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Don’t Flush Your Baby Wipes

Baby wipesAs any parent will tell you, antibacterial wipes (or baby/wet wipes as they are known in Australia) are a godsend for parents of babies and toddlers. These small sheets of moist fibres are not exclusive to parents of young children; teenagers use them frequently for various purposes and there are now sanitary wipes available for all ages as an alternative for dry toilet paper. Whilst some of these products are actually marketed as flushable, recent research has revealed that these wet wipes are causing major issues in our wastewater systems.

According to the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission), wet wipes, even though claiming to be flushable, are simply not suitable to be disposed of in our plumbing systems. An astonishing one in four people in metropolitan areas are flushing wet/baby wipes down the loo and roughly 75% of reported sewer blockages in major cities are the result of wet wipe accumulation. (www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/beauty-and-personal-care/skin-care-and-cosmetics/articles/flushable-wipes)

The main reasons to not flush your baby/wet wipes down the toilet include:

  • Environmental Hazard
  • Pipe Blockages = Big Problems = Big Costs
  • Wipes are Now #1 for Blockages

Environmental Hazard

Wet/baby wipes do not break down like toilet paper does. They are designed to be much stronger and therefore take significantly longer in the biodegradation process. The chemicals used in the manufacture of these wipes contributes to water pollution and the fibrous paper itself simply adds to waste product in our wastewater system. If these wipes aren’t removed in treatment facilities, they are flushed out to oceans and creeks, causing major environmental hazards.

Blocked DrainPipe Blockages = Big Problems = Big Costs

The removal of large clumps of accumulated baby/wet wipes in plumbing pipes is labour intensive and very unpleasant. The wipes not only build up quickly to form a mass that is very difficult to break down, but other waste products get catch up in this blockage. As such, plumbers are well within their rights to charge accordingly and when you are frequently flushing baby/wet wipes down the loo, these blockages can occur way too often, resulting in plumbers being called and big bills being accumulated. Avoid large, costly plumbing bills by placing wipes in the rubbish bin, not the toilet.

Wipes Are Now #1 For Blockages

According to the ACCC and numerous residential plumbers, wipes are now the biggest cause of household plumbing blockages in Australia. Although so many are labelled as flushable, the truth is that they do not break down adequately and are causing detrimental blockages and damage to residential plumbing. In some reported cases, pipes have even burst, resulting in costly repair bills for not just the pipe repair, but the water damage to the home.

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas Fully Equiped UteI Think I Might Need To Check For Baby Wipe Blockage! Who Can Help Me?

The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have seen it all when it comes to plumbing blockages. They are your local, reliable professionals, servicing the South West for over 35 years. Call the team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury)  today to arrange a free quote to inspect your pipes if you think you may have flushed too many baby/wet wipes down your plumbing pipes.

Source: www.choice.com.au

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) .

Why Has My Hot Water Gone Cold?

ShowerThere are very few things in life more uncomfortable than a cold shower or more unsanitary than a sink full of icy dish washing water. Some swear by the awakening properties of freezing cold streams of water or argue that it simply takes just a little more elbow grease to wash dishes in cold water, however most people enjoy the luxury of hot water, especially when they have paid good money for a functioning hot water system.

So why is your hot water system not working? There could be many reasons why your lovely warm water is not flowing through to the sink, shower or drain that you wish it to. Here are some of the main culprits you need to hunt down once you’ve warmed up and are on the hunt!

  • Someone’s Using the Water
  • Individual Fixture Malfunction
  • In Need of Repair

Someone’s Using the Water

A serious crime in any household, the use of the hot water tap, when someone else is in the shower is tantamount to a week of dishwashing duties. If your hot water flow significantly decreases whilst you are in the shower, your most likely culprit is that someone is using the water elsewhere in the house.

Similarly, the increasing number of showers, loads of washing, dishwasher or sink fills can tax your hot water system’s maximum capacity. It can take over 30 mins for some water heaters to re-heat a full tank of water. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas carry a range of larger hot water systems and instantaneous solutions that simply heat the required amount of water as it moves through a heated coil, that may be able to assist with your growing families water requirements.

Water pipe repair

Individual Fixture Malfunction

If the water is running at your desired heated temperature from all the other taps and shower heads in your home except one, then you will most likely find it is something simple that is faulty with that particular plumbing fixture. Broken showerhead mixing valves, which regulate the mix of hot and cold water, are a common issue, however your problem may extend into the pipes in the walls so be sure to call a plumber for any repairs and replacements.

In Need of Repair

Have you checked the water temperature settings haven’t been fiddled with? Is the electricity supply turned on or pilot light still lit? If all the basic checks come back with no reason why your system shouldn’t be functioning properly, it’s time to call in the experts. Heating elements can be burnt out or become encrusted with sediment, temperature control valves can be faulty, or you may have a blockage in the pipes, all jobs for a licensed plumber and gas fitter.

Who Do I Call to Fix My Hot Water Problems?

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas Fully Equiped UteMainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your experts in hot water. Whether it be to repair a leaking valve or a full replacement of your hot water heating system, you can be assured that Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas carry the skills and experience to ensure the job is done professionally and on budget.

Call the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas
on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) today and organise your free, no-obligation quote, or call-out fee-free inspection today.

Everything You Need To Know About Instantaneous Gas

Hot water installerInstantaneous, or continual flow, gas refers to a hot water system that only heats up as much water as you require. The gas starts to heat the water when the hot water tap is turned on by initiating the gas burner and heating the water as it runs through a coiled pipe. Rather than heating a full tank of still water, the unit only heats the water that is needed, shutting off the heating process when the hot water tap is turned off.

Benefits to installing an instantaneous gas hot water system include:

  • Save money
  • Less Water Wastage
  • Better For The Environment
  • Safe For Your Family

Save money

The average person uses up to 50L of hot water per day. With the cost of water use and consumption rising dramatically, the restricted heating of only the water that you require will save you money. Rennai instantaneous gas hot water systems also come with a 6 star efficiency rating, so you are assured you are getting exceptional quality and saving money.

Less Water Wastage

The ‘instant’ effect of an instantaneous gas hot water system also ensures you wait less time for your water to get hot, so less water wasted. The instantaneous gas hot water system can also be connected to bottled or underground gas lines.

Hot water installedBetter for the Environment

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are proud suppliers and installers of Rennai hot water system, which are proven to release less greenhouse gas emissions and are highly aware of the need to conserve our precious natural resources. They are also compatible with slow flow shower heads. Less water usage means less cost to you and less strain on our environment.

Safe for Your Family

The thermostat on an instantaneous hot water system can be set to a maximum temperature, meaning little hands and bodies cannot be burnt if the hot water tap is turned on too high.

Who Can Help Me with Instantaneous Gas Hot Water System Supply and Install?

For the most up to date products, reliability and performance, you cannot go past Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. Your local choice for experience, professionalism and cost-effective plumbing, hot water and gas solutions, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas will find the perfect system for your home. Call the team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) today for a free quote.  Remember Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are available 24 / 7 for all your emergency hot water and plumbing needs.

I Can Smell Gas? What Do I Do?

Gas leakYou may have a gas leak. Leaking gas is a serious hazard and should be dealt with only by a licensed gas fitter or professional that is highly trained in assessing and repairing a damaged gas unit.

If you think you have a gas leak call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas NOW

on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) , we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including Christmas Day.

For most people, the smell of gas is distinctive. The odour added to an otherwise unscented gas that we use in our homes is very unpleasant, and for a good reason. The smell is there to indicate that gas is present, and when you can detect this odour in a place you shouldn’t be able to, it signifies that either someone has left the gas on, or you have a leak.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your licensed and highly trained professionals when it comes to gas fitting and repairs in the South West. They can assist you with all of your commercial and household gas needs including:

  • Hot Water Systems
  • Gas Cooking Appliances
  • Gas Repairs and Maintenance

Hot Water Systems

Hot water installedInstalling, replacing and repairing your hot water system is simple with Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. Our licensed tradesmen are fully qualified plumbers and gas fitters who take pride in their work and strive to bring you a quality product with superior after sales service. Whether your unit is older and needs upgrading, your elements need replacing, or you need a brand new system installed in your new home, the premium products and service provided by Mainline  Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas is second to none.

Gas Cooking Appliances

Everybody knows that cooking with gas results in more control over the heat you use when cooking and can be significantly more economical than electric elements. Stove top cooking with gas is a traditional method that has maintained its’ popularity due to the more efficient cooking times and higher-grade quality of heat production. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can install and service all of your gas cooking appliances to the highest industry standard for both town gas supply and bottled gas supplied services.

Gas Repairs and Maintenance

If you find your gas appliances or hot water unit needing attention, Mainline Plumbing are your first point of call. Maintenance of your gas appliances is essential to ensure they run smoothly and that a small problem doesn’t turn into a disastrous emergency. For yearly service and maintenance, your Mainline plumber and gas fitter can assess your unit or appliance and address any issues that may be evident. Should your unit or appliance need repairing, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can assist you with fast and cost effective service.

Who Can Help Me With My Gas Leak?

Servicing the South West for over 35 years, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas offer years of knowledge and experience in all areas of gas fitting as well as a 24/7 availability and no call out or extra fees for after-hours emergencies. Call the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury)  for more information, or for a free quote today.

Why Choose Natural Gas?

Natural gasGas Stove is fast becoming the energy source of choice for residential homes and it’s easy to see why. With numerous benefits and plentiful resources, gas combines convenience and comfort as well as being an efficient and environmentally friendly choice for your home.

The top 5 reasons to choose natural gas for your home are:

  1. Savings and Value
  2. Environmentally Friendly
  3. Convenience
  4. Versatility and Comfort
  5. Safety

1. Savings and Value

Natural gas costs considerably less to run than electricity, especially when it comes to heating. When you consider that gas can replace electricity for home heating, cooking and warming your water, that’s a significant amount of savings. Due to the safety considerations surrounding gas, you are far less likely to leave your stove top or gas heater on, whereas electric systems are often left on for hours unnecessarily, resulting in higher energy costs.

Hot gas2. Environmentally Friendly

Natural gas is the cleanest burning energy source for residential housing. It produces significantly less sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and airborne particles than other fuel sources and conserves natural resources.

3. Convenience

Natural gas runs straight from local lines to your home. You don’t have to worry about ordering replacement bottles or running out of gas in the middle of a hot shower and there is no need for chopping wood for the fire place either with a gas heater. Natural gas also cooks faster on a gas cook top or in a gas oven and your hot water system warms up faster and recovers quicker than an electric system.

4. Versatility and Comfort

Natural gas not only heats your home, but also provides heat for cooking, water heating and more advanced comfort appliances like outdoor kitchens and gas fireplaces. You can even hook up your natural gas to heat your swimming pool or spa, your outdoor lighting or your BBQ.

Natural gas can also produce heat quicker, making a room feel warmer, faster. Maximise the comfort of your home in the colder months with quick, reliable natural gas heating.

5. Safety

Gas work by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas BunburyDue to its many applications, natural gas safety standards on appliances are strict and all precautions and training is undertaken by professionals to ensure maximum compliance. An odour is added to natural gas as a means to detect leaks and even though natural gas is dissipated into open air more quickly than other heavier fuels, a licensed gas fitter should always be called to address any safety or maintenance issues with natural gas appliances or pipes.

Why Choose Natural Gas?

Choose natural gas because it is economical, environmental, convenient; Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas are licensed gas fitters and experts in natural gas installation and maintenance. Call the team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) for a free quote and get connected today.

Heating Your Home Safely with Gas

Coming home to a toasty warm house is one of the best parts about winter. When your gas heater is doing its job and heating your home, it’s easy to forget about its maintenance and safety.  The maintenance and safety side of things and just enjoy the warmth, but the condition of your heater is more important than you think.

Gas work by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Bunbury

Gas heating is widely used in Australia. We heat, cook and refrigerate with it. With gas we are enjoying the conveniences more and more with the supply of natural gas plus technological advances in gas products. However, it is essential to recognise the safety risks associated with not properly maintaining your gas appliances to prevent damage to the unit, explosion or fire in the home or even carbon monoxide poisoning.

Damage to The Unit

Reading and adhering to safety and operating instructions for all gas appliances is essential for efficient running of the unit and to prevent damage to the structure itself and surrounding areas. Incorrect use of the product will more than likely void a warranty and leave you with a costly repair bill (and a cold house!).

Hot Water by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Bunbury

Explosion or Fire

An obviously highly undesirable outcome from faulty use of gas appliances is the explosion of gas with heat and fire. A small incident can leave you without an appliance, a more significant one can leave you without your house, or with serious injury. Follow all operating and safety instructions on your gas heater to prevent disastrous consequences.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Faulty, un-serviced heaters are the main source of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the home. An odourless gas that can be fatal if consumed for too long in a closed space, carbon monoxide can leak from gas heater units at any time, despite how old the system may be. All gas heating systems in your home should be serviced and tested for CO spillage at least every two years.

Call Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas your trusted professionals on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) today to service your gas heating systems and ensure the safety of your home and family.

Please note, gas servicing must be performed by a licence gas fitter.

Getting Your Gas Appliances Checked Can Save Lives

Did you know you can get your gas appliances tested?

Gas appliances need to be maintained and checked from time to time. Heaters, hot water systems, and stoves should be checked by a licensed gas fitter to have sure that they are not leaking, carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused by leaking gas appliances.

Why Do I Need a Licensed Gas Fitter to Check My Appliances?

Carbon monoxide leaks are very hard to detect because the poisonous gas is colourless, tasteless, and odourless. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal and can be avoided by having your appliances checked.

A licensed gas fitter is trained and qualified to check and test your gas appliances to make sure they are safe and working efficiently. Plus, they can fix any gas leaks.

What are the Symptoms of Gas Poisoning

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness tiredness, nausea and vomiting.

Gas Appliances and Rental Properties

It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure all gas appliance are working, maintained and are safe.

How to Get Your Gas Appliance Tested

Simple, call Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas; we have a team of plumbers who are licenced and experienced gas fitters. Call today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) and will have any problems sorted for you quickly and cost effectively.

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas your local licensed gas fitter

What to do with a noisy tap?

Do you have a noisy tap, that is driving everyone crazy?

Especially in the middle of the night when someone gets up to go to the toilet and tries to wash their hands quietly and wakes the whole household up with dreadful banging, rattling and vibrating noises. Is it just a one off noise or is it persisting? Luckily, noisy taps are usually pretty easy to fix – so, give Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas a call.

Tap Problems Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water & Gas

Possible causes for a noisy tap

Sometimes this is also referred to as water hammer. It is when a shock wave of high water pressure in the pipes is caused by the sudden closing of a valve. Want to know what could be causing your tap to scream and make those unbearable noises? It could be any of the following reasons:

  • Faults in your plumbing design
  • Mineral deposits on the aerator
  • Faulty tap washers
  • Wrong size of tape or pipe
  • A buildup of scale
  • Solenoid valves on appliances
  • High water pressure

Why is my tap constantly dripping?

Firstly, check your water meter when no water is being used to see if it is still ticking over. If so, the leak will be either through your pipes or from your tap washers. You will be pleased to know that this is a quick fix. However, if there is a leaking pipe – you may need to search for damp patches in either your garden or your lawn. These are sometimes a little trickier to locate.

Do you have any idea how much money your dripping tap is costing you? You would be surprised to know that just one leaky tap is costing you thousands of litres of water – just going straight down the drain. Don’t hesitate – call Mainline Plumbing right away.

Call Mainline Plumbing for all of your tap problems

Choosing a good plumber who uses proper installation techniques is the only way of ensuring that these problems don’t continue to happen. If you have guests coming these holidays – noisy and dripping taps is the last thing you need.

Phone Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water & Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) and get those small inconveniences fixed before they turn into major problems.

We are open 7 days a week – 24 hours a day!

Emergency Plumbing Over Christmas?


Where to go for the best plumbing service in Bunbury?
Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas for all your Emergency Plumbing Over Christmas.

Don’t know much about us? Well, we have almost 40 years of experience and have been servicing the greater Bunbury area all this time. We service Australind, Dalyellup, Gelorup, Eaton, Brunswick, Capel, Collie and the surrounding areas. We operate 7 days a week – 24 hours a day – so we are always at your beck and call. Our quotes are always FREE and there’s no call out fee or after hour charges. We are even here for all your emergency plumbing over Christmas

The Mainline Plumbing teamMainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas Fully Equiped Ute

We have a team of honest, motivated and experienced professionals. All our tradesman area fully qualified, accredited and police cleared. Our staff will always provide you with a fast and reliable service. We will be available when required – especially during those emergencies at times like Christmas – when you need us most. We are all about sharing our knowledge and passion for solutions. No matter what your plumbing needs are – Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas will have a solution for you.

Check out our testimonials.

Our vehicles

Our vehicles at Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas are all fully equipped and can handle any situation. They contain stock, oxy and acetylene and welding equipment for all of your plumbing and gas needs. We have drain machines, and rods are specifically designed to clear blocked and clogged drains. We also have a backup service for septic storm water pump outs.

Mainline Plumbing is your best plumbing option

Whether you have a drain that’s not working, need sewer cleaning or simply a gas fitting, we are fully equipped to help you out. Don’t let any problem disrupt your business or daily life – let us provide you with our quality service.

Emergency Plumbing Over Christmas?

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas for all your emergency plumbing Bunbury and surrounds.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember we are here for emergency plumbing work.

We pride ourselves on great customer service, being prompt and offering cost-effective solutions to all your plumbing issues. Don’t get your hands dirty, call the professionals at Mainline Plumbing & Cheap & Hot Water & Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) .