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.

Gas Fitter Perth

Gas Fitter Perth

Things to Look into in Selecting the Right Gas Fitter Perth Service for Your Plumbing Needs

A proper service and maintenance of your appliances can give them the chance to serve you for years. With proper care, they can work efficiently just like a brand new one. And it won’t even let you down whenever you need to use them. So, whether it’s your gas operated heating unit or hot water system, you need to pay attention to its proper maintenance to make sure they are operating well. And by doing this, you need to look for the right gas fitter Perth expert that will do the job efficiently.

Now, you might be wondering what they do. Well, to give you a better understanding, a gas fitter Perth is a tradesperson that is specially trained to install, alter, and maintain gas appliances services and its systems. Technically, this could include but not limited to fitting and fixing its pipes and flues, installing hot water systems and commissioning new gas application.

And now that you already know what exactly their job is, you now have the idea why it's important to look for a right expert that will handle your plumbing needs. Well, this article will give you some useful tips on finding the right one for the job.

3 Things You need to Look into in Selecting the Right Gas Fitter Perth Service for Your Plumbing Needs

Well, to help you make the right decision, below are the things you need to look into:

1. Gas Fitter Should be Licensed

Before hiring someone to do the job, the first thing you need to look into is their license. Yes, using a licensed plumber or gas fitter gives you the guarantee of a job well done. You can then rest assured that your gas appliances are going to be installed correctly and safely. On the other hand, letting the unlicensed ones do the job is illegal in all states. Life and property are at stake on this one. So, better not do a risky decision that will put you in danger.

Also, note that the license regulations may differ from state to state. So, the simplest way you could do is simply ask to see their company ID or license. And as one of the gas fitter Perth professionals, they'll proudly present some proof to you.

2. Do a Proper Research

Well, this may seem like an obvious one. But it will really help you land on the right gas fitter Perth expert that could do the task which you wish to accomplish. What you need to do is the proper research. You may search online and read some reviews and feedback about their services. Most reputable gas plumbers and fitters have their own websites now so you can easily read up on their qualifications and accreditations. Sounds easy right?

3. Remember that Cheap is not Necessarily better

This is commonly the mistakes that most people commit when they hire gas fitters or plumbers. Without proper checking, they go to those fitters who offers a markedly lower price.  Well, there is no wrong about saving your money. However, if someone is quoting you a price that seems too good to be true, you should ask them why they’re cheaper. Reasons might be they are offering the cheapest price because they are not capable of doing the job. So, better do your proper research and be confident of knowing which one is legit.

Selecting a gas fitter isn’t that hard. But then there are few things that you need to consider for your own convenience. Well, knowing these things will give you the confidence to pick the right gas fitter Perth expert that could do the job right.

Ready to look for the right gas fitter?

Give us a call today! The Plumbing and Gas Guys is a team of qualified gas fitters and plumbers in Perth. We offer you only the high-quality plumbing and gas services. Visit our website for more details about our services and call us for inquiries.

And if you plan to hire a plumbing expert, then you need to read this article for a better guide: Qualities of a Good Plumber Perth Expert that You Need to Look Into

Gas Leak Detection Perth

Gas Leak Detection Perth

What to do When You Smell Fume Leaking:  A Gas Leak Detection Perth Tips and Guidelines

Fume leakages could be dangerous and need an urgent attention. For this reason, professional gas plumbers suggest to take precautions when you try to look for it by yourself. Likewise, you need to make sure that there are no potential open flames, spark, or any other flammable materials within your home. Well, you might be asking - how would you know if you are experiencing it at home? Well, gas leak detection Perth will give you clear thoughts about it.

Here are some of the common signs that you need to check out.

Gas Leak Detection Perth Tips: Signs of Fume Leakages

  • Listen for a Hissing Sound. The hissing sound around any of your gas appliances could be an indicator that there is an opening. No matter how small the crack is, it should be dealt with as soon as possible.
  • Smell Around. Commonly, natural fume smells like a rotten egg. So, if you could smell this, then most likely there's a possible leakage from an appliance in your home or yard.
  • Bubbling. If you have soil that is wet and you have notice bubbles in that soil or water, then that could also be a sign of a leakage.
  • Dirt Blowing. Yes, it can blow air and dirt around the cracked part of the fume hose.
  • Dying Plants. Natural gas can kill vegetations. So, if you have plants in your area, especially if it is near a pipeline, then this could be a sign that you should watch out for.
  • Health Symptoms. Fume leakage can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. And this poisoning symptom includes headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, breathlessness, loss of consciousness, or could even cause collapse.

Gas Leak Detection Perth Tips that you need to do when there's a Leakage

Considering that you have encountered the signs in your house or even around your place, you need to take the precautionary measure. This is for you to be able to prevent any danger that might cause due to damages. Well, here’s what you need to do:

  • Turn the gas supply off.
  • Do not flip the switch off on any electrical devices and appliances. And do not light any open flame or turn on any appliances or lights. Just so you know, any of these actions could light a spark that may cause a fire.
  • And if you are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, open the windows and doors immediately and go outside.
  • Immediately leave the area and warn others to do the same. Yes, it is quite dangerous and may often cause explosion and harm to your health.
  • Call emergency services or professional gas leak detection Perth expert for help. They know a lot better how to handle such problems and prevent any danger that it may cause.

Commonly, people are confused about whom they should call in case of such emergency situations, most especially if the problem is coming from outside the home.

Well, here’s a Gas leak Detection Perth Guidelines that you could follow whenever you smell gas:

  • Call your emergency plumber or gas fitter when you smell fumes on the side of your meter or on your property.
  • You can call the natural gas company immediately when the odour is coming from the street. Or if the odour is coming from your meter or before it. Example, the fume smell comes from the street side of the meter.

Fume leaks could be very serious and it needs serious precaution to avoid any danger. Likewise, gas leak detection Perth expert suggest to have a regular maintenance test on your fume appliances. This is to avoid issues that can cause you a big trouble in the long run. Also, make sure that any gas safety checks inspection should only be performed completely by a qualified and well-trained gas fitter.

Looking for a plumber to detect fume leakages?

The Plumbing and Gas Guys is what you are looking for. We are a team of a fully qualified master plumber and gas fitter. We're trained to offer a high-quality and standard service for your needs. Call us today for more details and our team of professionals will be happy to guide you through.

Also, are you experiencing water leakage at home? Then you may read this article for a better idea: Water Leak Detection Perth: An Effective Guide for Your Home Leak Problem.