Plumbing FAQs

If you have a sudden leak in the home, it’s handy to immediately know where the main water supply cut-off is. If you need to shut the water down in a hurry, you want to be able to get it done quickly – not spend hours looking for the meter.

Make it obvious and easily accessible. Decorate it with something colourful if you must, but make sure the tenant or property manager knows where it is. Imagine a water pipe broke inside the wall – the longer the water is leaking, the more damage it will cause.

The same goes for your sewer main inspection shaft. We often find these are buried and can’t be located straight away. We can get plans from council and use a locator to find it, but that takes time – time that should be spent clearing the drain, not searching for the shaft. And you’re paying for that time at a premium rate. Spend the time now finding it, don’t pay for it later.

If no one is using water and you see the dial moving on your water meter, there’s a good chance you have a leak somewhere. The best place to start looking is generally your taps and toilets. If you’re still unable to find the source of the problem, it might be time to call a professional plumber.

You should flush your hot water overflow valve (TPR valve) at least every 3 months to avoid the build-up of sediment and debris. This will improve the operating efficiency of the unit and help prevent any dangers that can arise from a faulty TPR valve.

We also recommend a more thorough hot water inspection (outlined below) to be carried out by a licensed plumber every 6 months.

Absolutely! Plungers are cheap and easily bought at your local hardware store. They’re great for freeing up clogged sinks, drains and toilets – and can save you a call-out fee for minor blockages.

Old taps are a common source of water leaks and higher water consumption. Replacing ageing tapware will make your property comply with the 9L/min water saving regulation, plus a new set of taps freshens up the home.

You should inspect your flexi hoses regularly – they’re located under the vanity, kitchen sink, laundry tub, and toilet cisterns.

Almost everyone we speak to has heard a horror story about properties that have flooded due to burst flexi hoses. Once these things split, it’s like turning on a garden hose inside the house and leaving it to run for hours. I’ve personally attended a property that had to be demolished due to water damage from a burst flexi hose.

Warning signs to look for:

• Frayed braiding
• Kinks or bulges in the hose
• Rust marks or twisting
• Any water stains or leaks

If you see any of these, it’s time to act NOW.

Any plumber will tell you how much of their job is spent fixing old or cheaply made toilet cisterns – forever replacing washers, valves and fittings. Like anything, a quality-made product is a lot more reliable than a cheap one.

A new cistern will make your home more inviting and save on water costs and plumbing repairs. All new cisterns come with a new toilet seat and a link cover that hides the flush pipe, giving the bathroom a clean, fresh feel.

A pressure limiting valve is a must for every property. It reduces your water pressure down to 500 kPa, which is considered a safe working pressure for all your taps, valves, fittings, pipework and appliances.

A pressure limiting valve is guaranteed to increase the lifespan of any plumbing fixture or fitting. Almost nothing connected to a water point these days is warranted without one.

They’re relatively inexpensive to install and require no maintenance. They’re usually installed at the water meter, and a simple pressure test will confirm if you have one or need one installed. It’s a lot cheaper than replacing a dishwasher or washing machine that’s not covered under warranty due to high water pressure.

Blocked drains can be a big inconvenience, especially if it happens after hours or in an emergency. It’s a good idea to have both your stormwater and sewer drains inspected to search for possible future issues, or to check if the drains are even connected to the correct services.

Sewer drain issues: A blocked sewer drain inside a property can be devastating – not only a health hazard but something that could cost you a lot of money in repairs, cleaning and possible temporary relocation. Who wants to be cleaning up poop?

Stormwater issues: These can sneak up on you without warning. Your stormwater pipework may work fine in a light shower, but in a heavy storm – boom, massive flood. Sometimes it’s all too late and the damage is done.

We also find downpipes not connected to stormwater drains, which can lead to excessive water pooling under the house, undermining house piers, and mould or pest issues.

As a rule of thumb: if you think it’s not right, get it checked. Trust your intuition – it will save your back pocket in the end.

Your hot water service should be checked at least every 6 months. Have it inspected for water leaks, damage to the cylinder, and stability (check if it’s leaning over).

Signs you need a replacement:

• Water leaks from the outside of the cylinder (can’t be repaired)
• Severe rust or rust marks running down the side
• The unit is leaning over (these can weigh up to 550kg – if it falls on you, it’s game over)

A plumber rough in (or “rough-in plumbing”) is the initial stage of plumbing installation before walls and floors are finished. It involves installing the main drain lines, water supply pipes, and vent stacks inside the wall cavities and under the floor.

This work must be inspected by a certifier before the walls are closed up. Rough-in happens during new construction or major renovations – it’s essentially the skeleton of your plumbing system that gets hidden once the building is complete.

A plumbing health check is a comprehensive inspection of your home’s entire plumbing system. We check for leaks, test water pressure, inspect hot water systems, examine visible pipes for corrosion, check toilets and taps for issues, and assess your drainage.

It’s like a check-up for your home – identifying small problems before they become expensive emergencies. We recommend a plumbing health check every 2-3 years, especially for older homes on the Central Coast.

Yes, in NSW drain clearing is classified as plumbing work and must be performed by a licensed plumber or drainer. This includes using drain rods, electric eels, high-pressure jet blasters, and CCTV drain inspection equipment.

The only exception is basic work like using a household plunger on your own toilet or sink.

Why does this matter? Unlicensed drain work can damage your pipes (creating expensive repairs), void your home insurance, create health hazards, and leave you with no warranty on the work. Always check your plumber’s license on the NSW Fair Trading website before hiring.