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Why Has My Water Bill Increased?

Water usage – and the cost that comes with it – is a massive concern for many Bunbury and South West residents. While Western Australians have the cheapest water bill average in the country, there are still many reasons that your water bill might be higher than expected. If you want to try to lower the cost of your water usage there are many factors you can consider.

Invisible Water Leaks
Old Plumbing Fixtures
Habits that Waste Water

Invisible Water Leaks

Invisible water leaks are those leaks in your plumbing that you cannot see and can be the cause increased water bills. If your water bill has risen suddenly, without you making any significant changes, it can mean one or several plumbing pipes have sprung a leak.

Invisible water leaks can cause massive damage to your home, including mould and damage to the house around the leaking pipes or fixtures. If you think you may have an invisible leak in your plumbing, contact a local plumber immediately to inspect for any issues. If left unattended, it can turn into a very costly issue.

Old Plumbing Fixtures

Have you looked at how much water your current toilet uses on each flush?

A toilet uses a lot of water in general, and if you have an older model it can use far more than you need it to. Switching your old toilet and plumbing fixtures out for newer, water-safe models can be a wise investment if you are committed to saving money on your water bill and reducing your home’s water usage.

If you are not sure what model you need, a great idea is to contact your local plumbing expert and get their recommendation on water safe plumbing fixtures.

Habits That Waste Water

There are a lot of little habits that snowball into big water wastage. Reducing these issues can lower your water bills significantly if you add them all up. Long showers are a common reason for larger water bills, as are little things like frequent half-full laundry loads, running a tap while washing the dishes, or leaving the water running while you brush your teeth.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are Your Trusted Name in the Plumbing Industry for All Your Plumbing Needs in Bunbury and the South West.

The team at Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas pride themselves on offering a friendly, reliable and professional service to Bunbury and the South West. If you need help replacing your old fixtures or have any plumbing issues, call the team for expert advice on 9791 1608.

3 Plumbing Checks to Perform Before Christmas Visitors Arrive

The holiday season is here at last, with family and friends gathering for Christmas celebrations around Bunbury and the South West.

If you are hosting extra visitors in your home over the holiday season, you want to be sure that your plumbing can cope. Toilets, bathrooms and other areas in your home can all have issues if not checked regularly, and you don’t want to have any problems on the day of your get-togethers. Here are 3 handy christmas plumbing tips to make sure that you have everything in working order for the holidays, courtesy of Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas;

Clear Blocked Drains
Inspect Toilets for Issues
Ensure Hot Water Systems are in Good Working Order

Clear Blocked Drains

While a necessary task, we don’t often think about clearing our drains when they get blocked. This is a common christmas plumbing issue that many people face, but it can become an unpleasant issue when guests arrive. Clearing drains can sometimes be done yourself using a variety of ways. However, if the drain is significantly blocked by something that is causing more problems or you need to clean sewage or drain blockages, the best thing to do is call a plumbing expert to fix the issue.

Inspect Toilets for Issues

Over the holiday period your toilet might be getting used more than normal therefore any issues with a toilet should be solved sooner rather than later. Keep an eye out for any leaks. A leaking toilet may have symptoms such as sewerage odours or constant noise coming from the toilet, even when not in use. You may also want to have a closer look at your water bills to see if there are higher costs than usual.

Leaving a leaking or otherwise damaged toilet alone can become a costly and unpleasant expense therefore if you suspect that there are issues with your plumbing, contacting a plumber to investigate should be your next option.

Ensure Hot Water Systems are in Good Working Order

Hot water is considered an essential by most households, especially when having visitors.

Holiday guests will probably be using your shower and bathing facilities if they are staying over, so checking the plumbing in your bathrooms is a good way to prepare for the season. Check that hot water is flowing from your taps when you turn them on – if you are getting only cold water, that is a sign that your hot water system is out of order.

Small leaks from your hot water system are normal. However, an excessive amount of water leaking from your hot water system may suggest that there is a bigger issue at hand.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are Your Local Experts in All Areas of Plumbing in Bunbury and the South West.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local choice in plumbing and can assist you during the holiday season with any christmas plumbing or hot water issues that may arise. If you need any help with your drains, toilets, pipes or hot water, get in touch with the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. We offer a 24/7 service in plumbing emergencies.

Call the team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) today for a free quote.

Install a low flow shower head to save water!

Save water, use a timer and take shorter showers!

How long do you spend in the shower? Some of us may find it comforting to spend too much time in the shower and that’s normal. Isn’t a nice, long shower can help alleviate your stress? However, if you’re spending too much time maybe you should install a low flow shower head!

Wouldn’t it be great if you can shower all you want anytime of the day without feeling guilty that you are using too much water instead of saving? In times like ours today, it is important that we know how to save water – starting from your bathroom! Installing a low flow shower head is proven to be effective in regulating your water usage when showering. It helps in:

Conserving water
Reducing energy usage
Protecting the environment

By installing one today, you’ll need less energy to heat your shower and therefore reduce your bills while saving water too. Need a plumbing services? Call Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) – where you can save water and lower your water heating costs!

Why Is Water Pooling Around My Toilet?

While there are many common plumbing issues that can occur in and around your home, plumbing issues with toilets definitely keep our Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas team busy. It isn’t normal for water to leak anywhere from a toilet, its base or its cistern. If you notice water on the toilet floor or a wet toilet mat, a leak it the likely culprit.

At the first sign of water pooling around your toilet, prioritise calling a plumbing professional who will locate and repair the leak to fix the issue. While water pooling around your toilet is one way to know your toilet needs plumbing attention, read below for some other warning signs of a leaking toilet including:

Your water usage is higher than normal
You can hear running water when near your toilet
There is an unpleasant sewerage smell

Your water usage is higher than normal

Water usage hence water charges can fluctuate, especially during summer with many of us watering our gardens. However, if you aren’t using more water in your home but your water bills have increased it can indicate a toilet leak. While some toilet leaks are easy to hear and see, others are hidden hence a higher-than-normal water bill may be your first indication of a leaking toilet.

You can hear running water when near your toilet

It takes about 30 seconds after flushing your toilet for all sound to shut off. If you can hear running water when near your toilet after this time or continually, then a leak is possible. Sounds in the home can be drowned out by other noises so if you suspect an issue, it’s a good idea to make the house quiet then listen carefully to see if you can hear a noise.

There is an unpleasant sewerage smell

The smell of sewerage is unpleasant and will not go un-noticed. The smell of sewage normally means a plumbing problem and can be caused by leaks in pipes around your toilet or your toilet bowl itself. Call a plumber at the first trace of a sewerage smell. A professional will ensure yours and your family safety plus repair the issue so your home will return to smelling pleasant again.

Water pooling around your toilet? Call the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas for all your leaking toilet repairs in Bunbury and surrounding areas of the South West

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

Why Is the Water Running from My Taps Brown?

Free flowing water from taps in our home is used for many purposes including drinking, laundry and bathing. If you turn on taps to discover the water is discoloured, it is understandable to be concerned. Brown water may be a temporary issue that is quickly resolved however it can also indicate a plumbing problem.

Read on to learn what plumbing problems can cause the water from your taps to be brown including:

Your Hot Water System Needs Repairing or Replacing
Your Water Pipes Need Repairing or Replacing
Issue with the Mains Water Supply

Your Hot Water System Needs Repairing or Replacing

Your hot water system can be the culprit of brown water. A simple test to do is turn on a cold tap only and check the water colour then do the same with the hot tap. If only the water running from the hot tap is brown it is a good indicator of a hot water system issue. Call a hot water plumbing professional to do an inspection and advise if the issue can be repaired or your hot water system needs replacing.

Your Water Pipes Need Repairing or Replacing

An issue with your water pipes can cause water to be brown. If you notice the water is brown when you first turn on a tap but after a minute or two it become clear, this could mean the pipes have corroded. The rust that has built up is flushed out when turning on your taps causing water to brown. Have a plumber inspect your pipes and advise the best action.

Issue with the Mains Water Supply

If you notice the water is consistently brown from all taps in your home it could indicate an issue with the mains water supply. Check with your neighbours if they too are experiencing the same and if it is a communal issue then report it to the water corporation to investigate.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water are your reliable plumbing professionals in Bunbury and the South West

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are the ‘trusted name in the plumbing industry’.

The team are fully equipped to investigate and repair all aspects of plumbing plus hot water and gas and proudly service Bunbury and surrounding areas through the South West.

For all your plumbing, gas and hot water needs speak to the team today on 9791 1608.

Winter Storms and Your Household Plumbing

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

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

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.

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.