Blog

Can Hair Block My Bathroom Drains?

New bathroom tapware

There are numerous culprits when it comes to the cause of blocked bathroom drains, however did you know one of the most common causes is hair? Whether it be human hair or pet hair, short hair or long hair, all types of hair can contribute to a bathroom’s drains becoming blocked. 

Read on to learn more about why hair and bathroom drains are not a good combination including:

  • Why Hair Blocks Drains
  • Stopping Hair from Blocking
    Drains
  • Clearing Hair from a Blocked Drain

Why Hair Blocks Drains

When washed down the drain, oils from our body, soaps and shampoos become trapped in drainpipes, eventually causing drains to block.  When you add strands of hair being washed down drains on top of this, the severity of the blockage increases. Why? Oils washed down the drain are sticky and as such, when hair is then washed down it sticks to the oils forming a solid deposit and another surface for oils to become stuck. Like a snowball effect, as oils and hair continue to be washed down drains, deposits continue to build eventually creating a large blockage.

Stopping Hair from Blocking Drains

When it comes to blocked drains, trying to prevent a blockage is always best. While it’s near impossible to prevent hair being washed down drains, there are simple and cost-effective solutions to minimise the risk. Strainers in bathroom sinks and baths are recommended. These easily fit into your plug hole and can be removed, cleared and replaced in a matter of minutes. After washing your hair, a quick wipe of the shower will remove any strands of hair, preventing them being washed down the drain. If styling your hair near a bathroom basin, a good habit to get into is to wipe out the basin daily too.

Blocked drainage

Clearing Hair from a Blocked Drain

While there are some home remedies that may help to clear hair from a drain, it is a task best left to the professionals at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. The Mainline team have the expertise and experience to ensure a blocked drain is fully cleared. Special detection equipment allows them to identify where in the pipe the blockage is plus the Mainline Plumbing team have the correct equipment that can manoeuvre deep down into pipes and hard to reach places. 

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local professionals for blocked drains

The Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas team offer fast, effective and honest workmanship and are known as the trusted name in the plumbing industry. For all your blocked drain, plumbing, gas and hot water needs call their team in Bunbury on 9791 1608.

5 Tips to Have your Plumbing Summer Ready

Kitchen sink

Summer has arrived in the South West! As temperatures continue to rise, so does the demand on our water supply. Did you know? It’s estimated that during summer, a family’s water usage can increase by up to 50%. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your plumbing is in good working order. This will not only avoid you wasting precious water but avoid a nasty surprise when your water bill arrives.

There are other areas of your plumbing that must be summer ready too. Read on to learn 5 tips to have your plumbing summer ready courtesy of Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas including:

  • Check toilets
  • Fix dripping taps
  • Inspect washing machine hoses
  • Check for water pooling in the
    garden
  • Avoid food and oils being
    washed down drains

Check toilets

School and Christmas holidays puts extra demand on the toilet/s in your home. A scorching summers day mixed with flood and smells from a toilet are not a good combination. If you have noticed your toilet is making strange noises, leaking or not flushing correctly have it repaired now. It is also a good idea to set some ‘toilet rules’ too including what to flush and what not to flush.

Fix dripping taps

Did you know a dripping tap can waste over 20 litres of water per day? This not only wastes precious water and can be the culprit of a spike in your water bill, but a tap left dripping will get worse over time and can even begin to stain your sink.

Inspect washing machine hoses

Days at the beach and several clothes changes each day sees a spike in the amount of weekly washing over summer. Before this extra demand occurs, visually inspect the hoses of your washing machine ensuring there are no cracks, holes or slits. The lifespan of a rubber washing machine hose is approximately 3 years.

Check for water pooling in the garden

Is your plumbing summer ready?

The roots of trees and large plants go searching for water during summer. These roots can be invasive and often make their way into water pipes underground. The result can be these pipes become blocked or broken. If left, the roots will continue to feed off the water in the pipes and continue to thrive and grow, causing a major plumbing problem. An indicator there may be cracks or breaks in your underground pipes is water pooling in areas of your garden for no reason.

Avoid food and oils being washed down sinks

While you should always be careful what gets washed down the sink, summer holidays see an increase in the amount of food being prepared and consumed in the home. Fats, oils, food scraps and sauces do not belong down drains. Over time, they build up and block pipes. Ensure all food scraps are cleaned off plates and put into the compost, before rinsing plates. A great idea is to have strainers on each kitchen sink to help minimise the risk.

Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas for all your plumbing needs

The team at Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas pride themselves on offering a friendly, reliable and professional service to Bunbury and the South West. If your plumbing needs attention before summer, call the team for expert advice on 9791 1608 in Bunbury

What Plumbing is Needed in an Outdoor Kitchen?

Outdoor kitchen needs proper plumbing

An outdoor kitchen is a place outside of the house where you can prepare food and cook a meal. It is the ideal way to enhance your lifestyle as it allows you prepare and cook food while entertaining or enjoying the outdoors. An outdoor kitchen really serves the same purpose and functions as an indoor kitchen, therefore has the same plumbing needs.

Many appliances and fixtures in an outdoor kitchen need to be connected to a water supply, sewer drains and gas line. Plumbing must also comply with applicable sanitary, safety and plumbing codes in your area. The Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas team of professional plumbers can provide expert advice and handle the plumbing requirements of your outdoor kitchen including:

  • Sinks and Tapware
  • Ovens and Stoves
  • Dishwasher

Sinks and Tapware

When installing an outdoor kitchen, a sink is a must. In terms of plumbing, decisions must be made including do you need hot water and where will the sink drain to? Depending on where it is placed, an outdoor sink may be able to be connected to an existing water line or a new water line may be needed. It is also imperative to consider correct waste disposal of what gets washed down the sink too.

Ovens and Stoves

Goldline gas cooktop installed

When it comes to gas appliances, inside or outside the home, experienced and qualified gas plumbers are the only people who should be installing these. There are many strict rules and regulations that must be adhered to. In most cases, if gas appliances aren’t installed by a professional it voids their manufactures warranty. 

Dishwasher

When installing a dishwasher in your outdoor kitchen, correct drainage is crucial. Failing to provide the proper drain connections can result in incorrect drainage, which can damage your dishwasher. It is also important when pipes are newly installed, they are flushed so any debris is washed away. If not, debris can block the filter in your dishwasher and cut off the water supply.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local professionals for your outdoor kitchen plumbing needs

The Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas team of professional plumbers and qualified gas fitters have the correct tools, equipment and experience with all aspects of outdoor kitchen plumbing. They take pride in their work to ensure all plumbing is installed correctly.  The team offer fast, effective and honest workmanship and are known as the trusted name in the plumbing industry.

Call the team in Bunbury on 9791 1608.

Can I Do My Own Plumbing Repairs?

Leaky Faucet

While many of us fancy ourselves as a DIY enthusiast, there are some jobs around the home best left to professionals. One of these jobs are plumbing repairs. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts in all facets of plumbing through the South West and are known as the ‘trusted name in the plumbing industry’. Leaving your plumbing repairs to the Mainline team, not only guarantees the job will be completed properly, but will minimise the impact a plumbing problem has on your daily routine. With a same day service available or a 24/7 service in a plumbing emergency, the Mainline team will also ensure if the repairs are covered under insurance, they are claimable.

Read on to learn common plumbing problems and why they are best left to a professional plumber to repair including: 

  • Leaking Water Pipes
  • Hot Water Issues
  • Blocked Drains
  • Gas Leaks

Leaking Water Pipes

Water pooling in an area inside or outside your home is a good indication of a leaking water pipe. A leaking pipe is a repair that can’t be left and repaired little by little over time. A water leak is wasting precious water and can cause significant damage to the structures of your home. It is also a potential health risk to you and your family as it can lead to mould growing and spreading.

Hot Water Issues

If your supply of hot water is inconsistent, inspecting and repairing your hot water system is a job for a professional. Hot water units are dangerous to repair if you don’t know what you’re doing. The fixtures and fittings within hot water systems are delicate and if attempting to inspect and repair a problem yourself, you can cause further damage to the system or injure yourself.

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains

A blocked drain is a common plumbing repair that most DIY enthusiasts think will be easy to fix. However, most blockages require more than just a plunger or drain cleaner. While a few hearty plunges and a few doses of drain cleaner may provide a short-term solution to a blocked drain, blockages normally lay deep within pipes and require special equipment to detect and clear.

Gas Leaks

When it comes to a gas problem, safety must be the top priority. If you have issues with your gas or can smell gas, then call a plumber immediately. When dealing with inspecting and repairing gas appliances, there are strict rules and regulations that must be adhered to and it is a job only for a professional.

Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water for all your plumbing needs.

Do you require plumbing repairs in your home? Servicing Bunbury and the South West, Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts for all your plumbing needs.

Call the team in Bunbury on 9791 1608 today for friendly, reliable and trusted service.

How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Guests Arriving

Christmas plumbing

Can you believe Christmas is less than 8 weeks away? Christmas is a popular holiday time and living in the South West, family and friends love to come and stay to enjoy the beautiful offerings of our region. As lovely as it is having house guests, have you considered the extra demands on your plumbing? Avoid a potential plumbing disaster and a stress-free festive season by ensuring your plumbing is in good working order.

Read on to learn how to prepare your homes plumbing before guests arrive including:

  • Fix Dripping Taps
  • Ensure Toilets are Working
    Correctly
  • Have your Hot Water System
    Maintained
  • Unblock Drains and Use Plug
    Hole Strainers

Fix Dripping Taps

When guests come to stay, the extra showers, dishes, laundry and hand washing can increase the cost of your water bill. Add in dripping taps and your water usage can skyrocket, causing a costly surprise when the water bill arrives. Have dripping taps repaired, save water and save money.

Ensure Toilets are Working Correctly

A blocked toilet in a home full of people can be a recipe for disaster. Avoid the stress and worry and ensure everyone’s comfort by ensuring all toilets are working correctly before guests arrive. A toilet that is blocked, leaking or making unusual noises is a toilet in need of a professional inspection and repairs.

Have your Hot Water System Maintained

Hot water unit replacement

To ensure it’s functioning correctly, ensure your hot water system is maintained regularly. The weather may be getting warmer, but even so, no-one wants a cold shower. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas can do a formal inspection plus adjust the temperature of your hot water system to ensure there is plenty of hot water to meet the extra demands.

Unblock Drains and Use Plug Hole Strainers

Kitchens and bathrooms are two places in the home heavily relied upon when guests come to stay. A small drain blockage can quickly escalate therefore, ensure water is freely flowing down your kitchen sink and bathrooms basin and shower.

A great way to help prevent blocked drains is by using plug hole strainers. They act like a waste basket to stop any crumbs and food scraps washing down kitchen drains and hair and grooming products washing down the bathroom basin.  

Call the trusted name in the plumbing industry – Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas

Avoid a potential plumbing disaster and a stress-free festive season by ensuring your plumbing is in good working order. The Mainline team offer fast, effective and honest workmanship no matter what your plumbing needs plus offer an emergency call out service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call us in Bunbury on 9791 1608.

Do I Need A Plumber When Having My Bathroom Renovated?

Toilet in Bunbury

A renovated bathroom can add extra function and beauty to your home. Whether an update to your existing bathrooms design or a complete refurbishment, ensure the functionality of your new bathroom by hiring the team of professionals at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas.

Mainline Plumbing’s team of professional plumbers can provide expert advice and handle the plumbing requirements of your bathroom renovation including:

  • Drainpipes
  • Bathtubs
  • Basins and Tapware
  • Moving or Installing Toilets

Drainpipes

Many older homes plumbing is now outdated, making a bathroom renovation the ideal opportunity to not only improve a bathroom’s design, but functionality. Drainpipes are a common fixture that are replaced when renovating a bathroom. Replacing drainpipes can help to prevent them easily blocking plus improve the quality of drainage in your new bathroom.

Bathtubs

A bathtub is an on-trend addition when renovating a bathroom. A bathtub can increase the value of your home plus is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day. When installing a bathtub there is more than meets the eye, it is a complex job best left to professionals. Installation includes accessing the plumbing, attaching he drainage, connecting water lines and installing tapware.

Basins and Tapware

New bathroom tapware

When renovating your bathroom, new basins and tapware can give your new bathroom a fresh look and feel. Professional plumbers have the correct tools and equipment and are experienced with all aspects of plumbing needed to install basins and tapware. Think this is a job you can tackle yourself? This is not the case. Gain peace of mind your plumbing fixtures and fittings are installed correct and prevent nasty and costly damages occurring. 

Moving or Installing Toilets

Many bathroom renovations see a toilet being installed or the existing position of a toilet being moved to cater for the new design. Your homes underlying plumbing determines what work is involved when moving or installing a toilet with some instances seeing significant re-piping needed. Another great reason to replace your current toilet when renovating your bathroom is to do your part in conserving water with many modern toilets including dual flush and water saving functions.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local professionals for bathroom renovations

The only question left to answer is Who to call for all your bathroom renovation plumbing needs? The answer is simple – Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas. The team offer fast, effective and honest workmanship and are known as the trusted name in the plumbing industry.

Call the team in Bunbury on 9791 1608.

Help! My Water Pipes are Noisy. Who Can Help in Bunbury?

Safer water

Are you greeted with a squeak, squawk or squeal when turning on taps in your home? Unusual noises coming from water pipes can not only be noisy, but cause panic for homeowners and tenants. While there are many causes of noisy water pipes, if not inspected and repaired, they can become a costly and large problem or worse still stop water freely flowing all together.

Read on to learn 3 common plumbing issues that can cause noisy water pipes in your home: 

  • A Blockage
  • Loose Piping
  • Broken or Worn Washers

A Blockage

If a gurgling sound can be heard when turning on taps it can indicate a blockage. Foreign objects such as hair and food scraps can unintentionally make their way down drains, build up and eventually cause drains to block. It is important to be vigilant and prevent any foreign objects washing down drains. A few tips include having plugs for kitchen sinks with strainers attached to collect any crumbs and food particles. After washing your hair, collect any fallen strands of hair in the shower straight away to prevent them going down the drain.  

Loose Piping

Pipe repair

Beneath the walls, ceilings and floors of a home are metres and metres of unseen piping. This piping can become unsecure over time causing it to make a rattling noise as water flows through. The team of professional plumbers at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas have the knowledge and experience to locate and access these hidden pipes to perform an inspection and repairs.

Broken or Worn Washers

A common complaint from homeowners or tenants is a squealing or whistling noise coming from pipes around household appliances, such as a dish washer or washing machine. The common culprit of these noises can be broken or worn washers. Washers and hoses should be inspected for damage or leaks regularly and replaced every three to five years. Another sign your washers need replacing is although a tap is turned off, it continues to drip.

Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water for all your plumbing needs.

Do you have noisy pipes in your home? Servicing Bunbury, Busselton and the South West, Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts for all your plumbing needs.

Call the team in Bunbury on 9791 1608 today for friendly, reliable and trusted service.

The Toilet Is Blocked In The Home I Rent – What Do I Do?

Toilet in Bunbury

A trip to the bathroom to discover an unpleasant smell and a toilet overflowing with water or even worse sewage is a scenario no-one wishes to face. A blocked toilet is one of the most common household plumbing issues. While there are many factors that contribute to a blocked toilet, some of the most common causes are excess toilet paper, feminine hygiene products and wet wipes.

A blocked toilet is a problem that needs to be inspected and repaired.  If you’re a tenant in a rental property, there can be confusion as to what action you must take. Read on to learn:

  • Who’s Responsible for Repairs
  • Who to Contact
  • Time Frames

Who’s Responsible for Repairs

In relation to plumbing, prior to you moving in, the landlord is responsible for ensuring all plumbing is in good working order. If a plumbing issue arises, tenancy law states landlords are responsible for repairs throughout a lease. However, if the blocked toilet is a result of damage or negligence caused by the tenant, then they are responsible for the cost of repairs.

Who to Contact

At the first sign of a blocked toilet, the property manager or landlord should be informed. If the house you rent is managed by a property manager, contact them straight away. Most property managers have both an office number and an out of hour’s phone number for emergencies. The property manager will then liaise with the owner regarding repairs. If renting a home privately, you will need to call the landlord direct. If a tenant reports an issue and repairs are not carried out, the tenant may be able to ask for compensation.

Time Frames

Toilet Problems

When determining a reasonable time to have a reported blocked toilet repaired, the severity of the blockage and extent of work needed is considered. In the case of an emergency, the repair will be made a high priority and seen to urgently while for a minor blockage the time frame will be longer. 

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water are your local toilet specialists

With over 35 years’ experience, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your trusted and reliable professionals, servicing the Bunbury, Busselton and surrounding areas.

Mainline have the correct tools and equipment to clear and repair blocked toilets. Contact the team today in Bunbury on 9791 1608.

*Information in the article is of general nature, please refer to your rental agreement for specific details.

Things you can do to stop blocked drains

drain

Throughout the home there is drainage for bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, laundry and outside downpipes.

Each drain hole should be covered with a port that allows the water to still drain without big items being washed down into pipework. When the wrong objects go down, they can cause a bad blockage at the initial area and if not attended to can have a follow effect in other parts of the pipes. If you are not sure what kind of blockage you are dealing with or can’t see the item, contact a reputable plumber who has the right tools and knowledge to dislodge this for you.

How to keep drains clear

  • Hair and Soap
  • Food Scraps
  • Flush Drains
  • Toilets

Hair and Soap

Bathroom sinks, showers and floor drains are very common for collecting items of hair and soap so it is a good idea to keep these drain ports clear by removing away from the drain. Hair won’t dissolve straight away and will just collect anything that flows down pipes and soap is greasy and can cake onto pipework. If this is something that grosses you out, put gloves on and grab with a tissue and place in the rubbish bin.

Food Scraps

Thinking that pushing small scraps down the sink is harmless is the complete opposite due to the S bend shape of the pipe that is attached to the drain can cause a build up of the scraps which will eventually be hard to flush through and then a blockage will be caused. There are additional drain covers that can be placed onto the kitchen drains and after dishes they can be removed and the scraps that have been caught can be discarded.

Flush Drains

Low flow in toilets and faucets is great for saving water but due to the minimal water flow going into pipes it is a good idea to help flush pipes by filling sinks with some water and releasing a plug to give a good flow of water through the pipes.

Toilets

Toilets are not rubbish disposals so refraining from flushing items other than excretions and toilet paper should be a must.

If you happen to have a drainage problem in your plumbing

Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas are the trusted name in the industry, available 24/7 for your emergencies. Contact the team today at Bunbury 9791 1608.

4 Ways to Know If Your Pipes Are Worn Out

Pipe repair

Depending on the age of the home and how maintenance has been done in the past will be relative to any future problems you may come across when it comes to the pipe works overall condition.

It is good practice to check certain areas in the home and fix and replace items before they become bigger problems when they are at the end of their life.

Typical areas to check would be kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, basements, crawl spaces and generally anywhere pipework may be. If this is not in your expertise contacting a professional plumber to do these maintenance checks is definitely worth it.

What Are the Signs to Look Out For?

  • Leaks
  • Corroded pipes
  • Discoloured water
  • Stains

Leaks

Leaks can present themselves in different ways in housing, e.g. from visible pipework to behind walls where pipework may be hidden, this is where you might see mould or mildew forming on walls or on floors, if mould is smelt in a room but not seen these are all potential problems of leaking pipes.

Water pipe repair

Corroded Pipes

Flaking metal on pipes or substantial look of damage to pipes could be a sign of corrosion. This can be the cause of high acid water content, that eats away at the pipes. When copper pipes are not used for a certain amount of time this too can lead to corrosion.

Discoloured Water

If rust coloured water starts coming out of your taps it is exactly that from rust. It is important for a plumber to be contacted at this point as rust causes hard water and this is not good for washing clothes, bathing or drinking.

Stains

Stains can show up as a discolouration to walls and ceilings, walls can even show evidence of a bubbling effect in the paintwork this is a sign to contact a plumber sooner rather than later to prevent the cavity of walls and ceilings getting further damage.

When You Need A Professional Plumber to Look at Your Pipes

Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot water and Gas are available to you 24/7 for emergency and general plumbing maintenance. Located in two convenient places at Bunbury 9791 1608.