Category: Plumbing tips

If you have sewer pipes that need to be replaced, sewer drain pipe relining might just be what you’re looking for. In this article, we take a look at what pipe relining is, how it works and consider the main reasons why you should consider pipe relining instead of replacement.

How does pipe relining work?

Pipe relining involves inserting an epoxy resin tube into your sewer line. This resin tube is made of polyurethane or cured silicone rubber. The epoxy resin is flexible enough to follow the path of your sewer line without causing damage. Once the new material has been inserted, it’s covered with sand and gravel to restore sewer lines back to their original state. The process does not involve digging and takes less than 24 hours from start to finish, ensuring minimal downtime at home or work. Pipe relining is a highly effective option that is fast becoming popular throughout Australia because it delivers savings without compromising on quality.

Reasons why you should consider pipe relining instead of replacement

1. It saves time

Sewer drain line replacement can be a long process, taking a few days or even weeks, depending on the extent of the damage. Pipe relining, on the other hand, is a quick and easy solution. As mentioned above, it usually takes less than 24 hours from start to finish.

2. It saves money

Sewer pipe relining can save you up to 60% when it comes to plumbing costs. The process costs around half the price of pipe replacement, which makes it a highly cost-effective solution.

3. It’s fast

By relining pipes rather than replacing them, property owners will experience minimal disruption to their daily lives. For example, business owners won’t need to worry about traffic or road closures in front of their properties during sewer repair work, ensuring customers can still access their stores easily.

3. There’s no need for digging

Trenchless sewer relining means there is minimal disruption to your home or business premises as there is no need for digging. It also results in a reduced risk of sewer backup and sewer repair plumbers are less likely to come across tree roots, stones and other debris that can cause sewer line damage.

4. It lasts longer

Relined sewer lines last longer because modern resin technologies provide stronger and more durable pipes compared with older models. The technology has been around for more than three decades now, so you know it’s reliable.

5. It’s environmentally friendly

The process of sewer drain lining is also environmentally friendly because it reduces the amount of waste by up to 60%. Additionally, recycling raw materials from relined sewer lines helps reduce energy costs and the future costs of pipe replacement.

How Much Gas Does an Instant Water System Use?

Instantaneous gas hot water systems are the most efficient way to deliver a constant, reliable supply of hot water to your premises without using excessive amounts of gas.

These types of hot water systems only heat water as it is required, so you are not burning through energy to heat all of the water in larger, traditional gas hot water systems. There is no massive tank that is constantly drawing gas to heat the water, instead, you get a tankless water heater that provides a continuous supply of hot water when you need it.

They are more efficient, use much less energy than any other type of hot water system and you will never have to worry about having a cold shower again.

So how much gas does a tankless water heater use? That depends on your home and your requirements. There are solutions available that range from 12 to 27 litres per minute, so you can have a system installed at your property that precisely meets your needs.

This is how it works. Gas flows into a hot water system via a coiled pipe that is called a heat exchanger. In a regular hot water system with a cylinder, water is heated by burning gas until the entire cylinder reaches optimal temperature. As this cylinder is going to lose heat over time, this process could be repeated several times throughout the day and night – even if you are not using hot water.

Instantaneous gas hot water systems use gas differently. The gas will only flow and ignite to heat water when you engage a hot water tap in your home. There is no water stored, so there is no need for constant heating during the day. This means you are using significantly less gas than a traditional hot water system with a cylinder.

There is a range of other benefits you will enjoy by installing instantaneous water heaters as well, including:

You will save money for years to come

Instantaneous gas hot water systems are the most cost-effective hot water systems to install, but their benefits do not end there. Because they are also the most efficient, you will pay less for your energy requirements so they will save you money in the long run as well.

They don’t take up much space

Large traditional hot water systems involve bulky cylinders that take up lots of space and are not aesthetically pleasing. Instantaneous gas hot water systems are low profile so they are perfect for units and small premises up to large houses. They also look high-tech and will not be an eyesore when installed on a wall at your premises.

You will improve your carbon footprint

Sustainability is important in the modern world and instantaneous gas hot water systems use clean, renewable gas to operate. They also use less gas than other hot water systems and produce less than a third of the emissions that a traditional electric hot water system will.

They are long-lasting

When you purchase a cheap, traditional hot water system they can fail within five years. Even the most reputable models will only provide around 10-12 years of reliable services. Properly maintained, you can expect an instantaneous gas hot water system to last up to 20 years.

You will enjoy better quality water

Leaving large quantities of water sitting in a traditional hot water system cylinder is going to cause rust and corrosion over time, no matter how hot the water is.

You may not see it, but you will end up getting trace elements of rust and scale in your water – the older your system gets, the more likely you will get dirty water. Because instant hot water systems are tankless water heaters you will not get this problem. You will taste the difference in your drinking water immediately.

Best Instantaneous Gas Hot Water System

For many people, a gas water heater provides hot water as and when required, without the need to heat up an entire tank of water, making it the optimal solution to their hot water needs. Instantaneous water heaters, as the name suggests, provides hot water on demand. Simply switch on the tap and hot water will be dispensed in a continuous flow. Here we take a look at the qualities to look for in instantaneous gas hot water systems to ensure you end up with one that’s exactly right for you and your family.

Fuel efficiency

Hot water systems that don’t use a tank are almost always more fuel-efficient than a tanked option, mainly because you only heat the water that you’re actually going to use. It takes energy to keep hot water in a tank at a constant temperature, meaning you could be wasting energy heating water for many hours before it’s used.

Contemporary instantaneous gas hot water systems are incredibly cheap to run. Usually cheaper than an electric system, a new gas water system can result in big energy savings.

Flexible water heating

Modern families lead hectic lives, often requiring hot water at short notice. Responding flexibly to changing hot water demands is something gas water heaters do really well. There’s no need to wait for a tank to heat up, or wait for a specific time of day due to the way the system has been programmed. When you use an instantaneous gas hot water system, all you need to do is switch on the tap and hot water will come out.

Continuous flow water ensures you can fill a bath, take a shower, or do whatever else you need, confident that there will be sufficient hot water to meet your needs. Conversely, when you don’t need hot water, none is produced and you are saving energy as a tank doesn’t need to be kept warm.

Space-saving hot water system

Space is at a premium in many properties, so it makes sense to avoid taking up a large area in a bedroom or loft with a hot water tank. Tankless water heaters take up minimal space, at the same time providing a relatively high volume of hot water instantaneously.

Far greater flexibility in hot water supply

Had an extension and need to provide it with hot water? Need an additional hot water supply in an outbuilding, or perhaps in a pool area? One of the major advantages of an instantaneous gas hot water system is that you can easily install more than one. If you are likely to need very high volumes of hot water in multiple locations, it’s easy to install an additional tankless water heater.

When you use an instantaneous gas hot water system, it’s possible to use it as a stand-alone system for a single part of your property, as well as part of a household hot water solution.

Get in touch to discover more of the advantages that instantaneous gas hot water systems can bring to your home.

Understanding The Basics of Plumbing

Plumbing is an incredibly broad discipline, referring to a range of tasks and procedures that many people have not heard of before, never mind undertaken. However, to keep your house running, you can get away with knowing just a few standard plumbing techniques and principles. Read on to learn more about the basics of plumbing, some standard processes that make life easier and a few reasons you need to know the fundamentals.

Two simple systems

Involved in what you see as one broad plumbing system is, in fact, two different systems. The first of these is the water supply system, bringing water into your house, heating it and supplying it through a tap when you need it. The second system is water drainage, which refers to the removal of wastewater such as that used in baths and showers. Each one is just as important as the other, providing hygiene and water for a wide range of purposes, so keeping the systems working in tandem at a high standard is key.

How does supply work?

Home water supply works in a simple enough manner. A mains pipe outside the property draws water into the home, separating it into hot and cold water systems once inside the house. The hot water goes to a water heater while the cold stays at its present temperature in the house’s pipes. From this point, the water is distributed to where it needs to be, whether cold water for cooking or hot water for bathing.

How does drainage work?

Where supply pipes are pressurized from the mains, drainage pipes rely on gravity and air pressure in the removal process. Pipes slope down to improve water flow, which takes waste away from the property. The process is aided by vent pipes and gas traps, removing obstacles in the way of your waste and allowing a quick and easy flow away from the property wherever possible.

What processes do I need to know?

The processes that you need to know as a consumer are limited but very important.

• Unclogging a sink: Food waste can buildup over extended periods in a sink, often causing drainage issues. By running hot water into the sink with washing up powder, the clog will break down and your sink will work again.
• Weak water flow: Many people don’t realize that weak water flow, especially in the shower, is usually something they can solve themselves. Simply detach the showerhead and place it in vinegar overnight. The acid will break through any blockages, allowing for a proper flow.
• Bleeding radiators;| You should bleed your radiators annually, a task that involves turning off your boiler, using a radiator key and draining your radiators of water before repressurizing your boiler.

If your issue is not one of these simple tasks, it may be time to call in a plumber. Plumbing is important and it is better to get the processes right at a slightly higher cost than do it yourself, mess up, and pay for significant repairs.

How Does A Plumbing System Work

One of the most common questions that we’re asked is how do plumbing systems actually work? Often, it’s thought to be much more complicated than it is, but it’s a handy process to know. Not only does it help you to gain a better understanding of your home, but it also allows you to identify any problems before they worsen so that you know when to call a plumber. That’s why we’ve created this article. So, how does a plumbing system work?

Its parts

To understand how your plumbing system works, it’s worth taking a look at its main components:

The supply system

Clean water moves around your house through its supply system. Whilst travelling at around 60psi, the water stream filters into where it’s needed, when it’s needed. However, obstructing this type of pressure can cause major pipe damage if it’s allowed to build up. For example, a powerful stream can cause hairline cracks that will inevitably burst and flood your home. If you happen to notice a crack in your pipe, ring a trusted plumber as soon as possible. They will use specialist plumbing supplies to repair the pipe so that a flood can be avoided.

Stop valves

Stop valves allow you to quickly turn off the water stream if a problem does occur. An example could be if you see a crack in your pipes or if you notice the signs of a build-up of pressure. The stop values are intentionally placed in a position that is easily accessible (such as under the kitchen sink) so that they can be used before plumbing repairs are required. In some cases, they’re instrumental in preventing any damage from getting much worse.

Drainpipes

Drainpipes are an external part of your home’s plumbing system. This is where dirty water is disposed of and drainpipes are set up in a way that allows gravity to pull the stream downwards. However, drainpipes have a surprise, unseen use. You may think that their gaping holes are a characteristic designed simply to allow dirty water to flow out, but this isn’t the case! It’s also a point of access for air to enter the vents so that this disposal of dirty water is automatic. The alternative would be disposing of the dirty water yourself, which wouldn’t be a pleasant job.

Traps

Have you noticed an S-shaped tube that sits just below your drain? Well, this is the trap. The main point of a trap is to give the water that leaves the sink, the shower or the bath the force necessary to travel down the drainpipes. They also form a seal that stops excess sewer gas from backing up into your home. If this part of your plumbing system breaks, it’s often characterized by an unpleasant, lingering odor. To prevent this, traps usually come equipped with a cleanout plug that allows you to clear any build-up.

For more information on how your plumbing system works, feel free to contact a member of our team today.

How Plumbing Works To Keep Your Home Healthy

Of all the systems in your property that support your home’s health, plumbing is one of the most important. After all, water is the lifeblood of a property, helping with washing, cooking, heating and even waste removal. Read on to find out more about how plumbing works to keep your home healthy, and why a well designed and made plumbing system makes all the difference in your home.

Warming the home

One of the main functions of plumbing is to keep your home warm. After all, if a home is warm and well ventilated, mould and other associated issues don’t start to affect the walls and the environment around the house. This broadly means that the property is in a much healthier condition and does not require fundamental repairs on a consistent basis. Furthermore, not only is the house healthier, but those who live there are too! A warm environment boosts immune systems and protects you from issues such as hypothermia.

Providing protection from leaks

By plumbing, we’re not just referring to the system, but the service as well. By consistently checking on your existing plumbing parts and completing plumbing repairs where necessary, you avoid dealing with problems such as leaks or falling pressure in your heating. As systems age, they gradually degrade and the reliability of each individual pipe and part falls. By carrying out regular maintenance, every part of your plumbing system will work as expected, and you can catch the occasional hiccup before it causes significant issues.

Feeding and hydrating residents

One of the most necessary utilities for cooking is water. After all, washing up is impossible without a water supply and the same applies to cooking pasta, rice, and any other food reliant on boiling. When keeping the people in your property well fed and hydrated, a consistent water supply is a fundamental part of day to day life that you can’t risk losing.

Cleaning the bathroom

One of water’s most important uses in the home is the removal of waste. Although not the prettiest of topics, bathrooms are entirely reliant on constant water flows to keep running. Without proper plumbing supplies sustaining good plumbing systems, waste isn’t removed properly and the bathroom becomes unhygienic. Furthermore, good plumbing services ensure that your bath and shower run perfectly, keeping your body and your property as clean as can be.

Knowing a good plumber

Since plumbing is so important to daily life, knowing a good plumber nearby is essential. When looking for a local plumber you can rely on, a 7 days plumbing service with emergency callout is essential as otherwise, you risk losing water on a Friday night and not having a supply again until Monday morning! Check reviews, ask around and find a plumber you trust. The health of your house might just depend on it.

How Much Does Pipe Relining Cost

Your pipes are a key part of your property. Whether you rely on them for sewage removal or more serious stormwater relocation, keeping your pipes in good condition is the difference between water damage and peace of mind. Pipe lining is a key part of this. Read on to learn about pipe relining and find out what you can expect to pay for pipe relining when it’s needed.

What is pipe relining?

All pipes have a lining in them. Metal pipes inevitably corrode over time, leading to rust in the water supply and leakages due to cracks and splits. Over time, the lining in your pipe also degrades, breaking down and leaving the inside of your pipe bare. Pipe relining is the process of adding the lining back into the pipe.

Why is pipe relining important?

Pipe relining is important as a relined pipe works just as effectively as a new pipe. Bare pipes are left vulnerable to long term corrosion and pipe damage, which (when left to its own devices) ultimately leads to severe pipe damage such as cracks and internal flooding throughout the structure. Pipe relining avoids this issue entirely, protecting the pipe properly and keeping the seal tight. Furthermore, damaged pipes require complete replacement, which is extremely expensive. Pipe relining keeps costs at a manageable level.

How much does pipe relining cost?

Depending on the nature of your pipes and the structure of your plumbing, you can expect to pay around $450 – $550 per metre for normal household sewer and stormwater lines. Junctions between pipes cost around $800 for relining, as they are more complex parts of a structure’s plumbing.

What affects the cost of pipe relining?

One of the features of a pipe that affects the cost is the width of the pipe in question. This is because more lining is required for a wider pipe, as comprehensive coverage is a necessity when avoiding leaks and other issues. Of course, due to the fact that pipe relining is charged by the metre, longer pipes cost more to reline. Finally, the complexity of the system affects the cost. If a pipe is more difficult to reach, technicians spend more time on-site and cost more to retain throughout the project. Simpler, shorter piping systems are cheaper than vast and sprawling interconnected webs of sewage and storm drains.

Is there an alternative to pipe relining?

There is no real alternative to relining your pipes. Water damage is inevitable over long periods of time, which means that without pipe relining, they continue to wear and worsen, eventually springing leaks and flooding the property. At this point, the only real alternatives are to ignore the problem or completely replace all of the pipes within the property. Both of these examples are far more costly than pipe relining, leaving pipe relining as the most affordable and viable option for anyone seeking solutions to wear and tear in their plumbing network.

Best Way To Fix A Leaking Pipe

When left unchecked, leaks can cause serious damage to properties. From causing rot and mould to damaging furniture and household items, leaving a leaking pipe to its own devices can do more hard than good. If you suspect you have a leaky pipe in your home or want to be prepared if something happens in the future, being informed is the best place to start.

Read on for our top tips on the best way to fix a leaking pipe in your property:

Identify the source of the leak

The first step to fixing a leak in your property is finding out where the leak is coming from. In some cases, it may be evident that there’s a leak under your sink or in your shower. In others, it can be challenging to spot a leak in the first place. Unfortunately, identification can be half the struggle in non-severe leaks, meaning more damage over time.

If you hear a constant dripping but can’t figure out where from, check all areas with water connections such as washing machine, sinks and taps. If you have a damp patch in your ceiling or water running down a wall, your leak is likely coming from under floors on the second storey of your property. If you can track down a leak and access it quickly, you’re one step closer to being able to fix it as soon as possible.

Shut off water if you can

Slow, barely-there leaks may seem easy to handle even with the water on, but no matter how minor or severe, it’s always best practice to shut off water to your property where possible. Usually, your shut-off point for water will either be in or around your property. In houses, it may be found in flowerbeds or outside areas for the whole house. You may also be able to shut off water to specific rooms in the home, too, if you know where everything is.

It’s crucial to shut off the water because it gives you time to fix pipes without potential damage in the process. You also don’t want a pipe to suddenly burst because it’s under pressure, leading to far more damage than a small leak could ever do. Turning your water off is always a good idea, and you’ll also want to run your taps to drain anything left in the pipes before you get started.

Tighten pipes is leaking is due to a loose fitting

Loose fittings or connections can be a cause for leaking that, in some cases, is easily fixed. While holes and damage require more extensive management and fixing, loosely fitted pipes can often be resolved simply through tightening areas that are not connected properly. This can occur when new appliances or bathroom suites are fitted improperly, leading to potential leaks and floods.

You may need a wrench to tighten a loose-fitting effectively, and you may also want the specific waterproof tape to make that fit as air and watertight as possible. Once tightened, you may find that your leak is completely gone, and your work is done.

Use a compound stick or patch kit for a temporary fix

Compound sticks and patch kits are excellent ways to keep leaks at bay temporarily. For example, if you’ve found a pipe that has a small to medium-sized hole, a patch kit or compound stick can provide an easy way to create a seal around the hole. This is especially important if you need access to running water immediately, allowing you to remove the source of the leak before a permanent solution is in place.

While these tools are handy, they aren’t a long-term replacement for new pipework or professional fixes. It’s always worth having a kit or two handy at home, as well as a bucket that can catch any drips or leaks during the fixing process. Epoxy putty is another good, temporary option that can be watertight when used with the right kind of tape.

Hire a professional plumber to resolve the leak

Whether you aren’t confident about tackling a leak yourself or it’s an urgent, significant problem that needs fixing, bringing in professional help is always a good idea when it comes to your plumbing. A professional plumber will be able to resolve leaks quickly and easily before they cause any damage to your property, providing you with peace of mind.

You can opt to carry out a temporary fix before calling out an emergency plumber, or you could get someone out on-site as quickly as possible. Whatever you choose, seeking professional services for leaks is ideal for ensuring an appropriate, fast, and professional fix.

Have a leak in your property on the Sunshine Coast? The Sunshine Coast Plumbing Company can help. Get in touch now to get a quote for our emergency plumbing services.

Pipe Relining

Replacing sewer pipes is probably one of the most dreaded home improvement projects, and one of the main issues stopping people from getting them fixed is that their property will not look or be worth more after the procedure. The question you should ask is, ‘is replacement the only option?’ Thankfully total pipe replacement is no longer the case, thanks to pipe relining technology

What is pipe relining?

Despite being available for over a decade, pipe relining is one of the lesser-known alternatives to pipe replacement. It entails relining the interior of pipes and is usually performed by a licensed plumber.

Plumbers reline pipes by inserting specially designed tubes in them, which are then inflated until they fit tightly against the pipe walls. A resin coating on the outside of the tube helps it adhere to the pipe. This process produces a seamless, extremely durable seal when it cures.

Pipe relining advantages

The most obvious advantage of pipe relining is that it can be extremely costly to replace sewer drainpipes and other underground pipes. In these cases, the first step involves digging a trench, which is followed by removing and replacing the old pipes. It is a labour and material intensive process that is very expensive and, once completed, further landscape costs may have to be incurred.

By contrast, when you have your pipes relined, you can experience trenchless pipe repair and a cheaper pipe relining cost, and you won’t have to dispose of your old pipes.

Besides being cheaper than replacing old pipes, relining pipes with trenchless pipe lining also takes less time and doesn’t harm your landscape as much. It can also be a long-term solution, depending on your warranty, and the product you use, but just speak to us if you have any questions.

Are there any disadvantages to pipe relining?

Relining a pipe only has one disadvantage, and that is that it’s not always possible. When large holes have been created in pipes by tree roots or crushed pipes, relining materials have no surface to adhere to, so this process becomes extremely difficult.

Plumbing issues can arise when sewerage lines become badly blocked or broken or if the leak causes so much odour that you need to contact a plumber immediately. There are most likely two circumstances in which you’d need to reline your pipes. Typically, it isn’t done unless there is a crisis.

The pipes in older homes are often relined with clay. The relining of these old pipes can eliminate many of the problems. Relining your pipes can also help prevent tree roots from finding and blocking your pipes since the lining is seamless and prevents condensation outside of the pipes.

Call the experts

For leaky or broken pipes, relining is an affordable and effective solution. Clay, cast iron, and sewer pipes can all be treated with this process. Furthermore, it can be used as a solution for pipes buried under floors and behind walls. The best part is that the installation of the lining only takes a few hours.

If you want a quote for drain repairs or blocked drains, ask for a quote for pipe relining too. We can provide you with an eco-friendly pipe relining solution that may save you thousands of dollars and headaches in the long run.