Mackie Plumbing
Three customers name Giles specifically for finding and relining leaks other plumbers couldn't locate.
Giles draws specific praise for pipe relining on jobs that saved customers significant money, and Christine in admin is mentioned by name across multiple reviews for being genuinely responsive and knowledgeable, not just a message-taker. That said, the review trajectory is worth noting: earlier reviews cluster around 5★ while more recent ones include a handful of 1★ complaints about no-contact after enquiries and unresolved issues — a small but real inconsistency that earlier reviews don't show. If you're booking for the first time, it's worth confirming response time expectations upfront, especially for non-emergency enquiries where a couple of customers report going days without a callback.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (45 total)
“Found a leak that the previous plumber could not find”
“Came in under budget and had minimal disruptions to our tenants”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 385 plumbers in Cairns
Credentials & background
Sourced from 4 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Mackie Plumbing
Giles and Luke are the names that come up most in reviews — Giles is specifically praised for pipe relining and leak detection on difficult jobs like broken pool pipes and under-slab bursts, while Luke draws repeated mentions for reliability and getting tricky repairs done right the first time. Christine, the administration manager, stands out in a way that's genuinely unusual for a trade business: multiple customers single her out for prompt callbacks, honest guidance through the plumbing process, and following up after jobs are complete — she's effectively part of the service delivery. The team operates across Cairns and surrounds, with a strong track record on water leak detection and repair, including leaks that other plumbers couldn't locate — several reviewers specifically mention them succeeding where a previous plumber failed. They're set up for emergencies: one customer had a water main repaired within 45 minutes of calling, and another had a technician on site within 30 minutes. The business suits landlords and property managers as much as owner-occupiers — reviews mention investment property maintenance, pre-purchase inspections, and post-purchase works, with pricing that came in under budget on at least one documented job. For complex leak jobs involving concrete slabs, driveways, or pools, their pipe relining capability is a genuine point of difference that can save significant cost over full excavation.
Best for: emergency water leak response in the Cairns area, difficult leak detection jobs where a previous plumber came up empty, pipe relining on under-slab or pool pipe faults, and landlords needing reliable maintenance across residential investment properties.
Location
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Mackie Plumbing
Does Mackie Plumbing handle plumbing emergencies and how fast do they respond?+
Multiple customers report same-day emergency response, with one water main repair completed within 45 minutes of the initial call and another technician on site in under 30 minutes. Their emergency coverage appears strongest in the Cairns area based on review locations. Christine in the office is specifically mentioned for prompt communication during urgent situations. For after-hours emergencies, it's worth calling directly to confirm current availability rather than using the online enquiry form.
What areas does Mackie Plumbing service?+
Reviews reference jobs in Cairns, Clifton Beach, and surrounding areas — the business is listed in Stratford, QLD, which is a suburb of Cairns. One review explicitly calls them a 'great local business with decades of experience serving Cairns.' Coverage beyond the immediate Cairns region isn't confirmed in the reviews, so if you're outside the city, confirm serviceability directly before booking.
Can Mackie Plumbing find leaks that other plumbers have missed?+
This is one of the more specific things reviewers mention: at least two customers explicitly state that Mackie Plumbing located a leak a previous plumber couldn't find. Giles is named in reviews for detecting and repairing a broken pool pipe using relining rather than full replacement, which one customer said saved them a significant amount. They have access to leak detection equipment and have handled under-slab, driveway, and pool pipe leaks. If you've already had one failed detection attempt, this team is worth calling.
How are Mackie Plumbing's prices and do they stick to their quotes?+
Pricing feedback across the 40 reviews we analysed is largely positive — words like 'reasonable,' 'affordable,' and 'competitive rates' appear frequently, and at least one customer notes the job came in under budget. A review covering pre-purchase and post-purchase work mentions costs were 'always consistent with the quotes' and that two additional small jobs were completed free of charge. No reviewers flag unexpected bill increases, though it's always sensible to get a written quote before work starts.
Who are the main people I'd deal with at Mackie Plumbing?+
Christine handles administration and is mentioned by name across multiple reviews — customers praise her for fast responses, honest advice, and genuine knowledge of the plumbing process, which is unusual for an admin role. On the tools, Giles is frequently mentioned for leak detection and pipe relining work, Luke appears in multiple reviews for reliability and quality repairs, and Dennis, Christian, and Lonny are each named positively in at least one review. The team appears stable, with the same names recurring across reviews spanning several years.