by Plumbaround | Feb 23, 2017 | Burst, drainage, Flooded House, Licensed, Licensed Plumber, Plumbaround, Safety, Standards
What’s our favourite job here @ Plumbaround Pty Ltd?? A drain clearance!! The amount of drain clearances we attend to is usually 1-2 per day. Our young apprentice Matt is learning the ropes to clear a blocked drain with one of our Drain Cleaner Machines.
This drain in Everton Park used 8 rods to clear, most likely right on the council connection to the property. We pulled back large tree roots from a root penetration located at around 6 rods down the drain. We use a specific head on the end of the drain cleaner which is able to cut the roots blocking the pipework. Some of these roots are pulled back with the drain cleaner and others push through the line.
It’s amazing what we find hiding and blocking drains. Things that should not be flushed but are flushed!! The most common reason is broken pipework where a root penetration happen has happened. Where break has occurred, if not repaired in a timely manner, the drain is highly likely to block again. Over time the blockages worsen as does the break in the pipework.
Clearing a drain is not for the feint hearted and is usually a not so nice job but hey, someone has to do it! Our equipment is maintained to ensure we can unblock the majority of drains and ensure the safety of our staff as well.
We are available day and night to clear blocked drains, and only a phone call away! Please don’t hesitate to contact us. Phone or email, we will respond straight away!!
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.
