by Plumbaround | Dec 12, 2022 | FAQs, Hot Water, hot water system
A tankless HWS runs on gas or electricity. A sensor within the system will pick up when a hot water tap is turned on and release gas to ignite and heat the water for consumption.
Which is better – Hot water heater or tankless?
In general a tankless system is more energy efficient than a storage system. Because in a storage system the hot water heated will lose heat during the day. This will need to be reheated and will cost more.
What is the purpose of a tankless hot water heater?
A tankless system purpose is to supply water the instant the user in the household needs hot water. Fuel consumption is less as the system does not run 24 hours a day.
What is the difference between point of use and tankless water heaters?
A point of use system is located near the point where the water is going to be used. Unlike the system which supplies water to the entire house.
How much does it cost to run a tankless hot water heater?
The tankless hot water heater installation cost range between $750 to $3000 if switching between electric to gas. A normal system costs between $500 to $1000.
Tankless systems require a lot of energy to heat up water immediately. However it doesnt run all the time so energy saving happens. It costs roughly $527.10 per year for a family of four.
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by Plumbaround | Dec 12, 2022 | FAQs, hot water system
A HWS or hot water system is a boiler that heats water up. It is typically a boiler in which water is stored and heated for washing and bathing. The temperature is heated to around 60 to 83 degree Celsius and then
Types of HWS
There are two main types of HWS. These are:
- Storage systems – water is stored in a large tank until needed
- Continuoud flow system – known as instantaneous systems. Produces hot water when its needed.
These are broken down into 4 hot water systems:
- Electric Hot water Systems
- Solar HWS
- Gas HWS
- Heat Pump Water Heater
What is the most efficient way to heat house water
The electric heat water system is the most efficient way to heat water and is very cost effective. Save money.
How many years will a HWS last
The HWS usually last for many years. A continuous flow gas powered system can last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Electric systems usually last 8 to 10 years and this will depend if its a tank system or tankless. The hot water system warranty is a good gauge of how long the system is made to last.
PS: a tankless hot water system is gas fueled HWS. When you open the hot water tap a sensor picks up that you need hot water and then the gas starts burning to heat water instantaneously, warming the water for immediate use.
Do HWS use a lot of electricity
Hot water systems usually take up 30% of the electricity bill for a home. The reason being the system is run 24/7. The interesting thing is people only use the showers early morning and in the evening, yet the system is run 24 hours a day wasting electricity.
Are there any disadvantages of hot water system
The main disadvantage is the cost of installing the system. It is a big investment and needs a licensed plumber to install. Running the system daily is expensive as well. Water heating is approximately 21 to 25% of the energy used in a home.
How to choose a hot water system
Here are 4 tips to keep in mind when buying a HWS:
- Fuel type, availability and cost. The type of fuel you will use will not only affect the annual cost to run, but also its size and energy efficiency
- Size – large enough to provide the entire house hold with ample hot water for showers
- Energy efficiency – To maxi mise energy and cost savings
- Costs – Before purchasing a HWS make sure you calculate how much it costs to run annually and compare the costs with other less or more energy efficient systems on the market.
Is hot water cheaper from gas or electricity
Gas heaters cost approximately the same as electric HWS. However the cost of gas is far cheaper than electricity. This will give you better savings if you go for a gas hot water system.
Call Plumbaround plumbers to help you install a new system on your premises.
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by Plumbaround | Dec 12, 2022 | drainage, FAQs
Sewage drains is a network of pipes that are underground that takes away the human waste, waste waste, excrement, waste water and surface water run-off, from drains to water treatment facilities or disposal units ruin by the council.
3 things You Should Know About Sewage Pipes
- Difference between drains and sewers: Both are waste water pipes. The main difference is the positioning of these pipes. The pipes on a residential or commercial property is the drainage system. Once it connects with the council waste water system its called the sewage system.
- Drainage sewage pipes: There are 3 types. The first carries rainwater to rivers. The second carries the waste water to treatment facilities. The third carries is where the pipes carries both stormwater and waste water is both released into the environment because the sewage treatment plant has reached capacity.
- Types of drain pipes: The most common used pipe is PVC or polyvinyl Chloride. The second type of pipe is galvanized pipes
What is the difference between a sewer drain and a drain?
When discussing the differences between a sewer drain and a drain, it’s important to understand the distinct roles they play in plumbing and water management systems.
A sewer drain, often referred to as a sewer line, is a major component of a city or municipality’s wastewater disposal system. It is a large pipe that transports sewage and wastewater from residential and commercial buildings to a sewage treatment plant. Sewer drains are designed to handle all types of waste, including human waste, water from sinks and showers, and sometimes stormwater. These are typically located underground and are maintained by local government or utility companies.
On the other hand, a drain is a more general term and can refer to any conduit through which liquids are removed. Drains are found in various contexts, from the small ones in household sinks and showers to larger storm drains on streets. These drains are designed to carry away water and, in some cases, small waste particles. Unlike sewer drains, they are not specifically meant for sewage transport. Household drains usually connect to a sewer system or a septic tank, while street drains might lead to water treatment facilities or natural bodies of water.
The key differences lie in their function and scale. Sewer drains are part of a larger system focused on sanitation and public health, managing all kinds of wastewater, while drains can be part of various systems, often dealing only with water removal. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper maintenance and troubleshooting in plumbing and water management.
How Do I Identify a Sewer Drain?
When discussing the differences between a sewer drain and a drain, it’s important to understand the distinct roles they play in plumbing and water management systems.
A sewer drain, often referred to as a sewer line, is a major component of a city or municipality’s wastewater disposal system. It is a large pipe that transports sewage and wastewater from residential and commercial buildings to a sewage treatment plant. Sewer drains are designed to handle all types of waste, including human waste, water from sinks and showers, and sometimes stormwater. These are typically located underground and are maintained by local government or utility companies.
On the other hand, a drain is a more general term and can refer to any conduit through which liquids are removed. Drains are found in various contexts, from the small ones in household sinks and showers to larger storm drains on streets. These drains are designed to carry away water and, in some cases, small waste particles. Unlike sewer drains, they are not specifically meant for sewage transport. Household drains usually connect to a sewer system or a septic tank, while street drains might lead to water treatment facilities or natural bodies of water.
The key differences lie in their function and scale. Sewer drains are part of a larger system focused on sanitation and public health, managing all kinds of wastewater, while drains can be part of various systems, often dealing only with water removal. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper maintenance and troubleshooting in plumbing and water management.
What Is The Difference Between a Sewer and Storm water Drain?
Sewer and stormwater drains are two crucial components of urban infrastructure, serving distinct yet essential purposes in managing water in our environments. Sewers, also known as sanitary sewers, are designed for transporting sewage – a mix of waste water from homes, businesses, and industrial sources. This wastewater typically includes everything from household waste, such as toilet flushes and shower water, to industrial effluents. The main goal of a sewer system is to convey this waste to treatment facilities where it can be processed, treated, and eventually discharged safely back into the environment or reused.
In contrast, stormwater drains, also referred to as storm sewers, are designed exclusively for managing rainwater run-off. During periods of rainfall or snowmelt, stormwater drains collect water from streets, rooftops, and other impermeable surfaces and channel it away from urban areas to prevent flooding. This water is often directed to local water bodies like rivers, lakes, or oceans and is typically not treated, which is why managing pollution on surfaces is critical to prevent contaminants from entering these ecosystems.
The key differences between these two systems lie in their purpose and the type of water they handle. Sewer systems focus on sanitation and public health by treating wastewater before releasing it, while stormwater systems are geared towards flood prevention and managing rainwater run-off. Mixing these two systems can lead to environmental hazards, such as the overloading of sewage treatment plants during heavy rains, resulting in the potential release of untreated sewage into the environment. Thus, understanding and maintaining the distinction between these two systems is vital for effective water management and environmental protection.
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by Plumbaround | Dec 11, 2022 | drainage, FAQs
How Do You Explain What Backflow Is!
In plumbing the term backflow is used when water flow in the reverse direction. This can lead to severe health risk as the backflow water could contaminate drinking water supplies as well as the foul smells can harm the residents of the home.
What Causes The Water To Backflow?
When there is an unbalance in water pressure between the main and the internal system of the home or business. When the water delivery main has lower water pressure to that of the internal plumbing system then back siphonage occurs. This is also called reverse water flow by some people.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BACKFLOW
There are two types of backflow:
- Back pressure backflow: this is caused when the downstream pressure is far greater than the upstream pressure (from the public water system). Downstream water pressure is caused by pumps, boiler temperatures. Potable water pressure occurs when the amount of water used exceeds to the supply.
- Back siphonage: This is caused by negative water pressure (a vacuum or partial vacuum) in public water system. This resembles drinking water through a straw. This normally occurs when water supply is topped when fire fighting or break in the main occurs.
How to stop backflow
Here are 5 ways you can stop backflow:
- Air gaps: By installing air gaps you can prevent water flowing back into the dispensing system. These air gaps are normally used in toilets and faucets, separating home supply lines from the sewage lines.
- Atmosphere vacuum breakers; Used by home owners who want to install a single backflow to prevent a threat from the public water system. This is cost effective and easily maintained.
- Pressure vacuum breakers: This is a more sophisticated version of Atmosphere vacuum breakers. Instead of using air pressure to separate the two systems it generates its own pressure. This is more effective and has wider usage. There is a downside. It needs annual testing which cost money.
- Check values: These values come as single and double values for less or more hazardous contamination respectively. These are underground installations. Though these check values are effective they don’t filter out hazardous chemicals. Hence they cant be used in industrial buildings.These also need annual testing.
- Reduced pressure principle assemblies: This is the most sophisticated prevention backflow systems available. This makes them available to both home owners and commercial, industrial properties that are exposed to significant water hazards. This system used the 2 check values procedure as well as a depressurized zone that prevents water flow back even if the value fails. This system requires annual testing.
To get effective backflow prevention systems installed on your residential or commercial properties you will need a licensed expert plumber . Call Plumbaround to quote on the job.
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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 | Nov 4, 2021 | Licensed Plumber, Plumbing Services, Residential & Commercial
The best plumbers will be reliable, have good customer service and be available for you in emergency situations, in addition to planned maintenance. By choosing the best commercial plumbers, you are ensuring that they will make all repairs correctly the first time and deliver results you can rely on.
Licensed and Insured – Firstly, confirm that your plumber is licensed and insured (especially within your state). This protects your properties from potential damage and legal consequences.
Experience – Ensure that the commercial plumber has experience which ideally should include working on the type of building(s) that you manage. Plus, working with facilities managers, real estate agents or body corporate managers (or others in similar roles). Experience allows for more efficient and better-quality work.
Old or new plumbing systems? – Has the plumber experience with both old and new plumbing systems? This is particularly important for buildings with older systems. Have they got the tools and skills needed to work on it?
Qualifications – Experience and qualifications don’t always go hand-in-hand, however, sometimes you can find one without the other. Confirm that your chosen plumber is qualified to work on all of the systems they will maintain. Ensure they have passed any necessary tests and training to receive the relevant certification.
Warranty – Pay attention to whether your chosen plumbing company offers a warranty of some sort. Many will offer guarantees on their services for a set amount of time.
Services Offered – Ideally, it’s best to use a single commercial plumbing provider that offers all of the services you need. You do not want to have to work with several companies, and by working with just a single company, you save yourself time and hassle. You may also get financial savings this way.
Communication and Customer Service – The best commercial plumbers will be available 24/7 for emergencies and be at least professional, if not friendly, on the phone.
Recommendations and References – It’s important to pay attention to reviews from others especially for those who’ve used the plumber for similar services to your business.
Reputation – Pay attention to the plumber’s overall reputation. Look for online reviews even if you already have a glowing recommendation. You want to find consistency in the reviews. An occasional issue is not a concern, as long as the plumber quickly resolves it.
Need assistance with Commercial plumbing issues & maintenance? We are experienced in this area and happy to help! Call us on 07 3038 1038 or visit our website.
