by BPD Team | Sep 3, 2021
What causes low water pressure in your home?
Are you constantly experiencing low water pressure from your showerheads and faucets? There may be a small plumbing problem within your home that is to blame for the lack of pressure in your fixtures. In residential plumbing, a water pump can be used to generate pressure in the water supply pipes to move clean water to fixtures, when the force of gravity cannot be utilised due to the location of the fixture or residence. This water transportation process contains many various components, some of which may be the cause of the fluctuating pressure in your home. This article will inform you of the possible as to why it happens and some practical solutions to the problems.
Water supply pipes
Water supply pipes provide all of the fixtures in your home with clean drinking water and could be to blame for the pressure fluctuation in your fixtures. If a water supply pipe is clogged, the total water flow will be decreased in proportion to the severity of the blockage, which in turn, decreases the pressure. To regain the original pressure, have your pipes cleaned and cleared of any blockages by a professional blocked drain plumber.
Also, pipes can undergo severe corrosion over time, which can cause a reduction in the pressure in water supply pipes. Corroded pipes will often require a pipe repair or replacement, which is often appropriate since pipes that have undergone corrosion are usually very old.
Leaking pipes can cause a reduction in pressure, but they are also a serious plumbing problem, so it is essential that you contact a professional water leak detection service immediately.
Water pressure regulator
A water pressure regulator is a valve that ensures the pressure in the plumbing remains within a safe range by adjusting the pressure before it is dispersed through a fixture. If this regulator is broken or faulty then your pressure flow may become too high or too low. Have your regulator checked by your plumber to determine if it needs replacement.
Plumbing fixtures
If your tap or showerhead is faulty, it may be the cause of low water pressure for that outlet. Even if your water supply pipes and pressure regulator are both working properly, a faulty fixture can cause a reduction in the rate of water flow. If this is the case, replace your existing tap or showerhead with a new one that fits your plumbing. Consult with your plumber if you are unsure about what tap you should purchase and always opt for a professional shower or tap replacement service.
High water demand in a home can cause a temporary decrease in your water flow. If you have the washing machine on and are trying to have a shower simultaneously, then the water supply is split between the two fixtures. This can cause a reduction in the direct pressure to your shower as the pressure is also required for the washing machine. The best way to avoid this is to use fixtures that require high volumes of water separately.
Water valves
Every home is fitted with two main shut off water valves that can turn the flow of water to your home on and off entirely. When turning these valves back on, it is critical to ensure that they are opened completely. If they are not properly opened and left in this state, the overall flow of water to your home can be limited, reducing the overall pressure in your water supply pipes. To avoid this, when turning the valve, be certain that the valve is completely opened before using the fixtures in your home.
Your Brisbane water pressure specialists
Looking for a professional plumbing and drainage service in the Brisbane area that can provide your home’s plumbing with an extensive range of cost-effective and high-quality solutions? Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage has a team of licensed local Brisbane plumbers who have many years of experience helping Brisbane families with any plumbing issues that may arise. If you think your water pressure is low and want it fixed, call us today on 1300 616 203 or complete our plumber booking request form.
by BPD Team | Sep 3, 2021
When it comes to hot water in your home, you’ve likely taken it for granted on more than one occasion (we know we have!).
But what happens when your gas hot water isn’t working like it should and may need some repairs? We have put together some of the more common instant gas hot water system problems that can arise if you have an instantaneous gas hot water system.
What is an instant gas hot water system?
An instant gas hot water system has a range of names, including:
- Tankless gas hot water system
- Instantaneous gas hot water system
- Continuous flow gas hot water system
- On-demand gas hot water system
They are generally quite small and are located on the wall, heating water as needed instead of heating and then storing it. They are also one of the most efficient, if not the most efficient, hot water systems available.
How does an instant gas hot water system work?
Instantaneous gas hot water systems, as their name suggests, run on gas and function by propelling cold water through a pipe made of copper – known as a heat exchanger – that has heat applied to it directly.
When you turn on a hot water tap, a flow sensor is set off in your instant gas hot water system and the heating commences. This triggers a gas burner and the required amount of water is heated to the temperature that is needed and flows to your tap. Then, when you turn your tap off, your hot water system turns off too!
The most common instant gas hot water system problems
The pilot light won’t ignite
If you are finding that your water heater pilot light won’t ignite, remember that instant systems need moderate to high water flow to ignite the pilot light. Therefore, run your tap on high for a few minutes and see if this ignites the pilot light.
Sporadic hot and cold water
Having intermittent hot and cold water is quite a common problem with instantaneous systems. This can be caused by a range of things including:
- The diaphragm on the gas meter could be faulty.
- Not enough gas may be getting to your hot water system (which can be caused by an under-sized gas bottle).
- You may have a faulty showerhead or a restrictor which may be affecting a taps’ ability to be registered as a ‘hot water’ tap.
- Your system might be suffering from low hot water pressure.
Lukewarm water
Another issue that can arise is that of lukewarm water coming through the pipes, instead of hot water. This can be caused by a faulty thermostat or the diaphragm may need replacing.
Less water production
If you are finding that your hot water system is producing less water than it should, or at a lower water pressure than before, this can be caused by:
- The strainer valve on the cold inlet may be blocked.
- The thermostat may be broken or faulty
If water is also coming out at a lower pressure, this can be related to the pilot light. Remember though, instantaneous units supply hot water at a lower pressure than storage systems do!
No hot water at all
Finally, if you do not have any hot water there are a few things you can check before calling in a hot water plumber.
- Check a stovetop or other gas appliance to see if this still has gas flowing to it. If it does, the gas supply isn’t the problem – if it doesn’t, you’ve hopefully found your issue. If you find that there isn’t any gas flowing to other appliances, check your gas valve meter and call your local utility provider for more assistance.
- Double-check that the continuous flow is plugged into its electrical socket.
- If your system has a controller, check it is on and the temperature is set to the appropriate level.
Who does see about instant gas hot water system problems?
A qualified professional! Ensuring that you speak to an experienced gas fitter is crucial to receiving the best outcome for everyone – it also ensures that your insurance/warranty isn’t voided (which can happen if you complete the works yourself) and the job will get done right the first time. Give Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage a call on 1300 616 203 and we can help.
Resources
by BPD Team | Aug 24, 2021
In an ever more complex and confusing world, it’s reassuring to know that some things really do stay simple – like the flushing toilet. Sure, there are cool innovations like the rimless toilet, and Bill Gates has his eye on the toilets of the future that kill pathogens and even compost the waste. But the basic concept is basically unchanged after hundreds of years – push that button or pull that lever, and gravity dumps the contents of the water from the tank into the bowl and … voila! But what if your toilet won’t flush? The only trouble with simple solutions is that when they don’t work at all, they become almost completely useless.
But don’t worry too much. Most of the time, knowing how to fix a toilet that won’t flush has a single, simple answer:
Unblock it!
- Remove a visible blockage
- Use a plunger
- Unravel a coat-hanger and use it as a hook
- Use a drain snake
- Try some enzyme-based chemicals.
But what if the toilet is not flushing properly and it’s actually NOT clogged? What then?
Well, a toilet not flushing at all that is actually not blocked is probably suffering from one of the following problems:
1. No water
The tank can’t deposit water into the bowl if there’s none there – but why isn’t there? It could be something as simple as one of your kids turning off the supply of water to the toilet. You’ll find the valve somewhere between the wall and the toilet.
2. Not enough water
What if there is water in the tank … but not much? It could just be that the tank water level is set for too low a level – because for a proper flush, the water should be almost all of the way to the top of the tank. If it’s too low, it will flush – but not sufficiently. This is resolved by fiddling with the float arm so that the tank doesn’t stop filling until it’s nicely full.
3. Button trouble
Open up the top of your toilet cistern, and don’t worry if it all looks too confusing – because all you’re really looking at is the button mechanism. If you press the button and it appears to not be attached to anything, that’s the problem – because it should be connected to the arm. If that’s the issue it’s time to get your plumbing toolbox and fix that toilet cistern!
4. The flapper
While that cistern lid is off, let’s see if the flapper is the problem. The flapper is essentially the seal for the flush valve, controlling the way the water is released into the bowl. The only issue is that they wear out over time – so you might simply need a new one.
5. Object in the tank
If you’re still in the mood to blame the kids, it’s quite possible that they’ve put something in a strange place – like an object inside the cistern. If those simple, gravity-operated toilet parts are being obstructed or impeded by something, the result could be your toilet not flushing at all.
6. Clogged inlet holes
The way the water from the tank physically gets into the bowl is via small inlet holes on the bowl itself. So while the toilet itself may not be blocked, these crucial little holes might be. This is a common problem that is confusing to diagnose, because while it may still flush a little, you may find yourself with a toilet not flushing properly.
Why won’t my toilet flush after checking these problems?
We’ll be honest: while these are some of the most common ways to diagnose and fix toilet flush issues, sometimes you simply need a local Brisbane plumber. But don’t feel bad about it, because while most handy people can fix minor problems, something a lot more complex and serious might be going on – and you don’t want a big, soggy, smelly, damaging, unhealthy and expensive mess to accompany your misbehaving toilet, do you?
Luckily, Brisbane Plumbing & Drainage are your local, trusted and fully licensed experts in all sorts of toilet repairs or installation. All you need to do is give us a call, and we’ll do the rest – no matter what’s going on with your throne.
by BPD Team | Aug 16, 2021
Do you have a funny feeling that there is a leak somewhere in your home or workplace plumbing, but you just don’t know where? Water leaks can be a frustrating and annoying disturbance, but knowing how to check for them and what causes them can be a serious help in saving water. That is why we have put together this guide for checking leaks to help you out – give Brisbane Plumbing & Drainage a call on 1300 616 203 for further assistance with water leaks.
What can cause a water leak?
Water leaks in the mains water pipes and your drains can be caused by a range of factors, with some of the common ones being:
- Aged plumbing.
- Tree roots.
- Blocked drains.
- Damaged pipes and pipe joints.
- Movement of the earth around the plumbing.
- Damaged washers and broken seals on taps.
- Corrosion and rust.
What are the signs that you have a water leak?
There are some simple signs to look out for which could indicate you have a water leak:
- Increased water bill for no apparent reason.
- Sound of flowing water.
- If you can visibly see that your plumbing is leaking e.g. an exposed pipe is leaking.
- There is a wet patch on your lawn that will not dry.
- There is a mould patch on your wall, floor or ceiling that will not go away.
- Ongoing low water pressure.
Even if you do not have any of the above signs, this does not mean that you do not have a water leak. It is better to be safe than sorry – if you have a sneaky suspicion something isn’t right with the plumbing, call a plumber and they can carry out a professional water leak detection service to let you know if it is a cause for concern.
How do you find out if you have a water leak?
One of the best ways to find out if you have a water leak if you can not visibly see it is to follow these steps:
- Turn off every tap in your home, including washing machines and dishwashers.
- Check your water meter and take a reading. Note, if the dials are moving this can indicate a leak and, if they aren’t, this can still indicate a slow leak. If you are unsure as to how to check your water meter, more information can be found on this factsheet – dnrme.qld.gov.au.
- Do not use any water for at least one hour (we recommend leaving the house if possible). The longer you can leave it the better.
- Check the water meter again – if the reading has changed, you have a leak.
- If the water meter reading hasn’t changed, you may have a leaking toilet. If this is the case, put a few drops of food colouring into your toilet cistern. If without flushing, the colouring begins to appear in the bowl, the cistern rubbers need repairing.
Important Note: After the test, flush your toilet twice to prevent the food colouring from staining the toilet bowl.
What damage can be caused by an undetected water leak?
An undetected water leak can cause a lot of damage if left too long, including:
- A tap that drips once every second will waste up to 33 litres per day.
- Rotting of timber floorboards, walls, and other areas of your home.
- Termites.
- Structural damage, including walls, foundations and floors.
- Mould and mildew damage, which can be a health risk.
Undetected leaks can cause extensive damage to your wallet too!
What should you do if you have a water leak?
Call in the professionals! As you can see above, leaving a leak for too long can cause huge amounts of damage and can be very costly. That is why it is best to call your trusted local plumber as soon as possible to provide practical solutions and repairs to suit your needs. Even if you can not locate the leak, do not worry – a fully qualified plumber will have the tools and equipment to detect the leak to do that for you.
How can I prevent water leaks?
There are a few ways that you can help prevent water leaks from occurring in your home, including:
- Always turn off your taps gently, so as not to damage the washer.
- Try not to plant large trees over pipes and mains that run through your property, as root growth can damage plumbing.
- Inspect your pool on a regular basis for cracks and any signs of leaks.
- Ensure automatic watering systems are regularly maintained and checked for leaks.
- Always ensure all building and renovation work is undertaken by a licensed professional.
For further information, or for some help in relation to leak detection, give Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage a call on 1300 616 203 today.
Resources:
by BPD Team | Aug 2, 2021
What to do in case your hot water system is leaking?
Can you see water dripping from your hot water system? The water leaks often go unnoticed and you might not realise you have a problem until later when you have no hot water at all. So what should you do if your hot water system is leaking? Read on to find out the causes of leakage and what you can do to prevent the water leak.
Common causes of water leakage in a hot water heater
- Temperature and pressure release valve – The function of the pressure valves is to maintain pressure in the water tank. The valves normally release small amounts of water in order to maintain the pressure. But if it is releasing too much water, it could be due to the accumulation of dirt and damaged seal. Luckily, it is an easy part to replace and will increase the life of your hot water system. Contact your local plumbers and get it fixed by a hot water specialist.
- Tank – Damage in the internal parts of the tank or corrosion can lead to fractures. This leads to a high volume of water leakage. If you can see a lot of water dripping steadily out from your hot water system, call a local plumber immediately.
- Pipe Fittings – Pipes can loosen up over time leading to water leaks. The pipe fittings can usually be repaired or replaced depending on the problem.
- Water Pressure – In this case, if the system water leaks because of water high pressure in the area, it can be fixed by installing a pressure limiting valve.
What to do in case of a hot water leak?
- Identify the source of water leak – Check your hot water system and see if the leakage is from the bottom or top. The source of the leak could also be due to the pressure/temperature relief valve (T&P valve) or loose pipe fittings.
- Leak from T&P valve – To clear any blockage, lift the lever on the valve 4-5 times. It might release the blockage and the leak might stop. However, if it is still leaking, call a hot water repair specialist or plumber.
- Leak from the top – Water leaks from the top might be due to reasons like T&P valve, loose pipe fittings, tank or cold water inlet valve.
- Leaks from the bottom – The common sources for the water leak are drain valves and the T&P valve.
- Turn off the water supply & power to the hot water system
- Turn off the water supply at the hot water system
- Turn off the water supply at the hot water system – The tap is located on the bottom of the system. Turn off the water supply to ensure water doesn’t leak anymore. If the pipe has corroded or you can’t turn it off, turn off the main water supply instead.
- Turn off the main water supply – If you can’t turn off the water supply at the hot water system, turn off the main water supply until your local plumber arrives to fix the problem. For apartments or units, it is usually under the kitchen sink or laundry room. If it is a house, it could be in the front yard or along the side of your house. Turn off the lever and disconnect the water supply to your house. Prior to doing this, it’s a good idea to fill up some bottles and buckets with water as you won’t get any water supply in your house.
- Decide on the course of action – Depending on the problem, either you would need to repair or replace the hot water system. If your hot water system is old, it might be better to replace the hot water system. Hot water repairs are also possible depending on the extent of the problem.
- Call your local plumbers – Problems with a leaking hot water system can often cause bigger problems. Although you can figure out the reason for the leak, it is best to get it fixed with hot water professional. Our plumbers are experts in hot water system repairs and replacement services. We can identify the source of the leaks, recommend the best solution to you. We also do all kinds of repairs and maintenance to all types of hot water systems. Have a hot water leak? Call Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage on 1300 616 203 now.
