With the holiday season comes long festive lunches, gift giving, family gatherings and a whole lot of holiday joy. To support this holiday joy, you need a plumbing system that can withstand the test of the festive season activities. Dive into our last blog for the year as we unpack the common plumbing issues we see arise over Christmas and what you can do now to prevent plumbing emergencies.
Plumbing working overtime in the Kitchen:
When friends and family descend for holiday meals and overnight stays, your home’s plumbing begins working overtime. The kitchen is usually the first place to feel it. It’s easy to underestimate how quickly food scraps can accumulate in drains—especially festive favourites like potato skins, fat trimmings, seafood shells, and grease from roasting pans. These materials cling to the inside of pipes, creating blockages that don’t just slow things down but can completely shut the kitchen sink off at the worst possible moment.
*Tip: excess oil or fat belongs in the bin, not the sink!*
Plumbing working overtime in the Bathroom:
Bathrooms also feel the pressure. Extra showers, more frequent toilet use, and the constant flow of guests can lead to:
slow-draining showers,
toilet blockages (from one flush after another), and
A tired or ageing hot water system is particularly vulnerable at this time of year. A quick system check before the holiday rush can save you from unexpected cold showers and unhappy visitors.
For The Business Owners:
The festive period is often the busiest time for businesses—especially restaurants, cafés, hotels, and retail spaces. With higher foot traffic and increased operational hours, even minor plumbing issues can quickly escalate.
Commercial restrooms can experience heavy strain, leading to slow drainage, blocked toilets, or overflowing basins. These issues not only create inconvenience but can disrupt customer flow and compromise hygiene standards.
Don’t wait till it’s too late! Often clients wait until something goes wrong, and by that time, schedules across the industry are booking up. To avoid this stress, we recommend organising inspections and maintenance before the festive peak hits.
Whether you need a pre-holiday check, help preparing your hot water system for increased demand, or kitchen and bathroom maintenance, our team is ready to support you. And if a problem does arise unexpectedly, our emergency plumbers are on standby to get things back on track quickly and professionally.
Let Plumbaround help safeguard your celebrations (or your business operations) so you can enjoy the holidays without the worry of plumbing mishaps.
Living in Brisbane means dealing with sunshine, storms, and homes that each tell a different story. Whether you’re in a Queenslander or a brand-new apartment, the city’s unique mix of climate, architecture, and terrain can create some tricky plumbing situations.
At Plumbaround, we work with homeowners and landlords across Brisbane’s northside and surrounding suburbs to tackle these challenges. Here’s what sets Brisbane plumbing apart and how we can help.
Older Queenslanders = Character + Challenges
Brisbane’s traditional high-set Queenslanders are full of charm, but their plumbing systems often tell a different story. Galvanised and copper pipes installed decades ago may now be corroded or outdated. Renovations often uncover plumbing issues behind walls, under floors, or from DIY jobs that no longer meet current standards. If your home hasn’t had a plumbing health check in a while, it might be time to get it looked at before a leak or blockage turns into a full-blown emergency.
High-Rainfall and Storm Seasons
Brisbane’s storm season brings intense rainfall that can quickly overwhelm aging or poorly designed stormwater systems. Blocked gutters, inefficient yard drainage, and backflow issues are common in older suburbs. For homes in flood-prone areas, proper stormwater drainage and non-return valves are essential to protect your property and stay compliant with local requirements. If you’re unsure whether your stormwater setup is up to scratch, we can take a look and help you get storm ready.
Tree Roots and Pipe Infiltration
In leafy neighbourhoods like Ashgrove, Bardon, and The Gap, it’s not unusual for mature tree roots to find their way into underground pipes. This can lead to slow drains, sewer backups, or even collapsed pipes if left untreated. A regular CCTV drain inspection helps detect early signs of root infiltration before it becomes a serious issue.
Not all homes in Brisbane have the same water pressure. Varying elevation levels across Brisbane suburbs can affect water pressure and old plumbing systems may struggle to maintain consistent flow. If you’re having trouble with flow or noisy pipes, we can test your pressure and recommend the right fix to get things back in balance.
Urban Density and Unit Living
Inner-city suburbs like South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley are full of apartment buildings. These setups rely on shared plumbing, which means that one small leak can turn into a big issue if it spreads between units. Therefore, it requires specialised plumbing design and strata compliance to keep shared systems in check and up to standard. Whether it’s routine maintenance or urgent repairs, we’re ready to respond.
Non-Compliant Plumbing or DIY Fixes
Some older homes still have plumbing from past renovations that aren’t up to today’s safety codes. Whether it was done as a quick fix or part of a DIY job, these setups can lead to serious problems over time.
We’ve seen garden taps connected with buried flexible hoses, hot water systems missing tempering valves, and pipes that don’t lead anywhere useful. These kinds of installations can be unsafe, increase backflow risk, and fail council checks.
If you’re not sure what’s hiding in your walls or under your floors, our team can help uncover hidden issues and bring your plumbing up to scratch.
Different Season, Different Problems
Like most things in Queensland, plumbing problems tend to follow the seasons. In winter, we often see an increase in hot water system breakdowns. People take longer showers and older systems struggle to keep up. In summer, the focus shifts to blocked drains, garden tap leaks, and overflows during heavy rain. We offer year-round support and regular maintenance to help you stay ahead of these issues.
How Plumbaround Can Help?
With more than 15 years of experience, we’ve worked with every type of home across Brisbane. Whether you live in a Queenslander, a unit or something in between, we understand what your property needs.
We offer:
Plumbing inspections and problem-solving
CCTV drain checks with reporting
Stormwater system upgrades
Emergency and Make Safe plumbing when you need it most
Being a landlord in Queensland comes with a fair share of responsibilities, and one that often flies under the radar is ensuring your property meets water efficiency standards. If you’re charging tenants for water usage, it’s not just good practice—it’s the law.
A Water Efficiency Certificate is a document provided by a licensed plumber confirming that a rental property meets the standards set by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2009.
It’s not a legal requirement to have the certificate on file, but it’s the best way to prove your property qualifies for full water usage charges. Without it, you may be limited in what you can recover from tenants, even if your fixtures seem water-efficient.
At Plumbaround, we inspect, assess, and certify properties to help landlords stay compliant and avoid disputes with tenants.
What Are the Minimum Standards in QLD?
To pass as water efficient, your property must meet the following criteria:
Internal cold water taps and single mixer taps must have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute (excluding bath taps, laundry taps, and appliances).
Shower heads must also not exceed 9 litres per minute.
Toilets must be dual flush, using no more than 6.5 litres (full flush) and 3.5 litres (half flush), with an average flush volume of 4 litres.
It’s important that all fixtures meet the standard, not just a few. Even one non-compliant tap or shower head can void your ability to charge tenants for water usage.
Why Does It Matter for Landlords?
Water efficiency isn’t just about ticking boxes—it can directly affect your rental returns.
If your property isn’t compliant:
You may be unable to charge tenants for water consumption, even if it’s written in the lease.
You could face tenancy disputes that waste time, money, and relationships.
You might be overlooking simple upgrades that improve the property’s appeal and sustainability.
With more tenants looking for eco-friendly homes, a certified water-efficient property is not only compliant—it’s competitive.
How Plumbaround Can Help
As experienced local plumbers, we understand the ins and outs of Queensland’s water efficiency rules. We offer:
Water efficiency inspections
Fixture upgrades to meet compliance
On-the-spot certification for qualifying properties
We work with landlords, property and facility managers, body corporates, and real estate agencies across Brisbane to make compliance simple and stress-free.
Stay Compliant, Stay Covered—Book Your Water Efficiency Check Today
Don’t risk losing out on cost recovery or facing compliance issues. A quick inspection by Plumbaround can keep your investment property in top shape—and your tenant relationships running smoothly.
Contact us today to book a water efficiency check and see how easy it is to get certified.
Forget wine into water— at Plumbaround we turn rainwater into savings! This year, Queensland has seen record breaking rainfall— only set to increase with Cyclone Alfred, expected to bring 200-400 milimeters of rainfall this month alone— offering a valuable opportunity to harvest rainwater as one of the best ways to take advantage of seasonal downpours. Not only will Rainwater Tanks save you money on water bills, they also improve your home or business’s water efficiency, support environmental conservation, and resilience against unpredictable weather.
Let’s explore how Rainwater Tanks work and why they are a smart choice for Queensland homes and businesses.
Save Water, Save Money: The Perks of Rainwater Tanks
For homeowners and businesses alike, installing a Rainwater Tank isn’t just an environmentally friendly decision— it’s a practical one. By collecting and storing rainwater, you can reduce your reliance on mains water for irrigation, laundry, and toilet use. They also provide an emergency water supply during storm outages. Rainwater Tanks are an eco-friendly solution, conserving resources and helping prevent local flooding and soil erosion.
–Outdoor Watering and Irrigation: Keep your garden thriving without the added expense.Rainwater is free from chemicals and perfect for nourishing plants, making it an ideal solution for lawns and landscaping.
–Emergency Water Supply: With unpredictable weather and potential water restrictions, having a backup water supply can be invaluable. A Rainwater Tank ensures you have access to water when you need it most.
–Car Washing, Laundry & Cleaning: Using rainwater for everyday tasks like washing the car, doing laundry, or general cleaning is an easy way to save money and reduce strain on mains water supplies.
–Toilet Flushing: A simple switch with a big impact— using rainwater for toilet flushing can significantly reduce household and business water consumption over time.
Have these perks convinced you to install a Rainwater Tank? Plumbaround is your trusted local plumber for expert Rainwater Tank installation and maintenance.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Rainwater harvesting isn’t just about having an extra water source— it’s a smart choice for both your budget and the environment. Here’s why installing a Rainwater Tank is worth considering:
–Lower Water Bills: With a Rainwater Tank, you can reduce reliance on mains water for everyday use. Less mains water means lower bills— a practical benefit for homes and businesses alike.
–Sustainable Water Use: By collecting and using rainwater, you ease demand on public water supplies and help prevent shortages. Reducing reliance on mains water also lessens the need for large-scale infrastructure like dams and treatment plants.
–Potential Rebates: Government rebates and incentives may be available to support the installation of Rainwater Tanks, making it even easier to adopt sustainable water solutions.
–Consistently Fresh Water: Stored and filtered rainwater provides a reliable water source for a variety of uses. Unlike mains water, which often contains chlorine and other additives, rainwater is naturally soft and chemical-free!
–Long-Term Savings & Durability: With proper maintenance, a Rainwater Tank system can last for years, offering a cost-effective and environmentally responsible water solution.
How Does It Work?
A rainwater harvesting system starts with your roof, which collects rainfall and directs it through downpipes into a storage tank. To keep the water clean and safe for use, modern systems include protective measures to prevent contamination.
Key Components:
First Flush Divertersredirect the initial runoff, which may contain dirt and debris, keeping your tank water clean and clear.
Mesh Covers and Leaf Guard help block leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the tank.
Insect-proof Openingsprevent bugs and pests from getting into the system.
Filtration Systemsprovide an extra layer of purification before the water is used.
Maintenance Is Key
To keep your Rainwater Tank functioning at its best, regular maintenance is essential. Like any plumbing system, neglect can lead to reduced efficiency and costly repairs.
–Clean filters, sieves, and tank openings every 3-6 months: more often if trees are nearby and during storm season.
–Prevent sediment buildup: debris and contaminants can damage the tank’s interior, leading to corrosion, leaks, and structural weakness.
–Schedule an annual professional service with Plumbaround: the qualified plumbers at Plumbaround can spot and address any underlying issues before they become major problems.
A well-maintained Rainwater Tank lasts longer, performs better, and provides cleaner water. The Plumbaround team are here to help keep your system operating efficiently.
Is a Rainwater Tank Worth It?
A Rainwater Tank is a smart, sustainable way to manage water use while cutting down on bills. Modern systems are designed to keep water clean and safe, reducing contamination risks.
With expert installation and regular maintenance by Plumbaround’s Rainwater Tank team, you can feel assured your system will run efficiently for years to come.
Contact Plumbaround today to discover the ideal rainwater tank solution tailored for you!
Plumbing isn’t just about leaky taps and blocked drains at home; it’s a different ball game for commercial properties. Whether you run a café, manage an office, maintain an apartment block, a shopping centre, or a hotel, reliable plumbing is key to keeping your business operations running smoothly.
From high-usage systems to complex setups, commercial plumbing needs extra care to stay in top shape. Want to avoid disruptions? Stay ahead of the game with regular maintenance and expert advice from the team at Plumbaround.
What Sets Commercial Plumbing Apart?
Commercial plumbing isn’t your standard leaky tap fix; it’s bigger, more complex, and built for high demand. From multi-storey water systems to industrial-grade fixtures, these setups handle way more traffic than your average household. Think about how often a shopping centre toilet gets flushed daily; it’s a different beast!
On top of that, strict regulations and codes mean there’s no room for shortcuts. Getting it right the first time is key to avoiding costly disruptions down the track.
Why Regular Plumbing Check-Ups Matter
You wouldn’t skip a service on your car, so why ignore your plumbing? Regular inspections help catch small problems like a tiny pipe crack before they turn into major (and expensive) disasters. A bit of maintenance now can save you a flood of trouble later, keeping your business running smoothly with no unexpected surprises. Need a check-up? We’re on it.
Plumbing Maintenance: A Smart Investment
Prevention beats emergency repairs every time! Regular maintenance keeps your plumbing running smoothly, reducing the risk of costly breakdowns. When your systems are in top shape, your business stays on track, with no unexpected disruptions and no massive repair bills. A little upkeep now saves a whole lot of hassle later.
Plumbing Emergency? No worries!
While regular maintenance keeps things running smoothly, plumbing emergencies can still happen when you least expect them. Burst pipes, blocked drains, or no hot water can throw a spanner in the works. That’s why having a reliable, trusted, commercial plumber on-call can make all the difference. The team at Plumbaround are equipped to tackle issues quickly and minimise disruption to your operations. Act fast, call the pros, and we’ll have you back in business before you know it.
Experience Matters
When it comes to commercial plumbing, experience isn’t just a bonus; it’s essential. A seasoned team knows the ins and outs of complex plumbing systems and can confidently tackle any challenge. At Plumbaround, we’ve seen it all: faster solutions, fewer headaches, and work that meets strict Australian plumbing standards. Our team are also certified to test, commission, and maintain commercial backflow prevention devices, a plumbing service that must be completed annually.
Plumbing might not be the most exciting part of running a business, but it’s certainly one of the most important. With regular check-ups, proper maintenance, and a trustworthy team by your side, you can keep your plumbing and your business in great shape. The next time you notice something unusual, like a strange gurgling sound, a sneaky leak or a smell in the bathroom toilets, don’t stress, give Plumbaround a shout. We’ll sort it, so you can focus on what you do best: keeping your business thriving.
We all look forward to summer in Australia, it’s all about the sizzling barbecues, beach trips and soaking up the sunshine. However, as any seasoned Aussie knows, summer also brings it’s challenges. From the intense heat to unexpected storms and with it, a whole list of plumbing issues. Don’t let unexpected plumbing disasters rain on your summer fun! Here are some key pointers to keep your home plumbing in top shape so you can enjoy the season stress-free.
Clean your gutter, drains and pipes
Summer storms can hit hard and clogged gutters, drains or downpipes can lead to flooding. This can cause costly damage to your property’s foundations. Before the storm season rolls in, make it a priority to clear out leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters and pipes. Regular maintenance ensures your plumbing can handle the intense downpours typical of an Aussie summer.
We all love a good day at the beach, but sand and pebbles can wreak havoc on your shower drain. Make it a habit to rinse off thoroughly before stepping into the shower to avoid blockages. If you’ve already noticed slow drainage, don’t wait to address it. Consider installing a drain cover to catch debris before it enters your plumbing.
Inspect for leaks
A small leak can become a big problem, especially during the heat of summer or sudden storms. The wall around your property and check for any leaks in hoses, taps or exposed pipes. Fixing these early can save water, lower your bills and prevent bigger repairs down the line. Remember, a dripping tap might seem minor but can waste litres of water every day!
Inspect your water system
Your water system is your home’s lifeline, so make sure it’s in good shape. Check for signs of wear and tear, such as rust or cracks in pipes you can see. If anything looks off, get it sorted before the summer heat and storms put extra pressure on the system.
Summer in Australia is about more than just storms. The combination of heat, increased water usage, and beach trips can put extra pressure on your home’s plumbing. Neglecting simple maintenance tasks can lead to costly repairs that put a damper on your summer plans. By tackling these issues head-on, you’re not only protecting your home but also ensuring peace of mind for the sunny days ahead.
Though, no matter how much prep you do, plumbing emergencies can still happen. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a sudden backup, having a reliable plumber on hand is a must. And remember we’re always here to help when things go sideways.
