by Plumbaround | Mar 3, 2026 | hot water system, Licensed Plumber, Plumbaround, Plumbing Services
Prevent Minor Faults Becoming Major Bills
As businesses finalise their early‑year maintenance budgets, it’s the perfect time to review the status of your plumbing situation. A slow drain or an unstable hot water system can quickly turn into costly disruptions. In commercial buildings, small plumbing issues barely stay small, and the longer they’re ignored, the more expensive they become.
Operational Downtime Adds Up Fast
Minor plumbing faults can bring entire operations to a standstill. A blocked line in a café kitchen can halt service during peak hours. A leaking valve in a commercial bathroom can cause inconvenience to tenants. Even short interruptions can cost more than the price of a routine repair. Early identification and earlier, rather than later, servicing helps identify problems before they interrupt your business and keep your operations running smoothly.
Small Leaks Lead to Major Property Damage
Water has a way of travelling far beyond what your imagination can fathom. A tiny leak hidden in a ceiling can cause mould growth and long‑term structural damage. Timber, plaster and steel can deteriorate quietly for weeks before the issue becomes visible, and by then, the repair bill is far higher than it needed to be. Early detection and regular inspections protect your building, reduce avoidable capital works and extend the life of your assets.
Compliance and Safety Risks
Commercial buildings must meet strict safety and compliance standards. Plumbing issues, including poor sanitation or persistent leaks, can put you at risk of non‑compliance. This can lead to fines, insurance complications or even temporary closure orders. Staying proactive with plumbing maintenance ensures your facility remains compliant.
Preventative Servicing ROI
Preventative plumbing servicing isn’t just a maintenance task; it’s a cost‑saving strategy. Scheduled checks reduce emergency call‑outs as well as extend the lifespan of equipment. Facilities that prioritise routine maintenance consistently report fewer breakdowns and lower long‑term repair costs. It’s a simple investment that pays for itself many times over.
Summary
Small plumbing issues can quickly become major headaches if neglected. Now is the moment to act. For inspections, preventative servicing or any commercial plumbing support, contact our team to keep your building running efficiently and cost‑effectively!
Plumbaround provides concise, professional 10‑year maintenance plan reviews to help Body Corporates keep their sinking funds accurate and compliant, assessing the condition and lifespan of plumbing assets, forecasting future maintenance and replacement costs, and identifying risks so buildings can budget confidently and avoid costly surprises.
by Plumbaround | Nov 6, 2025 | Backflow Prevention, Locality, Plumbing Services, property maintenance, Residential & Commercial, Safety
The holiday season is all about family, friends, fun, food — and a little bit of festive chaos. But with extra guests, endless dishwashing, and constant showers, your home’s plumbing can come under serious pressure. A little preparation now can save you from a Christmas crisis later. Here are a few essential checks to make sure your plumbing system can handle the holiday rush.
1. Inspect Taps
Even a slow drip can turn into a steady stream once your home gets busier. Check for leaks early and get them fixed — it’ll help prevent water damage and keep your water bill from spiking during the holidays.
2. Test Toilets Before Guests Arrive
A blocked toilet is the last thing you want on Christmas day. Make sure all toilets are flushing properly and consider having a plunger handy (just in case). A quick pre-check can save everyone from an awkward moment.
3. Clear Kitchen Drains
Between cooking big meals and cleaning up after them, kitchen sinks take a beating in December. We dream of Christmas ham all year round, but it’s important to avoid pouring grease or fat down the drain, as this hardens and will no doubt lead to a blockage. Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps, and if you have a garbage disposal, give it a quick check to make sure it’s running smoothly.
TIP: Buying a drain cleaning chemical and testing prior to festive feasts is a sure way to keep everything working smoothly and avoid stinky sinks!
TIP: Running your dishwasher empty with vinegar – a cheap, simple way to remove build up before use.
4. Check Your Hot Water System
With guests showering, dishes piling up, and festive cleanups happening daily, your hot water system will be working overtime. Check that it’s heating efficiently and book a professional service if it hasn’t been maintained in a while (nothing kills the Christmas spirit faster than a cold shower).
Gift yourself a stress-free holiday this silly season! Schedule a pre-holiday plumbing check to fix up any lingering challenges, to ensure everything’s in top shape before guests arrive. That way, you can focus on what really matters — great food, good company, and a home that’s ready for the holidays.
by Plumbaround | Oct 15, 2025 | Plumbaround, Plumber, Plumbing Services
Spring is the easiest time to get ahead of plumbing work. Days are warmer, sites are calmer, and there is still time to fix small Summer is rolling in and so are those storm clouds! Storms are known for causing significant havoc for homeowners regarding their property and plumbing system. But with a little bit of proactivity, you can keep your home ready for what’s to come. In this article we’ll unpack some of the main dangers of storm season to your plumbing system and a few tips and tricks to stay prepared.
The Dangers
Storms come with excess levels of water which your home may not be fit to accommodate. Here’s what we often see happen throughout storm season:
- Blocked or overloaded outdoor drains: debris, leaves and runoff can contribute to blocking outdoor drainage systems.
- Sewer back-ups; heavy rain can overwhelm systems and force sewage back through drains, toilets and sinks.
- Burst or cracked pipes: sudden fluctuation in pressure from water levels can put strain on pipes causing leaks or bursts.
- Foundation / structural damage: unaccounted for water via poor drainage or leaking systems can oversaturate soil and compromise a home’s foundation over time.
What to Look Out For
Stay alert these next few months and look for any signs of the following:
- Pooling of water outside the house (in dry weather this means one thing – plumbing problems!)
- Suspicious mold or mildew indoors (this often means there’s a leak somewhere).
- Slow drainage (points to a potential blockage).
- Foul odours from drains indoors and outdoors (also points to blockage or the backup of sewage).
- Toilets that drain slowly.
- A drop in water level (disrupted pressure means there could be a leak somewhere).
What To Do
The first step to proactively protecting your home and yourselves is staying alert for signs and signals that point to a misfunctioning plumbing system. If you feel something’s not right first rule of thumb is to call a professional! You’ve done the right thing by keeping an eye out – now we’re here to help with a choice of solutions tailored to different plumbing issues. What we can do:
Camera and Drain Monitoring – our drain cameras allow us to find sources of blockage and decide on an accurate solution.
Drain Clearance – clear blockages or prevent future build up with our hydrojetting service.
Backflow Prevention – let us test and approve your backflow water system before problems arise. We are qualified to do this.
Scheduled Maintenance – our team swiftly perform routine inspections, works and reporting. Giving you a helpful overview of the needs of your facilities.
We can attend site, clear the blockage, diagnose the issue, inform you of your choices and ensure things are taken care of. We will work with you to find a solution that suits your home and budget.
And we know sometimes things don’t go to plan so… in the event of an emergency call
3038-1038 to be in direct contact with an emergency plumber after hours. Burst water pipes, sewer blockages & Make Safe situations are high priorities and our team can deliver the service you need.
If you have issues, questions, or concerns about the integrity of your plumbing system, ensure your property is storm ready and talk to our team today. Head to our website to learn even more or to book a job: https://plumbaround.com.au/get-storm-ready/
by Plumbaround | Sep 8, 2025 | Plumbaround, Plumber, Plumbing Services
Spring is the easiest time to get ahead of plumbing work. Days are warmer, sites are calmer, and there is still time to fix small issues before summer’s heat. If you manage a strata complex, a tenanted building, or any commercial site in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, use this checklist to keep operations smooth, tenants happy, and budgets steady.
- Stormwater & Drain Lines
Clear gutters and grates, then test after a light shower. If you see ponding or slow run-off, book a drain camera to pinpoint cracks, sags or roots, and follow with hydro jetting so lines run freely.
Signs it’s time to call Plumbaround: repeated blockages, flooded pits after light rain, smells from floor wastes, or a section of lawn that’s always damp.
- Leaks & Water Efficiency
Read the meter after hours to spot silent leaks. Fix dripping mixers and cisterns, refresh washers and cartridges, and upgrade to efficient fixtures where it makes sense to steady the water bill.
How we help: site-wide leak checks, fixture repairs, efficiency upgrades and a short list of quick wins with estimated savings so approvals are easy.
- Backflow Prevention
Backflow devices protect the drinking supply by stopping contaminated water from moving into the mains. In Queensland, many commercial premises and strata complexes must complete annual testing. Spring is a sensible time to lock this in so certificates are current before year-end. If a device fails, repairing it early avoids compliance headaches and insurance delays.
What Plumbaround does: licensed testing, repairs, certification and council lodgement, plus reminders so next year doesn’t slip.
- Drain Camera Survey
Before a lease handover or renovation, get a camera survey to confirm pipe condition. The footage shows defects and records depth and exact locations, which means builders are not guessing and quotes are clearer. You’ll cut down on RFIs, avoid digging in the wrong spot and keep the program moving with less disruption to daily operations. Camera surveys are also invaluable before resurfacing car parks or courtyards.
Call Plumbaround when: blockages keep coming back, you’re taking over a tenancy, or you want a clear baseline for maintenance planning.
- Hot Water Checkup
Check temperature and pressure relief valves, tempering valves, strainers and anodes were fitted. Verify outlet temperature and pressure at fixtures furthest from the unit and time how long hot water takes to arrive. If winter brought slow heat-up or mixed temperatures, the system may be undersized, or circulation may need attention. Sorting this now keeps complaints down and bills predictable when usage climbs in summer.
How we help: servicing and replacements across major gas and electric brands, recovery testing, capacity advice and simple upgrade paths where required.
- Gas Safety
If your site uses gas, book a safety check in spring. We test connections and pressures, commission appliances correctly and issue gas certificates where required. If anyone notices a smell or yellow flames, stop using the appliance and get it checked immediately.
Plumbaround can: test, repair, commission and certify with minimal disruption to your site.
Book Your Commercial Spring Check-Up Today
Get ahead of summer. We can bundle stormwater checks, CCTV and hydro jetting if needed, hot water servicing, backflow testing and gas safety in one visit, with clear reports and minimal disruption. Stay compliant and avoid end-of-year scrambles.
Contact us today to line up your spring check-up.
by Plumbaround | Jun 6, 2025 | FAQs, Plumbing Services
Brisbane winters bring crisp mornings, unexpected chills, and a few seasonal plumbing challenges. While we’re not facing frozen pipes, the shift in weather still affects hot water systems, pipes, and drains.
As your experienced local plumbers, Plumbaround knows how Queensland winters really work: mild in theory, but with enough ups and downs to cause trouble. From blocked drains to hot water system issues, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you stay ahead of problems.
Here are a few common issues we come across each winter:
- Burst Pipes: Sudden overnight temperature drops can stress older or exposed pipes, leading to cracks or bursts.
- Blocked Drains: More time spent at home over the school holidays means more food scraps and debris going down the drain.
- Hot Water System Strains: Your system works overtime in winter. Without maintenance, it’s more likely to fail or underperform.
Here are three key tips to help keep your plumbing running smoothly this season, plus how Plumbaround can help if things start to go south.
1. Give Your Hot Water System a Winter Check-Up
In winter, your hot water system becomes a household hero—until it doesn’t. With the added strain of colder temperatures, even the best systems can falter. If you’ve noticed lukewarm water, strange noises, or an increase in energy bills, your system may need a little love.
Winter is a great time to:
- Service your hot water unit to ensure peak performance
- Flush out sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency
- Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model if yours is outdated
Plumbaround offers comprehensive hot water inspections and replacements tailored to Brisbane homes. We’ll make sure you’re not stuck with a cold shower on a chilly morning. Read more here.
2. Prevent Pipe Problems from Cold Snaps and Rainy Days
While Brisbane winters are milder than most, rapid overnight temperature changes and sudden rainfalls can put unexpected stress on your pipes and drains.
Key signs to look for:
- Pooling water in the garden or around storm drains
- Gurgling sounds in pipes after rain
- Visible wear on exposed outdoor piping
Plumbaround can insulate exposed pipes, reinforce joints, and clear stormwater drains before problems build up. Our camera hydro-jet blasting services are perfect for clearing debris and preventing winter blockages. Don’t let a small clog turn into a big backup.
3. Book a Preventative Maintenance Check
Think of this as your plumbing’s annual health check. A seasonal inspection can catch small issues before they become big ones—and winter is the ideal time to do it.
What Plumbaround checks during a winter service:
- Hot water system performance and pressure
- Pipe insulation and any exposed or aging sections
- Stormwater and sewer drains for early signs of blockage
Preventative maintenance is an affordable, stress-saving option that extends the life of your plumbing and keeps your home or business running smoothly.
Keep Warm, Stay Dry—Plumbaround Has You Covered
Winter in Brisbane may be short and sweet, but a small plumbing problem can make it feel long and stressful. Whether it’s maintenance, repairs, or a full system upgrade, Plumbaround is your trusted local team for plumbing that works all year round.
Don’t wait for the next cold snap or stormy day to find out something’s wrong.
Contact Plumbaround today to book your winter plumbing service and enjoy a season of peace, comfort, and warm showers.
by Plumbaround | Jul 15, 2024 | Flooded House, Plumbing Services
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!
