Plumbing Maintenance

Essential Basic Plumbing Tools At Home

Essential Basic Plumbing Tools At Home

Have you thought about what to do if there’s a plumbing emergency and professional plumber has not yet arrived? If you are planning to do basic plumbing first-aid, make sure you have the necessary tools and you know how to use them. As a homeowner or a small business owner, having your basic plumbing tools at hand and in a place where you can easily access them is a necessity to save your plumbing until a licensed plumber arrives.

Cup Plunger & Flange Plunger

The cup plunger is one of the most basic plumbing tools found in every household. It is good for unclogging sinks, shower drains and bathtubs but not necessarily toilets since a cup plunger on works in a flat surface. For toilets, it’s best to use a flange plunger with its rubber flap specifically designed to fit the hole in the toilet creating a perfect seal when applying pressure. A plunger works through suction and pressure. The rubber cup seals the drain and then the handle is moved up and down to create pressure which can dislodge clogged sinks, shower drains, bathtubs and toilets.

Pliers

Pliers are helpful when you need to lock or unscrew nuts and bolts in small and hard-to-reach spaces. Made from steel, pliers have adjustable jaws that can lock into place, securing the nut or the bolt that needs adjustment. It has a rubber handgrip to make it more comfortable when exerting too much effort to tighten or unscrew nuts and bolts such as in securing pipes, gas lines, hot water systems and the likes. Pliers are is also a multi-functional tool which can be used as pliers, wrenches or clamps not only for plumbing use but also for electrical maintenance and furniture repair.

Stubby Screwdriver

A stubby screwdriver with interchangeable blade tips works wonders whenever you need to tighten or loosen small screws usually used to secure parts or connect things. Having regular or ratcheting screwdrivers is always handy when responding to plumbing problems especially if we are not familiar if whether access to our plumbing fixtures has small screws placed on them as safety precautions. Using a stubby screwdriver is also most convenient when trying to reach small places within gaps or spaces that a drill or a long screwdriver cannot reach.

Plumber’s Tape

A plumber’s tape or Teflon tape is a sealing tape designed to prevent leaks since it fits on small crevices when it stretches over the connecting pipes. Alternatively, it has also become the number one first aid to leaking pipes and fixtures especially since it can withstand high and low water pressure passing through the pipes. A plumber’s tape is used when there’s no built-in rubber seal or if the rubber needs to be replaced for more secure pipe connections. And since a plumber’s tape is made from Teflon, it also makes it easier when the time comes to disassemble pipes since the threads allow for smooth movement between joints.

Gloves & Goggles

Always wear gloves and goggles when performing plumbing first-aid since you do not know if the problem will worsen and you might get hit with water in your eyes or leave with gas in your hands. Wearing a simple worker’s goggles and gloves will do when inspecting your plumbing for problems and applying first aid. The gloves will also help you better grip the pipes and the fixtures if they are already wet and slippery.

basic plumbing tools

After you have applied first-aid, make sure to call a professional plumber to have your plumbing inspected and your work checked for further improvements or to apply more permanent solutions for safety reasons or to get your plumbing back in excellent working condition. Before you keep your tools, make sure to apply proper maintenance so that the tools can stay in good shape until you next use them. Doing this increase the guarantee for safe and effective use which is very important for plumbing.

At The Plumbing and Gas Guys, all our projects are completed by fully qualified plumbers and gas technicians; with the work, certified, and the required paperwork submitted to the governing bodies. Our vans are fully stocked with all the required parts, tools and equipment needed to rectify your gas or plumbing situation efficiently. We also have 24-hour emergency plumbers available at any time for all plumbing emergencies.

Phone us on 1800 087 244 or send us an email. We have 24/7 customer service ready to assist you for enquiries, for scheduling work, or for completing your purchase.

Down the Drain: What can and cannot be poured down the kitchen sink?

Down the Drain: What can and cannot be poured down the kitchen sink?

We sometimes take for granted the small things that we do that it becomes a routine. Take, for example, cleaning up the dishes. Do you scrape everything off the plate first before running it with water or putting it in the dishwasher? Or do you just allow the running water to remove the scraps? How about the small flecks like the coffee grounds that had settled at the bottom of your glass? If you are used to washing these small flecks to wash down your sink, stop and think twice before you proceed. These small flecks of solid waste can accumulate and cause blocked drains and pipes.

Here are some frequently asked questions about what is safe and harmful to pour down the sink: 

Can I pour coffee grounds or tea leaves down the sink?

Never pour coffee grounds or tea leaves down the sink even though the beans and the leaves are finely ground, since this can still accumulate and stick to your pipes. If you ask any plumber, along with grease, coffee grounds and tea leaves are one of the most common reasons for blocked kitchen pipes especially since a lot of people brew their own coffee or tea at home every day. The best way to dispose of ground coffee or tea leaves is to decompose them. You can bury them on your backyard or sprinkle them on your garden to get rid of unwanted pests. Otherwise, seal them on a bag and properly dispose of it on a rubbish bin.

Can you put flour down the drain?

Never put wet flour down the drain even if it can even pass through the drain since this can harden and block your pipes. When flour is mixed with water, it creates a sticky substance that can act as a glue. Not only will this attract other solid wastes passing through to clump up, but the starch in the mixture can also expand causing the waste to enlarge and cause a blockage. The best way to dispose of flour is to decompose it. For flour stuck on plates or utensils, remember to scrape them off and seal it in a bag before properly disposing of it in a rubbish bin and if you cannot decompose.

Can you pour yogurt down the sink?

Yogurt and other dairy products should not be poured or washed down the sink because the substance cannot be easily broken down. When mixed in our waterways, this can affect the oxygen level of any aquatic life present since the process of breaking down the substance by bacteria requires a lot of oxygen. When dairy products are continuously disposed of in kitchen sinks even in small quantities, these can still affect our waterway especially if a lot of people are doing it. The best way to dispose of dairy products is to decompose it by spreading it over pasture or cultivated ground.

Is it OK to pour grease down the sink?

Never, ever pour grease down the sink even though they seem to be in a liquid state. Grease, fat or oil acts as an agent that binds and sticks solid things to your pipes. The best way to dispose of grease and other fats is to put them in a jar and letting them freeze before properly disposing of them in a rubbish bin. 

Can I pour vinegar down the sink?

It is okay to pour vinegar down the sink since the acid can act as an alternative cleaning agent that can soften or dissolve trapped substances that are stuck in your drains and pipes. This is okay if you do not pour vinegar down the sink every day, for instead of working as a cleaning agent, it can corrode your drains and pipes, causing an even bigger plumbing problem.

Is it OK to pour boiling water down the drain?

It is OK to pour hot water or boiling water down the drain for this can soften the hardened substances that are starting to stick to your drains and pipes. This is okay, provided that the water is not overwhelmingly hot for this can expand your sink or melt PVC pipes.

Other things that shouldn’t be poured down the sink or washed down the drain are eggshells, raw meat trimmings, produce stickers, vegetable and fruit peels and seeds. These are usually broken down into small pieces that is why they are usually washed down the sink. But remember that these are still solid substances that can stick together and block your drains and pipes.

If you have been pouring undesirable things down your sink and it’s been a long time since you had your pipes checked, it might be time to do so now to see if there’s already a buildup preventing a healthy flow of your plumbing system. Do not make pouring or washing anything down the kitchen sink a habit. Make sure to have your plumbing checked and maintained at least once a year to see if everything is good working condition.

At The Plumbing and Gas Guys, we service blocked drains and pipes not limited to kitchen sinks, bathroom showers and toilets. Our process starts with an external inspection to see the condition of your blocked drain or pipe to see if it can be unclogged using our advanced drain machine. However, if the drain or the pipe is still blocked, we shall then proceed with using a water jitter to cut pressure and flush the blockage.

Call a professional and licensed plumber on 1800 087 244 and get your blocked drains fixed!

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.

Plumbing Noises: What do they mean?

Plumbing Noises: What do they mean?

Plumbing Noises: What do they mean?

Pain is a good indicator that there must be something wrong with our body. For a domestic or a commercial establishment. hearing unusual noises might be a sign that there’s something wrong with the plumbing. Whether it’s a dripping sound or pipes banging, they aren’t just loud, they are also irritating, and you realise that it needs to be looked at.

It’s better to familiarise yourself with these plumbing noises so that the next time you hear them, you won’t just ignore these sounds. You can take the necessary steps to prevent further damage to your plumbing, for, when left unattended, can cause incidents such as a flooded basement or a leaking roof. 

Banging - can be heard when something that shouldn’t be on your pipe is stuck and is hitting the metal and even plastic pipes causing it to vibrate and produce the banging sound. When small debris accumulates, they will first float around and hit the pipes until they become large enough to cause a blockage. Too much water pressure and air entering the pipes can also create the banging sound.  

Clanking - happens when valves and knobs are loose allowing too much water pressure to be exerted on the pipes or the water heater tanks. 

Clicking - is often heard when a pump is waterlogged and is short cycling on and off. Thermal expansions of pipes can also create clicking noises when the heat rises from hot water heating baseboards. 

Dripping - means that there is a leakage in your plumbing. This is often heard from leaking water splashing the sink or when the drip is too fast and it creates a rhythm whether it exits from the faucet, the pipe, or the toilet. 

Glugging or Gurgling - can be heard from multiple plumbing points like the pipes, the vents and even the sewer line. This can mean that the pipes are either blocked with sediments like food wastes or small minerals, or air has somehow entered the system. For the sewer line, this can mean that tree roots penetrated the pipes and are blocking the flow of the water. 

Hissing - from a water heater tank means that there might be too much air disrupting the system. Hissing from the pipes means that there might be leakage and air is let through together with the water. 

Humming - is created when water pressure is too high, making the pipes vibrate when water is running. On the other hand, low humming from a running well pump or a circulating water heater pump is just normal - indicating that the system is activated and working well. 

Knocking or Popping - from a tank water heater is a sign of sediment buildup along the sides of the tank and the burner, reducing its efficiency and making it longer to heat the water, increasing your energy consumption. 

Rattling - happens when constant vibration of the pipes eventually displaces them from being mounted and fastened on ceilings and walls. When water is running through these displaced pipes, you’ll hear this loud rattling sound that’s a good indication that it needs to be mounted up, otherwise too much water pressure could make the pipe burst.

Squealing - can be heard mainly from loosened valves in faucets. It can also be heard from worn down plumbing furniture like washing machines and dishwashers. There might be some loose knobs and valves inside the machines that need tightening up.

Whistling - from your showerhead can be heard when some of the exit points are blocked with debris causing water pressure to build up and make the whistling sound as it looks for ways to release the water. 

If you hear these noises and are not sure of what to do, it is important that you immediately call a licensed plumber to check out the problem. While waiting for the plumbers and you know where the master switch is, turn off your water or gas line to avoid furthering the damage to the plumbing system. 

At The Plumbing and Gas Guys, our plumbing services cover domestic and commercial inhouse and outer plumbing. From kitchen and bathroom gas & plumbing installation, repair and maintenance, to pipes & drain water jetting and tree root cutting as well as septic tank cleaning and sewer line connections, no job is too extensive nor too small. 

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.

FYI: Plumbing & Gas Concepts & Terms

FYI: Plumbing & Gas Concepts & Terms

Have you found yourself talking to your plumber or gas fitter and just agreeing to their every suggestion – leading you to surpass expenses because you do not understand some of the terms that they are using and the concepts that they are proposing?

At The Plumbing and Gas Guys, we give importance to our clients and we pledge to stay true to the services that we offer that’s why we make sure that our clients understand the terms that we use and the concepts that we are proposing to get the job done efficiently.

Here are some of the most important plumbing concepts and terms that you need to know before going through extensive plumbing and gas fitting undertaking:

Access Panel

The Access Panel is one of the most important parts of a house, especially for a plumber. This is where the whole plumbing system can be controlled during maintenance. It is also the first place that a plumber would check before doing any excavations for blocked drains and pipes.  The Access Panel is usually hidden from plain view to not be toyed with by children. Since the Access Panel is usually behind a wall or near the ceiling, it is necessary that they are not covered up but instead can be easily accessed by plumbers, especially during emergencies.

Fitting

A Fitting connects two parts of a pipe. Plumbing sewers and vent pipes are made from cast iron to ensure that the material will connect the two parts and can hold the water or gas pressure running through the pipes. When checking for house water leaks or gas leaks, plumbers often first check the fittings to see if there are holes or if the fittings become loose. The Fitting can come in various types such as couplings, ells, tees, crosses, reducers, unions, caps, and plugs.

Green Plumbing

Green Plumbing is an initiative that promotes water and energy conservation in household plumbing as well as in plumbing maintenance. Green Plumbing advocates for homes to use harvested rainwater or greywater which is untreated wastewater that does not come from a toilet or kitchen waste. Waterless urinals are also encouraged especially for large commercial establishments like hospitals and malls. The use of solar-powered hot water systems and low-consumption plumbing fixtures are also highly encouraged. And since plumbing maintenance often requires several litres of high water pressure especially in water jetting to remove blocked drains, Green Plumbing advocates the use of solar-powered tools as well as recycled water.

Master Plumber

Master Plumbers are licensed plumbers that have over 10 to 15 years of experience in the industry. To become a Master Plumber, one must first get a high school diploma or pass the GED before apprenticing under a Master Plumber to learn the trade and garner experience. Following the apprenticeship, the plumber can work as a journeyman until they take the licensure exam to be a Master Plumber. Unlike an apprentice or a journeyman, Master Plumbers are often ensured to safeguard their clients. Their 10+ years of experience allow them to assess the job properly and conduct the installation, maintenance or repair as efficiently as possible.

Septic System

The Septic System is the waste management system of any property whose sewage is not connected to the main sewer line of their city. The Septic System is composed of the septic tank, the septic field and the connecting pipes. It temporarily stores the waste while at the same time bacteria is breaking down the waste and allowing gravity to separate the solid from the liquid before the liquid is drained into an absorption field and the solid is taken out by septic tank cleaning.

The Plumbing and Gas Guys are composed of extensive and fully qualified Master Plumbers and Gas Fitters servicing all metropolitan suburbs for any 24/7 plumbing emergency. We also have insurance for all our plumbing and gas installation, maintenance and repair. Our vans carry state of the art gas leak, water leak and blocked drain equipment and spare parts, so the team can work independently and complete each job with ease.

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.

Why is my water bill so high?

Why is my water bill so high?

Why is my water bill so high even though I do not do anything outside of my usual routine?

Do you always wonder why you have a high water bill even though you know you do not consume anything outside of your usual? Most people often experience this and they try to check if they had a previous activity that required more water consumption – perhaps a guest was staying over for the month, or they purchased a new tub that they’ve used since then, etc. But others check for leaky taps and other plumbing issues to see if those were the cause of their high water bill.

Putting aside increases in water tariffs, damaged plumbing is the number one reason why households are getting a higher than average water bill.  

leaky tap

Leaking Tap 

A leaking tap is one of the most common reasons for high water bills. Most people tend to just ignore a leaky tap especially when the drip is slow. But did you know that a leaky tap with a rate of 1 drip per second can waste up to 20 litres a day? Imagine how much more water you’ll waste when it’s dripping at a rate of more than 2 drips per second. Always remember to tighten your faucets to avoid running water. Don’t overlook a leaking tap – make sure to tighten those knobs or call a licensed plumber to help sort out the problem.

Running Toilet 

A running toilet is just as bad as a blocked toilet. When you flush your toilet, do you know notice how long everything goes down the drain and water eventually settles? Depending on the size, the average toilet uses 6-32 litres per flush; but when you have a running toilet, water is continuously being wasted. If you do not see to this your water bill will surely skyrocket! That’s why if you’ve noticed that your toilet takes too long to flush, or if there’s a hissing sound, make sure to call a licensed plumber to check your leaking toilet.

running toilet
reticulator

Excess Water Pressure 

Though a high water pressure seems good, having too much of it is bad especially when you consume too much when you just need a little. Having excess water pressure is not good when you have an automatic sprinkler system that rather than waters your plants, it drowns them instead. We can be waterwise by checking the duration and time of the day our reticulation is set for. In addition, too much water pressure can also cause strain which may damage pipes and joints, leaving them vulnerable to leaks and corrosion.

 

Damaged Pipe Seals or Joints 

It’s important to have your plumbing checked every year since damaged pipes – including the joints and seals, can cause a lot more problems including water leakage as well as bursting pipes. Since most pipes run behind walls and underground, most dripping pipes are often overlooked – making you spend more money without you even noticing it. That’s why, if you feel like your water bill has gone through the roof make sure to call a licensed Perth plumber immediately.

damaged pipes

A leaky tap, a running toilet, excess water pressure, and damaged pipes are not only bad for your household finances – but can also impact the environment especially when other parts of the world are experiencing water shortages. 

Help us help you resolve your plumbing problems!

At The Plumbing and Gas Guys, we do water leak detection tests to determine if there are damaged pipes and faulty joints. We use the thermographic detection technique which uses an infrared and imaging technique to quickly let us know where the water leaks are. The ultrasonic detection technique also allows us to quickly identify even the smallest leaks.  

We do a whole lot more than just fix water leaks…  

At The Plumbing and Gas Guys, we do plumbing, electrical and gas installation and maintenance. Get in touch with us on 1800 087 244. We have 24/7 customer service ready for your emergency plumbing and gas issues.

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.