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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.

Are you Having Trouble with your Sewerage?

Septic tank doneDepending on what kind of septic tank you have will depend on the maintenance that needs to be done.

Septic Systems of conventional or standard systems are underwater wastewater treatment systems used in rural or regional areas without a centralised sewer system.

If you are not sure what kind of septic system you have, contact your local council or shire and ask for your septic plans for the property, keep in mind there may be a fee charged for this and could take anywhere up to 10 days for retrieval. Another place to look would be your building plans of the house. Ask you neighbours they will probably know.

Signs You May Have a Malfunctioning Septic System?

  • Low Water Pressure
  • Smells
  • Find a Puddle, Pool Around the Septic System
  • Lush Green Growth

Low Water Pressure

If you are experiencing low water pressure or flow in your toilet system, first contact the water service in your area to check if work is being done. If this is not the case, there could be plumbing problem that will need the expertise of a qualified plumber to solve the problem.

Sewerage conversionSmells

If there is a foul odour coming from your drain field or septic tank this could be an indication of a blockage in the system, if you hear gurgling noises coming from areas in the home and a pungent smell, this could be harmful and will need to be given attention from a professional plumber to see where the problem is coming from.

Find a Puddle, Pool Around the Septic System

A pool of muddy water around the septic system especially in the dry seasons will be a sign that something isn’t flowing correctly through the septic system.

Lush Green Growth

Lush green growth around the drain fields, especially during the summer, is usually a good indication that the drain field is clogged and wastewater is not draining away like it should be.

Do You Suspect Your Septic System Needs Servicing?

For all your emergency and general plumbing needs contact the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas in Bunbury 9791 1608

Sewerage Conversion in Bunbury

Sewer conversionHas the time come for you to convert from septic to deep water sewerage and you are not sure who to call for all of your sewage conversion requirements? Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are the trusted name in sewerage conversion, having converted hundreds of houses across the South West from older septic tanks, efficiently and compliant with local shire regulations. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have been busy connecting properties to the Water Corporations deep sewerage system all year, providing environmentally aware, cost effective conversions and arranging connection and decommissioning existing septic tanks.

You need a licensed plumber to connect to the Water Corporation’s deep wastewater system and Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your skilled professionals that should be your first point of call.

So, what’s involved in starting the conversion process?

  • Call the Authorities
  • Be Informed
  • Call Mainline Plumbing

Call the Authorities

Are you already aware 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 whereas newer homes are generally connected to the deep sewerage automatically when the estate is built. To start the process, simply contact your Environmental Health Officer in your local shire to advise them that you wish to be connected to the sewerage system. If the system is available and runs through your area, they can advise you on the steps to take and whether you need to decommission your old tank.

Be Informed

SewerageMake sure you are informed as to what to expect when your property is connected to deep sewerage, including time frames, expected groundworks and possible temporary obstructions to your property. 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 garden modifications, dependent 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 property’s integrity as possible.

Call Mainline Plumbing

Once you know you are able to connect to the deep sewerage and understand the process, your next call is to Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas too book your conversion at a time that is convenient for you.

Who Can help Me With Sewer Conversion in Bunbury?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have been servicing the South West for over 3 decades and have the knowledge, equipment and expertise to assist you with all of your deep water sewerage conversion enquiries. Call the team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) today to organise your free quote and get connected to the deep water sewage system.

Renovating My Kitchen – Do I Need An Expert?

KitchenRenovating your kitchen is a big job and one that should not be done entirely as a DIY project. There are so many appliances and fixtures in your kitchen that need the expertise of a licensed and qualified tradesman to safely remove and/or shift, and Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your one stop shop when it comes to all the experts you need. From dismantling and moving gas stoves to relocating sinks and plumbing pipes, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas provide plumbers and gas fitters for all your kitchen renovation needs.

Servicing the community of the South West for over 35 years, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can work with you to achieve the kitchen of your dreams. Once you have sourced your new fixtures and cupboards and planned your new kitchen layout, call the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas to ensure fast, friendly service in installing and disconnecting your required appliances and fittings.

Some appliances and fixtures you definitely need an expert for include:

  • Gas Stove
  • Plumbing Pipes
  • Sinks

Gas Stove

Gas stoveWhilst your gas stove may have seen better days and you are replacing it with an electric one or you simply want to move it, you will need a professional gas fitter to detach and either dismantle or shift it. Dismantling gas appliances is dangerous and can pose potential risks of leaks and explosions in your home. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas employ only licensed gas fitters to ensure your gas appliances and pipes are altered and renovated safely and efficiently.

Plumbing Pipes

These veins run through your entire home and pump water to where it’s needed and carry it away from where it’s not. The intricacies of plumbing can only be understood by an experienced plumber and you don’t want to be capping off essential plumbing pipes, using wrong fittings to extend existing pipes or cutting off supply to the area you need water the most. Plumbers can follow the lines of your plumbing to ensure your water pressure is adequate and efficient so it’s a job best left to the professionals.

Safer waterSinks

It may seem easy to replace a sink, however the size and location of your sink has more to do with the surrounding structures than you may think. Plumbers can assist you with sink placement and installation to ensure it’s not too close to a wall that may cause damage with excessive water, or tiles that can get damaged over time from exposure to too much liquid. Fitting a sink, or moving it to another location is also a job for the experienced, with some older fittings needing to be altered and extended to accommodate newer parts.

Who Can Assist Me With My Kitchen Renovation in Bunbury?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas offer fast, effective, safe and honest workmanship to residential homes and commercial buildings. We offer expert services in plumbing, including drain blockages and burst pipes, as well as emergency callouts for gas problems and hot water issues. For more information on how we can assist with your kitchen renovation, call us on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) today.

Pipe Relining with Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas

PlumbingSometimes plumbing pipes have a mind of their own. No matter how vigilant you are in ensuring strange items don’t get flushed or tipped down the drain, some pipes are simply too aged and worn to function properly. Broken and leaking pipes can cause a lot of damage and cost you a lot of money to repair and digging up your garden or pulling pipes out of the walls is not only hugely inconvenient. It will set you back a small fortune.

The latest technology in pipe preventative care assists to rehabilitate damaged drain and sewer lines underground without the need for excavation. It’s called Pipe Relining and works by placing a lining solution inside the existing pipe, along it’s sides, to form the shape of the pipe. Benefits of Pipe Relining include:

  • Prolong the Life Of Your Pipes
  • Cost Effective and Saves Money
  • Minimise Landscape Disruption

Prolong the Life Of Your Pipes

The use of the epoxy materials in the relining process reinforces the old pipe throughout the entire system. Much like a sealant, this resin lines and supports the old pipe and eliminates weak points and joints, giving your pipes higher efficiency and resilience to damage.

Cost Effective and Saves Money

Pipe repairAt the first sign of damage or leaking, preventative measures will usually ensure that further damage, and cost, can be avoided. Much like sealing a roof at the first sign of a leak inside, relining your pipes is a cost effective preventative measure to deter further damage and the need for complete replacement. Pipe relining is far less labour-intensive as the pipes do not have to be extracted from the ground and you do not have the added cost of materials and surroundings damaged during excavation.

Minimise Landscape Disruption

Plants and tress that have taken years to grow and establish can be gone in a second when you need to dig up your yard to replace and repair broken or damaged plumbing. Pavers and concrete for patio flooring as well as paths, garden beds, retaining walls and outdoor structures can also be compromised when large scale excavation has to be performed to locate damage or replace pipes. All this is not only inconvenient and upsetting, but costly as well. Pipe relining significantly reduces the down time of your backyard and the disruption to your landscape by having very little impact on your garden surface.

Who Can Help Me With Pipe Relining?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts when it comes to plumbing, hot water and gas requirements in the South West. To discuss your pipe relining plans or for more information regarding the process, call the team today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury).

Stop Flushing Money Away – What Not To Flush Down Your Toilet

ToiletA plumbing disaster can cost you thousands of dollars and nobody wants to spend their money on a bathroom flooding or a pipe bursting because someone flushed the wrong thing down the toilet. Plumbers are called out to thousands of emergency jobs per year to repair plumbing damage due to large blockages and faults, resulting in costly bills to the homeowner. Knowing what not to flush down the loo can keep your pipes clear and working efficiently, resulting in less chance of a blocked drain or worse.

Whilst many of these items may come as common sense to most, some are wrongly considered entirely safe to flush down the toilet and into the wastewater system. They include:

  • Pets
  • Wet Wipes
  • Cooking Oils and Fats
  • Cigarette Butts
  • Sanitary Items and Dental Floss

Pets

Whilst it may seem like common sense not to attempt to flush your family pet down the toilet, a staggering amount of people still flush pet fish and mice down the toilet when they ‘pass on’. That’s a very nasty site for your plumber when they fish around in your pipes to find a dead/decaying body as the source of the blockage. Just like humans and bigger pets, deceased small pets need to be buried or disposed of responsibly – not flushed away.

Wet Wipes

Despite the packaging on so many of these products claiming them to be flushable, wet wipes and many moist toilet paper wipes are not biodegradable. The thicker, stronger fibres of these products mean they do not break down nearly as fast as normal toilet paper and contribute to blockages in both residential pipes and the wastewater sewage system.

Cooking Oils and Fats

Drains are drains, no matter where they run from. You don’t pour cooking oils and fats down the kitchen sink drain, so don’t tip them down the toilet. These mixtures act as the very best agents for small particles to stick too inside your pipes and create slimy walls along the way, not to mention pollute the water supply as it washes into the sewage system.

Cigarette Butts

cigarette buttThey may seem small enough, but ciggie butts are worse flushed than they are butted out and tossed in the bin. Butts just do not break down (have you not seen those stubborn butts still sitting on street verges after being rained on all winter?) and lead to big problems with blockages and pollution.

Sanitary Items and Dental Floss

Pads and tampons are made from cotton but tend to swell when exposed to large amounts of water. A large swollen clump of tight cotton is a recipe for disaster when flushed down a sewerage pipe. Condoms do not break down for years and dental floss gets wrapped around everything inside the pipes and creates a framework for blockages. Popping these items in a plastic bag and disposing of them in the bin is not only environmentally friendly, it’ll ensure your chances of a blocked or damaged pipe is significantly reduced.

Who Can Help Me with A Blocked Drain Or Toilet?

The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have seen it all when it comes to blockages and damages in pipes, both residential and commercial. For more advice on plumbing precautions, or to book a quote for some plumbing maintenance, call 9791 1608 (Bunbury)

Sewerage Connection In Harvey

Sewer ConversionAre you looking at converting from septic to deep water sewerage in Harvey and not sure who to call for all of your plumbing requirements? Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are the trusted name in sewerage conversion, having converted hundreds of houses across the South West from older septic tanks efficiently and compliant with local shire regulations.

Do I need a plumber to connect to the sewerage?

Yes.

You definitely need a licensed plumber to connect to the Water Corporation’s deep wastewater system.

Simply contact your Environmental Health Officer in the Harvey Shire to advise them that you wish to be connected to the sewerage system. If the system is available and runs through your area, they can advise you on the steps to take and whether you need to decommission your old tank. Then call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas!

As per the SHIRE OF HARVEY SEWER CONNECTIONS -Decommissioning of Septic Tanks

When a property is connected to the mains sewer, the property owner is required to decommission the existing septic tank and effluent disposal system when the following circumstances arise:

  • The property changes ownership (accordingly the new owner has 60 days to decommission the septic tank apparatus).
  • There is a material change in the use of the premises (accordingly the owner has 60 days to decommission the septic tank apparatus).
  • If the foundations for a building on the premises are to be built closer than 1.2m to the septic tank apparatus or closer than 1.8m to any leach drain or soakwell (accordingly the owner shall decommission the septic tank apparatus before the building work begins).

Decommissioning involves:Sewerage conversion

  • All septic tanks, soakwells and/or leach drains are pumped empty by an approved, controlled waste carrier.
  • All empty septic tanks, soakwells and/or leach drains must be either removed or have their lids and bases broken and filled with clean sand.

Enquiries regarding decommissioning may be directed to the Shire of Harvey’s Health Department and sewer enquiries should be directed to the Water Corporation, Bunbury.

Who Can help Me With Sewer Conversion in Harvey?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas.

We have been servicing the South West for over 3 decades and have the knowledge, equipment and expertise to assist you with all of your deep water sewerage conversion enquiries. Call the team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) today to organise your free quote and get connected to the deep water sewage system.

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) 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 call in and see us at 144 Forrest Avenue, Bunbury.

Maintaining Your Leech Drains

Leech DrainIs your home still connected to a septic tank? Does the Water Corporation’s deep sewage system not run through your area yet? If your home’s wastewater runs to a septic tank on your property, you will have leech drains; large drainage channels running from your septic tank that carry your wastewater from your septic tank into the surrounding soil. These channels are essential for your household plumbing and need to be maintained to ensure not only your families comfort, but also the integrity of your plumbing and insurance requirements.

Maintaining your leech drains is like maintaining your normal plumbing drains and pipes in your home, the only difference being that there will usually a septic tank and then one or more leech drains where the pipework from your home drains into. Follow these tips to keep your leech drains running smoothly:

  • Watch What You Put Down the Sink
  • Ensuring Your Septic is Active
  • Tree Roots
  • Change Your Drains Over
  • Listen To Your Plumbing

Watch What You Put Down the Sink

Whatever you put down the sink, toilet or drains in your home will travel to your leech drains. Fat, soaps and thick substances that do not dissolve in water will become lodged in your leech drains and form ‘plugs’, effectively diminishing the efficiency of your drains by preventing the water from draining out. Keep these substances out of the pipes by disposing of them alternatively.

Ensure Your Septic Tank Is Active

Adding enzymes to your septic tank allows it to dissolve and process the wastewater more effectively, allowing for less chance of blockage in your leech drains.

Tree Roots

Ensure trees and plants with evasive roots are not too close to your leech drains. Root systems are notorious for weaving into the holes of concrete drains, or running down the sides of the more porous, mesh-type leech drains and providing a thick barrier that waste water cannot escape through.

Change Your Drains Over

leech drain installationIf you have more than 1 leech drain it is a general rule of thumb is to change your leech drains over every 12 months, however if you have a large family, you may want to do it more often. This swap gives one drain the chance to rest while the other takes over the drainage duties, allowing the ground to dry out a bit and more efficient evacuation from the leech drain.  If you only have 1 leech and are having issues you may need to consider getting a 2nd leech drain added. Speak to Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas about your options.

Listen To Your Plumbing

Just as you will find with household plumbing pipes and drains, leech drains do not respond well when clogged with debris, oils, fats and soaps. Gurgling toilets, slow to drain sinks and drains and a large amount of water coming up from the diverter tap are all signs that your septic tank is full and your leech drains are not working to their full capacity.

Who Can Help With Your Leech Drain Maintenance?

The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are experts in the plumbing industry, with over 30 years’ experience in the South West. For all your enquiries regarding all things plumbing, hot water and gas, call the trusted name in plumbing on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) for a free quote today.