What Not to Flush Down the Toilet

The toilet seems a logical place to dispose of many items. I mean out of sight, out of mind right? Unfortunately No! Toilets all over the South West are becoming blocked and you will be surprised at the culprits with even items labeled as ‘flushable’ causing issues.

A blocked toilet is not only an inconvenience, but can quickly become a smelly and unpleasant experience if it begins to overflow with sewerage. When it comes to what shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, there is a long list, but here are just a few items not to flush:

Food
Baby Wipes
Cotton Tips and Cotton Pads
Medication

Food

People are often surprised when they hear food is not recommended to be flushed down the toilet. For many people there theory is that food is bio-degradable, so will eventually break down. However, food that hasn’t been digested can cause plumbing problems. It’s not only food that shouldn’t be flushed, cooking fats and oils are also a big no. As fats and oils cool, they solidify which can cause a serious blockage in pipes.

Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are often branded ‘flushable’ as it’s assumed they will dissolve and break up however plumbers disagree. One or two wipes flushed down the toilet is not normally an issue, but as multiple wipes are flushed, they being to build up with the end result being a nasty blockage.

Cotton Tips and Cotton Pads

Cotton tips and cotton pads are other common culprits of a blocked toilet. I mean they are cotton so will dissolve easily right? Wrong! They don’t break down the same way toilet paper does resulting in them clumping together in pipes causing plumbing issues.

Medication

The toilet seems an obvious place to safely dispose of expired medication; however toilet water is unable to break down medicines properly. The result being medication getting into water and causing environment effects too.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton and Dunsborough are your local professionals and available for plumbing emergencies 24/7

If you have a blocked toilet at your home or business and need it inspected and repaired, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton and Dunsborough are your local experts.

Give us a call today to discover why we are known as the trusted name in the plumbing industry. Servicing in Busselton, Dunsborough and surrounding areas, call the team today on 9759 1317.

Who is Responsible for Plumbing Repairs in a Rental Property?

When renting a property, it can be confusing to understand exactly who is responsible for what. In terms of plumbing, unless the damage was caused by the tenants, landlords are responsible for repairs. A tenancy agreement, signed by both the landlord and tenants prior to moving in, will detail the exact terms and conditions when it comes to plumbing repairs.

When a pluming issue arises in a rental property, there are common questions that arise. These include:

What are Emergency Repairs?
What are Routine Repairs?
Who Arranges Repairs?

What are Emergency Repairs?

Emergency plumbing repairs are generally required when there is a failure or breakdown of an essential service. In plumbing, this can include a blocked or overflowing toilet, gas leak, no hot water or a burst water pipe.

What are Routine Repairs?

A plumbing issue not requiring an emergency repair is known as a routine repair. These can include dripping taps, low water pressure or blocked drains.

Who Arranges Repairs?

A tenancy agreement contains contact information on who to call in a plumbing emergency including contact details for after hours too. It is advised to have these numbers easily accessible incase a plumbing emergency arises.

Requests to have routine issues fixed can be made in writing or a phone call to the property manager or landlord. It is then their responsibility to have the plumbing issue repaired within a reasonable time frame.

It is important to understand and know the terms and conditions of your Tenancy Agreement. Terms can change from one rental to another, so it’s important to not assume the same applies in all rentals.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton and Dunsborough are your local professionals and available for emergencies 24/7

To have your home, business or property plumbing issues inspected and repaired, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton and Dunsborough are your local experts.

The team of fully trained and experienced professionals provide a service to property managers and landlords as a trusted, reliable and affordable plumber when both emergency and routine repairs are needed.

Call the trusted name in the plumbing industry today on 9759 1317.

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

Where Can I Find a Plumber in Busselton, Dunsborough and Surrounding Areas?

At the first sign of a plumbing problem, it’s important to have a trusted, reliable and highly skilled plumber to call. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton/Dunsborough pride themselves on being the first point of call for people throughout the South West for over 40 years. Whether inspections, maintenance or repairs – there is no job too big or small and in the case of a plumbing emergency, they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton/Dunsborough offer a wide range of services, however the 3 main plumbing services they provide include:

Gas
Plumbing
Hot Water

Gas

The safety of you and your family is crucial, therefore having gas appliances inspected, maintained and repaired regularly is encouraged. Faulty appliances can often go un-noticed exposing you and your family to toxic emissions plus as natural gas is flammable, a leak is a fire and explosion risk too. Did you know, that by law, if you do any alteration or extensions to your house and need to move or install gas appliances like hot water systems, heaters or stoves you require a licenced gas fitter to assist

Plumbing

Small plumbing issues can become costly, so it’s important at the first sign of a problem to have it repaired. A common plumbing problem is blocked drains and pipes. Drains and pipes can become blocked in all areas of the home including kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors plus one of the main culprits are toilets. Clearing plumbing blockages is a job best left to our team of professionals who have the correct tools and equipment.

Plumbing Leaks are another common plumbing problem. Water is a precious resource so taking steps to avoid wasting water is imperative. A tap, toilet or shower that is left leaking can cause a nasty surprise when a water bill arrives.

Hot water

Hot water is a luxury we take for granted and it’s not until there’s an issue we think to have it inspected and repaired. Hot Water problems can be caused by a broken or damaged thermostat, sediment build up, a leak, wear and tear or simply age has taken its toll.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas – your trusted name in plumbing in Busselton, Dunsborough and the South West

For all your plumbing issues, call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton/Dunsborough. We have the experience, knowledge and equipment to attend to all your plumbing needs. Servicing Busselton, Dunsborough and the surrounding areas, call the team today 9759 1317.

How Plants and Trees Can Cause Sewerage Problems

Major tree root had cracked the 150mm PVC drain

One of the main culprits when it comes to sewerage problems are unlikely suspects – Plants and Trees.

Plumbing and sewerage pipes are underground as are plant and tree roots. As these roots are wanting water and nutrients, they are attracted to any moisture that is underground. Cracks in plumbing joins and pipes allow roots access to the piping and the moisture in the pipes make roots thrive and grow. The result can be a potential plumbing disaster.

How can you prevent or maintain plant and tree roots causing you a sewerage problem? Read on to discover a few things to consider:

Know the Location of Your Plumbing before Planting Plants and Trees
Ensure Plants and Trees Have Enough Water and Nutrients
Hire a Plumber to Professionally Clean Your Sewerage System

Know the Location of Your Plumbing before Planting Plants and Trees

If you are planning on re-landscaping your garden or planting new vegetation, it’s recommended to find out where sewer pipes are located on your property. The Water Corporation will be able to help with this.

Do your research before choosing what plants and trees to grow. Local businesses such as nurseries can offer valuable advice plus know what plants and trees are native to your area. Don’t place plants and trees on or near sewerage pipes and while a tree may only be small when planted be aware of what its potential size will be when fully grown. Keep in mind, a tree’s roots can extend 1.5 metres longer than the length of the tree’s branches.

Ensure Plants and Trees Have Enough Water and Nutrients

Plants and trees are constantly in search of water. Ensuring plants and trees are watered regularly, mulched with good quality soil and planted in a spot with adequate sunlight will also stop them from going in search of more nutrients.

Hire a Plumber to Professionally Clean Your Sewerage System

Maintaining and repairing your plumbing is a job best left to the professionals at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton/Dunsborough. We have the correct equipment to inspect, clean and repair pipes plus remove any plant and tree roots from your plumbing. Our range of different attachments ensures the correct tool is on hand to clear any blockages.

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton/Dunsborough – your local experts

The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton/Dunsborough offer fast, effective and honest workmanship for all your plumbing needs. They are the trusted name in the plumbing industry and offer an emergency call out service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the team on 9759 1317.

My Drains are Blocked, Where can I get help in Dunsborough?

There’s no denying when a drain is blocked it’s an inconvenience to you and your family as water no longer freely flows down sink holes and pipes. There are tried and tested remedies to clear a blocked drain including bi-carb soda, vinegar and even boiling water plus supermarket bought products too. These remedies often bring no success in unclogging a stubborn blocked drain that’s why the job is best left to professionals who have the expertise and correct equipment to clear a blockage.

Blocked drains can occur in all areas of the home. Here are just a few of the areas well known for blocked drains and what could be a likely cause:

Garden
Kitchen
Bathroom and Toilet

Garden

The first sign a garden drain is blocked is normally the drain overflowing. A large amount of rainfall can cause water to build up in pipes resulting in drains overflowing while seasonal weather brings changes in vegetation with the most common change being plants losing leaves. The strong winds of winter blow garden debris and grass clippings around and if this debris isn’t raked or swept regularly it can end up in drains, preventing water freely flowing down pipes.

Kitchen

Rinsing dishes is a common household chore but did you know this can clog your drains? Food scraps that are rinsed off dishes unintentionally accumulate in your kitchen sink and eventually make their way down drains. Before rinsing, food scraps should be cleared off plates and bowls by other means to empty the scraps into a bin or the compost first.

Kitchen equipment used to cook food like trays and pans and items used for baking such as cake tins can also be home to a build up of fats and oils. Ensure pans, trays and tins have fats and oils cleaned off prior to rinsing and washing as if not cleaned thoroughly they will most certainly cause a blockage.

Bathroom and Toilet

With the bathroom being the most common place to style your hair it can seem impossible to keep bathroom basins clear of fallen strands of hair. Regular cleaning of the shower and basin drains can capture loose hair sitting on the surface, but unless it’s cleaned regularly there is no avoiding hair making its way deep down pipes. Other bathroom items like soap scum and toiletries can unintentionally make their way down drains too.

Whether deliberate or not, inquisitive children often flush toys and other items down toilets. It’s important to also ensure sanitary items are disposed of correctly and not flushed as these too can cause a blockage.

Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas your Busselton and Dunsborough specialists

A professional who has the correct equipment is often the only way to unclog the drains and Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton/Dunsborough are your trusted and reliable professionals. Contact the team on 9759 1317 for all your blocked drain repairs and plumbing needs.

Is your Septic System Working?

Septic tank done Septic systems are underwater wastewater treatments systems and are used in rural and regional areas that are not connected to a centralised sewer system.

Certain actions of maintenance will need to be done from time to time to keep your septic functioning properly and that will depend on what kind of septic tank you have.

When you need to find out what kind of septic system you have, you can contact your local council or shire and request a plan of your property. This may incur a fee and could take anywhere up to 10 days for your plans to be ready. Ask your neighbours as they will most likely have a similar system especially if your homes were built around the same time.

Here are Some Signs You May Have a Malfunctioning Septic System?

Low Water pressure
Smells
Pools / Ponds Around Septic System
Lush Green Growth

Low Water Pressure

You might be having plumbing problems if your water pressure is low and not flowing correctly. The first port of call would be to contact your water service to see if works are currently being done in your area. Otherwise contacting a qualified plumber to solve the problem is always the best.

Pool / Ponds Around Septic System

Water pools that appear around septic systems that are of a muddy consistency can be a cause of a bigger problem. The septic system may not be flowing correctly.

Lush Green Growth

If your drain field has a certain particular amount of green growth around it especially in the summer months could indicate a blockage in your drain field, stopping the wastewater from draining away.

Smells

Smells coming from drainage areas could indicate that there might be a blockage in the septic tank. Also signs of noises of gurgling can also be heard with a smell which is can be potentially dangerous with airborne bacteria. Contacting a professional plumber will assist in sorting the problem.

Does Your Septic System Needs Servicing?

Yes, if you answer to any of the questions above or you don’t know when it was last done.

Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas in Busselton / Dunsborough 9759 1317 to book your septic systems service. We also do all your emergency and general plumbing needs. Call Mainline Plumbing because we are the trusted name in plumbing – for more than 35 years.

Will My Garden Survive a Plumbing Emergency?

Garden When most people think plumbing emergency, they envision overflowing sinks and running taps inside a house, flooding carpets and ruining furniture, but statistically, most plumbing leaks and burst pipes happen either within the walls or out in the garden, particularly when septic tanks overflow or pipes get blocked. The thought of big trucks and diggers moving in to dig up the landscape is enough for any keen gardener to start to weep, but not all plumbers are created equal when it comes to leaving a worksite how we found it.

The team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas understand just how time consuming and precious a garden can be to some people. Whilst some excavation is often necessary to obtain access to the plumbing emergency or septic tank, we strive to leave our customer’s landscape as we found it, with minimal disruption to garden and surrounding structures as is possible.

We have seen it all when it comes to navigating around a backyard to fix plumbing problems and have experience with:

Retaining walls
Garden Beds
Lawn and established trees

Retaining Walls

Often very sturdy and highly expensive to replace, retaining walls are not a problem for our tradesman or their equipment. Very rarely will a retaining wall run parallel above a plumbing pipe and they are not permitted to be built over the top of a septic tank so as to allow access. Our modern equipment and expertise will ensure your retaining walls stay upright during our time on your property.

Garden Beds

Occasionally garden beds have been placed where pipes run from your home. If this is the case, minimal disruption of these areas is a consideration as we attempt to get your plumbing emergency under control.

Grass and Established Trees

Tree roots are a major contributor to pipe and leech drain blockages so sometimes it is necessary to remove the tree to fix the problem and prevent it from happening again. In the case of a large area of grass being disrupted, Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are well-experienced in gently removing the upper layer of turf and replacing it when they have completed the job, resulting in minimal disruption to your grassed area.

Who Can Assist Me In A Plumbing Emergency?

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are your local experts in emergency plumbing. With no penalty rates or call out fee for emergencies, they are your affordable and reliable choice that will not only fix your problem efficiently but also considerately. For a free quote or for any plumbing emergency, call 9759 1317 today.

Wasting water is wasting energy and money too!

Water is a precious resource that we must use wisely and avoid wasting. As the population continues to grow, so will the demand for water. Climate Change, Droughts and High Energy Costs are just a few concerns that have society searching for ways to conserve our resources and reduce costs.

By making small changes we can all play our part in helping to conserve water. Here are just a few ways you and your family can together make a difference in your home:

Use water tanks to catch rainfall. Currently, most of the rain just gets washed down the drain.
Ensure both the dishwasher and washing machine have ‘full loads’ before doing a cycle
At the first sign of a dripping tap or leaking toilet have them repaired
Purchase energy efficient appliances. New appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers have water rating labels on them that tell you their energy efficient rating
Have hot water pipes insulated or install an instantaneous hot water system. This avoids wasting water and saves energy while waiting for water to heat up.
Keep chilled water in the fridge. This saves water wasting away down the sink while you are waiting for the water to cool down and be suitable to drink during the warmer months.
Rinse fruit and vegetables in a sink that is half-filled with water, rather than under a continual running tap.
Encourage friends and neighbours to be form a water-conscious community and do their part. Promote water conservation in community newsletters, on bulletin boards, and lead by example.

Toilet leaks are energy and money leaks too!

Toilets are one of the most water-intensive fixtures in the house. Older style toilets use up to 18 litres of water per flush while the latest ultra-low-flush toilets can use as little as 4.5 litres for a full flush and 3 litres for a half flush.

A toilet leak can potentially waste approximately 750 litres of water every day. This is the equivalent of flushing your toilet more than 50 times for no reason at all! A leaking toilet is often not audible or visible and it can often be only when a costly water bill arrives you know you have an issue.

If you suspect you may have a toilet leak, here’s a simple task you can try:

Remove the tank lid of the toilet
Drop either a dye tablet or approximately 10 drops of food colouring into the tank.

(Dye tablets are often available for free through local water providers)

Replace the lid and wait for 10 to 15 minutes ensuring you don’t flush the toilet
Look in the toilet bowl. If you see coloured water, it is highly likely you have a leak

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Dunsborough are your reliable professionals for any water leaks.

Do you suspect your toilet is leaking? If so, stop wasting money down the drain. Start saving both water and energy and call the team at Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas in Busselton/Dunsborough on 9759 1317.

What is Instantaneous Gas Hot Water?

Instantaneous, or continual flow, gas refers to a hot water system that only heats up as much water as you require. When the hot water tap is turned on, the gas burner starts to heat the water as it runs through a coiled pipe. Rather than heating a full tank of still water, the unit only heats the water that is needed, shutting off the heating process when the hot water tap is turned off.

There are many benefits to installing an instantaneous gas hot water system at your property. Not convinced? Here are just a few reasons why it’s a smart idea:

Save Money on Your Gas Bills
Keep Water Wastage to a Minimum
Environmentally Friendly
Ensure the Safety of your Family

Save Money on Your Gas Bills

The average person uses up to fifty litres of hot water per day. As the cost of utilities continue to rise, an instantaneous gas hot water system only heats the water that you require, in turn saving you money. Rennai instantaneous gas hot water systems come with an impressive 6-star efficiency rating, another way to be assured you are getting exceptional quality and savings.

Keep Water Wastage to a Minimum

The ‘instant’ effect of an instantaneous gas hot water system reduces the time it takes for your water to become hot. The quicker your water heats, the less water is wasted while waiting. An instantaneous gas hot water system has the added benefit of being able to be connected to bottled or underground gas lines too.

Environmentally Friendly

Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas are proud suppliers and installers of Rennai hot water systems. The Rennai brand are compatible with slow flow shower heads, proven to release less greenhouse gas emissions and understand the need to conserve our precious natural resources. The lower the water usage, the lower the cost to consumers and the less strain on our environment.

Ensure the Safety of your Family

The thermostat on an instantaneous hot water system allows you to set a maximum temperature. Reduce the risk of burns to you and your family by setting a maximum temperature on your system for peace of mind and to keep your loved ones safe.

Who Can Help Me Install Instantaneous Gas Hot Water System Supply?

For the most up to date products, reliability and performance, contact Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Dunsborough/Busselton. They are your local choice for experience, professionalism and cost-effective plumbing, hot water and gas solutions. Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Dunsborough/Busselton will find the perfect system suitable for your home. Call the team on 9759 1317 today for a free quote.

Are Noisy Water Pipes a Cause for Concern?

Turning on our taps to freely flowing water is a luxury we take for granted. When water pipes start making noises without warning, it can not only take us by surprise, but cause worry as to what these noises may mean. While not uncommon, noises coming from your water pipes can indicate a serious issue so is always best to be inspected by a professional.

Here are just a few noises water pipes are known to make and what they can mean:

A Squealing or Whistling Noise
A Rattling Noise
A Gurgling Sound

A Squealing or Whistling Noise

Your plumbing system depends on all the pieces of the puzzle to be functioning to make the taps and valves work correctly. Often when using appliances, you may notice a squealing or whistling noise coming from the pipes around the appliance. This can be especially evident near dish washers and washing machines. The common culprit for this is broken or worn washers which normally require the expertise of a plumber to ensure they are repaired or replaced correctly.

A Rattling Noise

Lying behind our walls, ceilings and floors is many, many metres of piping. Although this piping is secured, it can come loose over time causing a rattling noise to occur as water flushes through. This is a common plumbing problem that can be seen, but not heard as these pipes are more than likely hidden and in hard to reach places.

A Gurgling Sound

If there is a foreign object blocking your pipes, a gurgling sound can normally be heard. Blocked pipes are a common plumbing problem and can be caused by an item accidentally washing down the drain, a build-up of soap or products residue or even hair. When an item is blocking our pipes it often needs a professional to come and clean and clear drains to get them flowing and functioning again. Homeowners are encouraged to be vigilant as to what is washing down their drains as blocked pipes is an issue which cannot be ignored.

Call Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton/Dunsborough for all your plumbing needs.

Do you have noisy pipes in your home? Servicing Busselton, Dunsborough and the greater South West, Mainline Plumbing Cheap Hot Water and Gas Busselton/Dunsborough are your local experts for all your plumbing needs. Call the team on 9759 1317 to benefit from their friendly, reliable and trusted service today.

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