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6 most common plumbing problems

Dripping TapThere are different sorts of plumbing requirements that will require assistance from minor taps dripping to gushing water out of burst pipes. It is a good practice to get small maintenance items fixed as soon as possible and ensure pipes and taps are not put under too much pressure causing more damage that could lead into leaks into walls cavities, floors and cupboards.

Signs of possible plumbing issues

  • Dripping Taps
  • Sinks not Draining
  • Blocked Toilet
  • Leaking Pipes
  • Sewer System Backed Up

Dripping Taps

This is one of the common plumbing issues that most people come across. Even though it might not seem too bad or look like it needs urgent attention the wastage of water over a period of time can certainly add up.

Sinks not draining

drainGenerally, sinks can get blocked in kitchens from food wastes and oil, bathrooms of the shower and bath drains with soap and hair. Placing a guard over drains in bathroom areas can certainly help to eliminate this problem.

Blocked Toilet

Toilets making gurgling noises when flushing and water rising slowly are generally a good indicator that something is blocking the flow through pipes and into sewerage systems.

Leaking Pipes

When leaking pipes happen, they can cause all sorts of damage to cupboards, furniture and floors that can eventually make it up walls. This is then subjected to dampness and mould.

Sewer System Backed up

Toilet ProblemsWhen the sewer starts to have problems there is no way to ignore the problem from the nasty stench that starts to flow through the breeze. Fixing the issue is finding where the location of the source is coming from. Blockages in sewer systems could be caused flushing the wrong contents eg. non disposable wipes.  Tree roots can also push through the pvc piping and cause a break or collapse.

Low Water Pressure

If you notice that the flow of your water isn’t as strong as it has been in the past, it could be from pipes leaking from corrosion or are worn and broken, commonly seen from older style of homes.

Need Assistance with A Plumbing Situation?

Home plumbing and maintenance is another fantastic service Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot water and Gas can assist you with giving a 24/7 emergency service. Contact the Team today at Bunbury on 9791 1608 or Busselton/Dunsborough 9759 1317.

What does Gas smell like?

Gas leakNatural Gas has no taste and is actually odourless. When you smell the scent of “Rotten Eggs” this is an additive called mercaptan. This has been added to make people aware that if smelt you have a gas leak somewhere. There are natural gas detectors that you can have installed for added safety.

If a gas leak is suspected, action by shutting off the gas at the mains straight away. If you feel that the levels of gases are too strong in your environment of housing, take yourself to an area of safety and contact a professional gas fitter and installer.

Gas leaks should not be investigated by anyone other than professionals. The best thing to do is keep yourself and people in the facility safe until expertise arrive who are better equipped to handle the situation.

Be prepared to evacuate if the following happens

  • Bushes or shrubs look like they have died suddenly
  • Gas Smell and flames near by
  • The sound of hissing
  • Gas is Switched off unexpectantly

Bushes or shrubs look like they have died suddenly

If your bushes and shrubs have died suddenly in a particular area this could be a cause of a leak underneath the surface or the base of your home.

Gas smell and flames near by

Gas StoveIf you smell “Rotten Eggs” and there are flames near by leave immediately and switch off at mains and contact the professionals.

The Sound of Hissing

The sound of hissing could be of a gas leak don’t try and source where it is coming from just take yourself outdoors and switch off at the main source and contact a professional gas fitter.

Gas is Switched off unexpectantly

If your Gas has switched off unexpectantly, check your mailbox for notification from your gas company or contact them directly to find out if there is a problem in the area.

For All Things Gas

All Gas maintenance and installs, require a professional Gas fitter as gas problems can be fatal.

When it comes to the safety of you and your family, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot water and Gas have you covered. Call the Team today at Bunbury 9791 1608 or Busselton/Dunsborough 9759 1317.

3 Things That Could Cause Issue in My Bathroom in Dunsborough?

FaucetMainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas service the South West with a 24/7 emergency call out. Located in Dunsborough our Plumbers and Gasfitters pride themselves on their efficient and friendly service.

Calling the professionals can eliminate further damage to household items, carpets and painting throughout your home. Saving you lots of money and less stress. It is beneficial to ensure a qualified trade person looks at the cause of the problem as they have the skills and experience to get the job done and on budget every time.

Some common household problems that can arise

  • Leaking Vanity
  • Burst Pipe
  • Wet Patches

Leaking Vanity

A leaking vanity can destroy your beautiful cabinetry and can be dangerous if the leak makes its way onto your tiled flooring where the family can slip causing injuries.

Burst Pipe

Burst pipe can be costly, causing rising water bills, especially when they are hidden behind a wall or in the floor, by the time the water has made its way to the surface it is always hard to tell how long it’s been going like that for. Regular inspections of your pipes, lines and outlets are a great preventative measure.

paintWet Patches

Wet Patches showing up on walls or bubbling of the paint surface, that are attached to bathrooms, toilet or laundry areas are a good indication that there could be a bigger problem going on with your plumbing. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have leak detection equipment and thermal cameras that can help uncover the issue.

3 Things That Could Cause Issue in My Bathroom in Dunsborough?

To protect your home from faulty plumbing and water emergencies, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas will be happy to assist with any preventative maintenance you require, throughout the South West.

Call Mainline Plumbing Dunsborough ‘the trusted name in the plumbing industry’ today on 9791 1608 for all your plumbing, gas and hot water needs today.

Where Do I find a One stop plumbing hot water and gas shop in Dunsborough?

Hot water unit replacementMainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local plumbers, providing the South West with reliable, friendly and highly skilled plumbing service for almost 40 years, assisting with all types of plumbing, gas and hot water problems, maintenance and repair looking after you and your families’ health.

No job is too big or too small; your safety and comfort is important to us. Open 7 days a week – 24 hours a day, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have recently branched out into Dunsborough. We are now offering the same professional service in Dunsborough and surrounds to help you whether you are in an emergency situation or need simply for routine inspections. Get all your small plumbing issues fixed before they turn into major problems.

The 3 main plumbing services we provide are:

  • Hot water
  • Plumbing
  • Gas

Hot water

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have a prompt service on all hot water issues so if you have a broken thermostat, sediment build up or if it’s just simply from age it can be replaced or serviced without going without the comforts of streaming hot water.

Plumbing

When pipes are blocked with dirty water, bacteria can form and lay dormant. This can leech germs back down the pipes into your sinks and tubs where you are washing your dishes, having a shower or doing your clothes; making everything quite smelly and protentional unhealthy.Safer water

Other plumbing issues you have encounter can be:

Noisy Taps

which can be an irritation in the home although this is a sign that will need to be inspected so more damage doesn’t occur to taps and pipes.

Dripping Taps

not only waste water, they can lead up to higher water costs and causes calcium build up and stains in basins.

Gas

Regular maintenance of all gas appliances and supply systems are vital for the safety of your family to ensure you are not exposed to the toxic and dangerous levels of the chemical substance can cause from faulty appliances. Did you know if you do any alteration or extensions to your house need to move or install gas appliances like hot water services, heaters or stoves you will need a licenced gas fitter to help you.

Home Plumbing Maintenance and Inspection is another area that Mainline Plumbing can help you. Inspections can save you big repair bills when the problem is picked up before it becomes a large problem.

Contact Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas for all your plumbing needs 24/7 at Dunsborough 9759 1317.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas – No Job to Big or Small

leech-drainLife is easier when things are running smoothly, especially when it comes to your household utilities and appliances. We often don’t think about our plumbing, hot water, gas or sewer connections and storage units until an emergency occurs. Routine inspection and maintenance is a fantastic way to keep on top of the condition of your pipes, units and connections, and Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts in all areas that will visit your property quickly and affordably to give you peace of mind.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot water and Gas operate throughout Bunbury and the South West to ensure your family stays safe and comfortable when it comes to functioning appliances and smooth-running utilities. For even the smallest plumbing queries, inspections just to ‘check’ and regular maintenance to prevent bigger, costly problems, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are only too happy to help.

The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can assist you with the simplest of maintenance on your:

  • Hot Water Systems
  • Plumbing
  • Gas

Hot water installedHot Water Systems

Whether it be a funny noise coming from the unit, a smell or discolouration in your hot water or you simply feel the water is not as hot as it used to be, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can diagnose any small issues that may be causing big inconveniences. Our licensed hot water specialists can assess your system, whether it be an older or a newer system, and address small problems on the spot. You may simply need a new heating element, some corrosion cleaned out of the unit or a fiddle with the thermostat to get your hot water running smoothly again and prolong the life of your system.

Plumbing

Pipes, toilets, shower drains, sinks, drainage pipes and gully’s all contribute to the plumbing system in your home. Small blockages and leaks lead to big, costly problems very quickly so regular maintenance and inspection is always beneficial. If you know your pipes are prone to blockage in certain areas, your outdoor drains are full or gravel or sand or your toilet is starting to make an odd sound when you flush, call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas to get on top of it, fast!

Gas

Gas leakAny issues with gas need to be addressed immediately due to the toxic and dangerous nature of this chemical substance. By the time you can smell gas in your home without gas appliances on, you are passed the point of DIY or just letting it wait. Regular maintenance of gas appliances and supply systems is essential not only for the safety of your family and your home, but to save you money in wasted gas expenditure. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas licensed gas fitters can attend the site, assess the risk and fix the problem quickly and professionally.

No Job Is Too Small For Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas

Your safety, budget and comfort is important to us. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas will attend all plumbing, gas and hot water enquiries throughout the South West to save your small issues becoming big, costly emergencies. Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) for all your plumbing, gas and hot water needs today.

Noisy Tap? Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas

Tap Problems Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water & GasThere is not much more annoying in a residential household than a noisy, dripping tap. The sound of dripping tends to reverberate throughout the house at night when all is quiet, not to mention the waste of water over time, and noisy pipes and plumbing interrupt everyone.  You may think that dripping tap is just a small, annoying issue that can wait to be fixed or that the noisy pipes are just a quirky feature of your home, however these problems can often cause bigger, more costly issues if left unattended.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local choice in plumbing repairs, no matter how big or small. You may simply need to replace a small part, or something bigger may be the issue, especially if you have multiple small leaks or strange noises occurring behind the walls of your home.

We specialise in small jobs such as:

  • Noisy Taps
  • Dripping Taps
  • Home Plumbing Maintenance and Inspection

Noisy Taps

Sometimes referred to as water hammer, the loud rattling and banging in your water pipes is the result of a shock wave of high water pressure in the pipes is caused by the sudden closing of a valve. It can also occur due to:

  • Plumbing design faults
  • Mineral deposits on the aerator
  • Sizing differences in pipes or taps
  • Scale Buildup
  • Faulty appliance solenoid valves

Dripping TapDripping Taps

An annoying but usually easy fix – unless the problem is occurring within your walls. Turn off all water sources and go outside and check your meter. If it’s spinning fast, you’ve more than likely got a leak in a pipe, so check immediately for damp patches on your walls or in the garden and call Mainline Plumbing professionals.

Slowly ticking over despite no water being run in the house is probably a faulty washer. Although easy to fix yourself, this can cost a lot of money literally dripping down the drain in wasted water so it’s best to get onto it straight away, or call an expert to assist you.

Home Plumbing Maintenance and Inspection

Not keen on the idea of your plumbing looking after itself? Is your home older and the pipes acting their age? Or maybe you just like peace of mind knowing your plumbing is in perfect working order and not costing you unnecessarily? Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are experts in all areas of plumbing, hot water and gas fitting and are only too happy to attend your property and inspect all these utilities to ensure the safety of your family and the efficient function of your plumbing, hot water and gas.

Call Mainline Plumbing For All your Plumbing Issues – Big Or Small

Open 7 days a week – 24 hours a day, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your industry professionals who are available to help in emergency situations or simply for routine inspections. Get your small inconveniences fixed before they turn into major problems and phone Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) today.

Leaking Vanity? Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Today!

Wasted water

Bathrooms are wet places and water around your bathroom sink, or vanity, is not uncommon in most Australian homes. A small leak around the taps in your vanity sink may seem like nothing – in fact you may mistake it for the kids splashing water around or a result of some over enthusiastic teeth brushing, but it can cause major damage when not repaired before it becomes a big problem.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas specialise in repairing small problems before they become big, costly issues in homes throughout the South West. Whether it be a pipe dripping into the vanity cupboard or faulty taps above, the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can repair efficiently and affordably.

Vanity leaks are not always visible and can cause a lot of damage to:

  • Inside the Cupboards
  • On the Vanity Surface
  • To Your Water Bill

In the Cupboards

Check under the sink. A leak in the taps or in the pipes below will result in the vanity being wet – all the time. This will inevitably lead to rot in the cupboard material (usually wood, chip board or some form of melamine with plastic coating) and the need to replace the entire unit. Replacing a vanity is not a simple job and needs to be done by a professional, so save yourself labour, materials and the cost of a brand-new vanity and have the leaking pipes inspected and repaired by a professional.

On the Vanity Surface

Leaking pipe with towel

Check any bathroom and you’ll find some form of water pooling around the vanity sink. This is normal if you’ve just washed your hands or the kids have a tendency to play in the water more than wash with it, but if water is slowly dribbling around the base of the taps, its highly likely it will leak behind the sink itself and start to cause mould and rot.

 

To Your Water Bill

Whether it’s leaking from the pipes below, the taps above or dripping directly from the spout itself, that’s water being wasted and costing you money. Small leaks add up to big dollars on the water bill, increasing your consumption 24 hours a day.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas – Your Experts in Small Plumbing Problems

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas do not only just attend large plumbing emergencies. Their concern is the safety of your family and by attending the small jobs quickly to prevent big problems from occurring, the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas not only prevent stressful emergencies from occurring, they save your time and money as well. Call the team in Bunbury on 9791 1608 or the team in Dunsborough on 9759 1317 today.

Same Day Hot Water Unit Service with Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas

Hot Water by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas BunburyHave you noticed that with the change in weather your hot water unit isn’t performing as well as it used to? Is your hot water only running lukewarm or does it take considerable time for the water to heat to a desirable temperature? It is likely that your hot water unit is faulty or, worst case scenario, on it’s last legs. Regular maintenance can ensure that hot water units are running efficiently, however it’s not a common priority for most home owners.

Hot water units are like any household appliance and will start to show signs of wear and tear after time. If your hot water is not running as it should, it may be a very small repair that is required to bring it back to life, or it could be something more serious. Don’t wait for your shower to run cold, Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas can assist with all areas of hot water unit maintenance and repair and offer a same day service on all hot water unit issues.
There are several reasons your hot water unit might be running less efficiently that might not involve complete replacement, including:

  • Age
  • Broken thermostat
  • Sediment Build up

Age

Hot water units age like any other household appliance and become less efficient over time. Generally, a hot water unit has a lifespan of approximately 10 years (dependant on model, make and level of household usage). If you are aware that your hot water unit is older than this, it is important to have it regularly serviced. A quick inspection may find a small fault that can be rectified and add a few more years to your older unit’s lifespan.

Broken Thermostat

Hot water installerThe thermostat is the component that regulates gas intake from an attached fuel supply and, if faulty or broken, will not allow the unit to receive the signal to heat your water. This is a simple problem to fix but must be done only by a professional who can asses the unit and decide if an alternate thermostat can be fitted to improve efficiency.

Sediment Build Up

Over time, water contaminants can build up the bottom of your hot water unit, preventing it from producing enough hot water and clogging up the pipes. It can also cause great damage to the heating element. Bunbury water often has high levels of calcium and other minerals, so it pays to get a local expert to inspect your hot unit. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas know just how much sediment is too much for our local conditions.

Is Your Hot Water System Running Properly?

Hot water is more of a necessity than a luxury these days. Contact Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas today on 9791 1608 and ensure that your plumbing and hot water needs are being taken care of by the professionals with same day service.

Blocked Drains Down South? – Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Can Help

Blocked drainageBlocked drains and plumbing pipes are a common occurrence in Australian households and can become a big problem very quickly. Not only to blockages damage pipes and cause bacteria to grow within them, they can be very costly to repair if the blockage causes a leak, requiring pipes to be replaced.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have your solution to blocked drains from Bunbury to Dunsborough and surrounds. 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.

Don’t put your family, your plumbing or your finances at risk. Blocked drains can cause issues such as:

  • Causing Illness and Infection
  • Money and Water Wastage
  • Damaging house foundations and plumbing pipes

Causing Illness and Infection

When a pipe is blocked, dirty water pools and bacteria forms, all laying dormant and leeching germs into the sinks and tubs you wash your bodies, dishes and clothes in. 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. And nobody wants to wash their clothes or bathe in water that has been filtered through a mound of grease, hair and mouldy debris.

Money and Water Wastage

Wasted waterPutting up with a blocked pipe not only means your water runs less efficiently, it can result in water being wasted and an increase in water consumption bills. Blockages typically lead to build up of pressure and plumbing leaks, which, in turn, result in water being lost and damaging walls, outdoor structures and gardens.

Damaging House Foundations and Plumbing Pipes

When pipes in the foundations of your home are blocked, the integrity of the building material is compromised and costly damage can occur very quickly. Flooding is a very common occurrence when pipes are blocked due to the overflow of drains, which can not only damage floor surfaces, but internal cupboards as well.

Who Can Help Me With A Blocked Drain?

Looking for a plumber in Dunsborough/Margaret River who can attend your home or business today? The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your experts in household and commercial plumbing. If you suspect a blocked drain, call the team today on 9791 1608 for Bunbury and 9759 1317 in Dunsborough.

Help! My ORG (Overflow Relief Gully) Is Full Of Sand!

ORG-photoIt’s one of the most common occurrences in Australian residential homes – the blocked ORG! With the primary culprit being children and their tendency to lift the easily removable plastic grate and fill the long drop hole with sand, rocks, garden waste or even small toys, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have seen their fair share of plumbing problems stemming from this issue.

All properties in Australia require an Overflow Relief Gully (ORG); a grated drain that acts like a relief valve, located outside (usually on the ‘wet’ side of the house) that prevents a blocked sewer emptying its contents into your home. An ORG has a grate that pops out and allows the sewerage to overflow freely outside if you have a blockage in your plumbing, which is also a popular outside play thing for small children and some dogs to remove and take off with.

Some points to remember with ORG’s include:

  • Regular Inspections
  • Check Your ORG’s Height
  • Older Home? Check You’ve Got One.

Regular Inspections

Overflow Relief Gully’s have a major function in your home so it’s imperative to keep them well maintained. Inspect your ORG every so often to make sure that it’s not full of water (which means a blockage) and that it hasn’t been covered up with sand or other ‘matter’ and just check your downpipes and storm water are not connected into the ORG, as it can back up the sewer system (which is not designed to carry storm water).

Check Your ORG’s Height

Usually the ORG is at least 100mm lower than the lowest waste outlet (basin, toilet, shower drain) in your home and at least 150mm above the surrounding ground to prevent storm water flowing into it.

Older Home? Check You’ve Got One.

If your home was built prior to 1976, it won’t have an ORG, but if it has been renovated or you’re looking to renovate the house, you will need to ensure an ORG is installed. No house is ever immune to a plumbing blockage so to not have an ORG on your property means you could find yourself with a nasty mess, an emergency plumbing callout, or worse, an insurance claim.

Who Can Help Me With My Blocked ORG?

If the fixtures in your house don’t drain properly, a quick inspection of your ORG will tell you if the blockage is on the main sewer line or just the pipework from that particular fixture. If the ORG is clear, this indicates the blockage is in the pipework to the fixture itself. If the ORG is full of water, you may find you have a blockage down the line or it’s been filled with foreign matter that shouldn’t be there.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local plumbing experts and can assist you with all plumbing, hot water and gas problems, repairs and maintenance.

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

Photo credits to Power Water.

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