Storm season is around the corner – is your home or business prepared?
Queensland’s storm season could rear its ugly head anytime from now, and for the 85% of our population that live along the coastline, weather events like storm tides, storm surges, and high winds are a reality. Heavy rains and wild weather can wreak havoc upon your homes pipe systems, stormwater drains, and sewers.
For instance, a property owner in North Brisbane recently contacted Plumbaround about a potential sewerage issue with their drain. The owner noticed it was causing a wet patch in the grassed area of their property. Upon investigation, we discovered that an undetected leaking tap was dripping into the downpipes, causing the stormwater line to leak below ground.
We used a drain camera to assess the damage and locate the issue, then serviced the tap and cleaned the drain. If left unchecked, a large amount of stormwater entering into the property’s sewerage network would have increased the chances of sewerage backing up and overflowing into the property, causing further damages. By repairing this stormwater line, the owners are now all ready for heavy rain and what the storm season has to throw at them!
Taking preventive measures now can save you from major headaches later. If you have noticed any of the following signs, it’s time to act:
·Slow drainage
·Gurgling sounds
·Foul odour coming from drains
·A drop in your water level
Get ahead of the game and contact our team to ensure that your property is equipped to handle the upcoming storm season and the wild weather it will bring.
In preparation for rogue weather events, there are several things you can do to help get your property in check. Here is our helpful checklist:
1.Check all taps and toilets
2.Check gutters for leaks or other structural damage.
3.Check gutters for leaves and debris.
4.Check downpipes for blockages.
5.Keep drainage areas clean and free of materials that may cause blockages.
6.Check if you have a home emergency kit ready and easily accessible.
7.Check your insurance policy for storm damage.
8.Check weather alerts regularly.
9.Check where your power, gas and water source are located so you can easily turn those off during an emergency.
10.Check for any overgrown foliage around your home and trim. This will prevent leaves, branches and small animals entering into your home gutter system.
At Plumbaround, we offer comprehensive plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties. We strongly recommend having a licenced plumber conduct a thorough check-up on the gutters, downpipes, and drains around your property.
New Lead Requirements for Plumbing Products Related to Drinking Water in Queensland: What it means for the industry?
Lead pipes date back to the ancient Roman times. Today, health experts research suggests there is no safe level of exposure. While it’s toxic to everyone, fetuses, infants, and young children are at the greatest risk for lead poisoning because their brains and bodies are rapidly developing and more easily absorb lead than do those of older children and adults. But adults are also at risk, particularly from cardiovascular disease due to lead exposure. As levels increase, these harms become more severe.
The 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) has introduced significant changes regarding the allowable lead content in plumbing products used for drinking water in Queensland. Effective from May 1, 2026, all copper alloy plumbing products that come in contact with drinking water must contain no more than 0.25% lead. This regulatory update is aimed at improving public health and ensuring the safety of drinking water for Queenslanders.
The key changes
Deadline for Compliance
By May 1, 2026, all copper alloy plumbing products installed in systems conveying drinking water must comply with the new lead content limit, and products not meeting this standard will no longer be authorised for use.
Product Certification
Only products marked with the “Lead Free WaterMark” will be authorised for installation following the deadline. Until then, existing WaterMark certified products, including those with reduced lead levels, can still be used.
Affected Products
The new lead requirements apply to all copper alloy products in constant contact with drinking water. This includes fittings, valves, backflow prevention devices, taps, mixers, water heaters, water dispensers, and water meters.
Inventory Management
Plumbers are encouraged to use their current inventory of copper alloy products before the compliance date to avoid potential losses.
Not only are plumbers impacted by the NCC’s new requirements, but business and commercial property owners, Body Corporates, and Facilities Managers will also need to be aware of the new regulations and maintain compliance. That’s where we come in.
As a trusted local plumbing service and an affiliate of the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland, we ensure that all our clients are aware of, and advised of, the new lead requirements and their implications.
Implementation and Compliance
To ensure a smooth transition in compliance with new standards, it is crucial for plumbers and tradesmen alike to stay informed and start adjusting their inventory and procurement practices now. The Mater Plumbers Association of Queensland (MPAQ) and other industry bodies provide valuable resources and guidance to help plumbers navigate these changes.
For more information and to see how we can help you, give us a call on 07 3038 1038 or send an email to info@plumbaround.com.au.
By adhering to these new requirements, we can contribute to a safe and healthier environment, ensuring that the drinking water supply remains uncontaminated and safe for all.
Spring is most people’s favourite time of year – temperatures start warming up, there are more hours in the day, baby animals are everywhere, plants become greener and flowers start blooming. Psychologically, Spring can make us feel happier, more energised and motivated to do some spring cleaning or get outside and do some work in the garden.
Your new-found burst of energy to spring-clean your home can be invigorating but we want to ensure that while you’re at it, you don’t overlook your home’s plumbing. Routine Spring plumbing maintenance can help highlight any minor issues before they turn into major ones.
Now that we are heading into Spring, we thought we’d help you with 10 plumbing tips:
#1 Check all your indoor and outdoor taps. It’s possible some of your pipes might have been affected during the colder months so it’s a good idea to check all your taps.
#2 Replace broken or missing strainers. Strainers help to stop drains from clogging up with hair, soap, food and other debris. To save money on drain cleaning, replace any broken or missing strainers.
#3 Check for toilet leaks. A few drops of food colouring in the cistern will soon reveal whether the toilet is leaking. If the water in the bowl changes colour (give it 30 minutes), there’s a good chance you have a leak.
#4 Exercise your water valves. Open and shut all the water valves that supply sinks and toilets to prevent them from getting stuck (a buildup of lime is a classic offender for this). Replace any that don’t function properly.
#5 Test your toilets. The replacement of worn tank parts is simple and inexpensive. To ensure your water bill stays low, test your toilets flush correctly.
#6 Clean your shower heads. Using dishwashing liquid and water, with an old toothbrush, clean out your shower heads and dry them completely. This not only prevents rusting but also gets rid of mineral deposits and any bad bacteria.
#7 Perform a water heater check-up. If your hot water is really “hot”, turn down your water heater temperature to under 50 degrees and check for signs of corrosion and leaks. Puddles of water, rust, lime or soot can be tell-tale signs of wear and tear. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it’s probably the right time to get a plumber to inspect it thoroughly.
#8 Clean gutters and downpipes. Debris, especially from trees close to your property, can quickly end up in gutters and block downpipes, causing leaks and water damage to your home. Clean out your gutters and downpipes using a high-pressure hose or auger, or alternatively call a plumber to do a professional job for you.
#9 Inspect exposed pipes under sinks and vanities. If you notice staining of your cupboard shelves underneath the pipes, you probably have a leak caused by ageing, stress or link wear and tear. Take note and call a plumber.
#10 Check for worn appliance hoses. Make sure you check your water supply hoses to your washing machine and dishwasher as these can be prone to wear and strain. In fact old, worn or kinked hoses have been known to be the cause of many in-house flooding catastrophes. Don’t let that happen to you. If your hoses are more than ten years old, call a plumber to replace them.
The plumbing at your residential or commercial property is important to us at Plumbaround. Our team of Qualified Master Plumbers can perform routine inspections, report on findings, and complete any work that needs to be done, providing you with peace of mind that all your plumbing systems are well maintained and ready for Spring.
We are the plumbers you can rely on!
Contact Us for a chat and an obligation-free quote. We service Brisbane and surrounding suburbs.
Plumbing emergencies can strike at any time, leaving you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. At Plumbaround, we understand how crucial it is to act swiftly to minimise damage and maintain the safety of your home. Here are some immediate actions to take during a plumbing emergency, ensuring you’re prepared until our professional team arrives to resolve the issue.
1. Stay Calm and Safe
Plumbing emergencies can be stressful, but staying calm is the essential first step for making sound decisions.
2. Shut Off the Water Supply
The first step in any plumbing emergency is to stop the flow of water. Locate the main water valve in your home, usually found near the water meter or where the main water line enters your house, and turn it off. If the issue is isolated to a specific fixture, such as a toilet or sink, you can shut off the valve directly connected to that fixture.
3. Turn Off the Electricity
If the plumbing emergency involves flooding or significant water leakage, it’s essential to turn off the electricity in the affected area to prevent electrical hazards. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so ensure you take this step if there’s any risk of water coming into contact with electrical outlets or appliances.
4. Contain the Leak
While waiting for professional help, use whatever materials you have on hand to contain the leak. Buckets and towels can help absorb water and prevent it from spreading. For smaller leaks, a piece of rubber or tape wrapped around the pipe may temporarily stop the flow of water.
5. Clear the Area
Move furniture, electronics, and other valuables away from the affected area to prevent water damage. If water has already spread, remove these items quickly and place them in a dry, safe location. This step will help minimise potential damage to your belongings.
6. Drain the Pipes
After shutting off the main water supply, open all your taps to drain the remaining water in the pipes. This can help reduce further leakage and relieve pressure in the system. Don’t forget to flush toilets multiple times to empty their tanks as well.
7. Use Plungers and Temporary Fixes
For blocked toilets or sinks, a plunger can be an effective tool to clear minor blockages. If you suspect a pipe has burst, you can use a pipe repair clamp or self-fusing silicone tape as a temporary fix to seal the crack and reduce leakage.
8. Ventilate the Area
If the plumbing emergency involves significant water spillage, open windows and doors to ventilate the area. Good airflow will help dry out the space and reduce the risk of mould developing.
9. Take Photos and Notes
Document the damage with photos and take notes of any observations. This information will be valuable for both your insurance claim and our plumbing team when they arrive. Detailed documentation helps the repair process and ensures nothing is overlooked.
10. Call Plumbaround Immediately
As soon as you’ve taken the necessary steps to control the situation, call Plumbaround at 07 3038 1038. Our experienced team is ready to assist you 24/7, providing prompt and professional emergency plumbing services across Brisbane.
By following these tips, you can minimise damage and ensure the safety of your home until our skilled plumbers arrive. Remember, quick action can make all the difference in a plumbing emergency!
Drains often gets clogged by tenants pouring grease, or flushing things like wipes or sanitary napkins down the toilet. Other causes are from food waste which blocks sinks. This places an importance on Landlords to educate tenants about proper disposable practices to prevent future blockages.
Key Solutions
A plunger on hand to help clear food particles.
Salt and hot water helps melt the grease or soap clogging your sinks or showers.
Baking soda and vinegar can break down mineral deposits that build up in sink drains.
If the blockage remains, our team at Plumbaround have the right experience and equipment to fix these issues, no matter how big or small.
2. Leaking Taps
A leaking or dripping tap may not appear to be a major concern, however it can waste a lot of water and raise a businesses’ water bill immensely and can annoy your tenants with the constant dripping sound. Even a minor leak can evolve into a major problem very quickly if left unattended.
Solution:
In most cases, you must turn off the water valve, remove the handle, find the cause, replace the part, clean the valves, and reassemble the tap. It is most common that people replace the little washer found on the tap handle.
However, things to check are:
Tighten the screws on the tap and check the 0 rings
Two of the biggest causes of leaking taps is poor plumbing installation and dodgy DIY jobs. This can be all be avoided by calling an expert.
3. Running Toilets:
A running toilet can also waste a lot of water and run up the water bill. It’s also one of the most common complaints from tenants.
Solution:
To resolve this issue, you need to buy a new flapper. The flapper will usually come with instructions on how to replace it. But it is always better to call a reputable plumber for this one.
4. Leaking Pipes:
Leaking pipes can cause all sorts of problems, from water damage to mould. Common causes of leaky pipes include a broken seal, clogged lines, corrosion, damaged pipe joints and high-water pressure.
Solution:
Depending on the severity rubber or silicone tape may work in the short-term, however it is always best in these situations to call a plumbing expert for assistance.
5. Water Pressure Issues:
Tenants may experience significant annoyance if the water pressure is too high or too low.
Solution:
Inspect the property for blocked drains or taps. If that isn’t the case, you should investigate further with a water pressure gauge.
Once identified and depending on the scale of the problem, get the replacement parts, the right machine, or experts, to help fix the issue.
For all your commercial plumbing requirements, reach out to our team at Plumbaround.
