Plumbing Problems Everyone should be aware of

With all the different pipes running through your home gas, hot and cold water, heating, drainage and all the different materials being used plastic, upvc, copper, polyethylene, polypropylene etc. it’s not unusual to have a few plumbing problems throughout your lifetime. When it’s a minor problem, you may be able to fix it yourself, but for some problems you’ll need a professional plumber. If you’re in need of plumbing repairs, give us a call at Essendon Plumbing Services for a fast response.

Water is leaking in from my ceiling.

Always remember safety comes first. If there are any electrical appliances nearby turn the electricity off at the main switch. Then turn off your mains water shut off valve (but you need to know where this is). If you have a water meter your main isolation valve will usually be located beside that. Did you know that a split pipe or burst washing machine hose could flood your home with more than 40 Litres per minute of water? Once the water has been isolated, call us to have a plumbing technician promptly sent to your home.

Carbon monoxide the Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, can pose a serious threat in some instances and is yet another reason to have your gas appliances inspected by Essendon Plumbing Services. A carbon monoxide detector is also a wise investment. Essendon Plumbing Services can service and commission your gas appliances to make sure your gas appliances are operating as per the manufacturers instructions. We will supply you with a Certificate of Compliance and explain test results from all appliances leaving you with the peace of mind knowing your family is safe from this silent killer.

Blocked Waste Traps

It’s common for blockages to occur in traps. Running hot water and using a quality sink plunger can be successful in unblocking a trap. Sometimes you will have to remove the trap and clean it out. Undo the trap nuts and remove the trap, clean out the build up of debris but remember to do this in a bucket. As you have removed the trap cleaning it in the sink you’ll end up with it all in the cupboard. Once cleaned out re install the trap ensuring all the rubbers are in position and tighten the nuts. Put a plug in the sink, fill the it up then remove the plug this allows a large volume of water to flush through the trap and clean any remaining debris out of the pipes.

Blocked Drain Sink or Basin

Bathroom basin or kitchen sink, a blocked drain can be very inconvenient and annoying. Generally the problem is found in the waste pipe between the trap and the main drain pipe. Running hot water and plunging the trap can be successful in unblocking the waste pipe. Fill the sink or basin with hot water, remove the plug and plunge with a quality rubber sink plunger. If this doesn’t work your drain probably needs to be cleaned using an electric drain cleaning snake. Give us a call at Essendon Plumbing Services to unblock any stubborn blocked pipes. We will clear your drains and provide CCTV images of your pipes to identifying if there is likely to be any possible future issues or if your drains are now clear and in good order.

Blocked Toilet

This is one of the most common plumbing problems; the blocked toilet. You can try using a quality plunger first. Submerse the plunger in the toilet and firmly place the rubber over the outlet and plunge several times 3-4 in a row then remove the plunger. Once cleared you will hear a vacuum gurgling sound and the water level will drop in the pan. To make sure it’s clear take 2 x handfuls of paper scrunch up and flush away, if the drain runs freely then the blocked toilet has been cleared. If this doesn’t work, a sewer machine or a pressure jet may be required to unblock the drain and clear out any debris followed by a CCTV inspection of your drain to identify any underlying issues with your drainage pipework. Call Essendon Plumbing Services for all your blocked drainage needs.

Dripping Faucet/ Outlet

When you have a dripping faucet or outlet something is wrong with the washers on your tapware. You can replace the washers yourself, be sure to turn the water off first then remove the tapware exposing the tap washers. Simply remove and replace with a quality tap washer, re install the tapware and turn the water back on. If this hasn’t worked or you have tried this before and been unsuccessful then there may be an underlying issue with the valve seats on your tap set. They may need to be ground level to remove any pitting or even replaced if there cracked. You should call a registered plumber to carry out these works so call Essendon Plumbing Services to check if the valve seat is damaged, cracked or worn out.

Running Toilet

Toilet cisterns have an outlet valve that allows water to pass from the cistern to the pan/ bowl when flushed. If the outlet valve is faulty/no longer working properly, or the rubber has deteriorated and isn’t sealing on the seat then it will pass water into the pan causing water to continually flow into the cistern and out into the pan giving you a large water bill. You can buy a new outlet valve rubber kit and try and install this yourself but be aware there are several makes and models or call US to service your entire toilet cistern we’ll make any necessary adjustments or replace your entire inlet valve assembly if it is deemed to be irreparable depending on the make and model. Call us now for a fast 1hr response.

Leaky Pipes

Call Essendon Plumbing Services to help with leaking pipes and burst pipe locating If you don’t know where the leak is coming from. Repair clamps and repair fittings will provide a temporary fix once you’ve located the burst but they are not a long term solution. There is generally a reason why the pipe has burst or its leaking from corrosion to incorrect installation and with the multitude of different pipe material in use today unless this is identified you are likely to continue to have these leaks and burst pipes occurring so for peace of mind call your licensed plumbing professional Essendon Plumbing Services to solve the problem for the long term.

Corroded Pipes

Corroded pipes can be a major contributor to leaking and burst pipes. Generally speaking, most people wouldn’t know what the condition of their pipework is and to the untrained eye, you can’t tell just by looking at the pipe as it may only be corroded on the inside. Most of the time you won’t find out until the pipes corrode completely and you have a leak or burst pipe on your hands. Rusty or scaly water coming out of your faucets may be a sign of corroded pipework. If you have corroded pipes, you will want to call a Local Licensed Plumber like Essendon Plumbing Services to replace them before you have a major issue on your hands.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can get inside your drains via pipework joints and damaged and broken pipework. Once inside they will thrive in the environment causing your drains to block and overflow. If tree roots are not removed they will cause major damage to your drainage system at great expense to repair. You will need to get the help of a drainage professional who has all the equipment required to successfully remove tree roots from your drain and supply you with a report on the longevity and condition of your drains and any future work that may be required to prevent it happening in the future. Call Essendon Plumbing Services to unblock your drain in Melbourne and provide a full drainage inspection report

Burst Pipe

When a pipe bursts generally there’s no warning, large amounts of water leaking in your house can cause serious damage in a short period of time. You’ll need to isolate your water supply to your property either at the meter or property isolation valve. If you can locate the burst pipe you may be able to install a temporary repair clamp to get your water back on in the short term but you will want to get your local plumbing professional Essendon Plumbing Services to complete a permanent repair of the damaged pipe to prevent it happening again.