Fire hose reel testing and fire protection in Melbourne

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we are asked most often. If your question is not covered here, call us.

• How often do fire hose reels need testing?

  Every six months, under Australian Standard AS 1851. The six-monthly service is a visual inspection and a function check. Once a year it adds a full hose inspection and a measured flow test, and every five years the hose gets a pressure test. Each visit is recorded on the reel's tag.

• Who's responsible for fire hose reel testing in a building?

  The building owner. In Victoria, hose reels and hydrants in commercial buildings and blocks of flats are essential safety measures. The owner has to keep them maintained and complete an annual essential safety measures report. Where a managing agent or owners corporation runs the building, they usually organise it for the owner. We supply the records that report needs.

• What happens if a hose reel fails its test?

  We tell you what failed and why, then quote the repair before doing it. The usual failures are a perished hose, a leaking or seized valve, or low water pressure at the reel. Once it's fixed we retest it, then update the tag and the record.

• How quickly can you get here?

  Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are based in Preston and work across the northern suburbs, so response times are short. For emergencies we will give you a realistic arrival time on the phone, and advise you on isolating the water or gas in the meantime.

• What does a call-out cost?

  You receive a free quote before any work begins. We assess the job, explain what is involved and confirm the price with you. No work goes ahead until you have approved it.

• Do you work after hours and on weekends?

  Yes. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency plumbing and gas work.

• Which suburbs do you cover?

  Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Northcote, Fairfield, Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Heidelberg West, Macleod, Greensborough, Bundoora, Mill Park, Epping, Lalor, Thomastown, Coburg, Brunswick, Fawkner, Glenroy and Pascoe Vale, along with the surrounding northern suburbs. If you are just outside this area, call us and ask.

• Can you find a drain fault without digging?

  In most cases, yes. We run a CCTV camera through the line and record the condition of the pipe, which identifies the fault and its depth from the surface. Any excavation is then limited to that one location.

• Do you do gas fitting as well as plumbing?

  Yes. We install and connect gas appliances, run new gas points, detect and repair leaks, and carry out carbon monoxide safety checks. Every gas installation is tested and certified on completion.