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How to Create an Emergency Plumbing Plan for Your Home

Unfortunately, plumbing disasters can occur at any time without any warning, so it’s important to make plans for when they strike. The last thing you want is to be scrambling around in the early hours of the morning for a plunger or to find the number of a local plumber while your bathroom is flooding.

To avoid this situation, today we’ll help you create an effective emergency plumbing plan so that you have everything you need to tackle plumbing issues smoothly and with little hassle and stress. 

Common Plumbing Emergencies

A plumbing emergency is any unexpected issue that leaves you unable to use your plumbing fixtures properly, without water or has the risk of causing safety hazards or water damage to your property. This could include everything from a malfunctioning hot water system, blocked drain or toilet, burst pipes, leaking taps or gutters, all the way to gas leaks.

Of these issues, gas leaks are the most hazardous as they can cause serious health issues if inhaled and pose the risk of explosions. So, if you suspect your gas appliances may be faulty or damaged, it’s essential that you treat it as an emergency: evacuate and call for help ASAP.

In saying this though, burst pipes, blocked drains and leaking taps can also be treated as emergencies as they can cause serious damage to your property or escalate if not handled promptly. Similarly, a sudden loss of hot water can often signify serious damage or issues with your hot water system that need to be addressed quickly to prevent further issues in the future.

If you encounter a sudden issue with your plumbing that you can’t fix yourself and is impacting your routine it can be treated as an emergency and warrants a call to the professionals.

Assessing Your Plumbing System

One of the most important parts of any emergency plumbing plan is knowing your plumbing system and being able to minimise issues in the heat of the moment. While your plumbing is functioning properly–before disasters strike–it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with all of your fixtures and have an idea of the structure of your pipework.

Additionally, everyone in your household should be aware of where the main water shut-off valve is and how to use it. Shutting off the water prompt can help to minimise the mess and damage when pipes burst, backup or leak, even while waiting for the plumber to drive across town. So, it’s good practice to walk out to the front of your property as a family and find your mains shut-off valve (which will generally be under a council plate) and make sure that everyone understands how to switch it off.

Creating an Emergency Plumbing Kit

Another part of being prepared is having a few essential tools. Putting together an emergency plumbing kit with tools such as a plunger, wrenches and tape and keeping it in an easily accessible place can help you to minimise issues until a plumber can get to you.

While most plumbing issues will require expert repairs, there are generally some small DIYs you can do to tide yourself over, such as tightening connections, taping up cracks to stop leaks or attempting to plunge out drains or toilets to dislodge blockages. By doing these simple, temporary repairs you may even be able to save yourself money on after-hours call-outs, by managing the situation until the next morning.

Establishing Emergency Contacts

Finally, any emergency plumbing plan is not complete without the contact details of a trusted local plumber who offers 24-hour emergency services. If you attempt to search for a plumber in the heat of the moment when your stress levels are high, you risk not doing all the proper checks and are unlikely to end up with the best services.

At Essendon Plumbing Services, our emergency plumbers have over 30 years of experience in the industry and are dedicated to providing 100% customer satisfaction, regardless of the time of day or night or even if it’s a public holiday. So, you can trust that your plumbing emergencies are in good hands and you’ll be able to get back to your normal routine in no time.

To save yourself stress in an already stressful situation, keep our number in your phone or on the fridge: 1300 193 298.

Make Plans for During Repairs

Sometimes, if the damage is extensive and requires a lot of repairs and you’re unable to use your plumbing fixtures, it can significantly impact your routine. Without a functional toilet, sink or shower, staying in your home could be tricky, so it’s a good idea to have backup plans of somewhere you can stay.

Whether you have family members or friends nearby that could accommodate you, or if you have to stay at a local motel. Having tentative plans and knowing you and your family have somewhere safe and reliable to go during repairs can help alleviate stress.

Protect Your Home With a Strong Emergency Plumbing Plan

Now that you know the most common plumbing emergencies and how to react and plan for these unexpected and unfortunate situations, you’ll be better prepared to tackle anything your plumbing system throws at you. By knowing the layout of your plumbing, how to shut off the water, and having a few essential tools for minor DIYs you can minimise damage.

And remember, regardless of the time or day, our experienced emergency plumbers are ready to help 24/7 365 to provide lasting repairs. Don’t forget to put our number somewhere that you can find it easily, so you don’t have to go searching during an emergency: 1300 193 298.

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Troubleshooting Tips for Common Hot Water System Problems

Many of us rely on hot showers at the start of the day to wake up or at the end of the day to wind down, so the last thing you want is to be shocked with cold water instead! But unfortunately, this can and does happen to many homeowners and families across Victoria every day.

When cold water strikes unexpectedly and your hot water system isn’t working, you need a plan. In this blog, we'll explore the most common hot water system problems and what you can do to restore your hot water sooner.

Understanding Your Hot Water System

The first step to troubleshooting your hot water system’s issues is to understand the type of hot water system you have and know the components that it’s made up of. There are many types of hot water systems available in Victoria, but the most common and popular are electric, gas and solar. Each of these has components that can cause issues over time, including:

  • Sacrificial anode rod: This rod helps prevent corrosion of your tank by attracting corrosive minerals and elements to itself. It will usually look like a plug or bolt in the top of your tank.
  • Temperature pressure relief valves: These valves are designed to regulate the pressure inside your storage tank. They are the brass valves near the top of your tank, depending on your hot water system, they may have a lever or a ring-pull to operate them. 
  • Tempering valves: These valves regulate the temperature of your water to keep your household safe from scalds and burns. They are a legal requirement of all hot water systems in Victoria and must be set at a maximum of 45 degrees Celsius. They are a ‘T' shaped valve with a hot inlet on one side and a cold on the other and a tempered (or mixed) valve at the bottom.
  • Heating elements and thermostats: These are the elements that heat your water. On most electric hot water systems they will be located under a metal or plastic panel in the bottom half or base of your tank.
  • Drain valve: This is where the water in your tank can be drained for cleaning or in the case of repairs or replacement. It will be located at the bottom of your tank.
  • Gas control valve: If you have a gas hot water system, this valve will control the gas supply to your tank. They are generally located on the lower external portion of your unit.

It’s important to know the names and locations of these key components so that if an issue occurs you can fix it or at least explain it clearly to your plumber when making an appointment Additionally, checking each of these components regularly can help to ensure that your hot water system is functioning properly, or allow you to catch any issues early to prevent disasters.

Troubleshooting Common Hot Water System Problems

No Hot Water

One of the most common problems people face with hot water systems is a sudden lack of hot water. If your shower or tap suddenly runs cold it could be due to a faulty thermostat, heating element issues, or power supply problems. 

To DIY this problem you can start by checking that the power supply or gas pilot light is connected correctly and turned on. If everything is connected correctly you can try to reset the thermostat by pressing the reset button near the thermostat. If the power has tripped it can take up to an hour for the water in your tank to reheat. 

However, if your water is still cold after an hour or if your system continues to trip, the problem is likely more extensive and we recommend that you call a professional plumber for repairs or replacement.

Inconsistent Water Temperature

Inconsistent water temperature is another common issue that you may face due to a buildup of sediment, a malfunctioning thermostat or improper connections. The first step in troubleshooting this issue is to inspect the connections to ensure everything is installed correctly, and then check the thermostat settings and reset them if they appear to be incorrect.

If everything is connected correctly and the thermostat appears to be functioning as it should, you may need to flush out the tank to remove sediment by connecting a hose to the drain valve.

Discoloured or Odorous Water

If the water coming through your shower or taps from your hot water system appears to be off-colour or has a strange smell, there is likely corrosion in your tank. Rust and corrosion can cause your water to turn a deep red or brown colour and give off a metallic smell.

When this happens you need to inspect your tank, particularly the sacrificial anode rod, for corrosion or rust. If it’s just the anode, you can purchase a new one and replace it as per the manufacturer’s instructions, however, if your tank itself is corroded it may require replacement to prevent further issues.

However, if you can’t find any signs of corrosion or rust, it could be a water quality issue. In this situation, you can consider flushing out your tank or trying water treatment solutions. We recommend consulting a plumber for an inspection first though.

Leaking Water Heater

Over time water heaters can spring a leak due to corrosion, damage or faulty valves. The first sign of a leak is generally an unexplained loss of water pressure or heat. If you notice this, you will need to inspect the area around your tank for wet spots or puddles and then trace it back to find the source. Inspect the base of your tank for cracks, corrosion or rust and valves for drips. 

Once you know the source of the leak you can take steps to minimise further damage, such as adjusting the valves to relieve pressure or calling a plumber to complete the necessary repairs or replace your tank if it’s too far gone. 

Running Out of Hot Water Too Quickly

The final issue that many homeowners report is that they run out of hot water quickly. If this happens from the get-go or just when you have guests, then it may be that your hot water system is not big enough to cover your hot water usage. If this is the case, you may need to consider replacing your tank with a larger one or installing a second tank.

This is also common with solar hot water systems, as they struggle to heat up on cloudy or rainy days which can lead to a lack of hot water. To compensate for this you may want to consider installing a gas or electric system as a backup.

However, if you generally have enough hot water and then suddenly don’t, it could be a problem with your system. Start by inspecting your tank for leaks and then if you find any, call a plumber to have them repaired quickly.

Preventing Hot Water System Problems From Escalating

Many of these common hot water system problems can escalate into major issues quickly if not managed properly and in a timely manner. By knowing what to look for and the common causes, you will now be more prepared for any unfortunate situations that could pop up and leave you with an unpleasant cold shower.

But most importantly, if you encounter any of these issues or any other problems with your hot water system we are the team to call! Our experienced plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services have worked with all types and brands of hot water systems and know how to repair or replace them all.

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How To Find The Best Hot Water System For Your Household Needs

Your hot water system is likely the furthest thing from your mind when it is working well, but if you find yourself having a regular cold shower or are planning to reduce your energy costs and upgrade to a more efficient system, the good news is there are many hot water systems available to choose from.

With each hot water system offering its own advantages for different uses and households, we thought we’d explore the most common types of hot water systems in Victoria and help you find the best fit for your household.

Types of Hot Water Systems

Gas Hot Water Systems

Gas hot water systems are a popular choice for many households in Melbourne due to their quick and reliable heating. Gas systems tend to heat up to twice as fast as their electric counterparts, providing a higher amount of heated water quicker, this makes them a great choice for large households.

While gas hot water systems can be more expensive initially with extra piping and ventilation systems needing to be added during installation, they are more cost-efficient in the long run as gas is generally more affordable than electricity and they won’t add costs to your regular electricity bills.

Another advantage of these systems is that they will continue to work during a power outage so you won’t have to suffer through icy showers when the power is out. They also emit less greenhouse gases, making them a great choice for eco-conscious families.

The only con or warning to note about gas water heating systems is that they need regular servicing to keep them safe and prevent hazardous gas leaks.

Electric Hot Water Systems

Electric hot water systems are the most common in residential properties, this is because they are reliable and easy to connect to your household’s power supply. These systems are great at supplying large amounts of hot water as they work by heating the whole tank from an element at the base. This means your whole household should be able to enjoy a hot shower or bath without it running cold.

Electric hot water systems are among the cheapest on the market to purchase and their easy installation keeps these costs down also. However, unfortunately, these systems can be costly to run unless you have solar panels to power the system and heat the tank during the day.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Heat pump hot water systems use heat from the surrounding air to heat the water in the tank, this allows it to use less electricity. This makes them one of the most efficient water heaters on the market.

These heat pumps are highly economical and environmentally friendly, making them a great choice for families focused on sustainability and cost savings. You can even drive costs down further if you have a roof-top solar system to run the pump during the day. However, they can be a little more expensive to purchase and install than their electric tank counterparts.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water systems are one of the cheapest water heaters to run, however, they are one of the most expensive to purchase and install. They are a great way to promote sustainable living while saving on future electricity bills.

These water heaters work great during the warmer months when we have lots of bright sunny days here in Victoria, but you may want to consider a backup heating source for when the rains hit and the weather turns gloomy.

Solar hot water systems are a great option for saving money over time and increasing your sustainability, but you’ll need to consider the initial costs and the costs of a backup system against these savings when making your decision.

Instantaneous Hot Water Systems

Instantaneous hot water systems are a great way to minimise the waste of electricity and hot water. These heaters only heat water as you need and don’t waste power heating a giant tank. This will help to reduce your electricity bills over time. This makes them a perfect solution for families or households that travel frequently for work or leisure and don’t require a lot of hot water constantly.

Their instantaneous heating also makes them a perfect backup system for a solar water heater, providing you with reliable hot water on those gloomy or rainy days. If you have a large property and it takes a long time for water to reach the other side of the house, instant hot water systems can be a great way to supply hot water quicker to certain fixtures in laundries or guest bathrooms.

These instant systems are also highly energy efficient, making them better for the environment. And since they’re designed to run slightly less than other systems, they often last longer and require less maintenance. This saves you even more in the long run to make up for the initial purchasing and installation costs which can be slightly higher than other systems.

Choosing The Best Hot Water System for Your Household

As you can tell, there are many factors to consider when choosing your next hot water system. Whether you want to opt for the tried and true (and initially cheaper) electric system, an innovative solar system to do your part for the environment or a reliable gas hot water system, they each have their own benefits and advantages.

When deciding, it’s important to consider your household’s water usage and budget. Still unsure? Contact our experienced plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services and we can inspect your property and existing system to help you make an informed decision. We can even handle the whole hot water system installation for you.

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