The Toilet Is Blocked In The Home I Rent – What Do I Do?

A trip to the bathroom to discover an unpleasant smell and a toilet overflowing with water or even worse sewage is a scenario no-one wishes to face. A blocked toilet is one of the most common household plumbing issues. While there are many factors that contribute to a blocked toilet, some of the most common causes are excess toilet paper, feminine hygiene products and wet wipes.

A blocked toilet is a problem that needs to be inspected and repaired. If you’re a tenant in a rental property, there can be confusion as to what action you must take. Read on to learn:

Who’s Responsible for Repairs
Who to Contact
Time Frames

Who’s Responsible for Repairs

In relation to plumbing, prior to you moving in, the landlord is responsible for ensuring all plumbing is in good working order. If a plumbing issue arises, tenancy law states landlords are responsible for repairs throughout a lease. However, if the blocked toilet is a result of damage or negligence caused by the tenant, then they are responsible for the cost of repairs.

Who to Contact

At the first sign of a blocked toilet, the property manager or landlord should be informed. If the house you rent is managed by a property manager, contact them straight away. Most property managers have both an office number and an out of hour’s phone number for emergencies. The property manager will then liaise with the owner regarding repairs. If renting a home privately, you will need to call the landlord direct. If a tenant reports an issue and repairs are not carried out, the tenant may be able to ask for compensation.

Time Frames

When determining a reasonable time to have a reported blocked toilet repaired, the severity of the blockage and extent of work needed is considered. In the case of an emergency, the repair will be made a high priority and seen to urgently while for a minor blockage the time frame will be longer.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water are your local toilet specialists

With over 35 years’ experience, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your trusted and reliable professionals, servicing the Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and surrounding areas.

Mainline have the correct tools and equipment to clear and repair blocked toilets. Contact the team today in Bunbury on Bunbury on 9791 1608 and Busselton and Dunsborough on 9759 1317.

*Information in the article is of general nature, please refer to your rental agreement for specific details.

Where Can I Find a Plumber in Bunbury?

Plumbers provide a service to homes, properties and businesses on a regular basis. At the first sign of a plumbing issue, a trusted name in the industry should be your first call. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are known as the “trusted name in the plumbing industry” and pride themselves on being the first point of call in the South West.

They have been servicing the greater Bunbury area for more than 40 years and offer fast, effective and honest workmanship. Whatever your plumbing needs, their team of fully trained professionals are only a call away and offer a 24/7 emergency service too.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas pride themselves on offering an outstanding customer experience, here are few reasons why:

Customer Focus
Professional Trades and Quality Workmanship
Fast and Efficient Service

Customer Focus

Servicing the needs of clients is of high priority. The Mainline team are available to answer any plumbing questions and offer expert recommendations suited to their customer’s individual needs. They understand the importance of keeping customers informed each step of the job being completed plus offer an after sales service too. Their customer focus provides safe and friendly service that give customers peace of mind and sees them return time and time again plus refer to family and friends.

Professional Trades and Quality Workmanship

Having your plumbing, hot water or gas repaired by a professional is a necessity if wanting to make an insurance claim. Providing local employment opportunities, Mainline employs skilled tradesman and provides ongoing support and training to stay up to date with industry standards. The team of plumbing and gas fitters travel in vehicles that are fully equipped to handle any situation, so whether you require help with plumbing, hot water or gas, they can be relied upon to be fully equipped.

Fast and Efficient Service

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas understand plumbing issues can affect business and daily life. When a plumbing issue occurs, time can impact the extent of damage. Therefore, the team of tradesmen ensure they provide a fast and efficient service. If your plumbing issue requires immediate attention, a same day service is available or in a plumbing emergency, a 24/7 service is available.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas – the trusted name in the plumbing industry

The Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas point of difference is the no call out fee or after hour’s penalty rates in the greater Bunbury area. When next in need of a plumber, call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas “the trusted name in the plumbing industry” in Bunbury on 9791 1608 or Busselton/Dunsborough on 9759 1317.

Can I Flush Wet Wipes Down My Toilet?

Young father at home feeding his little son with yoghurt.

When you think of what can cause your toilet to block, the first object to come to mind wouldn’t be a product that is meant to be ‘flushable’. However, this is the case for many homes all around Australia as wet wipes are causing big issues to plumbing and waterways. When it comes to the question – Can I Flush Wet Wipes Down the Toilet? The simple answer is NO. The best way to dispose of wet wipes is in the bin, even if they are labelled “flushable”.

Here are just a few issues that wet wipes which are supposedly “flushable” can cause:

Wastewater System Problems
Damage to Home’s Outdoor Areas

Wastewater System Problems

The past few years has seen a rise in the number of pipes being blocked and plumbing issues caused by wet wipes being flushed down toilets. Although wet wipes are often branded “flushable” as they are assumed to dissolve and break up, plumbers will disagree this is the case. A single wipe being flushed is not necessarily an issue, it’s the other matter that is washed down our drains that accumulates in the pipes too. The result being a nasty build up and blocked drains. Blockages in our wastewater system can be extremely difficult to repair, yet it is a job that must be done. If these blockages aren’t cleared in treatment plants, they can end up in oceans and creeks.

Damage to Home’s Outdoor Areas

Wet wipes that have caused drains to block on your property can fast become a costly issue. If the blockage isn’t attended to as a priority and cleared properly using the correct equipment, the result can be burst pipes. Once burst, pipes can cause unsightly damage to lawn and garden.

Blocked pipes that are left unattended can overflow. The result of this can be outdoor areas of your home covered in raw sewerage …. Yuck! An unpleasant smell and unsightly plumbing issue to have.

Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water for all your plumbing needs

Do you have blocked pipes or drains? Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts. They are the trusted name in the industry and service the South West area with two locations. Call the team in Bunbury on 97911608 or Busselton/Dunsborough on 97591317 for all your plumbing needs.

When Should I Call a Plumber?

Many homeowners trust their ability to “do it yourself” to fix a plumbing problem around their home. While some issues are straight forward to take care of, at the first sign of a plumbing problem, a trusted and reliable plumber is the first call you should make. The sooner an issue is assessed and repaired, the less chance of extensive and costly damage occurring.

Here are a few instances when you know it’s time to call a plumber:

No Hot Water
A Burst Water or Sewerage Pipe
An Overflowing Toilet
Visible Water Pooling in Your Garden

No Hot Water

Hot water is a luxury we take for granted so when it disappears, it can cause great despair to homeowners and their families. If you turn on your hot water taps and hot water is no longer freely flowing, it’s time to call in the professionals. A lack of hot water can be caused by many issues including a blockage, leak or damage to the heating element in your hot water system.

A Burst Water or Sewerage Pipe

When a water pipe is broken, water begins to leak into places where significant damage can occur. A burst pipe has the potential to flood your home so no matter the time of day, call a plumber for emergency help.

The bad smell produced by a burst sewerage pipe can enter your home causing discomfort to you and your family. If the burst pipe is close to your home, it has the potential to make it unbearable to even be indoors.

An Overflowing Toilet

A blocked toilet can begin to overflow resulting in an undesirable scenario. Not only will your house smell unpleasant, but waste may even overflow onto the floor. Yuck! To avoid this nasty scenario, call in a plumber at the first sign of a blocked toilet. This way you can clear the blockage and prevent the toilet from overflowing in the first place.

Visible Water Pooling in Your Garden

If you notice water pooling in an area of your garden and not sure why then it’s time to call a plumber. The cause of this issue can include cracked or damaged pipes, a reticulation issue or a sewerage problem.

When water is visible, it can mean extensive damage has already occurred.

Do you need a plumber? Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts when it comes to plumbing maintenance and emergencies. They have the expertise, tools and equipment required to assess and repair your plumbing problems.

Call the team today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) for trustworthy advice on all your plumbing needs and a FREE quote to have your plumbing issue repaired.

Why Do I Need a Licensed Gas Fitter to Check My Appliances?

Gas stove Gas appliances can be high risk household items and need to be maintained and checked from time to time by a professional. Whilst you may think it may be simple enough to pop onto your DIY list, heaters, hot water systems, and stoves should be checked by a licensed gas fitter to make sure that they are not leaking carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide leaks are very hard to detect because the poisonous gas is colourless, tasteless, and odourless. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal and can be avoided by having your appliances checked and maintained by a professional gas fitter from Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. Our licensed gas fitters are trained and qualified to check and test your gas appliances to make sure they are safe and working efficiently, as well as being equipped to repair gas leaks straight away.

What are the Symptoms of Gas Poisoning?

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

Headaches
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Unexplained lethargy

Gas Appliances and Rental Properties

It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure all gas appliance are working, maintained and are safe. If you suspect a gas leak, or know that an inspection has not been carried out on your gas appliances for some time, call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas.

How to Get Your Gas Appliance Tested

Simply call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas; we have a team of plumbers who are also licenced and experienced gas fitters. Your local choice in professional gas inspection and fitting, the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas will not only ensure your home and appliances are safe for your family, but carry out our services with efficiency and safety.

For all your gas, plumbing and hot water requirements around the South West, from Bunbury to Dunsborough, Collie to Margaret River, call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas on 9791 1608 in Bunbury or 9759 1317 in Dunsborough.

Money Saving Plumbing Tips

Tap Problems Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water & Gas When it comes to household appliances and fixtures, you may feel like there is little you can do to control the energy expenditure and subsequent cost. Plumbing pipes and drains flow freely throughout your walls and underfoot and can be forgotten until a problem arises. However there are ways to save money on your water and plumbing costs.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local specialists when it comes to plumbing. Servicing the South West for over 35 years, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can assist you with all of your plumbing queries and issues that may arise and are focused on providing a superior service to all of our customers.

Some areas you can save money in your home include:

Water Bill
Plumbing Maintenance
Just Use Less!

Water Bill

Water conservation is essential, especially as our summers seem to get hotter and water stores are rapidly declining. Save natural resources as well as consumption costs by:

Checking taps, hoses, shower heads and water outlets for leaks
Make sure your toilet isn’t running constantly. A great way to check for the smallest leak is to press a small amount of toilet paper to the back of the bowl – if it gets wet, you’re wasting money.
Gradually change shower heads to lower pressure, water-wise models.

Plumbing Maintenance

Plumbing problems and emergencies can be expensive to repair so getting on top of small issues can save you big money in the long run. Checking pipes for possible blockages and cracks, walls for the start of water damage and your mains valve for any damage or excessive usage can ensure you spot any potential problems and arrange a professional to fix now, before they become bigger, and more expensive and inconvenient!

Just Use Less

Are your kids taking super-long showers?
Do you excessively use your washing machine or dishwasher?
Do you all use a full toilet flush every time?
Is your garden retic working adequately, in the early morning and has no leaks?

Excessive use of plumbing fixtures can increase wear and tear, as well as wasting water in the process. Introduce timed showers, wash small amounts of dishes by hand and encourage water-wise behaviours amongst the younger members of your family to ensure water conservation for years.

Who Can Help Me With Money Saving Plumbing Tips?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas place our customer needs as our top priority. To ensure you don’t suffer the inconvenience and cost of faulty plumbing and water emergencies, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are only too happy to assist with preventative maintenance and assistance throughout the South West. Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) for all of your plumbing enquiries.

My Toilet is Running Constantly Should I be Worried?

You open your mail to a larger than expected, costly water bill. Panic sets in as you wonder how this could happen. It’s winter so there are no sprinklers turned on and you have been keeping your shower times to the minimum. If this is a scenario you have faced, a leaking toilet is the likely culprit. No matter the style, design or brand of toilet, it is often not audible or visible your toilet needs repairs and it is only once a costly water bill arrives you know you have an issue.

Here are a few signs to be on the lookout for to identify a potential toilet leak:

The Sound of Running Water Coming from the Toilet
Visible Water around the Base of the Toilet
An Unpleasant Odour near the Toilet

The Sound of Running Water Coming from the Toilet

After flushing a toilet, all sound should shut off after approximately thirty seconds. If you find a toilet is making noise after this time, particularly a sound like running water, then a leak is possible. Sounds in the home can be drowned out by other noises so if you suspect an issue, it’s a good idea to make the house quiet then listen carefully to see if you can hear a noise.

Visible Water around the Base of the Toilet

It isn’t normal for water to leak anywhere from the toilet system, base or bowl. If you notice water on the toilet floor or a damp toilet map, a leak could be the culprit. If your toilet has been leaking for a long time, the flooring around the toilet may become water stained or depending on the type of flooring may be damp to touch.

An Unpleasant Odour near the Toilet

Sewage is an unpleasant smell that can’t go un-noticed. The smell of sewage normally means a plumbing problem and can be caused by leaks in pipes around your toilet or your toilet bowl itself. Some gases from sewage can be harmful, so call a plumber at the first trace of a sewage smell. A professional will ensure yours and your family safety plus repair the issue so your home will return to smelling pleasant again.

Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas for all your leaking toilet repairs

The team at Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas pride themselves on offering a friendly, reliable and professional service to Bunbury and the South West. If your toilet is showing signs of a leak or you have any plumbing issues, call the team for expert advice on 9791 1608.

Who Can Unblock my Drains in Bunbury?

Blocked drains are a problem that can occur in all areas of the home. The bathroom, kitchen, laundry and garden drains can all cause grief to homeowners when clogged. If you have tried the trusty old- fashioned remedy of plunging or used endless products from hardware stores to unblock your drains but had no success, then it’s time to call in the professionals.

Most people are surprised to find the culprits that are causing their drains to block. Here are just a few of the items that can block your drains:

A Build-up of Hair and Hair Products
Debris and Roots of Plants and Trees
Food Scraps and Cooking Oils

A Build-up of Hair and Hair Products

Most people lose on average between fifty to one hundred strands of hair each day. Bathroom basins and showers are a common place for fallen hair, bobby pins and small hair ties to accumulate and eventually be washed down drains. Regular cleaning of the shower and basin drains can capture loose hair sitting on the surface, but unless it’s cleaned daily there is no avoiding hair making its way deep into your pipes. Over time as the hair continues to build up it will eventually block your drains. A professional who has the correct equipment is often the only way to unclog the drains and retrieve those thousands and thousands of hair strands that have built up over time.

Debris and Roots of Plants and Trees

As the wind blows and seasons change, trees and plants lose their leaves. These leaves are often left lingering in the garden and eventually make their way into drains. A build up of leaves (and sand and grass) in drains will cause them to block and stop the free flow of water. Regular raking and sweeping of your gardens are the best way to stop garden debris making its way into drains.

While large trees look beautiful and keep us cool by providing shade in summer, their roots can cause issues by damaging pipes beneath the home. Be aware of large trees on your property and avoid planting vegetation with large, thick roots too close to pipe work.

Food Scraps and Cooking Oils

The kitchen sink can unintentionally become home to food scraps. Before washing dishes it’s important to clear any food scraps left on plates or bowls into the compost or bin. If these food scraps make their way down the drain, they can cause drains to block. The same can be said for cooking oils in pans and baking trays. Ensure the oils are cleaned off and disposed of before washing the pans and baking trays as a build of oils down your kitchen drain will most certainly cause a blockage.

Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas your Bunbury Professionals

With nearly 40 year’s experience servicing Bunbury and the South West region, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your trusted and reliable professionals. Contact the team in Bunbury on 9791 1608 for all your blocked drain repairs and plumbing needs.

A Gas Leak is Serious and Dangerous – Do you know how to identify a Gas Leak?

A suspected gas leak can cause panic and distress for home, business and property owners and rightly so. A damaged gas pipe can result in a dangerous and potentially life threatening gas leak. Dial before you Dig is a referral service giving information on locating underground utilities anywhere in Australia.

Both home and business owners must take on the responsibility of reminding builders and contractors working at their home, business or property to use this service before beginning any excavation work. This will not only ensure safety for everyone, but also prevent you or your business receiving a penalty for causing damage to a gas supply line due to a lack of diligence.

Do you know how to identify a gas leak? Here are just a few of the signs to look out for:

A Whistling or Hissing Sound Around A Gas Appliance
Smell of Rotten Eggs
Dying Vegetation
Higher Than Normal Gas Bills

A Whistling or Hissing Sound Around A Gas Appliance

A whistling or hissing sound in your home, particularly around a gas appliance, is a strong sign of a gas leak and an urgent call to a professional is required.

Smell of Rotten Eggs

Natural gas doesn’t have any smell, so for safety purposes, a component that smells like rotten eggs is added. This smell is easily identified and certainly hard to ignore.

Dying Vegetation

Plant life can wither and die for a variety of reasons (the most obvious being when we forget to water them!) However if your plants are near a gas line and despite being given plenty of TLC are still dying, this can indicate a gas leak.

Higher Than Normal Gas Bills

It is possible for leaks to be hidden from our senses, leaving dangerous gas leaking silently. If this is the case, your gas bill may be higher than normal. If you suspect this is the case, time to call in a professional.

If you suspect a gas leak then safety is imperative! Call a professional and take the following safety measures:

Evacuate the area and keep everyone at a safe distance
Do not use any electrical equipment near it, including mobile phones
Do not smoke or light fire (this includes candles)
Do not try to fix the leak yourself
Get away from the leak and call for help immediately

Need a Qualified Gas Fitter?

If you are unsure call anyway. Prevention is better than cure in all gas and plumbing areas. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your professionals and available for emergencies 24/7.

To have your home, business or property inspected for potential gas leaks call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas who are your local experts. They are the trusted name in the industry and service the South West area with two locations. Call the team in Bunbury on 97911608 or Busselton/Dunsborough on 97591317 for all your gas and plumbing needs.

Why Is My Water Bill Suddenly More Expensive?

Nobody likes bills! So when a utility bill, such as that for your water, comes in significantly higher than usual, it can not only hit you hard in the hip pocket, but also cause a lot of stress.

Why Is My Water Bill So Much Higher?

Is damage being done to my property that I cannot see?

If you have no idea why your water bill is so high, it’s time to call in a professional.

Servicing the South West for over 40 years, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your trusted name in the plumbing industry and offer fast, effective workmanship to both residential and commercial properties. Whether it be a large plumbing emergency, a broken hot water unit or issues with your gas lines, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have the cost effective solution for you.

A few simple reasons your water usage (and bill) has increased can include:

Reticulation/Garden Taps Left On
Water Leak
Dripping Taps, Toilets and Showers

Reticulation/Garden Taps Left On

It’s a common occurrence; you finish watering the pot plants and turn the hose off at the attachment but not at the tap. That built up pressure often escapes out of the fitting, at either end, resulting in wasted water. Reticulation left on can also leak into the ground (where you cannot see it). Or if you are working on a automatic system, it’s very easy to ‘set and forget’, resulting in very well watered lawns and garden beds, but a significant amount of water used unnecessarily, especially in winter.

Water Leak

Usually invisible to the everyday naked eye, water leaks anywhere in the home will cost you in water usage. The easiest way to tell if you have a water leak is to turn off all water in the house and check the water meter. If the numbers are still ticking over when you know that no water is being used, you have a leak. If this leak is hidden in your walls, it needs to be idenitified and repaired immediately before it causes further, more costly damage.

Dripping Taps, Toilets and Showers

You may think that little drip, drip, drip is no big deal, but all those little drips add up to a lot of water wasted in a very short time. Dripping taps, toilets and showers can not only damage the unit, it can indicate a small issue that can become a very big problem, very quickly.

Who Can Assist Me With Keeping My Water Costs Down?

The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have over 35 years experience in inspecting, maintaining and repairing plumbing in the South West, keeping bills low and customer satisfaction high. Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) for a free quote.

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