Winter Storms and Your Household Plumbing

Drops of rain The storm season is upon us and it’s not only the residents of the South West that can get a little overwhelmed with the excessive water and deluge that big thunderstorms can bring. You may think your indoor plumbing is safely hidden away behind the walls of your home when heavy rains hit, but the outdoor drainage system can cop a beating; effectively building up with water and back washing into the household pipes.

Whilst usually a rare occurrence, it pays to have your drains, plumbing pipes and sewage/septics inspected and maintained by a professional to avoid messy, and costly, problems inside due to the weather outside.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas always go the extra mile when it comes to their customers throughout the South West. As the premier local choice for all things plumbing, gas and hot water, their qualified tradesmen are available 24/7, with no emergency call out fees, and their years of experience means you get an expert who has seen it all, everytime.

It’s important to check your drainage system during winter storms, including:

ORG’s (Overflow Relief Gully’s)
Underground Pipes
Internal Backwash

ORGS’s

ORG-photo The outdoor wells that pop up outside wet areas of your home are notorious for attracting sand, rock, leaf and children’s toy build-up that clogs the relief gully and leads to pipe blockage. These blockages can be huge and extend for a length of pipe or just the bit that you can see when you peer into the ORG. These need to be clear to allow for water pressure to be released and excess water to drain away.

Underground Pipes

Not as easy to inspect as ORG’s or internal plumbing, underground pipes will experience a huge amount of increased pressure due to the weight of the heavy (now wet) soil around them. When the rain dries up, keep an eye out for signs of a broken or leaking pipe, as these are quite common after heavy rains not only leave the ground heavy, but can also shift pipes around when the water softens the soil.

Internal Backwash

If your sinks, tubs, showers and toilets aren’t draining properly after, or during, a heavy storm, chances are there is a build-up of sediment, or water, in the pipe. Water can be entering your pipes through the drains outside and is the volume of water falling is exceeding that which is pushing out, you’ll end up with an overload.

Who Can Assist Me With Making Sure My Pipes Are Storm Ready?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are the local’s choice to make sure your plumbing is storm ready. For everything from emergencies to simple routine inspections, the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas will ensure your job is completed efficiently, affordably and professionally every time. Call 9791 1608 (Bunbury) and 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) today.

The Benefits of Having Your Gas Heater Serviced

The long and hot summer days are behind us as the crisp and cool weather starts to set in. It’s time to pack away the fans and air-conditioners as we will are now looking for ways to keep our home warm.

The lead up to winter is the time to be pro-active and have your gas heater serviced by a professional. Before it’s used to warm your home this winter, it’s important to ensure your gas heater is working safely, effectively and efficiently. Gas heaters should only be serviced by a licenced gas professional.

Read on to learn 3 reasons to have your gas heater serviced regularly including:

Peace of mind your gas heater is safe
Identify and repair damages before they escalate
Extend the life of your gas heater

Peace of mind your gas heater is safe

A gas leak is serious and dangerous. As natural gas is odourless, a distinctive odour is added to warn of a gas leak. If you suspect you may have a gas leak or can smell gas, act straight away. If you suspect your gas heater has a leak, turn the heater off and call a licenced gas professional immediately. It is recommended to have your gas heater serviced yearly. Having your gas heater serviced before using it will give you peace of mind it is in proper working order.

Identify and repair damages before they escalate

As with most appliances, regular servicing helps to minimise the risk of small issues turning into larger, more costly issues. Hazards and faults that may not be able to be identified and repaired by someone other than a trained professional can be dangerous and lead to bigger problems if left and not repaired.

Extend the life of your gas heater

Servicing your gas heater regularly makes it work efficiently. If not serviced, dirt, hair and dust can build up in your gas heater preventing it from working efficiently or worse still stop it from working at all. It’s recommended to check the warranty conditions when purchasing a new gas heater. Many warranties state the gas heater must be serviced regularly, such as every year, for the warranty to remain valid.

Wanting your gas heater serviced? Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas in Bunbury and the South West

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are fully qualified licenced gas plumbers who are fully trained and experienced in servicing gas heaters. Known as the ‘trusted name in the plumbing industry’ the Mainline team are reliable and happy to answer any questions relating to any of your gas or plumbing needs including hot water service and repairs

Keep your house warm this winter with peace of mind knowing your gas heater has been serviced. Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Bunbury team on (08) 9791 1608 or Dunsborough on (08) 9759 1317.

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.

3 Common Causes of a Blocked Kitchen Sink

Whether the kitchen in your home or business is used to cook meals and bake sweets or to simply make a morning cuppa, the kitchen is certainly a well-used area of a home or business. If water is no longer flowing freely down your kitchen sink, a blockage is the likely cause. While there are many tried and tested home remedies to clear a blocked kitchen sink, if these remedies are no longer working it is likely you have a blockage laying deep in your plumbing pipes.

Once a plumbing blockage has been cleared, if the issue re-occurs the culprit could be an item that is regularly being washed down your kitchen sink. Read on to learn 3 common causes of a blocked kitchen sink including:

Coffee Grounds and Beans
Food Scraps
Fats, Oils and Grease

Coffee Grounds and Beans

Many homes and businesses have a coffee machine that is put to good use each morning and throughout the day. You may think washing any excess coffee grounds down your sink wouldn’t cause an issue, however this is certainly not the case. Coffee grounds also absorb water meaning once in your pipes they can become stuck and continue to build up and collect other particles washed down the sink.

Food Scraps

A common occurrence in a kitchen is to rinse any food scraps from crockery or cutlery. While this may seem like a good housekeeping habit to have, food scraps are a common culprit of a blocked kitchen sink. Scrape excess food scraps into a FOGO bag and dispose of. While all food scraps are a no go to wash down the kitchen sink, there are a few food items that are particularly troublesome including pasta, potatoes, rice, bones and meat.

Fats, Oils and Grease

Chicken drumsticks leftover bones in a plate

Fry pans and baking trays are left with residue of fats, oils and grease after being used. You may think soaking these is a good way to clean them, however the fats, oils and grease that has accumulated is then washed down the sink. As these liquids dry, they solidify and can cause pipes to block. Avoid any fats, oils or grease making their way down your kitchen drain by scooping into a bag and disposing in the rubbish.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have extensive drain cleaning equipment for clearing all major or minor blockage problems

With over 40 years experience servicing Bunbury and the South West region, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your ‘trusted name in the plumbing industry’. The team proudly service Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and surrounding areas and offer superior service and the highest possible workmanship.

For all your blocked drain and plumbing needs, speak to the team today in Bunbury on (08) 9791 1608 or Busselton/Dunsborough on 9759 1317.

What Causes a Water Stain to Appear on a Wall?

Beneath the walls of your home lie many water and drain pipes. If you notice a water stain on one or several walls in your home, it will normally be caused by one or several of these pipes leaking. A leaking water pipe may cause a water stain to appear on a wall or even worse can even cause water to leak from a wall.

At the first sign of a water stain appearing on a wall, it’s important to call a plumber like the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. A professional plumber will assess the situation, identify the damage and repair or replace the leaking water pipes.

Read on to learn more about what causes water stains to appear on a wall including:

Other signs of water damage to a wall
What causes a water pipe within a wall to leak?
Don’t delay calling a plumber if you suspect a leaking water pipe

Other signs of water damage to a wall

While a water stain or water leaking from a wall are obvious signs of water damage, there are other warning signs to be on the lookout for. Patches of mould on walls or cornices can be a result of water damage as can paint that is bubbling or concrete that is crumbling. It’s not only damage to walls that can indicate an issue. Water pooling on the floor under walls can also indicate a plumbing problem.

What causes a water pipe within a wall to leak?

There are many reasons why pipes or their connections can leak or burst. Over time, wear and tear on a pipe or their connection can cause them to rust. This results in the small cracks and holes to appear, causing them to leak. Water pressure can also damage water pipes. If water pressure is too high, the extra pressure can cause water pipes or their connection to puncture or even worse burst.

Don’t delay calling a plumber if you suspect a leaking water pipe

If you suspect you have a leaking water pipe, prioritise calling a plumber. The longer a leaking water pipe is left, the more extensive the damage can be. Delaying having a leaking water pipe repaired can result in an excessive water bill, more extensive damage to your home and is wasting precious water. A professional plumber will assess the situation, identify the damage and repair or replace the leaking water pipes.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water are your ‘trusted name in the plumbing industry’ and your plumbing professionals

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 detect leaking water pipes and the expertise to repair or replace water pipes.

Contact the team today in Bunbury on 9791 1608 or Busselton/Dunsborough on 9759 1317.

3 Signs Your Washing Machine Hose Needs to be Replaced

A common plumbing tip shared with homeowners is to check your washing machine hoses regularly for damage. While a damaged washing machine hose may not seem like a big problem, the result of the hose breaking can be. Imagine filling the washing machine with clothes, starting the washing cycle, leaving home and expecting to come home to freshly clean clothes however, you come home to a flooded laundry or worse still home. This could become a reality if your washing machine hose breaks. Reduce the risk of damage if your washing machine does break by turning off your washing machines taps when not using your washing machine or going away on holidays.

Read on to learn 3 signs your washing machine hose needs replacing including:

Age
Damage
Leaking Water

Age

If your washing machine hose is more than a few years old be sure to check it regularly for any sign of damage. If the hose is showing any signs of wear or tear then consider having it replaced for peace of mind it won’t break.

Damage

When inspecting your washing machine hose, be on the lookout for any damage. This can include seeing or feeling any bubbles, cracks, rust or kinks. A damaged hose can burst at any time which can result in water freely flowing from the hose into your laundry and home.

Leaking Water

When inspecting your washing machine hose be on the lookout for any water leaking, even if it is the smallest drip. Just as dripping taps waste precious water, so does a leaking hose. It may be the hose itself that is leaking or the connection that is leaking.

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

Does your washing machine hose need to be replaced? Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your ‘trusted name in the plumbing industry’ for all your plumbing, gas and hot water needs. Servicing Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and the South West, Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts.

Call the team in Bunbury on 9791 1608 for friendly, reliable and trusted service.

How Can I Save Water Inside My Home?

Water is a luxury that has become part of our daily lives. From taking a shower to brushing our teeth, to drinking, water is an important part of our daily lives.

It is important we all do our part to save water in and around the home. Small changes can make a big difference and it is important we all have a water wise mindset. With a few simple changes, we can all do our part to conserve water.

Read on to learn 3 ways you can save water inside your home including:

Laundry
Bathing
Dishes

Laundry

Save water in your laundry by ensuring you have a full load before washing clothes. Most washing machines have adjustable settings. The heavy-duty soil setting can use more water and extends wash time. For most loads, the normal settings will do. Choose the appropriate water level setting, small, medium or large, for the load if that’s how your machine works. This feature automatically determines the load size and the amount of water needed.

Bathing

Generally, taking a shower uses less water than a full bath. As lovely as a long shower to start or end the day is, it’s important to keep shower times to a minimum. Start the timer as you jump in the shower and when it goes off you know it’s time to jump out. Further reduce your water usage by using a low flow showerhead.

Dishes

Whether washing dishes by hand or using a dishwasher, there are ways you can minimise your water usage. To remove a build up of food, soak dishes rather than scrubbing with the water freely flowing. When using a dishwasher, run full loads of dishes only and install an energy star high efficiency model to save water and energy.

For all your plumbing needs, call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are the trusted name in plumbing, gas fitting and hot water solutions in the South West. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly, efficient and reliable service to new and regular customers.

Call the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas today on 08 9791 1608.

Should I Choose an Electric or Gas Hot Water System?

Hot Water by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Bunbury

When it comes time to replace the hot water system in your home, there are multiple choices on offer. One of the most common questions many homeowners have is should they choose an electric or gas hot water system? While both electric and gas hot water systems have many benefits, the choice for homeowners can come down to your location, your budget and your hot water needs.

Read on to learn more about choosing if an electric or gas hot water system is right for your home including:

Electric hot water
Gas hot water

Type of Hot Water System

There are two main types of hot water systems. Storage systems store hot water in an insulated tank, meaning the hot water is on hand and ready when needed. Continuous flow hot water systems, otherwise known as instantaneous systems, heat water as it is needed. If you have a preference to the type of hot water system you want, this could narrow down your options between electric and gas.

Electric Hot Water

An electric hot water system can be installed inside or outside a home. They are a popular choice as they are reliable and come in a range of sizes. The ongoing cost to run your electric hot water system may be higher long term however the initial cost to purchase and install is cost effective for many homeowners. In terms of our environment, if not powered by a renewable energy source, electric hot water does have higher greenhouse emissions.

Gas Hot Water

A gas hot water system must be installed outside the home and is only viable to homes that are connected to mains gas. Long term, gas hot water will generally be cheaper to run. In terms of our environment, gas hot water is energy efficient with fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water – the trusted name in the plumbing industry for all your hot water needs in Bunbury and the South West

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.

The team are fully equipped to investigate, repair and provide expert advice when it comes to what hot water system is best for you. Our team can give you the pros and cons of different types and recommend what size is best suited to your households needs. For expert advice, contact the team today in Bunbury on 9791 1608 or Busselton and Dunsborough on 9759 1317.

What Not to Flush Down a Toilet

If your toilet paper supply has or does run low, it’s important to know what can and can’t be flushed. Toilets can easily block and a blocked toilet at your home or business is not only an inconvenience, but can quickly become a smelly and unpleasant experience if it begins to overflow. Blockages in our wastewater system can be extremely difficult to repair and if these blockages aren’t cleared in treatment plants, they can end up in our waterways.

You may be surprised to learn just a few items that should not be flushed down a toilet include:

Flushable Wipes
Baby Wipes
Serviettes
Paper Towel

Flushable Wipes

When you think of what can cause a toilet to block, the first object to come to mind wouldn’t be a product labelled ‘flushable’. The past few years has seen a rise in the number of pipes being blocked and plumbing issues caused by wipes being flushed down toilets. The best way to dispose of wipes is in the bin. Yes! Even if they are labelled ‘flushable’

Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are often branded or assumed to be ‘flushable’ thinking they will dissolve in water. Plumbers disagree. One or two baby wipes flushed down the toilet may not cause an issue, but as baby wipes continue to be flushed, they build up causing a nasty blockage.

Serviettes

Serviettes are other common culprits of a blocked toilet. Whether serviettes are made from cloth or paper, they don’t break down the same way toilet paper does. The result, clumps of serviettes form in pipes and lead to plumbing issues.

Paper Towel

Paper towel and toilet paper are both made of paper, so why should paper towel not be flushed? Paper towel isn’t made to dissolve quickly and easily in water like toilet paper is. You will notice paper towel is thicker and made to absorb water without breaking down.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot are your local plumbing professionals and available for plumbing emergencies 24/7

If you have a blocked toilet at your home or business and need it inspected and repaired, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts.

Call us today to discover why we are known as the ‘trusted name in the plumbing industry’ in Bunbury on 9791 1608 or Busselton/Dunsborough on 9759 1317.

Why Is There No Water Coming from My Taps?

Tap Problems Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water & Gas

If you turn on taps in or outside your home to discover a dribble or no water at all, there can be many culprits as to the reason why. If the issue is only with one tap, a minor plumbing issue may be the cause. If the issue is with several or all the taps in your home, and your neighbours don’t have the same problem, then it could indicate a more extensive issue.

Read on to learn 3 reasons why there could be no water coming from your taps including:

Hot Water System Issue
Blocked or Leaking Pipe
Damaged or Broken Washer

Hot Water System Issue

If the issue of no water coming from taps is only with hot water taps, your hot water system could be damaged. A hot water system like all other appliances around the home should be regularly inspected and repaired to remain in good working order. Common reasons for a hot water system to not be working include a build up of sediment, rust and leaks.

Blocked or Leaking Pipe

A blocked or leaking plumbing pipe are common culprits for water no longer freely flowing from taps. As a leak becomes larger, it can lower the water pressure to the point it stops water free flowing completely. The same occurs with blocked pipes. As a blockage continues to build, it can eventually stop water flowing through your pipes hence no water coming from one or several taps.

Damaged or Broken Washer

Damaged or broken washers are common culprits of leaking taps however can also cause a taps water supply to stop completely. If one or several taps in your home need washers replacing, remember to ensure the task it done correctly using the right tools. DIY washer replacement that is not done correctly can lead to further issues and repairs in the future.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local plumbing professionals for all your plumbing, hot water and gas needs

The Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas team of professional plumbers and qualified gas fitters have the correct tools, equipment and experience with all aspects of plumbing. They take pride in their work to ensure all plumbing is installed and repaired correctly. The team offer fast, effective and honest workmanship and are known as the trusted name in the plumbing industry.

Call the team in Bunbury on 9791 1608 or Dunsborough on 9759 1317 today.

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