Answering all your plumbing questions

Real Answers From Real Plumbers! We have gathered decades of Plumber’s knowledge to answer all of our most asked plumbing questions.

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Why does my drain clog?

Drains can clog for a multitude of reasons depending on what they are used for.

The most common clogs are found in the kitchen. This is caused by food particles and oils.

Bathroom sinks get clogged up often due to hair, soap and dirt.

In some instances, clogged drains can be the result of roots growing within the pipe.

To prevent this, always be conscious of what goes down your drains.

Check out our article to learn how to unblock your drain!

What plumbing does a dishwasher need?

Installing a dishwasher requires three connections:

1. Water supply

2. Drain line connection

3. Power connection

For those interested in installing a dishwasher by themselves, it can be done. However, this may void your product warranty as it isn’t installed by a professional.

Do your research before proceeding, and remember to be cautious when working with both water and electricity. If done incorrectly, you can leak sewerage gas into your dishwasher, contaminating your clean dishes. Poor installation can also result in a burst pipe, causing flooding.

If the task is something you are not experienced in or confident in, a licenced plumber is qualified for the installation.

To better understand what problems can arise from self-installation, read our article!

What plumbing work requires a licenced plumber?

This varies from state to state, but generally, it is recommended that all plumbing jobs be performed by a licenced plumber.

Simple repairs and installations may be attempted at home by the owner. However, this will void all warranties as incorrect installation by an unlicensed individual is common and results in damage that can be costly to repair.

It is recommended that you contact a professional plumber for your home:

• If you have no water on the property

• There is a water leak

• You have no hot water

• Your hot water unit is showing corrosion

• Your water pressure is low

• You can smell sewage through drains

• Your drains are blocked.

• Your toilet is overflowing

• A plumbing unit needs installation

Read our article on how to prevent common plumbing problems

Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?

Chemical drain cleaners vary in potency. A majority of drain cleaners are toxic. This can be a dangerous cleaning product to store in your home, especially when it’s within the reach of children or animals.

These chemicals may also cause deterioration from within the pipe.

Do your research on the specific brand of cleaner being used.

If you require the use of chemical drain cleaners, it is advised to wear PPE (personal protective equipment), read all usage instructions and store them in a safe place.

Some blocked drains are beyond the fix of a chemical agent and may require a professional plumber.

What to consider when choosing a plumber

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a plumber. Many tradesmen will take advantage of naive customers. To prevent yourself from falling into that trap, use the following guide to vet your tradesman.

The golden rule is to only work with plumbers that treat you and your home with respect.

Respect

As a sign of professionalism and respect, a plumber should never use a client’s bathroom, track dirt or mud through the home, spit or smoke on your property. These are warning signs that you are dealing with an unprofessional plumber. A quality tradesman will call ahead and arrive looking clean and presentable.

Cost

The cost of your tradesmen is also an indicator of their ability and quality of work. Many people are tempted by the cheapest quote they receive. However, this often results in cheap materials being used and corners being cut. As a result, your home will suffer additional damage or hazards.

Google

The use of Google is a great metric to understand the tradesman and company you are hiring. Each business should have a Google Business page. This adds authentication to their business.

Google reviews are the holy grail of business accountability. Reading reviews will tell you exactly what the majority of customers experience when working with a business. If the review score is below 4 stars, that is a major red flag. Whereas if the Google business page has frequent reviews and is rated above 4 stars, this is a good sign.

Certification

You can check a tradesman’s licence at any time. Objections to this request should immediately raise red flags. All tradesmen carry their licence on their person while working; this can also be verified by searching the number or tradesman’s name online through the Australian government’s state service website. It is important to ensure they are qualified for the classes of work being performed. Also, ensure the plumber has a guarantee for their work.

Ethics

Before any work takes place, ask for an estimate. No job should take place without having an understanding of its pricing. Get an in-person evaluation and quote, don’t accept any quotes over the phone.

How could a professional price a job that they have not seen?

This will commonly result in an inaccurate quote. When the tradesman is in your home, they should communicate with you before and after they perform their service, making sure every aspect is understood by both parties.

Check out our article on the top questions you should be asking your plumber.

Who does plumbing near me?

If you are located in greater Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide Service Today can provide you with any plumbing service you may require.

We have been servicing these local areas for over a decade in all things plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling. Plumbing Questions

Call us or book online today. See for yourself why thousands of Australians have given Service Today their 5-star tick of approval!

The post Answering all your plumbing questions appeared first on Service Today.

from Service Today https://www.servicetoday.com.au/blog/real-answers-from-real-plumbers/

How to save your home during a flood

When torrential rains hit, if your property is on a flood plain there may be little you can do to save your home and belongings. 

However, when it comes to minor flooding caused by bad weather, there are ways to prepare your home for a flood and prevent flood damage. 

Note that if floods become extreme in your area, you should keep up to date with state emergency services.

NSW QLD SA VIC WA NT TAS

Be prepared to evacuate when an evacuation order is given or when you feel your home has become unsafe. Just like with bushfires, there is a point where there is nothing you can do and you need to prioritise your personal safety. 

With that being said, here are some important preventative maintenance measures that can keep your home or business watertight in a less severe flood. 

If the forecast is for heavy rain, there are several things you can do to be prepared.

 

Before A Flood

Clear Roof Gutters

The gutters on your roof can become blocked with leaves and other debris that will prevent water from flowing during a big storm. 

 

Clearing this debris will:

• Encourage water to drain from your roof the way it is supposed to

• Prevent insects, vermin and animals from nesting in your gutters

• Stop excessive water flow from destroying your garden

 

When your gutters are blocked, the rain that falls from your roof will have nowhere to go. As a result, it can damage your roof and in a worst-case scenario, get into your walls. Clogged gutters can also cause water to run down the outside of your home and damage its foundations. This can cost a great deal of money to repair.

It’s best to do this job regularly, even if it’s just to keep rats and pests at bay. If a storm is forecast, clear the gutters before the rain hits so you don’t find yourself trying to climb a ladder and pull out lots of soggy leaves and sticks during wet weather.  

 

 

 

 

Stormwater Drain Maintenance

Making sure your stormwater drain is clear from debris will allow water to drain from your property and help you to prepare for a flood. 

To check, block the drain opening on the street and spray a hose into your stormwater drain. Once it is full, remove the blockage, creating a rush of water that should clear debris. 

This assures your stormwater drain is clear and that drainage is optimised.

Hopefully, your property has areas of soft soil that will soak up rainfall from a storm. If there is nothing but concrete, you risk there being so much water that the stormwater drain overflows and the water has nowhere to go but inside your home. 

 

Prepare Your House

If you know that imminent rains may cause flooding, you should prepare your house to minimise damage.

As much as possible, take care of the following: 

• Move all valuables to higher shelves or upstairs (if you have a second floor)

• Carry what furniture you can upstairs

• Move linen and cushions so they are less likely to get wet

• Take rugs and floor mats upstairs or put them high up

• Move electrical items to higher shelves or upstairs

• Secure objects that are likely to float and cause further damage

• Relocate all waste, poisons and chemicals to higher ground

• Turn off the power at the main switchboard

• Look around the garage and garden for items that need to be secured

• Make sure your pets can get to higher ground if you can’t take them with you

• Pull out lower drawers and put them up high (or empty them)

 

You can try putting sandbags around your property to prevent flood damage but this will depend on timing and what you have access to. 

 

Do Not Open Sewer Caps (Illegal)

You may have heard of opening sewer caps during floods. This should not be done as it is illegal and ineffective. It may result in fines and potential sewerage backwash.

 

Take Photos

Your insurance company will find it easier to handle your claim if you have some before and after pictures.

Speaking of which… insurance may not help you to prevent flood damage but it can help you to minimise the financial impact. Talk to your insurer about what you are eligible for in terms of flood protection. 

 

Use Mould Inhibitor In Your Paint 

 

If you’re painting your home, consider using a mould inhibitor additive. There are even some types of paint that have this built-in. The idea is that they restrict the growth of mould and mildew in a damp environment.

 

After A Flood

Documentation

Document all damages with pictures and notes to show your insurer the extent of the flood in your home and property.

Water Removal

If a flood causes an immense amount of water to enter your home, do what you can to remove the water as fast as possible. This will assist in preventing further flood damage. A damp environment invites mould and mosquitoes.  

 

The use of a submersible pump will make this process fast. Buy or lease the best quality pump appropriate to your budget and flood level. 

If you are unable to purchase a submersible pump, you can siphon water using a hose (the bigger the hose the better). This method uses gravity to move large amounts of water.

A siphon hose is cost-effective and uses equipment you likely have in your home.

 

 

Now it’s time for the cleanup job. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family as you sweep out the dirt, mop up and assess the damage caused by the flood. Wear gumboots, gloves and other protective gear to save your own skin from getting damp and potentially picking up an infection. 

 

Some carpet companies have a special service to vacuum the water out of carpets and flooring. See if you can find a local operator in your area. 

Once the floors are dry, you may wish to use a dehumidifier to remove the liquid from the air. If you don’t have one, a pedestal fan will at least get the air circulating. When the sun finally does come out, open windows and doors to help things dry more quickly and wipe down the walls with a dry towel.

 

You can also spray a protective anti-mould spray to prevent mould and mildew from forming. Just be careful that it’s not bleach disguised as a mould-removal or protection spray as this will turn everything white. 

 

Unfortunately, some things will need to be thrown away. Leather goods and shoes are difficult to dry and may be ruined by water and dirt. Carpets and wooden items may also be damaged beyond repair. If packaged food has been submerged, it’s best to throw it away, just in case germs have found their way in. 

 

Keep receipts for the things you buy so you can claim them against your insurance. 

Flood Plan

With flooding expected to recur in Australia, having a flood plan is becoming as important as a bushfire plan. Speak to your family about what you will do if you are asked to evacuate and be vigilant when it comes to the drainage around your home. 

 

Finally, we wish everyone affected by the recent floods a speedy recovery. 

 

Need a plumber, electrician or other home service provider today?

You can book via our website or call us on 1300 289 309. 

The post How to save your home during a flood appeared first on Service Today.

from Service Today https://www.servicetoday.com.au/blog/how-to-save-your-home-during-a-flood/