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4 Roof Plumbing Tips for Spring

Spring has already sprung in Melbourne so we thought we would share 4 handy roof plumbing tips everybody should follow before Summer. By completing these 4 easy plumbing jobs, you’ll prevent the possibility of a nasty water leak and expensive repair bill.

The good news is that all these plumbing tips are jobs that can be completed outside, in a COVID safe manner during Melbourne’s lockdown #6.

Essendon Plumbing Services has a team of licensed expert plumbers that can help with all your roof plumbing needs in a COVID safe way.

Tip 1: Clean & Inspect your Roof

Removing debris, leaves, sticks and rubbish from your roof prevents it from entering your gutters and downpipes and clogging your storm water drains. A simple check over your roof can prevent major storm damage inside your home.

While removing debris, you can carry out a visual inspection of the following:

  • Cracked roof tiles
  • Cracked or missing cement bedding
  • Rusted metal roof sheets
  • Missing or loose roof screws or nails
  • Damaged or corroded chimney flashing or rusted valley flashing

However, the most important thing before getting on the roof is to remind yourself that working from heights is a dangerous job and kills more people in the construction industry than any other task. If you’re not confident or trained on how to work safely at heights, then we suggest calling a licensed local roof plumber to do the job. Not only will they clean your roof, but they also know what to look for when inspecting for damage or repairs.

Tip 2: Clean your Gutters

Gutters take the water runoff from your roof and transfer it to your downpipes. This means that any leaves, tennis balls, bird nests or sticks in your gutters can end up in your downpipes – blocking them.

A simple gutter clean will not only remove the possibility of your gutters overflowing and debris ending up in your storm water system, but it will also prolong the life of your gutters saving you money in the long term. Keeping your metal gutters clean also prevents corrosion occurring from water sitting around in your gutters after it rains, it allows the water to flow freely along the gutters and down into the downpipes.

Once again while cleaning your gutters, you can carry out a visual inspection for any:

  • Leaking joints
  • Rusted sections of gutter
  • Areas that are holding water

Over time, houses can move which effects the fall on gutters causing the gutter to hold water. Gutters may need to be re-graded, or an additional downpipe added which an experienced plumber will pick whilst carrying out an inspection

Tip 3: Clean out your Downpipes

Here are the most common items found in downpipes causing them to overflow and your roof to leak:

  • Dried leaves
  • Twigs
  • Dead birds
  • Tennis balls

The best way to clean out downpipes is to remove any rubbish first, then give it a good flush with a garden hose to make sure it runs freely. Inspect your downpipes for any damage while cleaning them out and make sure you have no leaks.

Tip 4: Clean your Storm Water Drain

Stormwater drains are the final process in transferring rainwater from your roof to your local council’s legal point of discharge - LPOD. It’s important to make sure your storm water drains, pits and channel grates are clean, free of debris and show no signs of damage. This is essential in a smooth-running stormwater system from roof to LPOD.

CCTV down drains is a great way to carry out a pipe inspection. A quick CCTV inspection will show any signs of cracks to pipework, tree roots, debris, or areas where drains may be holding water. Once you know where the problem is, you can then do what’s needed to fix the drain.

High Pressure Water Jets are used to blast out and debris and to clean out storm water drains. However, CCTV cameras and High-Pressure Water Jets should only be operated by experienced professional plumbers. High pressure water jets can damage drains if used incorrectly and cause serious injury.

If drains need to be replaced or repaired before more significant damage occurs, you can get a free quote from your local expert plumber to carry out repairs.

Want to Spring into Cleaning Your Roof?

Essendon Plumbing Service can help you with all the above spring plumbing tips. If you’re not confident working at heights, or you’d prefer to engage a professional local plumber then we’re here to help you.

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Essendon Plumbing Services has the expertise and knowledge to quickly locate and repair water leaks. Call us on 1300 231 976 or book online.

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The Importance of Regular Gutter Cleaning

Why Should I have my Gutter and Downpipes Cleaned?

With spring rain around the corner, there has never been a better time to get your gutters cleaned in Melbourne.

The prevention of green matter, leaves, moss, tennis balls and debris entering your downpipes or storm water system is critical in allowing your storm water system to flow freely. It also prevents unnecessary damage and flooding to your property when the rain hits.

We recommend having your gutters and downpipes cleaned at least once a year, with twice being the optimum. 

Planning is Everything with Gutter Cleaning

For some, the task of getting up and cleaning your gutters and downpipes is one of those chores that can wait another day. For others, it’s just too dangerous to get up onto the roof to clean them out, we understand but it’s important not to leave it until it’s too late.

Planning is everything with gutter cleaning and roof leaks. Unfortunately, when it rains it’s not safe for anyone to be up on a roof, so if you’re caught in a storm with blocked gutters and downpipes we can’t fix it for you until the rain stops. The problem is, the damage has already been done.

This is why planning and being organised is critical in getting your gutters, downpipes and stormwater drains cleared and running freely before the Autumn rain hits.

Melbourne weather is unpredictable at the best of times and with storms happening more regularly it pays to be prepared and ready. The build-up of leaves, debris and foreign matter restricts the flow of water and effects the efficiency of the whole storm water system operating as it was engineered to do.

Additionally, when gutters and downpipes are cleaned and able to flow freely it simply prevents leaks and flooding, which prevents expensive damage to your property. Preventing storm water from getting to your footings, foundations and stumps around your home will save you thousands in underpinning and re-stumping your home, not to mention all the repairs needed to be carried out once underpinning and re-stumping has been completed.

The Types of Gutters in Melbourne

There are three main types of gutters in Melbourne:

  1. Fascia gutter
  2. Concealed Gutter
  3. Box gutter

All three have their own purpose and all three are prone to blocking and deteriorating if not routinely cleaned.

Make sure your Gutter Cleaning Plumber is Insured

Working from heights is a dangerous task, so make sure your plumber is trained and insured, you don’t want to be held liable for any eventual workplace injuries on your property.

Along with asking the below questions, also ask for written proof. It should be as easy as having them send you an email with their certificates of currency for all their insurance policies and licences.

  • Are you a licensed plumber and will you provide a certificate of compliance?
  • Do you have public liability insurance and for how much?
  • Are all your employees insured?
  • Are all your employees insured by Workcover?
  • Will you provide a warranty on the work you do and how long does it last?
  • Ask for a copy of the policies.

Not Cleaning Your Gutters and Downpipes Will Shorten Their Lifespan

When gutters and downpipes are left dirty and full of debris, it causes them to deteriorate and corrode quicker than they should. Holding water or moisture can shorten the life span of gutters and downpipes by half, so it pays to keep them clean.

When you’re ready to replace your gutters and downpipes or if you need advice on the current condition of you gutters, call our friendly team at Essendon Plumbing Services on 1300 193 298 or book online.

Need you Gutters Cleaned?

If you’ve been holding back on getting your gutters and downpipes cleaned, call your expert local roof plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services. We will clean your gutters and downpipes and provide you with a free quote to replace any damaged guttering if required.

Call us on 1300 193 298 or book online.

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