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Geelong Plumbing tips

Posted by on February 16, 2014

If your pipes are noisy that they sound like squeaking or hammering, you can easily solve this problem. You can anchor exposed pipes to get rid of noises. Call a plumber to help with pipes that need you to cut a hole in a wall, ceiling or floor.

Many plumbers will request a deposit before commencing a major plumbing repair. On smaller jobs, they will request payments at the end of the jobs.

If your home operates on well water and you notice pink or orange stains in your bath tub and other fixtures, this is due to iron in the water. You should purchase a water softener, or ask a local plumber to make a visit to your residence & resolve the issue for you.

Putting a cup of any kind of baking soda followed with a cup of white vinegar into your drain each month will keep your drain running well. This should cause a chemical reaction to occur and you should plug the drain. Wait a while, and then use boiling water to flush the drain. Although this is useful for clearing away simple clogs made of hair and soap debris, it will not work for the more serious blockages.

Water that drains back into your dishwasher is likely due to a damaged sink hook up. The hose going from the dishwasher to the sink needs to angle upwards before going back down hill to prevent water from both being mixed.

Do not use your toilet like a rubbish bin to minimize potential problems. If you flush improper items such as disposable diapers, facial tissue, cotton balls, paper toweling, tampons or sanitary napkins down the toilet, you will surely have problems with blockages. Also, try to use the smallest amount of toilet paper you can.

Keep your dryer’s lint trap clean. By doing this simple task, you can prevent a great deal of trouble. This includes prevention of fires. See to it that you look at the lint trap and find out if it has tears or holes in it that could cause lint to go inside your pipes, which could lead to clogs or other plumbing  problems in the future.

Keep your bathtub in good shape by using a cup of baking soda &  a cup of vinegar down its drain on a regular basis. Use the technique above to help you. Doing this will help rid your pipes of disgusting soap scum and clogs.

Now you have the understanding of plumbing tips that you can apply to fix your plumbing issues in your home. The above tips were constructed to add to your plumbing skills, as you are never done learning or improving them.

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Plumbing Problems And Great Solutions

Posted by on February 13, 2014

If your pipes make squeaking and hammering noises, it may be easy to fix. Exposed pipes need to be anchored when they are installed. If pipes are located in the floor, ceiling or walls, you might want to have a professional help you complete the job.

Make sure the plumber gives you an estimate before  he commences. You may be required to put some money down before a job is started as a deposit. Never pay the total cost until you know the job has been completed correctly. This will help to ensure that the plumber is concerned about quality of the work.

Don’t use tough chemicals such as toilet tablets in your toilet. Many kinds of toilet tablets might break down obnoxious smells in your toilet, but they might break down the rubber parts.

If you are unable to fix a clogged toilet with a plunger, try pouring a small bucket of water into the bowl from about waist level if the level of water in the bowl has lowered. You can repeat this process again if the water in the toilet bowl lowers again.

Take quality into account when it comes to replacing a showerhead. It is common to think it is fine to buy a showerhead that is the cheapest. The big issue with this is they aren’t sturdy and they tend to break a lot easier.

You need to use the information that has been provided so that you can make the best decision when it comes to alleviating your plumbing issues in your home or office. Getting a plumber for the job that is effective, affordable and has a proven track record can end up being more difficult than fixing the issues itself. Take these tips to heart, and you’ll be better for it down the line.

 

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Water Damage from Brocken Pipes

Posted by on February 10, 2014

Water damage can vary from a small amount of wood warping or swelling cabinets to more serious damage like buckling of floorboards and damaged walls.

Small drips of water can cause damage in a specific spots. It is essential that you locate the leak be detected early enough so the damage can be limited.  A Geelong plumber will be able to assist you locating the leak. Unfortunately small leaks usually only happen while water is in use and only stop when the water is tuned off. Taps usually only leak when water is running through them. This makes the leaks can very hard to detect.  You might notice a wet spot but it will eventually dry out. You may open and close a bathroom or kitchen cupboard door many times before seeing any damp or wet patches.

Water leaks that occur from drainage pipes supplying your home with water have water flowing into them constantly so the leaking will be constant.  This is great as it makes it easier for a Geelong plumber to locate the leak.  Importantly, with any leaking pipes the sooner they are repaired the less damage they are likely to cause.

Below are a few prevention tips to avoid water leak damage to your home:

  • Check the water supply lines and pipes to major appliances for wetness, bulging hoses or other signs of deterioration.
  • Unclog the drain if pipes are draining slowly and check pipes under the sink for signs of water leaks. You might need a Geelong plumber to help you unblock the drain.
  • To reduce leaks and avoid major repairs, replace your hot water system every eight to twelve years. A Geelong plumber will be required to help you install a new hot water system.
  • Check for wet patches on walls or in gardens after dry weather months.
  • Place food dye in the toilet cistern to check for leaks in the toilet. This works really well to locate leaks.
  • Make sure all your appliances are turned off such as taps, toilets are not dripping; washing machine or dishwashers and other appliances are not running.  After you have turned everything off, check if your water meter is still ticking over.

If you suspect a water leak in your home, it is recommended that you call a  plumber Geelong immediately.

 

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What Are a Plumbers Duties

Posted by on February 2, 2014

Hot Water System Options

  • Natural gas – can be used in both water heaters and continuous flow heaters.  Natural gas systems are rated according to their energy efficiency and come in both internal and external models.  Gas storage heaters have a smaller capacity than electric ones as they are able to heat the water up at any time of the day or night as opposed to within a certain time period only.
  • Off peak electricity – has similar operating costs to a natural gas system but is only available where the hot water system has a storage capacity one hundred and sixty litres or more.  The hot water is generally heated overnight for use throughout the day.  It cannot be used by continuous flow systems and is available for both internal & external use.
  • Solar energy – can provide up to seventy percent of your hot water free of charge, making it a very environmentally friendly option.  They are the cheapest systems to operate but do have a high initial purchase price.  All solar hot water systems come with a “booster” source of power  to provide hot water during times when there is little sun.  Mains pressure and constant pressure is available.
  • Peak electricity – is used for electric continuous flow units and storage water heaters that are smaller than one hundred and sixty litres in capacity.  They can be expensive to run but are very popular in areas where space is limited such as in units and apartments.
  • LPG – is used in areas where natural gas is not available.  It is suitable for both continuous flow and storage hot water systems.
  • Solid fuels – this includes wood, coal, briquettes and so forth, so the cost of the fuels can vary widely.  Solid fuels can be used on their own or in conjunction with off peak electricity or solar in constant pressure hot water systems.  They cannot be used with mains pressure systems unless a heat exchanger is used and can not be used in continuous flow systems.
  • Heat pumps – is high efficiency and uses around seventy percent less electricity than other electric hot water systems.  They work by extracting heat from the atmosphere using a refrigerant gas and a compressor and using that heat to heat water stored in a tank at ground level.

Services/Hiring a Hot Water Systems Specialist

Hot water system suppliers can assist with:

  • Advising on a suitable hot water system
  • Installation
  • Service and hot water system repairs (hot water system service and repairs)
  • Supply of the hot water unit
  • Minor plumbing

Ensure that they are able to help you to choose the correct system for the number of people in your household.  They should also allow for possible changes in the use of the hot water system in the future brought about by such things as an expanding family, the introduction of new appliances such as dishwashers and so on. A reputable plumber can install or replace al types of hot water systems, including electric, gas and sola hot water systems

Ensure that the system comes with a warranty, and that the supplier is willing to provide installation in a reasonable time-frame.  It is also useful if your supplier can provide emergency repairs or be able to direct you to someone that does.

 

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How to Extend the Life of your Hot Water Heater

Posted by on January 20, 2014

As houses start to age, there are certain maintenance issues that need to be attended to. Examples include air condition, window seals breaking, garden maintenance with weeds growing and more. It is very common that people ignore maintenance on their hot water system. This can result in replacement of the system every 5-6 years.

There is a solution to extend the life of your hot water system. By replacing the anode every 2 years you could almost double the life span of the system. The best part of all this is that you don’t need a plumber to replace an anode. You can do it yourself. I know what you are thinking… what is an anode? An anode is the long metal rod that runs from the top of the how water system to the bottom.

There are massive savings to be made by replacing the anode every two years. To put this into a simple equation, if we say that on average a hot water heater is replaced every 5 years and we can double that to 10 years by replacing the anode every two years:

–       anodes cost about $50

–       4 anodes will cost about $200

–       approx cost to install a hot water system $500

Using this method, you will save about $300 + the cost of a new hot water system every 10 years + a whole lot of headache. Not bad!

To replace an anode is no big job. Anodes are available to purchase from most hardware stores. Follow the steps below to replace your hot water systems anode:

  1. Turn off the water going into the tank and also turn off the power supply for the tank.
  2. You need to drain approx 12-16 liters of water from the tank
  3. Use a socket wrench to remove the existing anode.
  4. Install the new anode. Its recommended to wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the new anode. Be sure to tighten it with the socket wrench.

In four easy steps, you have just saved yourself hundreds of dollars for not much fuss. Be sure to tell your friends and family about this little trick so they too can save money!

For more information and other articles, please look at the Geelong 24 Hour Plumbing Blog.

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Shortlist to Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

Posted by on January 16, 2014

Test Your Main Water Valve

The main water valve controls the water system in your home. Your first action to take with a burst pipe in your home or business is to turn off the main water supply. This will aid in preventing further leakage or damage until a qualified plumber arrives. The water supply valve is typically located near the main water supply to your home. It’s important that the valve be in working condition at all times.

There is a simple way to test that the valve is working. Go to your bathroom and turn on the water in a sink or bathtub. Turn off your main water valve. The water should completely turn off. If the water continues to run, it means your water valve is damaged or broken. You will need to consider calling out a professional plumbing company such as Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing , Manly Emergency Plumber or Mr Plumber Sydney to replace the control valve.
Take Care of Your Drains

Plumbers often remove a variety of unexpected items from drains including hair and grease. Drains that are not taken care of can become blocked over time. To prevent blockages from occurring, it is of importance that no fat and grease is poured down your kitchen drain. Moreover, avoid allowing excessive hair going down the shower drain in the bathroom. Ensure your children’s small toys are not flushed down the toilet!

One of the major causes of blocked drains in Australia in tree roots. Tree roots cause large amount of damage and often causes recurring blockages. Tens of thousands of dollars are spent removing tree roots from drains across Australia ever year. We strongly suggest that you consider choosing where to plant trees and what species of tree to plant. Many local council websites have recommendations of what trees to plant. Its important that you spent some time planning of what trees to plant and where. This will save you money in the future.

Check Any Leaks

Leaky fixtures and faucets may indicate internal problems such as missing or broken o-rings or loose pipes. We recommend that you take care of minor leaks before they become big nuisances. The bigger the leak, the more expensive it is to repair. By removing the faucet spout, you will be able to check the o-rings and if required, replace them. If your sink still leaks, it is a great idea to call a plumber to do a routine inspection. Repairing minor damage will save you a lot of money in the future. Moreover, fixing water leaks will save you money on your water bill. Its also great for the environment to save water!

By maintaining the plumbing in your home or business, you will be able to prevent major plumbing emergencies that could end up costing a significant amount of money. Calling a plumber to fix minor leaks and other issues before they get worse is a great way to invest in your home and increase your peace of mind. Maintenance is essential to any home or business!

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Hot Water System ins and outs

Posted by on January 12, 2014

Considerations

When buying a hot water system, it is important that you choose one that fits your needs.  Do not focus solely on the purchase price – also consider how much it will cost to run over its total lifetime.  If possible, look for an energy efficient system.  Also look at things such as how easy the system will be to install, how easy it is to run and maintain, and what kind of warranty is offered.

It is a good idea to ensure that the system is located as close as possible to all of the major areas in the home to use hot water – the bathroom, the kitchen and the laundry.  If you cannot find a suitable central location, then install as closely to the kitchen as possible.  This will help to minimize the lengths of pipe, keeping the cost of installation lower and preventing heat loss from the pipes.  It will also help to reduce the amount of time that you have to wait for hot water to come through from the taps, minimizing water wastage.  Finally, make sure that the hot water system is sheltered in order to prevent heat loss from the tank itself.

Types of Hot Water Systems

The two main types of hot water systems that are available are storage water heaters and continuous flow (or instantaneous) water heaters.  Both of these systems are suitable for the average household.  Storage water heaters heat the water, which is then stored in an insulated tank for use throughout the day.  They are most economical when run on solar energy, natural gas, or off-peak electricity.  However, you can also run them on LPG, peak electricity and solid fuels.  If you have a mains pressure system, the hot water will come through at the same pressure as the cold water does, meaning that more than one hot water tap can be turned on at the same time without any loss of pressure.  Constant pressure systems deliver the hot water at a lower pressure than mains pressure systems and are normally located in the roof space of a home.  The amount of pressure depends on the vertical height between the tank and the point of use.

Continuous flow or instantaneous water heaters heat the water, as it required, removing the necessity for a storage tank.  This also means that it is impossible to run out of hot water.  Because they are significantly smaller than storage water heaters, they can be installed internally or externally on a wall or in a cupboard.  These heaters are connected to the mains water supply and deliver heated water at a slightly reduced pressure than cold water.  Adequate amounts of hot water can be delivered to one or two points within the home at one time and some units have electronic controls to deliver precise temperature control.  However, it is vital that these hot water systems are correctly sized according to how they will be used.  Continuous flow heaters operate the most economically on natural gas but they can also use LPG or general tariff electricity. 

 

 

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