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.

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.

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.

Who Can I Call in a Plumbing Emergency in Bunbury and the South West?

Our households or businesses plumbing being in good working order is something we take for granted, therefore when a plumbing emergency arises it can be an inconvenience and cause unwanted stress and worry.

If you experience a plumbing emergency, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are experts in all areas of plumbing, hot water and gas in both residential and commercial properties and are your first point of call for plumbing emergencies.

Read on to learn 5 plumbing emergencies that Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can assist with including:

Hot Water Issues
Burst Water Pipe
Overflowing Toilet
Blocked Drains
Leaking Septic Tank

Hot Water Issues

Turning on your hot water tap to be greeted with cold water can cause stress and inconvenience your household or workplace. Hot water is a luxury most homes rely on and don’t want to do without. Having your hot water system repaired and in good working order will eradicate any extra stress and inconvenience to your household or workplace.

Burst Water Pipe

A burst water pipe spells disaster and can cause expensive and extensive damage in and around your home. This plumbing emergency needs to be rectified immediately before it affects the foundations of your house and employing a registered plumber is a requirement of your insurance to ensure the job is done correctly.

Overflowing Toilet

A blocked or overflowing toilet is certainly an unpleasant plumbing problem. Not only can the smell be unpleasant, but it can cause damage too to your home. If your toilet is blocked and the bowl is full, avoid using the toilet and prioritise calling a plumber.

Blocked Drains

There are numerous causes of blocked drains including tree roots, foreign objects entering the piping system and cracked seals due to age. Plumbers have the correct tools and equipment to clear out blocked drains quickly and safely to have your plumbing back in good working order again.

Leaking Septic Tanks

Some properties still operate on their own septic tank. A major indicator that your septic tank has sprung a leak or needs emptying is if the ground that covers it, such as the lawn or sand, is soggy and wet.

Mainline Plumbing are your ‘trusted name in the plumbing industry’ and available 24/7 in plumbing emergencies.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have been servicing the Bunbury community for over 40 years. The team pride themselves on quality customer service and exceptional, cost effective solutions to your plumbing, hot water and gas requirements. Call the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) today.

What Hot Water System is Best for My Home?

Free flowing hot water is a luxury that most homes in Bunbury, Busselton and the South West don’t wish to do without. While most homes hot water systems are inherited when purchasing the home, when it comes time to replace that hot water unit it is recommended to get a hot water system most suited to your households needs. Doing so, saves water, saves energy and saves you money.

Read on to learn 5 factors to consider when choosing what hot water system is best for your home including:

Available Energy Sources
Type of Hot Water System
Size Required

Available Energy Sources

Before you can narrow down your choices, you need to know what energy sources are available at your home or property including gas, electricity or solar. If you’re connected to mains gas and your house gets ample sun, the most eco-friendly system could be a solar powered system with gas boosters.

Type of Hot Water System

The 2 most common types of hot water systems are storage systems and continuous flow, more commonly known as instantaneous.

Storage system hot water operates in the way water is ready to use as it is heated and stored in an insulated tank. Most gas, electric, solar and heat pump hot water systems use a tank. Continuous flow, or instantaneous hot water, heat only the water required and there is no storage tank. Most continuous flow hot water systems use gas, but electric models are also available.

Size Required

When deciding what size hot water system is best for your home or property there are several factors to consider. These include the amount of people living in your home and the amount of hot water that will be needed. A storage system hot water that is too small for your homes needs will result in a shortage of hot water to meet demand while a storage hot water system that is too large is wasting water and money as it will maintain the water temperature even when not being used.

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

Does your hot water system need repairing or replacing? Servicing Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and the South West, Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts for all your hot water needs.

Call the team in Bunbury on 9791 1608 or Busselton/Dunsborough on 9759 1317 today for friendly, reliable and trusted service.

Warning Signs You May Have a Gas Leak at Your Home

If you suspect you have a gas leak at your home, safety is imperative. A gas leak is serious and dangerous.

If you suspect a gas leak at your home:

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

What are the warning signs you have a gas leak at your home? Read on to learn 5 warning signs that should not be ignored including:

A rotten smell
Dying vegetation
A whistling sound
A spike in your gas bills
Your and/or your pets are feeling unwell

A rotten smell

As natural gas is odorless, a component that resembles the smell of rotten eggs is added. This unpleasant smell is hard to go unnoticed and can help a gas leak be identified.

Dying vegetation

If despite watering and caring for your garden, vegetation is dying, a gas leak could be the culprit. This is especially the case if your vegetation is near a gas line.

A whistling sound

When standing near a gas appliance you may notice a sound that resembles a whistle. This sound can mean gas is leaking from the appliance and should not be ignored.

A spike in your gas bills

If you notice a spike in your gas bill, but haven’t been using your gas appliances more, it could be a warning sign of a gas leak.

You and/or your pets are feeling unwell

Gas leaks can be hidden from our senses resulting in dangerous gas leaking silently. The reduced amount of oxygen in the air can cause physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, headaches and irritated eyes and throat in both people and pets.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your trusted professionals and available for plumbing emergencies 24/7

Ensure the safety of you and your family. To have your home, business or property inspected for potential gas leaks, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your trusted professionals and known as the trusted name in the plumbing industry.

For all your gas and plumbing needs call our team today on 9791 1608.

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