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.

Low Water Pressure! What Do I Do?

There’s nothing worse than turning on a tap, shower or hose and getting nothing but a dribble. The strong burst of water that usually sprays from your water outlet is nothing compared to what it was. When your water flow has lost its volume and force, the likelihood of a problem laying deep within the pipes is pretty high.

No matter how big or small the plumbing problem may be, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your first point of call. With local, friendly service, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have been servicing the South West for over 3 decades and have the knowledge, equipment and expertise to assist you with all your water pressure issues.

The most common culprits when it comes to a drop in water pressure include:

Damaged Pipes or Water Meter
Hidden leaks
Mineral Build up

Damaged Pipes or Water Meter

If your drop in water pressure is sudden, it’s very likely that the issue is a damaged pipe or water meter. If you live in an older home, tree roots are often found invading water pipes and newer homes can suffer unintentional damage from construction equipment in developing neighbourhoods.

Water meter damage is unlikely but worth a look. Damage or blockage within the meter itself can cause a drop in pressure, but best off inspected by an expert.

Hidden Leaks

A serious problem that can lead to a myriad of other issues within the walls of your home is the internal burst or leaking pipe. Not only is it causing the drop in water pressure, it’s damaging the walls, electrics and supporting structures of your home. You can check for a leak yourself – record the number on your water meter, go out or do not use the water for a few hours and then check the number on the meter again.

If it has gone up significantly when no water has been used in the house, you know you have a leak – and this problem is one for the professionals. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have equipment that quickly find where the problem lies and let you know what cause of action is needed.

Mineral Build up

A less serious problem but one that can turn into something nasty is mineral build up. In areas where the water is particularly ‘hard’, calcium and other chemicals that float around in the water can lodge in the pipe and cause a blockage. Home remedies and shop-bought products can be tipped down the drains to attempt to dislodge and/or dissolve the blockage, however if these don’t work, there may be extensive mineral or rust build up further down the pipes.

Who Can Help Me Get My Water Pressure Back?

Regardless of the reason for your drop in water pressure, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts to call. With no penalty rates or call out fees and availability 24/7 for emergencies throughout the South West, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your affordable and reliable choice for all of your hot water, plumbing or gas needs, call 9791 1608 today.

Hot water problems, where do I go in Bunbury?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water & Gas of course, your trusted plumbers in Bunbury.
Check out some of our recent hot water work.

Hot Water Conversion

Jake has just completed this hot water conversion for some local clients. There are times when you want some hot water shower, right? It’s very relaxing! Instead of just imagining a soothing hot water shower, why not install a hot water converter? Let Mainline Plumbing do it for you!

Interested in converting your existing storage hot water unit to a new 6 star continuous flow instantaneous? Contact Mainline Plumbing for all your plumbing needs – including hot water converter installation. Call us today on 99791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) to find out more!

Hot water unit

Continuous Flow Hot Water Unit

Now this one was a little bit different! Conversion from a 170 litre internal gas storage hot water unit to a new Rinnai B26 external continuous flow hot water unit. You see, we can deal with your issue – whether its installing a new hot water unit or upgrading your existing water unit. We want to make you comfortable and want only the best for you!

We are the hot water specialist for the greater Bunbury area. Mainline Plumbing offers a number of plumbing services – call us today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) to find out more!!

Rinnai B26 external

Electric Storage Hot Water Unit

Great view today for Wes replacing an electric storage hot water unit. What a good day to be working today! Mainline Plumbing is happy to help you out with your plumbing needs. Remember, be it gas or electric, instantaneous or storage, we can do it all for you!

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas have all your hot water needs covered. Call us on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) to discuss your needs with us – and we can arrange a free inhouse inspection to check around the damage and possible repair or new installation.

Replacing an electric storage hot water unit

Hot Water for Everyone

Commercial? Domestic? Industrial? Whatever your needs are, we can address it for you – we are the hot water specialist servicing in Bunbury and the surrounding areas. We know the importance of hot water options today, so we want you to know that Mainline Plumbing can help you.

Call Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas now on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) to discuss your hot water options today!

What Are the Signs of a Failing Septic System?

When septic systems start to fail, they can cause a health hazard; a risk of contamination with bacteria to the environment, humans and animals. As a system backup can start in the pipes and make its way back up the pipe if it is not cleared, groundwater can also cause issues if your septic system is not healthy.

Some Reasons for Septic Systems Not To Work Properly Are:

Pipes From the House
Inlet Baffle
Leech Drain
Tree Roots

Pipes From the House

Drains may start draining slower than usual or stop draining all together; toilets can stop flushing properly and sinks backup. A professional plumber will be able to source the problem and unblock for you. Best prevention is to only flush human waste and toilet paper in toilets. Having yearly inspections will ensure the pipework is kept clear.

Inlet Baffle

Inlet baffles are located at the tank. They can get clogged with toilet paper and other debris. Contacting your local plumber, they will be able to clear them for you.

Leech Drain

If your leech drain fails, you may notice an odour smell near the tank or leech drain itself may have a wet soggy patch around it. Septic may start backing up into the home which should be actioned as soon as possible for hygienic purposes.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are a major culprit when it comes to septic systems blockages. The trees love the water and the nutrients provided by your system and will come from a far to access it. If you have any big trees near your pipework or leech drain; tree roots maybe causing the blockage. A professional plumber will have a cutting machine to clear the roots from your system.

Having Issues with Your Septic System?

Septic problems can esulate quickly so as soon as you think you have an issue contact the trusted name in the plumbing industry, Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas at Bunbury on 9791 1608 or Busselton/Dunsborough on 9759 1317.

Things you can do to stop blocked drains

Throughout the home there is drainage for bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, laundry and outside downpipes.

Each drain hole should be covered with a port that allows the water to still drain without big items being washed down into pipework. When the wrong objects go down, they can cause a bad blockage at the initial area and if not attended to can have a follow effect in other parts of the pipes. If you are not sure what kind of blockage you are dealing with or can’t see the item, contact a reputable plumber who has the right tools and knowledge to dislodge this for you.

How to keep drains clear

Hair and Soap
Food Scraps
Flush Drains
Toilets

Hair and Soap

Bathroom sinks, showers and floor drains are very common for collecting items of hair and soap so it is a good idea to keep these drain ports clear by removing away from the drain. Hair won’t dissolve straight away and will just collect anything that flows down pipes and soap is greasy and can cake onto pipework. If this is something that grosses you out, put gloves on and grab with a tissue and place in the rubbish bin.

Food Scraps

Thinking that pushing small scraps down the sink is harmless is the complete opposite due to the S bend shape of the pipe that is attached to the drain can cause a build up of the scraps which will eventually be hard to flush through and then a blockage will be caused. There are additional drain covers that can be placed onto the kitchen drains and after dishes they can be removed and the scraps that have been caught can be discarded.

Flush Drains

Low flow in toilets and faucets is great for saving water but due to the minimal water flow going into pipes it is a good idea to help flush pipes by filling sinks with some water and releasing a plug to give a good flow of water through the pipes.

Toilets

Toilets are not rubbish disposals so refraining from flushing items other than excretions and toilet paper should be a must.

If you happen to have a drainage problem in your plumbing

Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas are the trusted name in the industry, available 24/7 for your emergencies. Contact the team today at Bunbury 9791 1608 or Busselton/Dunsborough on 9759 1317.

What to Do in A Plumbing Emergency?

When you own a home or business, at some point attention to certain areas can become apparent, especially if maintenance has not been kept up or warning signs have been ignored.

It is no fun at all for anyone if there is flooding in toilets, burst pipework or leaks showing through wall cavities. Cabinetry, flooring may need to be replaced or wall cavities accessed to find the source to the problem.

Preparation is always the key but sometimes we are not so lucky and are caught short and could be left in a puddle of mess.

Got a Puddle to Attend to

Water Supply Shutdown
Water Heaters
Contact Your Plumber
Attend to Leaks

Water Supply Shutdown

Quickly turnoff the closest water source to the problem. If it’s the toilet the tap down the side of the cistern. When there is a flooding coming from certain areas it is best to turn off the water mains usually found at the front of the home.

Water Heaters

To protect your water heaters, it is best to switch off to stop the re heating as this can cause heat build up and could destroy the unit. If you have a gas hot water system, switch the gas off first.

Contact Your Plumber

When you call the plumber, you can be guided on how best to deal with the emergency until a professional arrives.

Attend to Leaks

If you can see where a leak is coming from place buckets, containers or rags to soak up the leak. Another option could be to open up drains and spigots as this will help to release the water build up that is still in pipes after the mains have been switched off.

When You Have A Plumbing Emergency

No matter what the emergency is, Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot water and Gas are available to you 24/7 to attend to your plumbing needs. Contact the team today at Bunbury 9791 1608 or Dunsborough on 9759 1317.

How do I make my hot water heater last longer?

Most hot water systems aren’t given a second thought until you are left with no hot running water inside the home. You may then be required to replace the whole unit.

Unfortunately, when you run out of water it doesn’t always run out at the most convenient times, someone could be washing their hair, shaving, washing dishes or other duties that require this wonderful source.

If so with a few simple tips and steps you can increase the life of your heater and make it work better for you and your family use.

Making Your Water Heater Work More Efficiently

Flushing
Anode Rod
Insulation

Flushing

Most water heater manufacturers will recommend flushing the tank, keep in mind this is different to just draining. If you don’t feel confident in actioning this. You could schedule this with your professional plumbing service.

6 star highly efficient continuous flow gas unit

Anode Rod

This is a Rod that hangs in the tank to help prevent rusting happening inside the tank and continuing outside. It is a good idea to check this when flushing the tank. If the Anode Rod is corroded replace as needed this will save in the long run of replacing your tank. Only use good Anode Rod to stop corrosion in the tank. This step too can be actioned by a professional plumber.

Insulation

A once step only job, is actioned by wrapping the whole tank in a blanket of insulation which can improve the efficiency by up to 40%.

For all your plumbing and hot water needs

Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas are the trusted name in the plumbing industry and are available for your emergency issues 24/7 Contact the team at Bunbury on 9791 1608.

4 Ways to Know If Your Pipes Are Worn Out

Depending on the age of the home and how maintenance has been done in the past will be relative to any future problems you may come across when it comes to the pipe works overall condition.

It is good practice to check certain areas in the home and fix and replace items before they become bigger problems when they are at the end of their life.

Typical areas to check would be kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, basements, crawl spaces and generally anywhere pipework may be. If this is not in your expertise contacting a professional plumber to do these maintenance checks is definitely worth it.

What Are the Signs to Look Out For?

Leaks
Corroded pipes
Discoloured water
Stains

Leaks

Leaks can present themselves in different ways in housing, e.g. from visible pipework to behind walls where pipework may be hidden, this is where you might see mould or mildew forming on walls or on floors, if mould is smelt in a room but not seen these are all potential problems of leaking pipes.

Corroded Pipes

Flaking metal on pipes or substantial look of damage to pipes could be a sign of corrosion. This can be the cause of high acid water content, that eats away at the pipes. When copper pipes are not used for a certain amount of time this too can lead to corrosion.

Discoloured Water

If rust coloured water starts coming out of your taps it is exactly that from rust. It is important for a plumber to be contacted at this point as rust causes hard water and this is not good for washing clothes, bathing or drinking.

Stains

Stains can show up as a discolouration to walls and ceilings, walls can even show evidence of a bubbling effect in the paintwork this is a sign to contact a plumber sooner rather than later to prevent the cavity of walls and ceilings getting further damage.

When You Need A Professional Plumber to Look at Your Pipes

Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot water and Gas are available to you 24/7 for emergency and general plumbing maintenance. Located in two convenient places at Bunbury 9791 1608 or Busselton / Dunsborough 9759 1317.

What Causes Noisy Water Pipes

There are various reasons for instance, clogged, hot or cold pipes, washers in taps, fast water pressure.

Whatever the noise might be, should be investigated by a professional plumber to ensure your piping is back to working the way it should. Prevention is always better than the cure so getting onto the issue sooner than later will keep the pipes flowing correctly.

Typical Noises Pipes Can Make

Loose Pipes
Main Shut Off Valve
Toilets and Cisterns
Water Hammer
Washers in Taps

Loose Pipes

Pipe work sometimes just needs adjusting, as water flushes through quite quickly and in large volumes this moves the pipes which can cause shake that can be noisy.

Main Shut Off Valve

If you hear a squealing sound coming from your water pipes when turning them on or off, this could be the cause of a main shut off valve or the water pressure regulator. For this to be fixed the mains for the street will need to be switched off to replace or repair or the reducers manifold may need to be fixed.

Toilets and Cisterns

When banging and clanging is heard coming from your toilet after flushing and refilling, the ballcock assembly that helps the toilet to refill could be worn.

Water Hammer

Water rushing through pipes and faucets are at a certain speed and force so when the faucet is turned off this causes an abrupt holt to the water flow. There is a chamber of air that acts as a cushion for pipe work of the hot and cold taps and as hammering happens over the years a part called a riser starts to wear and the cushioning effect is lost.

Washers in Taps

When a washers need replacing the noise of whistling can be heard. If squealing is heard from a washing machine area the valves will need replacing.

Who Is the Expert to Fix My Noisy Pipes?

Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot water and Gas are the trusted name in the plumbing industry available 24/7. Located in Bunbury 9791 1608 or Busselton / Dunsborough 9759 1317.

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