Any new venture is always a risk especially if you do not know what you are in for. In terms of plumbing upgrades or plumbing maintenance, there are some things that owners must be aware of to prevent plumbing accidents which can range from minor mishaps to major disasters.
At World of Plumbing and Gas, we are committed to providing exceptional plumbing and gas services through quality workmanship, affordability, and reliability. This means that we are transparent with our work and the services we offer. One aspect of this is to provide information to answer some of our clients’ frequently asked questions and concerns.
My water bill is high, do I have a leak?
If there’s a spike in your water bill despite no unusual activity on your end, there might be a leak that’s causing the increase in your water consumption. To test if you have a leak, the first thing to do is to shut off all your faucets, toilets, hot water systems and filtration systems. Check all your tapware and fixtures including hose taps to see if they are closed and not dripping. If your water meter is still running, there must be a leak somewhere in your plumbing. If you have found the leak and it can be patched up by a plumber’s tape or some seal, make sure to do so to not make the leak worse. If the source of the leak is not obvious, immediately turn off the main water isolation valve and call a licensed plumber to conduct a water leak detection test to locate and repair the leak.
What should I do if I have a major plumbing leak?
If you a have a major plumbing leak such as burst pipes or continuously flushing or running toilet, immediately turn off the main water isolation valve to avoid wastage and possible water damage to the premises. Immediately call a professional and licensed plumber to conduct the repair as soon as possible so that you will not be inconvenienced with having no plumbing for a long time. To avoid these major plumbing leaks, make sure to have your fixtures and your pipes checked and maintained at least once a year to ensure the quality and the performance of your plumbing.
Why does it take so long for hot water to arrive in the shower?
This is dependent on how long the pipe run is to the shower from the hot water unit. Pipework is always charged and therefore to have hot water at the shower the water that has cooled in the line from previous use, has to exit the pipework through your shower head before you will receive hot water. If the pipe run is long, we recommend installing a secondary HWU to reduce water wastage and save energy costs by not having to heat water that won’t be used. On the other hand, if you want to have hot water without concerning yourself if there’s still some left on your tank and then waiting for too long before it heats, opt for other hot water systems such as a tankless instant hot water unit. In a tankless instant hot water heater, cold water passes through copper coils which instantly heats the water coming out of your shower or your faucet.
How often should a hot water system be serviced?
Servicing all depends on the type and model of the hot water unit. Make sure to keep the manufacture guide of your hot water heater to know when the unit needs to be checked and maintained. At World of Plumbing and Gas, we recommend having an annual minor service and a major service every 5 years. Some signs which point to hot water units needing servicing include inadequate hot temperature or quick to raise water temperature. Other issues also include quick to cool hot water as well as a leaking tank or a noisy tank. If the water coming out of your shower smells and has a different colour, get your hot water unit checked as soon as possible.
Should I turn off the water supply to my home if I am gone for an extended period of time like a holiday?
If you don’t have a house sitter staying, it’s best to turn off your water supply to avoid plumbing accidents such as burst flexible piping or gas leaks. Before leaving the house, make sure that your gas range is switched off, your water supply is turned off and all your appliances are unplugged and shut down to ensure no accidents caused by electrical or plumbing accidents. If you will be out for a long time, make sure to run your water for a short while to remove the sediments which may have settled in your pipes when your water was not running.
At World of Plumbing and Gas, we offer a no-obligation, free quotation by calling us on 0488 296 724. If you are currently experiencing a water leak, the Water Corporation of Western Australia is offering a $100 Rebate if you get your leak repaired by licensed and professional plumbers. Get in touch with us on [email protected] for more details. Browse our website for our complete list of plumbing and gas services for residential and commercial projects in Perth. At WOPAG, we have an initial charge which includes the first 15 minutes of labour.
