Unstoppable: What the Flush Plumbing champion Isuzu NLR 45-150

It’s Murphy’s Law that disaster will always strike at the most inopportune of times.

Thankfully, homeowners and businesses in Sydney and greater New South Wales can rely on the cheekily named, but always-on-time team at What the Flush Plumbing.

Whether it’s a plumbing or sewerage crisis, this business says they are ready at a moment’s notice to flush emergencies away.

With an eye-catching Isuzu NLR 45-150 AMT on hand, Director Brandon Navratil and his plumbers are busy helping those in need.

The team's primary objective is to provide Sydney-wide coverage within an hour of receiving a customer’s call.

“We are fully equipped and have a 24-hour service. 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 rigged for maximum efficiency, allowing the team to solve issues such as leak detection and drain blockages in a timely, safe, and cost-effective manner.

There’s a home for every camera, locator, and piece of jet-blasting equipment in their custom-designed NLR 45-150.

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

“We've got everything we need on hand, and we're stocked with the best equipment to get the job done.

“Our NLR 45-150 can fit almost anywhere, in any car space or underground car park. It might be a tight fit, but we make it work.

“Wherever the job is, it's never a hassle for us thanks to our Isuzu.”

Brandon designed the folding compartment doors with the tight Sydney laneways in mind

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.

Mapping out his vision, Brandon took pen to paper and started drafting plans, maximising useability for the trade with a comprehensive layout of the tray.

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

After two years in business, Brandon was able to bring the truck off the page and into reality, investing in the new NLR 45-150 with short wheelbase from Suttons Trucks Arncliffe. He then immediately reached out to Pacific Bodyworks to create the custom body.

“We carry around all our material, all the gear, and don't have to rely on anyone else—that's the whole premise of why I took this route,” Brandon said with pride.

They also stopped in at South Hurstville for their eye-catching all over wrap from All Stuck Up.

“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. It’s moments like this, that make us feel like plumbing superstars.”

In just over three years, the team at What the Flush has clocked up a hefty 122,000 km, but Brandon is confident he’s chosen the right truck brand to back his operation, saying his dad (a stonemason) had an Isuzu NKR that had put in over a million kilometres.

“If that doesn’t say reliable, what does?” Brandon asked.

“I wouldn't go with another brand… after growing up around Isuzu Trucks with my dad, and finally getting my own, I am here to stay.”

For Brandon, his dream was made possible by the NLR cab chassis providing a generous platform and a big payload payoff, plus a 4,500 kg GVM and 8,000 kg GCM allowing for safe storage and transport, and a 4,000 kg towing capacity for extra machinery as needed.

At max power of 110 kW (150 PS) @ 2,800 rpm and 375 Nm of torque @ 1,600–2,800 rpm, there’s plenty of grunt offered in the 4-cyclinder 16-valve 4JJ1-TCS engine of Brandon's NLR to get the tools on site.

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.

Narrow laneways are no issue for What the Flush Plumbing NLR 45-150

“I needed the ability to get anywhere in Sydney but also 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.”

With a moniker like ‘What the Flush’ the question of what inspired the business name just begs to be asked.

It’s a play on what customers cry out when they’re faced with their unwanted and unexpected plumbing emergencies, explained Brandon.

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

Boldly emblazoned as it is on the front and sides of their truck, the name also caught the eye of Isuzu Australia’s social media followers. They voted What the Flush Plumbing as the winner of the People’s Choice Award for the 2023 Isuzu Truck of the Year competition.

The What the Flush Plumbing team with Director Brandon Navratil (centre)

The small Sydney business saw a big outpouring of support online during the voting process.

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

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

“Taking care of the truck is a collaborative effort among everyone. The guys wash and polish it, and as a team, we feel a great sense of pride when our efforts are recognized.

“Isuzu is the way to go!” he summed up enthusiastically. “And remember, ‘Flush the rest, Plumb with the best.’”