by Plumbaround | Nov 19, 2016 | Burst, drainage, Licensed, Licensed Plumber, Plumbaround, RPZ testing, Standards
On site in Albion this week completing an RPZ repair and whilst replacing the ball valves, our Backflow Prevention Specialist /Plumber has found that the galvanised pipework on this line is in desperate need of repair. This pipe lead underground and at this stage we can’t tell how far the damage is. Plumbaround Pty Ltd will return early next week to replace the pipework for the owners of the complex.
Galvanised pipes were most commonly used in Australian homes built prior to the 1950-60’s. They are not commonly installed in homes today – due to the introduction of copper piping and the cost of producing galvanised pipes, they have been phased out in regards to new installations. Galvanised pipes are iron pipes coated with zinc – this is to prevent corrosion. Galvanised pipes were the most durable pipe available before copper was introduced – but it has been noted that over time the zinc coating actually deteriorates causing the pipe to corrode from the inside and eventually causing it to leak and then burst.
The inside of the pipes can corrode and become plugged with lime, calcium, rust and other debris.
Worse still, is that they can start to leak at any time undetected inside a wall or cupboard which leads to costly damage and the spread of mold.
Many insurance companies will not give coverage to houses with these pipes and fittings or may charge you with a premium.
by Plumbaround | Nov 3, 2016 | Bathroom, Brand new, Burst, Health and Safety, Hot Water, hot water system, Kitchen, Licensed, Licensed Plumber, Standards
The start of November has been very busy and also enjoyable for us here @ Plumbaround Pty Ltd. We have been inundated with emergencies from blocked drains to severe water leaks and failing hot water systems. Our plumbers have been kept ever so busy and run off their feet (no complaints here though).
Tuesday was enjoyed by all with an afternoon off work to celebrate the Melbourne Cup race. We put on food to share and drinks for those that work for us, support our business and work in conjunction with us. Many thanks to the Aspley Central Tavern for having our function and the wonderful atmosphere and food!
This morning (Thursday) was a business meeting with the NOW – Northwest Business Group and it is always lovely to hear from like minded individuals and businesses who want to be involved in their local community. As business owners, we all have a commitment to bring about change and raise awareness in our local community for issues that are important for everyone. It warms my heart to see everyone wanting to be involved.
As a plumbing company, we come into contact with so many people, businesses and community groups. We @ Plumbaround Pty Ltd are always looking to get involved and support those around us. We are very blessed to live and work in an area where the community is so important. Go Northside Brisbane!!!!
If you are wanting more information about local community events in our local area please visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/plumbaround where you will find links and posts on local events.
Giving back to the community warms the heart and coming into the end of the year reminds us all of the importance helping one another and those around us.
by Plumbaround | Oct 23, 2016 | Burst, drainage, Flooded House, Health and Safety, Licensed, Licensed Plumber, Plumbaround, Standards
Plumbaround Pty Ltd attended to an urgent call out on the weekend to a blocked drain in Stafford. The owners found they were unable to use their facilities due to blocked pipework. This is quite a common occurrence 
with tree roots being to blame for most attendances. Roots generally enter drains from cracked joints and restrict flow, in turn causing blockages. This is not the only cause for backed up and blocked drains but seems to be a high percentage of the call outs we attend too.
We send our drain cleaner machine down the nearest access on site, all properties should have and Overflow Relief Gully as per Australian Plumbing Standards AS3500 which is in place to prevent internal house flooding.
Using the drain cleaner we were able to locate this blockage 16 meters down from the ORG on the property at the back of the house. Some blockages can easily be over 50 meters in from the ORG. We were able to pull back the tree roots blocking this pipework. Although it is not uncommon to push the blockage through with the drain machine head.
How do you know if you have a blockage in the pipework/ drain line on your property?
- Can you hear a gurgling sound when using taps / toilets?
- Have you noticed a smell and not sure where it’s coming from?
- Are your drains, either sewer or stormwater overflowing?
If the answer to any of the above is yes, then chances are you have a blockage in the pipework on your property. Blockages can mean many things and none of them are good, so it’s best to get them taken care of quickly and efficiently by your local plumber.
Plumbaround Pty Ltd are highly skilled in clearing all types of blockages as quickly as possible. Contact us via email or phone for all urgent blockages! We will attend as soon as possible to ensure you and your family are able to use your facilities.
by Plumbaround | Oct 6, 2016 | drainage, Health and Safety, Licensed, Licensed Plumber, New build, Plumbaround, Plumbing Products, Safety, Standards
Smart Sinks is an Australian company that has an environmental conscious and has workplace health and safety foresight. ‘Smart Sinks are a stainless steel filtration system that collects particles, plaster and sediment from waste water. Waste is collected using disposable bags reverting waste from going into the water system’.
Smart Sinks can be used across so many different industries such as Dental, Medical, Vets, Auto, Hospitality, Mining, Soil testing, and even labs any where the solids need to be taken from the liquid. The bags used are disposable and are fitted to 3 of the sinks in the system.
Here at Plumbaround Pty Ltd we are extremely excited to get behind such a great product and way of the future. Choosing a product with such a high environmental conscious should be a the top of list for all industries and companies.
The Mission Statement for Smart Sinks is ‘To be environmentally aware through innovation, commitment, quality and excellent customer service’.
Do you know of a workplace, or a company (large or small) who would benefit from this innovative product? Check out there website http://www.smartsinks.com.au or find them on Facebook.
Alternatively we at Plumbaround Pty Ltd are happy to discuss the Smart Sink system with you.
by Plumbaround | Oct 5, 2016 | Brand new, Burst, drainage, Flooded House, Hot Water, hot water system, Kitchen, Licensed, Licensed Plumber, Plumbaround, Safety, Standards
A slightly different looking hot water system sitting half in the wall!
No hot water! There is nothing worse than having your hot water system burst and leak everywhere. And also not having any hot water because of it!
Check out this existing hot water system replacement we have just attended too! The previous hot water system was sitting half in the wall, not really something you see too often and not something that is up to the Australian Standards in Plumbing and Drainage these days!!
The tenant was lucky to notice the leaking water from the hot water system so quickly as to avoid damage to the property, especially in behind the walls.
Of course when we supplied and installed a new hot water system to the property, we upgraded it to comply with the Australian Plumbing and Drainage Standards. It’s a shame we didn’t have any spare brick work on hand to patch up the hole in the wall. Might be a little job down the track for the handyman.
The new hot water system now complying with the Australian Plumbing Standards.
Help is only a phone call away when you are in need of hot water today. Day or night, we are happy to answer your calls and attend to any situation.
We also enjoy coming across plumbing that is a little different, just like the above hot water system. If you have seen something a little quirky please let us know about it or send us a pic!
by Plumbaround | Sep 29, 2016 | Bathroom, Brand new, Hot Water, Kitchen, Licensed, Licensed Plumber, New build, Plumbaround, Safety, Taps & Hardware, Temperature Control
A tempering valve mixes together your hot and cold water. This water is then delivered as hot tap water which is at a constant temperature. Tempering valves have a temperature sensitive element which adjusts the mix of hot and cold wate
r depending on the temperature of the incoming water through the valve.
Failure of a tempering valve may result in little or no hot water at your place!
A tempering valve is designed to maintain a constant temperature when at the tap ware. This reduces the risk of accidental scalding, especially if you have little children.
Here at Plumbaround Pty Ltd, we can supply and install a new tempering valve to your property in no time at all, to ensure the safety of your family and ensure to you have
hot water!! Adjustments to the tempering valve (if required) to the required temperature can be arranged by us on inspection.
The temperature is typically controlled by the valve to within 3% give or take. The tempering valve is to a temperature between 30 – 50 degrees. As an installer/licensed plumber, we have a duty of care to ensure that all aspects of the installation comply with the AS/NZS 3500
Plumbing and Drainage Standards, appropriate Codes of Practice and local regulations.
Tempering valves are required by law now to be installed on all new homes or renovations.
So, when replacing an old hot water system you must now install a tempering valve to reduce the temperature to 50°C or below in bathrooms.
Kitchen and laundry tap ware are still permitted to bypass the tempering valve and use the hot water directly from a standard electric or gas hot water tank.
Please see the tempering valve flow chart below.
