by Plumbaround | Jan 8, 2023 | Brand new, New build, Plumber, Plumbing Services
The festive tinsel is safely tucked away, and the charm of the holiday season is gently making room for a fresh start. As we say goodbye to the festivities, take a moment to consider what resolutions might shape your New Year. Is it a simple commitment to add a touch of luxury to your daily life, starting with the peace of a well-designed bathroom? Or perhaps a thought to update the plumbing in your home for a worry-free year, ensuring things run smoothly without any unexpected hiccups. In this season of new beginnings, your resolutions can be the small adjustments that guide you towards a more comfortable year ahead.
Why Renovate?
Renovating your home isn’t merely an aesthetic choice; it’s an investment in your daily comfort, well-being, and the overall functionality of your living space. Beyond the allure of luxurious improvements, consider the practical benefits—enhanced energy efficiency, increased property value, and tailored solutions to meet the needs of your lifestyle. The decision to renovate is an acknowledgment that you are ready to enhance your quality of life.
What to Include in Your Bathroom Renovation
Embarking on a bathroom renovation opens the door to a multitude of possibilities. Consider incorporating elements like:
- Upgraded Fixtures: Choose fixtures that not only align with your aesthetic preferences but also enhance functionality. Modern, water-saving faucets, smart showers, and energy-efficient lighting can improve your bathroom experience.
- Layout Optimisation: Explore layout changes that maximise space and flow. Clever storage solutions and strategic placement of key elements can contribute to a more organised and visually appealing bathroom.
- Materials and Finishes: Select materials and finishes that marry durability with style. From timeless tiles to eco-friendly options, every choice contributes to the overall longevity of your bathroom.
- Smart Technology: Motion-activated lighting, programmable thermostats, and smart mirrors can add a touch of modern convenience to your daily routine.
Top Plumbing Upgrades to Consider In 2024
If a full bathroom upgrade feels overwhelming, consider focusing on upgrading existing plumbing in your home. These upgrades offer a range of benefits, from lower energy bills to increased safety and upgraded comfort for a more efficient and worry-free home. Consider the following upgrades:
- Pipe Replacement: If your home has aging or problematic pipes, upgrading to materials like PEX or copper can enhance water quality and overall safety.
- Enhanced Insulation: Ensure a proper barrier to heat flow to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. This small adjustment can significantly contribute to the longevity of your plumbing system.
- Energy-Efficient Water Heater: Upgrade to a modern, energy-efficient water heater. Beyond providing warm water on demand, this investment can lead to long-term savings on energy bills.
- Smart Plumbing Solutions: Explore smart plumbing technologies that offer real-time monitoring, leak detection, and automated control. These innovations contribute to both water conservation and peace of mind.
Why Choose Our Company?
Selecting the right team for your renovation project is paramount to its success. Our company stands out for several reasons:
Expertise: Our team comprises skilled and experienced professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality workmanship.
Reliability: We understand the importance of timelines and adhere to them, ensuring your project progresses smoothly.
Tailored Solutions: We collaborate closely with clients, offering personalised solutions that align with their vision and needs.
Commitment to Excellence: From design to execution, our commitment to excellence ensures that your renovation journey is not just satisfactory but exceeds expectations.
In the spirit of a gentle start to the year, consider resolutions that are more like small adjustments than grand transformations. These adjustments can lead to a cozier and more inviting home. Whether it’s incorporating a touch of luxury or ensuring the reliability of your home’s infrastructure, let the New Year be a time for thoughtful changes that bring comfort and peace. Reach out to us today, and let’s kickstart the journey to bring your unique vision to life.
by Plumbaround | Dec 12, 2022 | FAQs, Residential & Commercial
At plumbaround we have an after hour plumbing service for all emergency plumbing requirements that you may have at your residential or commercial property. This is a great service if you are a restaurant and on a weekend you need a gas and plumbing fitter to come look at your gas stoves or you have a leak in your pipe work.
This after hour service works 24/7 over the weekends and after hours during the week. Here ready to help you. Call 07-3038-1038 for assistance.
Here are some examples of situations people may call for assistance:
- Blocked toilets
- Blocked drains
- Leaking taps
- Burst or leaking hot water systems
- No hot water
- Roof leaks
- Leaking water heater
- Running toilet
- leaking or burst water mains
- Leaking drains
- Clogged sinks
- Clogged garbage disposal unit
- Blocked bathroom drains
- Serious water leaks
- Broken toilet
- Leaking shower
More resources
Click here!
by Plumbaround | Dec 12, 2022 | FAQs, Stormwater
Storm water is water that happens when a storm occurs. This is the surface water that happens in a downpour. This can be a major problem when a large body of water has to be gotten rid off. Storm water can accumulate in yards and make the ground soggy. Its best to get a licensed plumber to install stormwater drains to take the surplus water away.
What is a storm water drain?
A stormwater drain a a system of drainage that is installed to take away the excess water that falls during a downpour.
What is the purpose of storm water drains
The purpose of storm water drains is to take away the rain water that is on the surface of car parks, concrete yards and backyards of industrial and residential sites away from the property so that no water damage occurs with water accumulating and entering the property.
Where do storm water drains lead to
Stormwater drains drain into a point-of-discharge. These are found alongside kerb, under concrete slabs which has water channels underneath to take the water away in large underground stormwater pipes. These stormwater pipes connect to council drainage systems.
Is storm water drains same as drainage
Most storm water ends up in small bodies of water such as ponds, lakes or creeks. They may also end up in the closest water source nearby as well. Eventually the stormwater ends up in rivers, and oceans.
Who is responsible for storm water drains
In Queensland stormwater drains on properties are the responsibility of the property owners to the point where it connects with the council drains. The council will maintain the drains outside your property.
Please note you cannot connect your stormwater drain to the sewage drainage system or re-direct it to the neighbor’s yard.
What is the difference between storm water drains and sewer drainage
Stormwater is different from sewage. Sewage is the water waste waste from households and is treated at water treatment facilities. However, storm water is not treated and is discharged into large bodies of water such as lakes and rivers.
Types of storm water drainage systems
The different types of stormwater drains are:
- Slot drains
- Open stormwater drains
- Closed stormwater drains
- French drains
- Permeable pavement
How to divert stormwater runoff
To divert stormwater you will need to install an aggi pipe, gravel pit, water proofing and a pump out system that will alleviate any excess surface water that is not dealt with by the main storm water
How to solve stormwater drainage problems?
Here are 5 ways to prevent a storm water problem occurring:
- Keep drainage points clear of debris
- Check downpipes and gutters for any leaves that may block the stormwater pipes
- Flush out pipes before storm season
- Use a water jet to clear debris
- Install gutter guards, leaf diverters over drainage
How to unclog a stormwater drain
Here are some tips on how to unclog a stormwater drain:
- Use a classic plunger by forcing air down the pipe to flush the debris out
- Drain Auger method: Hire a drain auger to remove roots or anything blocking the drain
- The sue of chemical
Other Resources!
Click Here!
by Plumbaround | Dec 11, 2022 | FAQs, Residential & Commercial
When To Call A Plumber
Just like anything these days plumbing too gets tired with use and decay. Knowing when to call a plumber in time to fix your plumbing is crucial if you want to save in expensive repair bills.
It is advisable not to try doing a repair job yourself unless you are a licensed and insured plumber. Any damage to the property may not be covered by insurance. So its best to call a licensed plumber to check the cause of the problem and fix it immediately.
Here is a list of tell tale signs that the plumbing in your home, office or commercial premises may need a good look over by an experienced plumber.
- BACK UP IN PIPE WORK: Backup in the pipe and drainage systems on your property. If you are experiencing back-up in your drains or sewage systems regularly then it may be advisable to get a plumber around with his camera to take a look at what is happening inside those pipes. Possibly the pipework may be clogged with debris or tree roots.
- POOR WATER QUALITY: This normally comes when pipework is old and rusty. This maybe from old pipes on the property or old and rusting hot water system. Calling a plumber is the best advise we can give you as he will give you a full report of what is happening with the plumbing and a quotation to repair old pipework.
- NOISY PIPEWORK: Noisy pipes indicate that the pipework is getting weak and may need to be replaced. Best to call a plumbing contractor in the neighborhood to do a routine check.
- BLOCKAGE OR CLOGGING: Your toilet, bathroom basin, tub or kitchen sink may time to time get blocked. It may be simple to use a plunger to get right of the problem and flush everything down the drain. However, if the problem persists please call a plumbing company near you to come over and check the issue with the clogged pipes or basin. Quite often this will help locate the problem sooner and help prevent expensive cleanup bill so repair jobs to carpet, walls due to water overflowing and flooding the home or business.
- WATER BUBBLING: Bubbling water sounds after the toilet is flushed normally is a sign that a pipe maybe cracked or faulty. Best to call a plumber to look at this before the damage escalates.
- INCREASE IN WATER BILL: This is a clear sign that either the residents of the premises are using too much water or that water maybe leaking from a tap or from a hidden cracked pipe underground. Get a plumber to come in and check this emergency as it will lead to further water bills being too high.
- NO OR VERY LOW WATER PRESSURE: When water pressure is almost zero or not present then this may indicate that somewhere in the pipework there is a leaking pipe. Another thing to remember is that if the pressure in the pipework fluctuate daily this too will indicate water pressure is being lost due to a leaking pipe.
- WET OR SOGGY LAWN PATCHES: Are you seen your lawn damp and soggy when it hasn’t rained for a while? This may indicate that there is possibly a leaking pipe under the grass and water is leaking out. This will cause your water bill to increase as well as contaminate the water supply entering the home or business pipework systems. Best to call Plumbaround to come by to check what the plumbing problem is. It is important to know that is the water leak in inside your property then its your responsibility. The council will take care of leaks outside your property boundary. You may need to discuss this with your plumber when they come to inspect.
- BAD SMELLS: Bad smells coming from drains is a early signal that the sewage system may be clogging up and will need looking at. Call your local licensed plumber with a snake to come and fix this smelly problem.
- NO HOT WATER: When the hot water system if not giving you enough hot water supply then its possible you may need the system to be replaced. Get a professional licensed plumber such as Plumbaround to come by and give you a quote to replace the HWS.
- DRIPPING TAPS, LEAKING SHOWER HEADS: We all have had leaking taps, dripping shower heads. Most often we ignore this until the water bill arrives and it far exceeds the norm. There are many causes that may lead to the leaks. Some are: poorly installed washer. Damaged or corroded washers, Damaged or loose o-rings, Wear and tear of cartridge, Value seat damage or mineral build-up,Excessive high water pressure, A leaking pipe that has not been diagnosed.
- TOILET WON’T STOP RUNNING: This is a silent problem. You probably won’t even hear it. The leaking cistern will cause your water bill to increase each quarter. The issue maybe that the flapper is faulty in the cistern. The flapper is designed to help seal the toilet cistern from the bowl. A faulty or cracked flapper will not seal the cistern, causing water to leak through. Most often this is the water leaking sound you may hear when you pass the toilet each day. You must stop the leak by calling a plumber immediately.
- BACKFLOW EMERGENCY: What is a backflow… Backflow is when water backs up in the pipe system and comes back up and overflows into the sink, toilet bowl or bathroom. This potentially can destroy furnishing in kitchen, living spaces, damaging carpet, cupboards, floors and even your furniture. The worse thing is the backflow water brings with it foul smells and germs that can contaminate your drinking water system and be hazardous to your health. This is an emergency that you just need to call your local plumbing contractor called Plumbaround.
- WATER ACCUMULATING NEAR BASE OF DISHWASHER OR WASHING MACHINE: Call a plumber to come and check the intake and outtake lines to the equipment.
- WATER STAINS UNDER KITCHEN OR BATHROOM CABINETS: This indicates that possible water leaks are happening.
- SLOW DRAINING SINKS EVEN AFTER PLUNGING: This normally indicates that there is grim from food waste that maybe stuck along the inside lining of the pipes and not allowing water to flow easily. Its best to call a plumber as he will need to locate where this maybe coming from. Sometimes it could be near the sink itself or possibly hidden in the walls or under the house. The plumber will use a camera to locate the problem and then come up with the solution to fix the blocked pipe. Having a regular maintenance of your property done by a plumber each year maybe the best answer.
Other Resources!
Click here to read up on more frequently asked questions around plumbing issues.
by Plumbaround | Nov 11, 2022 | Backflow Prevention, Residential & Commercial
Here in Australia, strict regulations around water backflow prevention allow us to enjoy some of the cleanest, safest and most reliable water in the world, straight from our taps.
Typically, your plumbing flows in one direction, from your potable water supply through the taps and other outlets in your building, down the drain and into the sewer system. Good water pressure maintains this flow so you can turn on your tap and enjoy fresh, safe drinking water.
If the Mains water pressure goes below the adequate pressure in your plumbing supply, the flow can change direction, hence the name ‘backflow’. This backflow can cause serious problems of waste, pollutants and other hazardous materials entering and contaminating your (or your neighbour’s) drinking water, posing hazardous health risks.
Changes in pressure can occur if the water main bursts or if there’s a high demand, for example during fire fighting operations. Flooding, as seen during extreme weather events, can also cause issues with backflow. Risks of backflow contamination can come from water used in domestic and commercial developments, manufacturing, farming and irrigation systems, and medical and sanitation equipment.
Backflow prevention is a term used to prevent the reverse flow of this potentially polluted or contaminated water entering your potable water supply.
Having contaminated water enter your water supply can be prevented by the installation and proper maintenance of a backflow prevention device. This device, and its reliable maintenance, will ensure that water flows in one direction, as typically intended. The regular testing and maintenance of these devices is essential for preserving the high standards of water quality that we all expect.
You should have a backflow prevention device on your property if you have any of the following:
- an irrigation system
- fire hose reels or hydrants
- industrial equipment
- water outlets in proximity to pollutants, grease traps or chemicals
- an alternate water supply
- chemical cleaning areas
- an area where you perform any other commercial activities involving water.
Backflow prevention devices differ depending on the level of potential risk of water contamination. This risk is thoroughly and expertly assessed prior to installation.
Most devices installed for commercial operations are complex and Australian law requires them to be tested annually by a qualified and accredited plumber.
The steps involved in backflow prevention device maintenance include:
Investigate: your Master Plumber will thoroughly check your backflow prevention device for any signs of deterioration or wear and tear.
Test: your Master Plumber will test your device to ensure it is functioning correctly, effectively and efficiently. The requirements on the Test Tag will be completed and certified.
Lodge: your Master Plumber will record and lodge the results of the test with Council within 10 working days.
Repair: your Master Plumber will complete any maintenance or repairs on the device, if required. The device will then be re-tested, and the results will be recorded and re-lodged to the Council.
Each back flow prevention device owner, or tenant, is responsible for the Council registration of the device, the annual testing of the device by a qualified and accredited plumber, and the cost of annual testing and any maintenance.
Are you looking for a Master Plumber experienced in Backflow maintenance? The Plumbaround team can help. Our plumbers are Licensed and Qualified to test, install and certify your Backflow Prevention devices. Backflow devices are required to be tested annually by law. We can take care of testing, certifying and lodging the required Council forms for you. To schedule a job, call our team on 07 3038 1038 or book online.
by Plumbaround | Oct 26, 2022 | Residential & Commercial
When you think of Summer, do you think warm (sometimes hot) days, barmy nights, barbecues with friends and visits to the beach?
Summer is just around the corner and with it will no doubt come some pretty violent storms. As we’ve seen in the past, Summer storms can wreak havoc on home plumbing if plumbing maintenance has been neglected.
With longer daylight hours coming, you’ve got a lot of socialising and relaxing to look forward to but first, there’s some simple things you should do to protect your home plumbing from storm damage. Here’s just a few:
#1 Wait up on the Washing Machine
Summer often means extra people in the house, especially with school holidays. With visits to the beach, outdoor activities and swimming, extra laundry can pile up which means your washing machine can get a real workout. No-one wants an ‘indoor flood’ so it’s a good idea to inspect your washing machine’s drainage system, hoses, pipes and joints.
Heavy laundry loads can cause overflows and blockages so be careful what and how much you’re putting in. After beach visits, hiking or camping, make sure you shake out the sand and rinse muddy clothes with a bucket of water before you throw them in the machine. Sand can scratch the drum and too much sand or mud can cause blockages in your machine and your plumbing.
#2 Declutter your Gutters
It’s also a good idea to check your roof and gutters, even if you don’t have trees close to your home. Leaves, branches and twigs can be transported by birds and wind, and can cause a build-up in your gutters over time. Gutters can often be a breeding ground for pests and birds to nest too.
Signs of blocked gutters and downpipes include birds and pests hanging around your roof, roof leaks, water spilling over the sides, sagging gutters, stains on the siding, plants growing from your gutters, flooding or pooling of water, rotting fascia boards and cracking of concrete below.
Clogged gutters can cause excess water to overflow and collect around the foundations of your home, which can lead to structural damage. So to avoid any damage and costly repairs, inspect your roof and guttering, and get any problems fixed by a roof specialist before the Summer storms hit.
#3 Free your Pipes, Sewer and Storm Water Drains
Heavy rain can cause leaves, dirt, sticks and other debris to block pipes, sewers, and drains, causing water to backup. There are signs that may appear if you have pipes, sewer or drain blockages. These may include, but are not limited to, flooding, bubbling in the yard, toilets gurgling, slow sink drainage, bad smells coming from drains, overflowing waste drains in the floor or the sewer, and water pooling during heavy downpours. Some blockages however, are insidious, meaning you might not know about them until it’s too late.
During Spring, tree roots are activated after being relatively dormant in winter. Some of these roots can belong to trees up to 10 metres from your home, and they could be penetrating your drains causing a collection of leaves and other debris to block your pipes. And, if a tree gets blown over in a storm, they can sometimes uproot pipes and drains as well.
So, take a walk around your home. Check all your taps and toilets, and inspect outside areas where leaves and debris gather. Cut back any overgrown foliage and keep drainage areas clean and free of materials that might cause blockages.
An expert drainage plumber using a CCTV camera can identify any areas of concern within your drains and stormwater system around your home. This camera allows the plumber to find the source of the blockage, find the correct depth of the problem, and assists in the decision of how to best fix the issue.
Our friendly plumbers at Plumbaround are all experts in diagnosing blockages, utilising hydrojetting, an incredibly powerful drain cleaning machine that uses high-pressure water jets to clear pipes and drains. We are also well equipped to replace any damaged pipes if needed. Call us on 07 3038 1038 to schedule a job or book online.
