Plumbing Health Check

How do I maintain my water heater unit?

HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY WATER HEATER UNIT?

A hot water unit or a hot water system has now become a necessity especially during the winter season. With different types of hot water systems like gas and electric, solar-powered and heat pumps, its care and maintenance would depend on the type as well as the size of the water heater unit that you own. Since hot water systems are an investment, it is best to take care of them to make sure that they are in proper working condition at all times.

As experienced master plumbers and gas fitters, we make sure to know all the ins and the outs of the different types of hot water systems so that we can help our clients with their hot water system needs.  From hot water installations to unit replacement, we have 24/7 customer support ready to help our clients with any hot water system and plumbing concerns.

Do I need to clean my hot water unit?

If you have a water heater tank for gas, electric, solar-powered hot water systems or heat pumps, it’s best to drain the tank every couple of months so that you can remove the debris and the small sediments that might have accumulated at the bottom of the tank. Cleaning the tanks a couple of times a year is necessary to keep the unit in perfect working condition and avoid sediment accumulation which can cause blocked pipes. To do this, drain about a quarter of the tank, open the pressure relief valve a little, hook up a hose and then allow water to run down the sediments. For tankless hot water systems, make sure to clean the exterior as well by running it with water to remove the debris that might have settled on the unit which when left unattended can solidify and affect the quality of the material of your unit.

Do I need to check the pressure valve in my hot water system?

The pressure valve in a hot water unit is designed as a safety precaution if a tank over pressurises. Checking the temperature and relief valve and making sure that it works properly is always a good thing. Occasionally turning the knob can help prevent the knob from freezing. And if it is too loose, make sure to tighten it a little to keep the pressure intact.

Do I need to turn off the hot water system when I leave town?

When you are about the leave town for months or even a couple of weeks and no one would be left at home, make sure to turn off your hot water systems not only to save on gas or electricity but also to put your unit at rest and prolong its life. Turning off your entire plumbing will also help you avoid accidents such as flooding caused by high water pressure leakage or burst pipes.

Do I need to have the hot water unit checked every couple of years?

Spare at least 5 minutes of your time every month to observe your hot water units and see if there are obvious cracks or leaks. Lookout for unusual noises and be attentive for anything that might seem outside of the ordinary especially when you see that there’s a difference with how your plumbing works. If you think that your water bill is going through the roof, the water isn’t as warm as it used to be, or the pressure has dipped, it might be time to call a professional plumber for there might be something seriously wrong with your hot water system and you need to get it checked out.

How can I properly dispose of my hot water unit?

Proposal disposal of hot water units must be done by a professional since this requires removing your unit from your pipe connection. Proper tools are necessary to not damage your plumbing and make installing a new hot water unit impossible. At The Plumbing and Gas Guys, we can properly dispose of your old hot water unit for free if you buy a new hot water system from our product collection. Our hot water system prices also include the installation rate so that all expenses are upfront. Our installation includes not only setting up the system and connecting it to your pipeline, but we also do tests to make sure that everything is in perfect working condition.

Make sure to keep the manual that comes when you purchase your hot water units to have information on proper hot water system maintenance at your disposal. But if you need maintenance assistance or want to discuss your hot water and plumbing concerns, connect with The Plumbing and Gas Guys on 1800 087 244. We supply and install hot water systems from trusted brands like Bosch, Dux, Quantum, Rheem, Rinnai, Stiebel Eltron, Therman, Vulcan and Wilson. We also purchase hot water systems in bulk and offer the best prices to our clients for all commercial installations.

Common Plumbing Misuse

Common Plumbing Misuse

We use our sinks, showers and toilets a couple of times every day but have you thought about whether these activities you've been used to are correct? Here are some of the most common misuse of plumbing utilities that though seemingly harmless, can lead to big plumbing issues that would require professional and prompt work.

Flushing food waste down the sink

Flushing food down the drain is one of the most common misuses of plumbing in the whole world. This is also the number one reason for blocked pipes and drains. If you still prefer to clean your plate of food waste down the drain, opt for sinks with waste disposal units which can catch the food waste and then eventually empty the bin through proper waste disposal means. Other garbage disposal units also have a grinding chamber where solid food waste is broken down to tiny particles which can then be washed away by the water and down into your drain. In addition to flushing food scraps down the drain, most people also choose to expel grease waste down the sink. Since grease might accumulate and eventually form a solid block that can clog your pipes, ask your plumber to install a grease trap under your sink which they can eventually empty out and properly dispose of in a couple of months or yearly. Have your drains and pipes occasionally serviced as well by professional and licensed plumbers to prevent major plumbing issues such as clogged sinks and burst pipes.

Flushing your dead fish down the toilet 

Flushing dead fishes and other small animals down the toilet is strictly discouraged and even illegal in some states! Some people believe that the best way to honour their dead fishes is to flush them down the toilet to bring them to the sea. This is a misconception because there is no guarantee that the fish will end up in the sea. For one, various plumbing systems work to separate the liquid from solid waste and thus your dead fish will just end up in a waste management facility provided that it survived the plumbing system and stayed intact. Flushing your dead fish and other small animals down the toilet can also cause bigger problems such as a blocked toilet or a burst pipe. For these cases, it’s best to bury your dead animal friends in your backyard where they can properly decompose and go back to the earth, or on a pet cemetery where they can properly rest in peace.

Placing tapes on cracks and leaks in pipes 

Since most people do not have a Plumber’s tape or a Teflon tape at hand, they use electrical tape to seal small cracks and leaks. Others also use materials such as packaging tape, duct tape and masking tape which are all temporary solutions to a problem that can burst when not properly addressed. For small cracks, use a Plumber’s tape or a Teflon tape to seal the gap. You can also use a PVC adhesive to fill the small gaps caused by the cracks. Remember to check up on the remedies that you have done for if there are still leaks from these gaps, it’s a sign that you now need to call a professional plumber to do plumbing maintenance and repair.

Keeping the water running during plumbing emergencies 

Some people do not shut off their plumbing during emergencies for fear of aggravating the issue. Plumbing emergencies can range from leaky faucets and continuously flushing toilets to burst pipes and broken water lines - which all consume copious amounts of water. If you are attempting to apply first-aid to a minor plumbing problem, you still need to shut off your plumbing especially if you do not know which caps or knobs release high water pressure. Never keep your water running during a plumbing emergency for you will not only flood your house but you shall also increase your water bill especially if it’ll take a long time for the plumbers to arrive.

Not calling licensed plumbers during emergencies 

When a toilet clogs, or when a pipe bursts, our first instinct is to apply some sort of first-aid. This can mean plunging a toilet or shutting off your plumbing and then sealing the bust pipe with PVC adhesive. When everything seems okay, most people tend to forget that what they’ve done is just a temporary fix and then they leave it at that before another bigger problem arises. DIY Plumbing is okay so long as it is only for minor plumbing problems like a slow draining sink or a clogged garbage disposal unit. But when it comes to crucial plumbing issues like broken hot water systems, clogged toilets and burst pipes, it’s necessary to call on professional plumbers since they have the knowledge and the tools required to fix these issues.

If you do not know the extent of the root of the problem, best let the professionals and the experienced plumbers fix your plumbing to avoid safety hazards and further the plumbing problem. If you call The Plumbing and Gas Guys on 1800 087 244, we can send a single or a team of our master plumbers depending on your requirement. From the simple leaking taps, to installation of hot water systems, to emergency plumbing jobs we cover all cities in Perth Metropolitan Area.

Autumn Plumbing & Gas Maintenance Ideas for Perth Homes

Autumn Plumbing & Gas Maintenance Ideas for Perth Homes

People often tend to do renovations and property maintenance before the holiday season starts during December and January. As we approach autumn, it’s an ideal time to address outdoor plumbing and roof cleaning & repairs. The end of summer is the perfect time to plan your home improvement project so that you can start around autumn, and finish before winter arrives.

Here at The Plumbing and Gas Guys, we offer 24/7 year-round plumbing, gas fitting and renovation services to all suburbs in Perth, Western Australia. Aside from emergency plumbing and gas fitting services that can pop-up any day and time of the year, we recommend to customers autumn as an ideal time to do home maintenance and renovations for their Perth homes

tree root cutting

Go for tree root cutting services to fix blocked sewer pipes and drains.

Tree roots as small as thin hair fibres can enter pipes and cause blockage when they accumulate. Solid things that pass through your drain can also be trapped further causing blockage to your pipers. Call a licensed, professional plumber to assess your sewer lines, especially if you feel that your waste pipes start to drain slowly or give off an unpleasant odour.

Clean blocked roof gutters. 

It’s essential to clean your gutters every so often to remove falling debris such as leaves, tree roots, sand that accumulate and block your roof pipes and drainage. Roof plumbing, cleaning and repair are best done during spring and autumn.

Autumn Plumbing & Gas Maintenance Ideas for Perth Homes
Energy-Efficient Hot Water Systems

Install new hot water systems. 

Hot water system installations, especially placing a big tank outside or adding solar panels (for solar hot water systems) on the roof is best done after cleaning, and repairs to the roof are done to make sure that there’s good support for the system to be installed on.  

 

Make sure that your hot water system is running well.  

To prepare for the colder weather ahead, it’s best to have your hot water system checked and repaired during the autumn months. 

hot water shower
kitchen tiling

Engage in Kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovation. 

Do you see mould forming? You must take action sooner than later. To avoid plumbing emergencies caused by blocked sinks and toilets, better to have them checked out and cleaned now if you suspect there’s a problem. Do you feel it’s time to renovate? Talk to The Plumbing and Gas Guys for ideas and choose the fixtures and fittings that will suit your style of home.

 

Contact The Plumbing and Gas Guys on 1800 087 244 and speak to our 24/7 Customer Service personnel to schedule general plumbing and gas health check and maintenance. We can send out a team that's trained to the highest standard in every aspect of their trade, from appliance installation; dealing with tap leaks to the installation of major gas and hot water replacements. Our licensed Perth plumbers and gas fitters use the latest and most sophisticated technology to clean blocked pipes and drains as well as repair damaged lines and systems. Our hot water supply, installation and repair services are also available for all suburbs in Perth, Western Australia.

General Plumbing and Gas Health Check / Maintenance

General Plumbing and Gas Health Check / Maintenance

How often should I have my plumbing and gas fittings inspected?

The answer to that is every two years! It is necessary to have your plumbing and gas fittings inspected every two years to avoid safety hazards and accidents caused by ageing pipes, clogging, corrosion, ruptures and others. Often, people forget to have their plumbing and gas fittings checked until they stop working altogether – like when you are in the middle of a hot shower, and the water suddenly turns cold and would not heat up; or when you are preparing dinner for guests. When left unchecked these issues often escalate and would be more expensive to repair or replace.

 

For local plumbers in Perth, the weather plays an essential aspect in the correct upkeep of the plumbing and gas systems since constant exposure to natural elements – like water corroding the metal pipes – may cause faster wear and tear that’s why our professional plumbers at The Plumbing and Gas Guys in Perth encourage biennial inspections and maintenance of plumbing and gas fittings.

Some fixtures are more prone to wear and tear than others, so if you are experiencing the following general problems, make sure to have your plumbing and gas fittings and fixtures inspected right away:

  • Water flow is not high as it used to be - your hose might be leaking, or there’s damage to your water pipes.
  • The toilet won’t flush thoroughly – you may have blocked drains that are clogging your toilet and even your sinks.
  • Water discolouration is evident – your hose may be damaged or your pipes might be getting rusty already!
  • Water is just warm and doesn't get hot anymore – the burner in your hot water system might be damaged, or the thermostat may be failing.

 

If you are experiencing some of these issues or want to have your plumbing and gas fittings inspected, give us a call on 1800 087 244. We have a 24/7 customer service that can help you book an appointment and send over our highly rated local Perth plumbers or a gas fitting technician as soon as possible.

 

At The Plumbing and Gas Guys WA, we do plumbing and gas fitting inspections and maintenance. From using a camera to assess blocked drains to gas leak detection, our licensed and experienced local Perth plumbers and gas fitting technicians can evaluate the damage and complete the repair or maintenance without the customer having to break the bank.

With FREE, no-obligation over the phone quoting services as well as no call out fees, our customer service staff will readily connect you with a local Perth plumber or a gas fitter to help solve your plumbing and gas issues.  We strive to offer you total satisfaction with the best plumbing and gas service in Perth.