Blog

Have You Bought A New Home? Do You Need A Plumbing Checkup?

New homeHave you just bought a new home? Congratulations! Purchasing and moving into a new home is such an exciting time. You’ve done all of the inspections and new adventures lay ahead. But many new homeowners find out too late that their new home has severe plumbing problems buried far beneath the walls, with old or inadequate plumbing systems not being revealed in pre-sale inspections. Nobody can see through your walls, but you can take some steps to visually inspect your home for any potential problems.

It is imperative that you always call a professional out to inspect and rectify any issues you may recognise when it comes to the plumbing in your home. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts in all areas of residential and commercial plumbing and can assist you in recognising and repairing small issues before they become large problems.

Some signs to look out for and inspections to carry out include:

  • Standing Water
  • Peeling Paint and Rust
  • Sewer/Septic Tank
  • Water Heater

Standing Water

paintA big indicator that water leakage is awry is standing water, or pools of water in certain areas of your yard, that won’t dry up and are recurring. Excess water in your yard usually indicates a leak in the sewer line coming from your home and can contain waste that your children and pets can easily gain access too, not to mention being a breeding ground for pests, insects and germs. Swampy patches in your grass or garden beds, or areas where the grass or plants look particularly green are usually the areas to inspect first.

Peeling Paint and Rust

Inside your home, the biggest indicator of leaking pipes is water damage to your walls. Peeling and bubbling paint and rust spreading over metal door frames is your first sign that the pipes are leaking water into the wall cavity. You should also inspect the inside of cabinets and cupboards in the kitchen and bathrooms to check for water damage. This will usually be picked up in your house inspection, however cheap patch up jobs can hide the damage behind the wall. If your wall plaster or surface feels damp to touch, comes off in your hands or is bubbling away on the surface, call your plumber to inspect the pipes for a leak.

Sewer/Septic Tank

Whether your new home runs on the Water Corporation’s wastewater system or you have your own septic tank, an inspection of the sewage is imperative to ensure your waste is being carried away efficiently from your home. Check for wet patches above the location of the septic tank (if you have one) and if your plumbing shows any signs of blockage, such as slow draining, bad smells or strange noises, call your plumber. They can use specialised equipment to inspect the pipes thoroughly.

Water Heater

Hot water specialistCheck your water heater for year of manufacture and any signs of damage from the outside. Water heaters and their elements can be costly to repair or replace so frequent checks are essential. If you live in an area that experiences ‘hard water’, the elements and fixtures can corrode quickly so if your hot water is limited or the heater shows signs of damage or significant age, it’s best to call your plumber to assess before it ends up costly you significantly.

Who Do I Call to Arrange An Inspection Of My Plumbing?

The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have over 35 years experience in inspecting, maintaining and repairing plumbing in the South West. If you have just bought a new property, or believe your plumbing could benefit from a check-up, call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas today
on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) for a free quote.

Plumbing Questions Answered

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

Why Does A Toilet Just Start To Run/Leak?

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

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

Is There Really Such Thing as Hard Water?

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

Why Is The Toilet Making That Noise When I Flush?

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

What Causes Low Water Pressure?

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

Hot water installerWhy Does The Hot Water Run Out So Fast?

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

How Do I Find The Best Plumber?

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

My Drain is Blocked, What Do I Do Now?

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

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

A blocked drain is more than just a nuisance

Blocked drains can cause issues such as:

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

Aggravating Health Issues

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

Damaging House Foundations and Plumbing Pipes

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

Blocking Your Septic Tank and Leech Drains

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

Who Can Help Me With A Blocked Drain?

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

Water Filtration Systems In The South West

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

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

Some benefits from using filtered water include:

  • Safer For Your Family
  • Better For Your Appliances
  • Cost Effective

Safer waterSafer For Your Family

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

Better For Your Appliances

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

Cost Effective

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

Who Can Install A Water Filtration System For Me?

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

DIY Plumbing Fixes While You Wait For The Experts

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

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

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

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

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

My toilet won’t flush properly

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

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

Help! My toilet is leaking!

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

Call Mainline Plumbing for all of your toilet problems

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

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

How To Convert To Deep Sewerage?

Sewerage conversionHave you heard all the benefits about converting to deep sewerage but don’t know how to go about it? Do you know your home is eligible to be connected to the deep sewerage system but not sure who to contact, what the process is, or when to organise it to be done? The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have been connecting local properties for over 30 years and are more than happy to assist you in all your deep sewerage enquiries and services.

Have you seen these little signs popping up all over Bunbury?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have been busy connecting properties in South Bunbury to the Water Corporations deep sewerage system, providing environmentally aware, cost effective conversions when residents receive their ‘call to act’ letter.

So how do you get your home converted to deep sewerage?

  • Check your Eligibility
  • Understand the Process
  • Call Mainline Plumbing

Check Your Eligibility

South Bunbury residenceHave you received a call to act letter from the Water Corporation? Or do you already know that the deep sewerage lines run through your neighbourhood but your home is still connected to your own septic tank? Older homes will sometimes still operate on their own septic, newer homes are generally connected to the deep sewerage automatically when the estate is built (unless your new home is in a remote location or in an area where deep sewerage has not been established).

Understand the Process

You need to be informed as to what to expect when your property is connected to deep sewerage. Groundworks are extensive, as pipes need to be laid within the ground to move the water to a pumping station, with smaller pipes branching off these bigger ones to every home on the deep sewerage system. Some disruption to water supply is inevitable and you can expect some ‘extra’ garden modifications, dependant on where the pipes need to run to connect.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas pride themselves on being extremely professional and considerate when completing this work and endeavour to maintain as much of your garden and properties integrity as possible.

Call Mainline Plumbing

Sewer ConversionOnce you know you are able to connect to the deep sewerage and understand the process, your next, and final call, is to Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. They will take care of all the details in regard to your sewerage conversion and will work with you to choose a time convenient to you and your family.

As a bonus with Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas, if you call to book your conversion within the month of receiving your call to act letter from the Water Corporation, you will be in the running to receive your conversion for free!

How Do I Convert To Deep Sewerage?

Increase the value of your home and put your mind at ease with a professional sewerage conversion from Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. Call the team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) today to organise your free quote and let us take care of everything to do with your home’s conversion.

Who Can Help Me With A Plumbing Emergency?

Leach Drain by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas BunburyLife is all about the little surprises and when it comes to household plumbing, surprises are often unexpected, unwanted and can cause a lot of stress. Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & 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 any emergencies that arise.

Just some of the emergencies that Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas can assist with include:

  • Hot Water Problems
  • Burst Pipe
  • Blocked Toilet/Drains
  • Leaking Septic Tank
  • Water Damage

Hot Water by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas BunburyHot Water Problems

There is nothing more uncomfortable than a freezing cold shower on a cold morning when your hot water system has broken down. It affects the entire family and is not restricted to the bathroom; dishes need hot water to be washed in and laundry may need hot water for effective cleaning too. Getting your hot water system repaired and working again quickly and professionally will eradicate any extra stress and ensure the family home is kept running smoothly, as well as complying with any warranties on your existing hot water unit.

Burst 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.

Blocked Toilet / Drains

Mainline Plumbing in actionIt’s not just about the bad smell when your toilet and drains are blocked, but the damage it can cause if not fixed sooner than later. Plumbers have the correct tools and equipment to clear out blocked drains quickly and safely, without ending up with water all over the floor of your home or having to reach your own arms into a smelly drain.

Leaking Septic Tanks

Although the conversion to deep water sewage has been rapid and well received, some properties still operate on their own septic tank. The major indicator that your tank has sprung a leak or needs emptying is the ground that covers it. If the lawn or sand that covers your septic tank is soggy and wet, call your plumber immediately to inspect your tanks for cracks or if it needs draining.

Water Damage

If your wall looks like it has a disease, with bubbles in the paint or plaster and flaking off in small chunks, chances are there is water trapped in the wall cavity that is causing damage to the interior and exterior of your house walls. Plumbers can trace the source of the leak and advise the best course of action for this common issue to be repaired before further, more expensive damage can be done.

Mainline Plumbine -Team the trusted name in the plumbing industry.Who Can I Call When I Have A Plumbing Emergency?

Not only does employing a licensed plumber give you peace of mind, it is also a legal and insurance requirement. Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas do not have call out fees or after hour penalty rates for emergencies and offer a guarantee for same day service for all plumbing and gas emergencies. They 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 & Cheap Hot Water & Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) today, 24 / 7 every day of the year.

 

Spring Plumbing Tips

springHallelujah!! Spring weather is finally here, and with the start of the new season comes spring cleaning! Whilst your home and garden are the first areas that come to mind for the big overhaul, your pipes and drainage systems will benefit from a bit of TLC too.

Plumbing Prevention Is Much Better (And Cheaper) Than Cure!

Checking your plumbing for areas that may need maintenance and/or repairs is important to ensure it is efficient for the summer months, where water is typically in heavy use. Any major issues can be addressed now to ensure you don’t run out of water when you need it most.

Some quick and simple Spring Plumbing tips include:

  • Check taps for drips and leaks. Replace washers if needed.
  • Check toilets for hidden leaks using the food colour test – add 10 drops of food colouring to the upper tank; if the toilet is leaking, the colour will appear in the bowl within 10-20 minutes.
  • Check and unclog strainers over drains.
  • Inspect toilet bowl for cracks.
  • Make sure your toilets flush properly – aren’t filling too high or draining too slow.
  • Check your temperature setting on your hot water unit.
  • Drain your hot water unit to flush out corrosion and sediment.
  • Check exposed pipes under laundry troughs and bathroom sinks for leaks or corrosion.
  • Check yard drains, gutters and downpipe spouts for dead leaves and debris that may have become stuck with the rain over winter.
  • Check outside hoses and taps for leaks, cracks or damage.

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas Fully Equiped UteNeed Help With Your Plumbing?

These tips are brought to you by Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas to assist you in preparing your plumbing for the warmer months ahead. The team at Mainline are more than happy to provide professional advice, with almost 40 years experience servicing Bunbury and surrounds. For all your plumbing, hot water and gas needs, Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas is your local choice, so call today
on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough).

Do You Need To Convert To Deep Sewage?

Drain RestorationIs your home a bit older and still connected to its’ own septic tank?

Are you able to be connected to the deep sewerage system in your neighbourhood? Not sure?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can advise whether you are eligible to connect to your local sewage system, arrange connection and decommission your existing septic tank.

The drainage system in your home carries water away whenever toilets are flushed, sinks are drained or water is run. It’s a process that takes little thought on our part, but is an essential component of both the wastewater management and the environmental impact our houses have in our community. When it comes to drainage systems, you have one of two choices; sewage or septic.

Older homes and rural properties are typically still connected to their own septic system, with deep sewage conversions only commencing as recently as 30 years ago in the Bunbury area. Newer homes, new estates and renovated homes will all be connected to the deep sewerage system. The aim is to eventually convert all existing homes to the deep water sewage system and decommission septic tanks.

Some reasons to convert to deep sewage include:

  • Costs and maintenance
  • Increase Value
  • Possible zoning requirement

Cost and Maintenance

SewerageSeptic tanks can seem a more eco-friendly option, however they require a lot more maintenance. Regularly inspections of the ground surrounding the tank to check for overflowing, increased chance of pipe blockage, pumping out the tank and the significant cost of repair should the tank leak or overflow. Whilst deep sewerage connects a community and maintenance is paid for by local governments (via rates), septic tanks are the responsibility of the private landowner and costs to repair or maintain can be significant for an individual to incur.

Increase Value

Due to the perceived costs and maintenance required for septic tanks, homes connected to sewerage lines are generally favoured over those connected to a septic tank. Resale value is thought to be increased as buyers do not want to hassle of maintaining the septic, or paying for inevitable conversion.

Possible zoning requirement

Whilst all newer homes are automatically connected to the deep water sewerage system, older homes will all eventually be converted under local government regulations. Your residential area may or may not have requirements for your home to be connected to sewage however it pays to arrange a connection earlier rather than later.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can connect your property cost effectively and professionally and have been doing so for local properties for over 30 years.

Call the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough) for all your questions and a free quote today.

Are You Flushing Your Money Down the Toilet?

Toilet ProblemsOne of the biggest, and sneakiest wasters of water in your home is your toilet. Water is a precious resource that needs to be conserved and used wisely and as many of us know, water leaks lead to big water bills. You may have only one, or you may have 2 or 3, but that sneaky little necessity that sits so unsuspectingly in your bathroom or laundry (or even in a room of its own) can be costing you more money than you think.

Leaking toilets are usually not really noticeable until the problem is quite significant, in which time has passed and you have already lost a fair amount of water and added to your water costs. As toilets are one of the most water-intensive fixtures in your house, it is thought that you may be losing up to 750L per day if your loo is leaking.

Toilet Problems?

The most common toilet problems include:

  • Phantom Flushes – water trickling into the bowl after it has been flushed. This water continues to run for a long period of time, if not stopping at all.
  • Water Tank Trickles – water trickling into the tank at the top of the toilet.
  • Slow Bowl – a sign a blocked pipe or a problem further down the ‘line’.
  • Leaky Seals – noticeable when hard water spots and corrosion or moisture is present around the pipe seals.

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & GasThe prevalence of hard water in newer housing estates and the presence of more chemicals in our community water supply contributes significantly to the wear and tear of our home fixtures, especially if they are made of plastic, rubber or metal. Rust and sediment forms easily on metal, allowing the fixture to become brittle and break easily, as with plastic and rubber.

Who to Call About Your Leaking Toilet?

The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and gas have almost 40 years experience in plumbing in the South West. They have the knowledge, tools and expertise to install, repair and/or maintain your plumbing and can offer great advice when it comes to saving money on your water bill. Give Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water a call today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) or 9759 1317 (Dunsborough).

Remember we also do emergencies 24/ 7 every day of the year including public holidays, Christmas and Easter. “Who you gonna call?” Your trusted plumbing professionals Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water.