet area. Once the risk is contained, call a burst pipe plumber to locate and repair the damaged section and make good the surrounding area. Burst pipes are often the result of an underlying issue such as corrosion or an undetected leak, so it’s worth having the cause investigated too.
Leaking Tap Repair
A dripping tap is more than an annoyance — it wastes water and can signal wear that will only get worse. The most common causes are a worn washer or cartridge, a damaged O-ring or seal, or loose internal components that no longer seal properly when the tap is turned off. In many cases a leaking tap can be repaired simply by replacing the worn part. However, if a tap is old, corroded, or has already been repaired more than once, replacement is often the more practical and cost-effective option over the long run. MKS Plumbing can assess which approach makes sense and carry out either a tap repair or a full tap replacement for residential and commercial properties.
Roof Leak Repair and Roof Plumbing
Roof leaks are easy to miss until they’ve already caused internal damage. Ceiling stains, peeling paint, overflowing gutters, damaged flashings around chimneys and vents, and blocked downpipes are all common early signs — and in Melbourne and Geelong’s changeable weather, storm damage can turn a small issue into a significant one overnight. Roof drainage, flashing and guttering are classed as licensed plumbing work in Victoria, which is why roof leaks call for a qualified roof plumber rather than a general handyman. MKS Plumbing’s roof leak repair service covers inspection of flashings, roof surfaces, gutters and downpipes to find and fix the actual source of the leak, for both residential and commercial roofs.
Gas Leak Melbourne: What to Do
Gas leaks are a safety issue first and a plumbing issue second. Signs of a possible gas leak include the smell of rotten eggs, a hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or appliance, bubbles in water near an outdoor gas fitting, or symptoms such as headaches, dizziness or nausea in people inside the property. If you suspect a gas leak: leave the property immediately, avoid using light switches, phones or anything that could create a spark or flame, and don’t attempt to locate or fix the leak yourself. Once you’re safely away from the property, call your gas retailer’s emergency line or Triple Zero (000) if there is immediate danger to life or property. Once the situation has been made safe, MKS Plumbing can carry out gas leak detection and repair and, where appropriate, a gas safety inspection to check your system and appliances are compliant and operating correctly.
Commercial Plumbing Services and Plumbing Maintenance
For businesses, a plumbing failure isn’t just an inconvenience — it can mean lost trade, health and safety risks, or a closed kitchen. MKS Plumbing’s commercial plumbing services cover offices, retail premises, hospitality venues and industrial sites across Melbourne and Geelong, from fixture installation and hot water systems to blocked drains, pipe repairs and sewer work. Rather than waiting for something to fail, many businesses and body corporates move to a plumbing maintenance approach: scheduled checks of drains, hot water systems, pipework, grease traps and roof drainage that catch small issues before they become emergency callouts. MKS Plumbing also provides Job Safety and Environmental Analyses (JSEAs) and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for every task, which matters for facility managers who need documented compliance with WorkSafe Victoria’s OH&S standards. Larger or heavier-duty sites are also supported through MKS Plumbing’s industrial plumbing capability.
Grease Trap Maintenance for Commercial Kitchens
Any commercial kitchen — restaurants, cafés, takeaway shops, function venues and food courts — relies on a properly functioning grease trap to stop fats, oils and grease (FOG) from reaching the sewer system. Without regular servicing, a grease trap fills up, drains slow down, odours build up and the risk of a costly blockage or overflow increases, along with potential health code issues. Industry guidance generally suggests commercial kitchens have their grease trap serviced every one to three months, though the right interval depends on the trap’s size and how much FOG the kitchen produces, and your specific trade waste agreement with your local water authority may set its own requirement. MKS Plumbing provides grease trap installation, cleaning and maintenance so commercial kitchens can stay compliant without disrupting service.
Hot Water System Replacement and Repairs
A hot water system rarely fails without warning. Common signs it needs attention include a leaking unit or a puddle underneath, inconsistent or lukewarm water, unusual banging or rumbling noises from the tank, discoloured water, or a system that’s simply reaching the end of its expected life. Depending on age and condition, some problems can be repaired, while an older or heavily corroded unit is often better replaced than patched up repeatedly. MKS Plumbing provides hot water system replacement and hot water unit repairs across Geelong and Melbourne, covering gas, electric, heat pump and solar systems from all major brands, for both residential and commercial properties.
Sewer and Stormwater Repairs
Sewer and stormwater problems tend to share the same underlying causes as blocked drains — tree root intrusion, ageing or cracked pipework, ground movement, or pipes that were never quite right to begin with. Signs to watch for include recurring sewer blockages, sewage odours, gurgling drains, or stormwater and gutters that overflow whenever it rains heavily. MKS Plumbing’s sewer and stormwater repair service covers diagnosis (including CCTV inspection where useful), repair and, where a system is beyond economical repair, full replacement for residential and commercial properties.
Why Choose a Licensed Plumber in Geelong?
Plumbing work affects the safety, compliance and long-term value of a property, so who you hire matters. MKS Plumbing is fully licensed and insured, with more than 20 years of experience across residential, commercial and industrial plumbing, and every job is backed by a 6-year workmanship guarantee. The team prepares JSEAs and SWMS for OH&S compliance on every task, and gas work is backed by a Certificate of Compliance. Just as importantly, a licensed plumber has the diagnostic tools — CCTV cameras, leak detection equipment and hydro jetting gear — to find the actual cause of a problem, not just patch the symptom, and to communicate clearly about what a repair involves before work begins.
MKS Plumbing Service Areas
MKS Plumbing is based in Williamstown and services Geelong alongside Melbourne’s west, the inner city and beyond. Regular service areas include Geelong, Caroline Springs, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing, Williamstown, Altona, Werribee, Footscray, Essendon, the Melbourne CBD and Sunshine. See the full list of areas MKS Plumbing serves to check coverage for your suburb.
Frequently Asked Questions
A plumbing emergency is any issue causing ongoing water loss, property damage or a safety risk — burst pipes, sewage backing up into the property, major water leaks, or a suspected gas leak. If water or gas is actively escaping and you’re unsure what to do, isolate the relevant supply if it’s safe and contact MKS Plumbing.
A single slow drain can sometimes be a minor, isolated clog. But recurring blockages, gurgling noises, bad odours, or several fixtures draining slowly at once usually point to a deeper issue, such as tree root intrusion or a damaged pipe further down the line, and are best assessed by a licensed plumber.
CCTV drain inspection uses a waterproof camera to examine the inside of your pipes, identifying cracks, root intrusion, displaced joints and the exact cause of recurring blockages. It’s particularly useful when a drain keeps clogging despite repeated clearing, since it lets MKS Plumbing target the real cause rather than just the symptom.
Leak detection involves identifying the source of a hidden leak — behind walls, under slabs, or within a hot water system — before deciding on the repair. Warning signs include an unexplained spike in your water bill, damp patches, mould, or the sound of running water when no taps are in use.
Turn off the water at the main isolation valve as soon as it’s safe to do so, and switch off power to any affected area if water is near powerpoints or wiring. Avoid touching electrical fittings in wet areas, and contact MKS Plumbing to assess and repair the damage.
Many leaking taps can be repaired by replacing a worn washer, cartridge or seal. However, if a tap is old, corroded, or has already been repaired more than once, replacement is often more practical and cost-effective in the long run. A plumber can advise which option suits your tap.
This depends on the size and use of the property, but regular preventive maintenance — covering drains, hot water systems, pipework and grease traps — helps commercial and industrial properties avoid unplanned downtime, emergency callouts and larger repair bills. MKS Plumbing can help set up a maintenance schedule suited to your site.
Cleaning frequency depends on the trap’s size and how much fat, oil and grease the kitchen produces, but many commercial kitchens service their grease trap every one to three months. Check your trade waste agreement with your local water authority for the specific requirement that applies to your business.
Leave the property immediately, avoid light switches, phones or anything that could create a spark, and don’t attempt any DIY repairs. Once you’re safely away, call your gas retailer’s emergency line or Triple Zero (000) if there’s immediate danger, then contact a licensed plumber such as MKS Plumbing once it’s safe to do so.
Leave the property immediately, avoid light switches, phones or anything that could create a spark, and don’t attempt any DIY repairs. Once you’re safely away, call your gas retailer’s emergency line or Triple Zero (000) if there’s immediate danger, then contact a licensed plumber such as MKS Plumbing once it’s safe to do so.