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What to Do When You Have Toilet Troubles?

ToiletWhilst it’s not always the most popular topic of conversation, the toilet is one of the most essential working appliances in your home. Everybody uses it and when problems arise with it, everybody knows about it. Gone are the days of trotting out to the back garden in the freezing cold or pouring rain to sit amongst the flies and mosquitos to get the job done, however the marvels of modern day technology are of little benefit when your plumbing is faulty and you’ve got a toilet emergency. Calling in a professional is always advisable to fix any kind of plumbing issue as they carry the right insurances and tools for the job at hand.

The most common problems with toilets include:

  • Leaks
  • Blockages
  • Not Flushing/Partial Flushing
  • Overflowing
  • Sounds in other drains when flushing

Leaks

The most common causes of a leaking toilet (water running from the tank at the top into the bowl at the bottom) is the toilet flapper failing to form a tight seal around the valve. The best way to check if your toilet is leaking from the tank is to remove the toilet lid, drop at least 10 drops of food colouring into the water at the top and wait 10-15 minutes. If the colour drips into the bowl, you’ve got a leak.

Blockages

Blocked DrainAsk any parent and they’ll tell you that a lot more than what’s suitable goes into the toilet. Substantial amounts of toilet paper or non-flushable items, as well as things that some might think are good to flush but are definitely not (baby wipes, paper towel, sanitary products, nappies), cause clogging of the drains that can become big problems further down the line if not rectified quickly. Older toilets are typically low flow and can experience significantly more blockages than newer models.

Not Flushing/Partial Flushing

Press the button and nothing is happening? The flapper valve is usually to blame, with waterlogged valves causing the rubber or plastic flapper to drop too quickly. Whilst often considered a DIY repair job, you may wish to consult your licensed plumbing to ensure the problem isn’t a symptom of something more sinister. Hard water blockages and stains can also contribute to the toilet mechanisms seizing up and require chemical intervention to remove the build-up.

Overflowing

There’s definitely a sense of panic when you flush the loo and the water rises quickly to the rim. An error in the tank mechanisms that control water flow or a serious blockage in the pipes is the main reason for overflowing toilets. You need to find the source of the issue to prevent any further occurrence, which a licensed plumber can assist you with quite easily.

Plumbing by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas BunburySounds In Other Drains When Flushing

Does your kitchen sink gurgle when someone flushes the toilet? Or can you hear the water running loudly in the shower drain? This means the toilet vent pipe is partially or fully blocked. Leaves, twigs, balls and small animals can fall down into the pipes and cause huge, unknown obstructions. Leave this job to the professionals as unclogging larger plumbing pipes can result in all kinds of nasty surprises being flushed back up the pipes and into your home.

Who Can Help Me With My Toilet Troubles?

The team at Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas are well trained and equipped to assist you with all plumbing issues, as well as gas and hot water maintenance, sales and repairs. Call 9791 1608 (Bunbury) today for advice and free quotes today.

24 Hour Emergencies

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas are available at any time of the day or night for 24 / 7. Call Mainline for all your plumbing emergencies even on public holidays, Easter and right through Christmas as emergencies often happen at the most inconvenient times; like when you have  hours full of people. Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas your trusted plumbing professionals. Call us today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury)

Do I Really Need To Hire A Plumber?

Isolation valve replacementWith the vast amount of information on the internet, many people are choosing to DIY a significant number of their household repairs. From fixing the guttering to servicing your car, more and more people are attempting their own fix it jobs, often with disastrous results. There is a reason tradesmen train for so long in their chosen trade and as home and business owners, we need to take advantage of the skilled and diverse workforce we have to choose from when it comes to finding a professional to install, repair or maintain our investments, no matter how small.

When it comes to your plumbing, you need to hire a professional. The top reasons being:

  • Trade skills and knowledge
  • Correct tools and safety equipment
  • Insurance requirements
  • Legal Requirement

Trade Skills and Knowledge

Just like a mechanic knows everything about cars and website developers know everything about website development, plumbers know everything about plumbing. They can usually diagnose an issue without even looking at it and have the know-how to rectify it quickly and cost-effectively. A vast number of DIY plumbing jobs have ended in a call to the experts’ due to lack of correct skills and knowledge and the small problem becoming a huge emergency.

PlumbingCorrect Tools and Safety Equipment

Much like skills and experience, having the correct tools and safety gear for a plumbing job is vital for the safety of both the plumbers and you, but also for the stable installation, efficient maintenance and fast repair of your plumbing system. Using incorrect equipment can not only cause more damage and cost you money, but it can also ruin your tools if they are unsuitable for the task and take up a lot more of your time to get the job done.

Insurance Requirements

As with most installation and repairs, if you don’t want the fine print of your home insurance policy to bite you when it comes to making a claim, it’s best to hire a professional and get documented proof of a qualified tradesman completing the job. Almost all policies will require skilled professionals to carry out installation, repairs and maintenance on household appliances and fixtures, and will require proof of this when you make a claim if something goes wrong. Cover your own backside, give yourself peace of mind and leave it to the experts.

Legal Requirement

There are many instances when you are required by law to contract a plumber.

Drainage issuesAny major changes with your plumbing fixtures, water supply, septic/sewerage, you must be law call a licenced plumber. For any gas works you need a plumber who also has a gas fitter’s licence.

So do I really need to hire a plumber?

Yes, you do, and Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas are your local, experienced plumbers and gas fitters that can come to you at any time. No job is too big or small and friendly advice is always free. Call the team today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) to discuss all your plumbing, hot water and gas needs.

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas, your trusted name in the plumbing industry.

How to Maintain a Septic Tank?

Septic tank installationOlder homes, those located on acreage or in rural communities without access to sewage will have a septic tank on the property. These are large, underground tanks are usually composed of concrete but can be made from fibreglass, PVC or plastic and they are the primary storage for your household wastewater. An absorption method is always implemented so that when the waste is decomposed through bacterial activity, it has a way to drain into the surrounding soil. However, septic tanks are not a ‘leave a forget’ system of wastewater management and will often need pumping out or repairing. Common issues with septic tanks include:

  • Coping with Extra Pressure
  • Overflow or Reaching Capacity
  • Regular Maintenance

Coping With Extra Pressure

Your household septic tank becomes adapted to the regular use of water in your household. An increase in people taking showers, flushing toilets, washing dishes and using washing machines can mean the tank fills up quicker without the ability to drain efficiently.

Some solutions include:

  • encouraging your guests or older children to take shorter showers
  • not using too many cleaners/soaps
  • refraining from using tank additives or chemicals to unnecessarily prevent any expected problems.

Overflow or Reaching Capacity

Septic tank doneHave you noticed nasty smells coming from the garden? A wet patch or super green grass above your septic tank? Is the water draining slowly and your pipes smell bad? These can all be signs that there is a problem with your septic tank; more than likely it is too full. Resist the urge to pour any kind of chemicals or cleaning agents down the drains in an attempt to dissolve the wastewater; call your licensed plumber.

Regular Maintenance

The main issue with septic tanks is that they must be pumped out from time to time to ensure efficient function. After a while, sludge and solids accumulate in the main tank which then overflow into the soakage area, resulting in leach drains being unable to move water and becoming blocked. Pumping out your tank is a job for professionals as it involves digging, draining and inspecting your tank.

How to Maintain a Septic Tank?

At Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas, we have a wide range of septic options to suit your households needs. Emergency callouts are our speciality, with no penalty rates or fees and availability 24/7. We service the greater Bunbury area and have over 40 years of experience. Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas are your trusted plumbing professionals. Whether your need regular maintenance or find yourself in an emergency situation, don’t delay in calling the Mainline Plumbing team on 9791 1608 (Bunbury)

Where Do I Find a Commercial Plumber?

Water pipe repairLet’s start with what commercial plumbing is. When it comes to requiring a commercial plumber, whether it be an emergency call out, building a property or general maintenance, residential properties are not the only structures that need the expertise of licensed plumbers and gas fitters. Commercial buildings, ranging from small shops and offices to large scale industrial factories, all require professional plumbers and gas fitters to install and maintain their taps, pipes, drainage, water and gas systems to comply with building codes and standards and provide the safest and most comfortable environment for their staff and clients.

How does commercial plumbing really differ from residential?

  • Larger scale
  • More regulations and standards
  • Consideration for surrounding infrastructure

Larger Scale

When installing plumbing and gas in a residential property, plumbers usually only have to work on the small-scale area of the house itself. Major drainage and pipes have already been established in the original site works when the roads were put in and the blocks divided. In existing homes, the maintenance is usually limited to one room of the home and can be relatively simple to replace and repair. With commercial properties, pipes and drains extend sometimes for several floor levels and flow to more than one wastewater system or tank in the ground. Bigger buildings usually mean more complex drainage systems and bigger holes to dig and pipes to lay. When it comes to maintenance, commercial plumbing issues must be rectified quickly as the situation, such as a faulty toilet or burst pipe, can have detrimental effects on staff safety and the business’s productivity.

PlumbingMore regulations and standards

Workplace health and safety are paramount in all workplaces and the extensive safety regulations for both during and after construction of commercial plumbing and gas fitting are no exception. Not only do the safety precautions ensure the welfare of the plumbers and gas fitters carrying out the work on the site, they also need to consider that of the surrounding public. On a new construction site, there may be a limited number of pedestrians in the vicinity of the gas lines and plumbing holes and pipes, however if the structure is based in a developed commercial area, extra safety standards and precautions need to be enforced to protect those who are unaware of the dangers of work site hazards.

Consideration for surrounding surfaces

When commencing plumbing and gas installation on a vacant lot, whether it be for residential or commercial use, plumbers and gas fitters have a small luxury in not having to consider the surrounding infrastructure and the effects that their actions may have on it. However, when installing, maintaining or fixing plumbing or gas in a developed area, for example, a shop fitout in an existing retail complex, tradesmen need to be vigilant in ensuring their work practices do not interfere or jeopardise the safety or customer traffic of other businesses. Loud power tools, long, deep trenches being dug in doorways or vehicles obstructing access all need to be avoided where possible.

Where Do I Find a Commercial Plumber?

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas pride themselves on years of experience in commercial plumbing, hot water and gas service.

Mainline PlumbingMainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas have a huge range of commercial clients:

  • School
  • Shires
  • Developments
  • Body Corporate
  • Property Managements
  • Retail
  • And more

Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas are the local, trusted name in the plumbing industry, the Mainline team has the professional experience and knowledge to ensure your commercial property is taken care of whilst your plumbing and gas needs are met. Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water & Gas today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) for a free quote today.

Signs of a Blocked Pipe

Blocked DrainHave you got a sinking feeling that your pipes might be blocked? When it comes to the plumbing pipes that run through your home, it’s handy to think of them like the veins and arteries in your body. When the veins are clean, the fluid runs freely and efficiently throughout the body, but when there’s a blockage along the way, look out! If water doesn’t drain properly, it can cause problems not just limited to your pipes, such as mould, water damage to your walls and carpets/flooring and even shifting of the foundations of your home. Fortunately, blocked drains and pipes show obvious warning signs before the small problem becomes a huge nightmare.

  • Smell
  • Overflow
  • Strange Noises
  • Too Long to Drain

Drainage by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas BunburySmell

One of the more obvious signs that your drain is accumulating waste is the smell it lets off. Bad smells around your kitchen sink, shower, bathtub and toilet indicates the accumulation of debris, food, hair and other nasties in your pipes causing a blockage and backup. Over time, these start to decompose and the smell travels back up the pipe. The bigger the blockage, the fouler the smell!

Overflow

The top indicator that your pipes are blocked is when the kids squeal out “the toilet is overflowing!!” when they flush it. When water can’t pass through the pipes, it backflows and causes the water to rise up where it can. The toilet usually has enough water pressure to correct the issue, but if not, a professional will need to be brought in.

Strange Noises

Do your drains sometimes sound like there’s a monster living down there in the darkness? Strange gurgling noises sounding when the water is draining from the sink or shower is a sign to have your pipes checked. These obscure sounds come from water flow disruptions, much like waves crashing against rocks, as noise is created when the rushing water hits whatever is stuck in the pipeline.

Toilet ProblemsToo Long To Drain

Another sign your pipes are probably a little backed up is the slow draining of water from sinks, toilets, bathtubs and showers. Bath and toilet water should create a whirlpool motion above the drain to indicate it is flowing efficiently, whereas showers should only take a second or two to empty once you’ve turned off the water. Sink water should drain steadily and quickly, with no bubbles or back wash. If any of these take longer than usually to drain, it’s a sign that debris is blocking the way.

Need Help With Blocked Drains?

Blocked drains and pipes are just too unpredictable to ignore. Don’t wait for small warning signs to become big problems. If your pipes are showing symptoms of being a little clogged up, call the team at Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas to discuss steps to get them flowing freely again.

Are Your Pipes Backed Up?

Blocked drainBlocked pipes are a disaster waiting to happen and although they take time to accumulate to become a big problem, prevention is simple and a lot more cost-effective than time and money spent unclogging and repairing the pipes.

“Around 30% of blockages in our wastewater system are caused by fats, oils and grease solidifying in pipes. Blocked pipes can cause major damage to your plumbing and our wastewater system, and could result in an overflow to the environment. This also applies to flushing rubbish, such as cotton buds and sanitary items, down the toilet. To help avoid drain pain, please throw your waste properly in the bin.” – Water Corporation of WA: www.watercorporation.com.au/monster

What You Should Not Put Down Your Drain?

Things that can be blocking your pipes include:

  • Cooking fats and oils
  • Sanitary products and wipes
  • Chemicals
  • Food
  • Rubbish

Leach drain restoration completedCooking Fat and Oils

Oils and water don’t mix, and when you tip fats and oils down the drain after cooking, they solidify on the walls of your pipes and trap more and more waste as time goes on. A staggering 30% of blockages are caused by these nasties, which are sticky and difficult to remove once established.

Sanitary products and wipes

Ear buds and tampons may have been marketed to be flushed, but these products, along with sanitary napkins and nappies, should be wrapped and placed in a bin, never flushed. The plastic stick in ear buds makes a great framework for waste to stick to and nappies, pads and tampons all swell significantly when placed in water, almost tripling in size and providing the perfect plug in your pipes.

Baby wipes may feel as thin as toilet paper, but they don’t break down like regular loo paper. Pop these in the bin too.

Chemicals

Paint, fertiliser, oils and pesticides should NEVER be flushed or tipped down a drain. As tempting as it may be to tip these down the outside drain of your home whilst you are cleaning up or gardening outside, these products actually need to be disposed of professionally. Contact your local council for details on contractors who can dispose of these.

Pipe repairFood

A lot of food scraps make it into our pipes, adding to the blockage with every grain of rice or piece of egg white. Scrape your plates clean before placing in the sink or dishwasher – which may have a catcher for food waste but doesn’t always catch everything – and keep a four-course dinner from piling up in your pipes.

Rubbish

Tiny toys that have escaped through the bath plug hole, golf balls dropped in the outside drain or kitty litter tried to be flushed down the toilet are completely non-biodegradable and can live in your pipes for years, adding to the build-up of waste and damaging your pipes. Place grates and drains over pipe access and encourage kids to keep these items away from the drain pipe suction.

Need Help With Blocked Pipe?

Preventing pipe blockages is essential not only for the efficiency of the plumbing in your home, but also for the wastewater network that keeps water supply running to our businesses, hospitals and other important infrastructure. All flushing and repairs of blocked pipes should be performed by a professional with expertise and tools to carry out the task efficiently and cost-effectively.

Should your pipes start showing signs of blockage, contact Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas on 9791 1608 (Bunbury) we offer 24/7 service – remember to ring.

Winter Plumbing Problems

Burst PipeWinter is the worst time to be messing around with your plumbing, especially when temperatures drop and you’re having to dig around looking for a burst pipe or fix a half-frozen garden hose. Issues that can be easily rectified in warmer months often cause havoc in cold conditions so save yourself time, money and possible frostbite and ‘winterise’ your plumbing today.

Wrap Up the Garden Hose

If you don’t need the garden hose over winter, it’s best to disconnect, drain, coil and store it until the days get warmer. Trapped water left in garden hoses can freeze and lead to expansion and cause damage to not just the hose, but to connections and taps.

Burst water pipe fixDrain Your Hot Water Unit

Your hot water unit is essentially a huge kettle, boiling water and then letting it sit. The debris and sediment that forms on the lining and bottom of the unit can cause huge damage to the unit itself so the unit, and it’s contents, should be drained at least once, if not twice, a year.

Clean Your Gutters

A necessary evil, cleaning out the gutters will not only prolong the life of your drainage, but it can prevent damage extending to the foundations of your home. Blocked gutters cause excess water to spill over the edge and pool around the base of poles and lower lying areas, creating issues with underlying stability and safety of your home and its surroundings.
Clear your gutters of leaves and debris and keep the water running in the pipe.

Routine maintenance is key, especially to avoid unnecessary water dramatics in the wet months. Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas can assist with all your plumbing maintenance needs to protect your pipes all year round.
Call us today on 9791 1608 (Bunbury)

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Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas on 08 9791 1608 for a free quote
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