Plumbing Questions Answered

Drain Do you have a pressing plumbing problem? Have you always wondered about common plumbing issues or problems that seem to re-occur in your home? The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have gathered the most commonly asked questions for all of your most curious plumbing ponderings.

Why Does A Toilet Just Start To Run/Leak?

The most common cause of a leaking or constantly running toilet is that the flapper no longer forms a tight seal against the valve seat. This lets water leak from the tank into the bowl. Chemical build-up in the flapper contributes to wear and tear over time, resulting in what is known as a ‘silent leak’ – quite difficult to detect if you aren’t extremely vigilant about staring into your toilet bowl. Other contributors to leaking toilets include:

Faulty fill valves
Faulty floats
A stuck flapper (noticeable when the flush button doesn’t pop back up again)
Faulty connections
Broken or cracked tanks
Leaking supply lines

Is There Really Such Thing as Hard Water?

Toilet Problems Yes, and it’s not good for your plumbing, or for your body. Sediment, chemical build up and presence of heavy metals and additives not only lead to pipe and fixture erosion, but taste disgusting and can be detrimental to your health. If your area is renowned for ‘hard water’, contact Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas to install a water filtration system at the mains.

Why Is The Toilet Making That Noise When I Flush?

Depending on the issue, a toilet can make some very strange noses compared to the usual whoosh and gurgle. A loud whining sound will usually indicate restricted water flow to the refill valve. A definite foghorn sound is usually a result of dirty valves or the need to replace the ballcock and fill valves. Prolonged gurgling after the flush will be a problem further down the pipes, such as a blockage in the drain.

What Causes Low Water Pressure?

Ever been in the shower only to have the water pressure nose-dive into a dribble because someone has turned on the kitchen tap or started the washing machine? Using water elsewhere in the house is usually the explanation for a sharp decrease in water pressure, however faulty valves, leaks in the pipes and blockages can also restrict water flow.

Why Does The Hot Water Run Out So Fast?

Dependant on the age of your hot water unit and whether it is instantaneous or not, your hot water may flow for a minimal amount of time compared to more modern, electric hot water units. Hot water units that run on a storage tank alone will only provide hot water until the tank runs out whereas instantaneous hot water systems heat the water as it runs through a heated coil, so the chances of the water running cold is a lot less.

How Do I Find The Best Plumber?

You already have! Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have provided the South West with reliable, friendly and highly skilled service for almost 40 years, assisting with all types of plumbing, gas and hot water problems, maintenance and repair. To experience the best in plumbing in the South West, call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (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.

Why Has My Hot Water Gone Cold?

Shower There are very few things in life more uncomfortable than a cold shower or more unsanitary than a sink full of icy dish washing water. Some swear by the awakening properties of freezing cold streams of water or argue that it simply takes just a little more elbow grease to wash dishes in cold water, however most people enjoy the luxury of hot water, especially when they have paid good money for a functioning hot water system.

So why is your hot water system not working? There could be many reasons why your lovely warm water is not flowing through to the sink, shower or drain that you wish it to. Here are some of the main culprits you need to hunt down once you’ve warmed up and are on the hunt!

Someone’s Using the Water
Individual Fixture Malfunction
In Need of Repair

Someone’s Using the Water

A serious crime in any household, the use of the hot water tap, when someone else is in the shower is tantamount to a week of dishwashing duties. If your hot water flow significantly decreases whilst you are in the shower, your most likely culprit is that someone is using the water elsewhere in the house.

Similarly, the increasing number of showers, loads of washing, dishwasher or sink fills can tax your hot water system’s maximum capacity. It can take over 30 mins for some water heaters to re-heat a full tank of water. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas carry a range of larger hot water systems and instantaneous solutions that simply heat the required amount of water as it moves through a heated coil, that may be able to assist with your growing families water requirements.

Water pipe repair

Individual Fixture Malfunction

If the water is running at your desired heated temperature from all the other taps and shower heads in your home except one, then you will most likely find it is something simple that is faulty with that particular plumbing fixture. Broken showerhead mixing valves, which regulate the mix of hot and cold water, are a common issue, however your problem may extend into the pipes in the walls so be sure to call a plumber for any repairs and replacements.

In Need of Repair

Have you checked the water temperature settings haven’t been fiddled with? Is the electricity supply turned on or pilot light still lit? If all the basic checks come back with no reason why your system shouldn’t be functioning properly, it’s time to call in the experts. Heating elements can be burnt out or become encrusted with sediment, temperature control valves can be faulty, or you may have a blockage in the pipes, all jobs for a licensed plumber and gas fitter.

Who Do I Call to Fix My Hot Water Problems?

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas Fully Equiped Ute Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your experts in hot water. Whether it be to repair a leaking valve or a full replacement of your hot water heating system, you can be assured that Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas carry the skills and experience to ensure the job is done professionally and on budget.

Call the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas
on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) today and organise your free, no-obligation quote, or call-out fee-free inspection today.

Everything You Need To Know About Instantaneous Gas

Hot water installer Instantaneous, or continual flow, gas refers to a hot water system that only heats up as much water as you require. The gas starts to heat the water when the hot water tap is turned on by initiating the gas burner and heating the water as it runs through a coiled pipe. Rather than heating a full tank of still water, the unit only heats the water that is needed, shutting off the heating process when the hot water tap is turned off.

Benefits to installing an instantaneous gas hot water system include:

Save money
Less Water Wastage
Better For The Environment
Safe For Your Family

Save money

The average person uses up to 50L of hot water per day. With the cost of water use and consumption rising dramatically, the restricted heating of only the water that you require will save you money. Rennai instantaneous gas hot water systems also come with a 6 star efficiency rating, so you are assured you are getting exceptional quality and saving money.

Less Water Wastage

The ‘instant’ effect of an instantaneous gas hot water system also ensures you wait less time for your water to get hot, so less water wasted. The instantaneous gas hot water system can also be connected to bottled or underground gas lines.

Better for the Environment

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are proud suppliers and installers of Rennai hot water system, which are proven to release less greenhouse gas emissions and are highly aware of the need to conserve our precious natural resources. They are also compatible with slow flow shower heads. Less water usage means less cost to you and less strain on our environment.

Safe for Your Family

The thermostat on an instantaneous hot water system can be set to a maximum temperature, meaning little hands and bodies cannot be burnt if the hot water tap is turned on too high.

Who Can Help Me with Instantaneous Gas Hot Water System Supply and Install?

For the most up to date products, reliability and performance, you cannot go past Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. Your local choice for experience, professionalism and cost-effective plumbing, hot water and gas solutions, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas will find the perfect system for your home. Call the team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) today for a free quote. Remember Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are available 24 / 7 for all your emergency hot water and plumbing needs.

Sewerage Connection In Harvey

Sewer Conversion Are you looking at converting from septic to deep water sewerage in Harvey and not sure who to call for all of your plumbing requirements? Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are the trusted name in sewerage conversion, having converted hundreds of houses across the South West from older septic tanks efficiently and compliant with local shire regulations.

Do I need a plumber to connect to the sewerage?

Yes.

You definitely need a licensed plumber to connect to the Water Corporation’s deep wastewater system.

Simply contact your Environmental Health Officer in the Harvey Shire to advise them that you wish to be connected to the sewerage system. If the system is available and runs through your area, they can advise you on the steps to take and whether you need to decommission your old tank. Then call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas!

As per the SHIRE OF HARVEY SEWER CONNECTIONS -Decommissioning of Septic Tanks

When a property is connected to the mains sewer, the property owner is required to decommission the existing septic tank and effluent disposal system when the following circumstances arise:

The property changes ownership (accordingly the new owner has 60 days to decommission the septic tank apparatus).
There is a material change in the use of the premises (accordingly the owner has 60 days to decommission the septic tank apparatus).
If the foundations for a building on the premises are to be built closer than 1.2m to the septic tank apparatus or closer than 1.8m to any leach drain or soakwell (accordingly the owner shall decommission the septic tank apparatus before the building work begins).

Decommissioning involves: Sewerage conversion

All septic tanks, soakwells and/or leach drains are pumped empty by an approved, controlled waste carrier.
All empty septic tanks, soakwells and/or leach drains must be either removed or have their lids and bases broken and filled with clean sand.

Enquiries regarding decommissioning may be directed to the Shire of Harvey’s Health Department and sewer enquiries should be directed to the Water Corporation, Bunbury.

Who Can help Me With Sewer Conversion in Harvey?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas.

We have been servicing the South West for over 3 decades and have the knowledge, equipment and expertise to assist you with all of your deep water sewerage conversion enquiries. Call the team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) today to organise your free quote and get connected to the deep water sewage system.

My Drain is Blocked, What Do I Do Now?

A Blocked drain, Call Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas A blocked drain can pose all sorts of issues, and not just for your household plumbing. Short of costing money if the blockage causes damage to pipes, a blocked drain can also exacerbate existing health problems for your family members and problems if you are operating on a septic tank.

No matter whether it is your kitchen sink, toilet or outside drain blockage, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can professionally remove the blockage and get your plumbing running smoothly again.

A blocked drain is more than just a nuisance

Blocked drains can cause issues such as:

Aggravating Health Issues
Damaging house foundations and plumbing pipes
Blocking Your Septic Tank and Leech Drains

Aggravating Health Issues

When a pipe is blocked, dirty water pools and bacteria forms in your pipes. Skin conditions and asthma can be irritated when exposed to wastewater in blocked drains, not to mention the pungent odour of rotting food particles and mould.

Damaging House Foundations and Plumbing Pipes

Flooding is a very common occurrence when pipes are blocked, with pipes being cracked and damaged under the built-up pressure and water leaking out into your walls. When pipes in the foundations of your home are leaking, the integrity of the building material is compromised and costly damage can occur very quickly.

Blocking Your Septic Tank and Leech Drains

The accumulation of grease, oils, hair, foreign objects and debris can lead to blockages in your leech drains, sealing the holes in the walls of the drains that are designed to let the water out into the surrounding soil. This results in your septic tank becoming full and the possibility of overflow, not something anyone finds pleasant.

Who Can Help Me With A Blocked Drain?

The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your experts in household and commercial plumbing and have seen it all when it comes to blocked drains. Call the team today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) if you suspect a blocked drain and get the problem fixed before it becomes a large, expensive problem for you and your family.

I Can Smell Gas? What Do I Do?

You may have a gas leak. Leaking gas is a serious hazard and should be dealt with only by a licensed gas fitter or professional that is highly trained in assessing and repairing a damaged gas unit.

If you think you have a gas leak call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas NOW

on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough), we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including Christmas Day.

For most people, the smell of gas is distinctive. The odour added to an otherwise unscented gas that we use in our homes is very unpleasant, and for a good reason. The smell is there to indicate that gas is present, and when you can detect this odour in a place you shouldn’t be able to, it signifies that either someone has left the gas on, or you have a leak.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your licensed and highly trained professionals when it comes to gas fitting and repairs in the South West. They can assist you with all of your commercial and household gas needs including:

Hot Water Systems
Gas Cooking Appliances
Gas Repairs and Maintenance

Hot Water Systems

Hot water installed Installing, replacing and repairing your hot water system is simple with Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. Our licensed tradesmen are fully qualified plumbers and gas fitters who take pride in their work and strive to bring you a quality product with superior after sales service. Whether your unit is older and needs upgrading, your elements need replacing, or you need a brand new system installed in your new home, the premium products and service provided by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas is second to none.

Gas Cooking Appliances

Everybody knows that cooking with gas results in more control over the heat you use when cooking and can be significantly more economical than electric elements. Stove top cooking with gas is a traditional method that has maintained its’ popularity due to the more efficient cooking times and higher-grade quality of heat production. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can install and service all of your gas cooking appliances to the highest industry standard for both town gas supply and bottled gas supplied services.

Gas Repairs and Maintenance

If you find your gas appliances or hot water unit needing attention, Mainline Plumbing are your first point of call. Maintenance of your gas appliances is essential to ensure they run smoothly and that a small problem doesn’t turn into a disastrous emergency. For yearly service and maintenance, your Mainline plumber and gas fitter can assess your unit or appliance and address any issues that may be evident. Should your unit or appliance need repairing, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can assist you with fast and cost effective service.

Who Can Help Me With My Gas Leak?

Servicing the South West for over 35 years, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas offer years of knowledge and experience in all areas of gas fitting as well as a 24/7 availability and no call out or extra fees for after-hours emergencies. Call the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) for more information, or for a free quote today.

Can Your Plumbing Cope With Christmas?

Christmas plumbing Christmas is a time for family get togethers and visitors, which is what the festive season is all about. It can also be a time of stress, especially for your home and its functions behind the walls. Extra inhabitants mean extra pressure on utilities, and in the summer months it is inevitably the plumbing and water supply that is hardest hit. Whether it’s 2 or 12 guests coming to stay for a week or just the day, your toilets, showers and sinks take a hit as people use these for everyday living as well as when entertaining. Extra kitchen waste, extra toilet waste and major water usage are just some of the factors to consider when Christmas is happening at your place.

Some easy ways to prep your plumbing for the festive season include:

Potential Blockages
Prepare Ahead In The Kitchen
Check Your Gas Bottles
Hot Water System Ready
Free Up All the Bathrooms

Potential Blockages

Blocked drainage Give your pipes a sniff now to avoid plumbing disasters when you least need them. If your pipes are a bit on the smelly side, or draining particularly slowly already, it’s best to call in a plumber now to clear the pipes before your guests bring increased usage with them.

Prepare Ahead In The Kitchen

Busy kitchens and extra bodies bring extra waste and some people’s disposal habits can result in your pipes being clogged with food waster. Oils, grease, gravies and small food items such as pips and skins can end up in your sink and eventually in the plumbing. Have paper towels handy and strainers over your sink holes to catch any extra debris.

Check Your Gas Bottles

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can assist you with connecting your BBQ to your home’s gas system to avoid running out of gas when entertaining or at the most inopportune times. It saves you money and product wastage, as well as the stress of remembering just another job on the list at Christmas time.

Hot Water System Ready

Hot water installed How’s the flow in your bathrooms? Can your hot water system keep up with several extra bodies using hot water not only for showers but for washing dishes and running the washing machine as well? Set up a roster system with your guests to stagger out the showers either morning or night and run your dishwasher when everyone is in bed to relieve the pressure on your hot water system. If you think your system might be a bit on the older side and will struggle with increased workload, call Mainline to have it looked at today.

Free Up All The Bathrooms

Do you have 2 or more bathrooms and toilets that are hardly used? Or even don’t currently work? Turn on these toilets for extra guests and make sure all your bathrooms are available to be utilised by your guests. Plumbing doesn’t love being overloaded in one area. Also, make sure a bin is available for toilet rolls and other non-flushable items such as sanitary pads, baby wipes and paper towels to avoid them being flushed down the loo and blocking the pipes.

Can Your Plumbing Cope With Christmas?

Have your plumbing pipes and gas lines checked now before the rush by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas to get your home ready for the festive season. For friendly, reliable service by local, licensed tradesmen, call 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) 24 hrs, 7 days a week.

Water Filtration Systems In The South West

Below bench filtration system Does your tap water taste a bit funny? Do you want to save money by improving the quality of the drinking water in your home and remove the need for bought filtered water? Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can assist by supplying and installing a filtration system on your existing water pipes to provide clean drinking water for your family and non-damaging fluids for your household appliances.

Under sink filtration systems are becoming more popular as our water supply becomes more and more laden with chemicals and dirt. By installing an under-sink filtration system in your home, you are ensuring the water that comes straight from the tap is cleaner and safer for your family.

Some benefits from using filtered water include:

Safer For Your Family
Better For Your Appliances
Cost Effective

Safer For Your Family

You don’t willingly let those you love ingest chemicals and dirt and a filtration system eliminates these elements from the water you drink, wash in and cook with. Environmental toxins can be unavoidable in some circumstances, but you can take steps to eliminate them from your household tap water with an under sink filtration system.

Better For Your Appliances

Water that is heavy with chemicals can not only harm those drinking it, it can also cause significant erosion and decay to your appliances such as kettles and irons. Removing these hazards can ensure you get longer life from these appliances using the filtered water right from the tap that will lessen the wear and tear on heating elements.

Cost Effective

You pay good money for your water, so why not be able to use it for more functions in your home? Purchasing filtered water for drinking and household use can be expensive and time consuming, not to mention the environmental impact using plastic bottles for storage. Investing in a filtration system will ensure you can use the water you may for to its full potential.

Who Can Install A Water Filtration System For Me?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are the specialists in under sink water filtration systems and can supply and install efficiently and professionally. Their after sales service is second to none and you can enjoy peace of mind that you have invested in a system that will protect your family and your household appliances. Call the team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) today for a free quote to get your under sink water filtration system installed and enjoy the benefits that come with clean water straight from the tap.

DIY Plumbing Fixes While You Wait For The Experts

Plumbing tools Has your toilet started to make funny noises? Filling up to high when you flush and not draining quickly? Statistics show that blocked toilets are the top plumbing problem so you’re not alone in your plumbing woes.

Help is at hand with Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas 24/7, no callout or penalty fees policy, but you can alleviate some of the issue so that to avoid further blockage and damage whilst you wait for the experts.

As scary as it looks, refrain from flushing your toilet repeatedly. As much as you want to do this, it could make the problem worse than it already is. You can temporarily fix the blockage by –

Donning the rubber gloves and grabbing a rubber plunger;
Remove the excess water from the toilet bowl with a cup and a bucket, leaving enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger;
With the plunger placed in the bottom of the bowl, plunge gently at first to avoid being splashed with unholy water. Now plunge more forcefully, once the hole is sealed. You may need to repeat several times.
Hopefully, if the blockage isn’t too major, and the plunging forces the water down the pipe and dislodges it.

Keep in mind that this is only a temporary fix for unblocking your toilet. Most often, the problem will reoccur so further investigation down the pipes is required.

My toilet won’t flush properly

Toilet Problems Apart from blockages, there are other toilet issues that you may experience, such as it not flushing properly. It could be that the cistern hasn’t filled before flushing, the buttons are out of kilter or possibly the cistern itself is faulty.

You can check this yourself by opening the cistern lid to see if the mechanism is working correctly. If it appears to be slow to fill, check that there isn’t anything obstructing the valve that triggers the tank to fill and remove it cautiously. Be sure to replace the lid carefully, so that that buttons are lined up correctly over the mechanism. However, don’t keep tampering with it if the problem continues, as it more than likely will become a bigger problem.

Help! My toilet is leaking!

Don’t hesitate, this is the time to call Mainline Plumbing. If there’s a pool of water near your toilet, it’s leaking and you need to address this immediately. Once a toilet is more than 5-7 years, it is classed as old, believe it or not. The mechanisms for the inflow and outflow start to deteriorate and they often need replacing. This most definitely isn’t something that you should try out your DIY skills on. Ring the experts!

Call Mainline Plumbing for all of your toilet problems

Got a problem with your toilet? It always happens at the most inconvenient time. Leave the dirty work to the professionals and save yourself time and money but ensuring peace of mind with Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas.

For all of your hot water, plumbing or gas needs, contact Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) or call in and see us at 144 Forrest Avenue, Bunbury.

«< 2 3 4 5 6 >»