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3 Tips to Prepare Your Plumbing While You’re Away

Drainage camera inspection equipment - prepare your plumbing

Throughout the year, there are many reasons you might leave your home – and your plumbing! – for an extended time. Illness in the family, work events, or even a spontaneous holiday can leave your house unattended for days or even longer, and you need to make sure everything is in order before you leave. Your plumbing should be one of your priorities when checking everything before you go, and the team at Mainline Plumbing have prepared some tips for you to get started.

  • Thoroughly Check Your Plumbing Before You Go
  • Consider Turning Off Your Water Supply When You’re Not Home
  • Ask Family or Friends to Check Your Home and Plumbing

Thoroughly Check Your Plumbing Before You Go

If you have any leaks or damage to your plumbing systems or water heater, you will want to know before you leave them unattended for an extended time. Small leakages and cracks can turn into big problems very quickly and if you are not there, you could come home to a disaster. No-one wants to return home from a holiday or a work trip to a flooded house! If you are not confident in your ability to identify leaks and damages, call an experienced plumber to check your plumbing for you.

Consider Turning Off Your Water Supply When You’re Not Home

Many homeowners prefer to turn off the water supply completely before leaving for a getaway. This will reduce any risks of a plumbing-related disaster happening while you are not home. If something does happen, it can be not only inconvenient and messy – it can be an expensive surprise to return home to.

Ask Family or Friends to Check Your Home and Appliances

Goldline gas cooktop installed

If you are leaving for an extended time – say, longer than a week – then a good idea is to get someone to check in on your home and plumbing while you are gone. Even asking your neighbour to make sure everything is in order every now and then can help you to prevent any unattended plumbing disasters.

Have Your Plumbing Prepared for Going Away with the Team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas 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 (08) 9791 1608.

Why Has My Water Bill Increased?

Leaky Faucet

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

Water Running from the tap

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

Christmas plumbing

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 by Mainline

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.

Why Is Water Pooling Around My Toilet?

Toilet problems

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

Sewerage

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?

Water Running from the tap

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.

Back flow prevention device

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.

The Benefits of Having Your Gas Heater Serviced

Ducted Gas Heaters

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

Gas Heater functioning well

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.

3 Common Causes of a Blocked Kitchen Sink

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

washing machine

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

Mainline Plumbing services

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?

Wasted water

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

Kitchen sink

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.

What Not to Flush Down a Toilet

Toilet Problems

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

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.