Isuzu plugs Sydney plumbing firm’s service needs

The old saying goes: ‘Where there’s muck, there’s brass’, and the eye-catchingly-named ‘What the Flush’ Plumbing reckons it’s onto a winning stream – sorry, streak – with its Isuzu NLR 45-150 AMT plumbing emergency-response truck.

The company’s primary objective is to provide Sydney-wide coverage within an hour of receiving a customer’s call. Director Brandon Navratil and his plumbers are ready at a moment’s notice to flush plumbing or sewer emergencies away. 

“We are fully equipped with a 24-hour service and we’re ready for your call,” said Brandon.

“Our team places customer satisfaction, safety and efficiency above all else... which is why our clients have peace of mind, knowing they can rely on us and trust us in their homes and businesses, while we conduct our work.”

Brandon’s light-duty plumbing truck is equipped to solve issues such as leak detection and drain blockages in a timely, safe and cost-effective manner. There’s a place for every camera, locator and piece of jet-blasting equipment in the custom-designed NLR 45-150.

“Finding leaks, where other plumbers can’t, is what we specialise in,” said Brandon. “It’s always a satisfying moment when we find that leak.

“Our NLR 45-150 can fit almost anywhere, in any car space or underground car park.”

The light-duty truck also offers manoeuvrability in tight spots like laneways, driveways and inner-city parking, with a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 8.7 metres.

“I needed the ability to get anywhere in Sydney, but also to carry around a lot of equipment and tow a trailer for excavation.

“It’s a lot more cost-effective for the business, because we’re not driving back and forth to suppliers.”

Brandon said that designing his own trade truck had been on the cards for years, since he’d spied one during his time as an apprentice. Brandon took pen to paper and started drafting plans. 

He incorporated storage compartments and ways to safeguard expensive leak detection equipment during transit, adding various lighting options to accommodate different weather conditions and night-time work. A microwave oven, to provide hot meals, topped off the package.

After two years in business, Brandon was able to bring the truck from concept into reality, investing in a new short-wheelbase NLR 45-150, from Suttons Trucks, Arncliffe. He asked Pacific Bodyworks to create the custom body, finished off with an all-over wrap from All Stuck Up, South Hurstville.

“I needed something that popped,” said Brandon.

“As we drive around, everyone’s beeping their horn and waving, showing their appreciation and love for our truck – makes us feel like plumbing superstars!

“When we arrive on site, our customers see the truck and the name and we’re instantly greeted with a smile – ‘Flush’ really breaks the ice,” he said with a laugh.

What the Flush Plumbing was the winner of the People’s Choice Award in the nationwide 2023 Isuzu Truck of the Year competition.

“The community and the people that we have behind us make everything possible,” said Brandon.

“Taking care of the truck is a collaborative effort and the guys wash and polish it as a team.

“We also want to take the opportunity to thank all our ‘What the Flush’ supporters and clients who have been on the journey with us.”

In just over three years, the What the Flush truck has clocked up a hefty 122,000km, but Brandon is confident he’s chosen the right truck brand to back his operation. His stonemason father had an Isuzu NKR that put in more than a million kilometres: “If that doesn’t say reliable, what does?” Brandon asked.

“I wouldn’t go with another brand. 

“And remember: ‘Flush the rest, Plumb with the best!’”