by BPD Team | Aug 2, 2021
There’s nothing more satisfying than a steaming hot shower to warm you at the end of a long day but when the water is trickling slowly, it can be absolutely frustrating. So what causes low hot water pressure and how do you fix it?
Diagnosing Low Hot Water Pressure
Did you know that the pressure from any tap in your household should not exceed 500 kPa (72.5 psi)? The actual water pressure in your home can be worked out using a device called a pressure gauge. If the pressure is below 275 kPa (40 psi) it is considered low.
Low hot water pressure can be due to a number of reasons like faulty fixtures, hot water system problems, or broken pressure regulators. It is important to identify the source of the problem to avoid the dreaded shower trickle.
Here are some quick steps you can follow to identify the source of the low hot water pressure problem.
- Check if the water pressure is low in all the fixtures or the entire house – If the problem is only experienced when using the hot water tap, the likely cause is your water heater. If it is only in certain taps, mixers, or showerheads, the issue could be due to a clogged fixture.
- Is the low pressure in both cold and hot water or just hot water? If both cold and hot water has a low supply, it could be due to a broken pressure regulator or a closed shut-off valve.
- Check the hot water system for leaks or rust – Your water heater requires regular maintenance and if it is corroded or leaking, it could be affecting your water supply.
Possible Reasons For Low Hot Water Pressure
- Accumulation of sediments in hot water system – Is your hot water supply affected? It could be due to the accumulation of sediments in your storage tank. Depending on the water quality in your area, the hot water tank may need to be flushed regularly to remove any sediment buildup. If you haven’t had your tank flushed recently, contact your local plumber. We recommend getting the hot water system flushed regularly if needed to extend the life of your hot water system, and prevent low hot water pressure problems in the future.
- High water demand – Using your appliances and shower at the same time can cause the pressure to drop. This problem can be fixed easily by coordinating your water usage across different times of the day.
- Incorrect installation – Often the issues arise due to incorrect hot water installation, bends in pipes, mismatched pipe diameters or worn-out pipes.
- Blocked pipes – Does your water flow slow down after some time? Pipes can accumulate sediments, limescale, or other debris causing the water flow to slow down. If so, your plumber can clean or replace the pipes.
- Tempering valve – Tempering valves are installed to regulate the temperature of the hot water in your home. It mixes hot and cold water to feed the water at a reduced temperature to the water outlets. Any issues with the tempering valve can lead to reduced water pressure or a lack of hot water supply. It is an easy fix, just contact your local plumber, replacing the valve will usually fix your water pressure problems.
- Blocked filters – Just like pipes, filters can accumulate sediment. Luckily the problem can be easily fixed by cleaning or replacing the filters.
- Worn out showerheads & taps – Showerheads and taps can accumulate debris over time. Cleaning the fixtures or replacing them should be enough to resolve the problem.
- Pressure regulator – Does your water pressure vary – either it is too high or too low? This could be due to a broken pressure regulator, your plumber can fix the pressure regulator and set it to the required level.
- Partially closed valves – The water supply can be low due to a closed valve. You can check these valves and open them if needed.
- Leaks – Can you see water near your hot water tank or around the pipes? In this case, contact your hot water plumbers immediately and turn off the water supply to the mains. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.
How To Fix Low Hot Water Pressure
The problems discussed above need professional assistance as a DIY job can often make the problem worse. If you are struggling with low hot water pressure, contact the expert plumbers at Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage. We understand how annoying water issues can be and we can take your stress away.
Our plumbing team offers a full range of residential, commercial and industrial services throughout Brisbane. Call us now.
by BPD Team | Aug 1, 2021
“Drip, drip, drip”. Sound familiar? What an annoyance leaking taps are! Wherever on your premises, this pesky problem is happening, the noise, not to mention the waste of water, justifies an urgent fix. Doing so is routine for the initiated, however, for those who aren’t particularly well-versed in D.I.Y. home repairs like how to fix a leaking tap, it may seem a tall order.
Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage are here to advise you on how to tackle this common issue, though we must stress that if you’re in any doubt, your best option is to call a licenced professional plumber.
Why is my tap leaking?
Like many plumbing fixture issues, a dripping tap can be the result of many things. The most documented causes are mentioned below.
More often than not, the cause is washer-related. This important component, usually made of rubber, functions to stop the flow of water through the piping. With frequent use over time comes the potential for damage.
Cartridges form an important part of the tap; controlling the tap’s flow and temperature output, if not working properly, problems will most likely arise.
Problems with your piping can result in water pressure issues, increasing the chance of a leaking faucet. O-rings, a small yet important part of your tap handle structure, is designed to make a waterproof seal. If this comes loose, leaking can occur.
How do I fix the leak?
Before we begin outlining the repair process, you’ll need to make sure you have the right tools for the job.
Tools & supplies needed
- A set of spanners, or a shifting wrench
- Correctly-sized washers, or a tap washer kit
- Multi-grip pliers
- A screwdriver
- Jumper valves
- An O-ring
Additionally, having a cloth, silicone and a reseating kit handy is ideal. For all your fixture parts and supplies, head to your local hardware store.
Step-by-step dripping tap repair
First and foremost, you need to turn off the water supply on your premises at the mains. Turn the tap on, letting the water run out. After this, turn the tap off again. Before starting, remember to plug the basin to prevent anything important from being lost down the drain in the process.
1. Cover
Take off the hot/cold tap cover, then remove the handle using a wrench or spanner.
2. Skirt
If your tap has a ‘skirt’, it will need to be taken off. A pair of pliers will assist the process.
3. Headgear
Unscrew the tap bonnet, removing the cover plate/headgear. This will expose the washer and jumper valve. You’ll need a spanner for this!v
4. Washer & valve
Loosen the body, and remove the body washer and jumper valve.
5. Spindle
Winding the spindle out of the body will make the O-ring appear. Replace it, along with the washer and jumper valve.
6. Refit
Refit the bonnet/spindle, making sure not to over-tighten.
7. Reassemble
Reassemble the tap, and turn on the main water supply. If there isn’t a leak, well done! If the problem persists, it indicates an underlying issue, most likely being the need for a reseating to your tap. This will enable an as tight as possible seal for the washer. You should be able to find a reseating kit at your nearest hardware store.
Your local tap repair experts
We’re highly experienced in fixing a range of plumbing issues including leaking tap repairs, blocked drain clearing, hot water repairs and maintenance, gas fitting, and a lot more. If you have any questions on how to fix a leaking tap, or would just like some expert assistance, call us today on 1300 616 203.
by BPD Team | Jul 14, 2021
Suspect Gas Leaks – What should you do to handle gas leaks?
Do you have LPG or natural gas installed at your home or business? You should be aware of the signs of gas leaks and what to do in case of an emergency.
Properties of Natural Gas and LPG
- Natural Gas – It is lighter than air and in the event of a gas leak, it will rise and spread in the air.
- LPG – It is heavier than air and tends to pool on the ground or drains.
Both the gases are flammable, odourless, non-poisonous and non-toxic. To make the gas leak apparent, a chemical called Ethyl Mercaptan or Ethanethiol is added to the gas so it is easy to detect leaks.
Signs of Gas Leaks
- The smell of rotten eggs, durian or cooked cabbage
- Hissing sound near the gas line or appliance
- Dying house plants
- Pets are sensitive to gas leaks and they may behave unusually or have symptoms of lethargy, vomiting, lack of appetite, breathing difficulties
- Dizziness and breathing difficulties inside the house which goes away when you go out.
- Blue or yellow flame on the ground
- A dry spot within a moist area – gas leak from an underground pipe can cause the soil to dry out.
What to do if you have a Gas Leak?
Firstly, stay calm and don’t panic.
- Turn off the electrical switches, appliances and pilot lights.
- Open all the windows and doors for ventilation
- Turn off the gas supply from the mains.
- Go outside immediately as inhaling the gas can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and can prove to be fatal
- Once you are at a safe distance from your house, call your local gasfitters for an urgent inspection. If the leak is between the gas meter and your house, your gasfitter will be able to repair the leak.
However, if the gas leak is around your gas meter and the distribution network, your gas distributor is responsible for the repair.
Note:
- Do not test for leaks with a naked flame
- Don’t smoke inside the property
- Do not operate your phone or use a flashlight as it could cause a spark and ignite the gas flame.
What if the leak is outside your home?
If you can smell gas outside your home on the street near your gas meter, contact your gas distributor.
There are 2 main operators in Queensland :
If you do not know your distributor, check your energy bill or contact your energy retailer.
by BPD Team | Jul 14, 2021
Who pays the repair costs for unblocking drains?
To find out whose responsibility is it to repair blocked drains – property owner, council or tenant, a plumber should be called to identify the root cause and location of the blockage. If the blocked drains are in your property, it is your responsibility or your tenants.
However, there are a lot of grey areas and there should be ample evidence to pinpoint which party caused the damage. If the blockage is outside your property, your local council is responsible. Contact your local plumber, they can tell you who is responsible for the blocked drains and claim the expenses from the council if needed.
Common reasons for blocked drains
There are a lot of reasons why your drains are blocked. Listed down below are the most common reasons for blocked drains:
- Fats, oil and grease
- Flushing wet wipes (even if they are biodegradable, don’t flush them down the drain)
- Sanitary hygiene products like tampons, pads
- Plant and tree roots
- Storm damage
- Hair and soap scum
- Broken pipes
- Dirt
- Objects like toys, electronic waste
- Poor pipe installation
- Accumulation of sediments
- Coffee grounds
Inside the house
Who pays for repairing blocked drains – Landlord or Tenant?
It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure the property is in a safe and liveable condition. However, once the tenant moves in, it is the responsibility of both tenant and property owner to maintain the house in a good condition.
Tenants are responsible to keep the property clean and ensuring it is in the same condition as when they moved into the property while the owner is responsible for the structural aspects of the property.
When is the landlord responsible for blocked drains?
The property owners are responsible for blocked drains if:
- Damage is caused by the landlord
- Pipes have been poorly maintained
- The blockage is due to wear and tear and it is not anyone’s fault
When is the tenant responsible?
The tenant is responsible for blocked drains if:
- Damage is caused by the tenant
- Negligence of the tenant e.g. blocked pipes due to clogged hair, foreign objects, wet pipes or sanitary pipes
- If the damage is caused by the tenant, they will have to pay the cost for clearing the drain and any expenses incurred for repairing the drains
In case of any dispute between the tenant and landlord:
- The landlord might need to show evidence that the pipes were in good condition when the tenant moved in and regular preventative maintenance was being carried out.
- If you are a property owner, contact your licensed plumbers in Brisbane for CCTV drain camera inspection. Our plumbers can also use our jet rodding equipment to remove blockages quickly and pipe relining to fix broken or damaged pipes.
- Landlords can include clauses in the lease agreement indicating what items cannot be flushed. Also, communicate to the tenants that you have the pipes inspected regularly and if there is any damage, they will have to foot the bill.
Outside the house
Council: It is the responsibility of the council to maintain the sewer and stormwater pipes on council land. If any blockage is in the council’s mains, contact your local council to get the issue resolved immediately.
Property Owners: Property owners are responsible for the sewer pipes and stormwater pipes on their property and up to the council connection point.
Need urgent help with your drains in Brisbane? Our blocked drain plumbers can help. Contact us today on 1300 616 203 or complete our online plumber booking form.
by BPD Team | Jul 14, 2021
Your hot water system just isn’t running like it used to, so you have decided it is time to upgrade or replace your unit with something new. You type ‘hot water systems’ into Google and up comes millions of responses… and you think you may be out of your depth. What do you look for? What are the important features? What are the different types of hot water systems and what do they mean?
We have put together a comprehensive three-part overview of the types of hot water systems available, what their costs are, the relevant unit sizing, as well as tips and tricks as to how to choose the best system for your needs. However, if you are still not sure give your local plumber a call and they can discuss the different options with you and what is available for your home. Given that hot water is such a huge part of any household, it is so important to ensure you choose the best system, so make sure you do your research!
Water heating is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from an average Australian home and the second largest segment of household energy use in Australia, after space heating and cooling. It accounts for about 21% of the energy and generates about 23% of the greenhouse gas emissions. – Australian Government
What are the different types of hot water systems?
We will go back to basics to begin – water heater types. There are two different types – storage systems and instantaneous flow systems – that run on different energy sources such as electricity, gas, solar and heat pumps. A little information about each type is found below.
Storage Water Heaters
Storage water heaters are just that – they store hot water for use when your home needs it. Storage occurs in tanks of different sizes and material types, and once all the stored water has been used only cold water will be available until the tank refills and heats again. Storage hot water systems can be switched to an ‘off-peak tariff’ mode whereby water is only heated during off-peak periods (which is usually at night, when energy prices are lower), which can save costs but does not save on greenhouse gas emissions. The big benefit of storage hot water systems is that they offer hot water instantly, whereas continuous flow systems can take a while to heat up.
Electric
Storage electric hot water systems are one of the most commonly used systems in Australia (around 50% of Australian households use electric storage hot water units). They are the most cost-effective options when it comes to purchasing a unit and installing it, however over the long term they can be quite expensive to run. An electric storage system works by storing heated water in an insulated tank and can be used when required. Water is kept at 60 °C for health reasons and the units can work from a gravity feed, otherwise known as constant pressure, tank or on mains pressure.
Tanks can come in different sizes and are made of different materials, mainly copper or glass (enamel) lined steel or stainless steel.
Gas
Storage gas hot water systems are also really efficient, due to the high temperatures that gas burns at and very little heat is wasted (compared to traditional electric systems). Gas storage hot water units use a gas burner, which is generally located at the bottom or underneath the storage tank, to continuously heat and maintain water at 60 °C. As the cost of gas is lower than electricity, it is becoming more and more popular and gas also heats up a tank of water a lot faster than many of its counterparts, meaning less time without hot water!
Heat Pump
Heat pump hot water systems are super energy efficient, and only use around 30% of the energy used by traditional electric systems (even though they run on electricity). They use renewable energy without needing extra panels like solar, by absorbing the heat in the surrounding air to heat water. Heat pump systems are also referred to as ‘air-source heat pumps’ and work like a fridge in reverse – they grab the heat from outside the storage tank and transfer it to the water inside through a heat exchange system.
Solar
Last but not least, there is solar. Hot water is almost the perfect electrical load when it comes to solar systems, where solar energy can be grabbed at any time and stored as heat. A good, well-insulated, solar hot water system is like a giant battery, which stores energy for use when you need it. You can heat the water stored in your tank whenever possible, and then be used at another time. You could store solar energy during the day on Monday, then use it on Tuesday morning without a hitch!
In Australia, about 48% of the energy used for water heating comes from natural gas, 45% from electricity, 3% from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and 4% from solar. – Australian Government
Continuous Flow Water Heaters
The other option is the continuous flow, otherwise known as instantaneous flow, hot water systems. These systems do not store heated water and instead, heat water as you need it. Although water can take a little while to heat up with this process, once heated you will never run out of hot water (unlike storage systems). The system works by having cold water flow through copper piping, and heat is then applied directly to the pipes.
Electric
Electric continuous flow water heaters or instant electric hot water systems are just as their name suggests – electricity-powered hot water systems that heat water as you need it. When turning on the hot water in your home, this triggers a flow sensor which commences the heating process. The heating element is triggered which allows the required water to be heated electrically before it gets to you as nice, toasty hot water. Instantaneous systems which run off electricity use less energy than electric storage units, however produce more greenhouse gases than gas storage units. Additionally, because a lot of people use water during peak times, electricity prices are on-peak (not off-peak like storage options) however you will never run out of hot water!
Gas
The other instantaneous option is fuelled by gas, which ensures no heat is lost during the heating process. They can have either a pilot flame or electronic ignition, which can be placed both internally and externally, but only if sufficient ventilation is an option. When you turn the hot tap on in your home, a flow sensor is triggered which starts the process. This sensor triggers a burner, which works with a heat exchange system to heat your water before it gets to your tap. A continuous flow of gas is required to deliver continuous hot water, therefore you must ensure you have appropriately sized gas pipes and gas meters to service the system.
More than half of hot water use is in the bathroom, a third in the laundry and the remainder in the kitchen.
Which hot water system is best?
The famous last question… and if only there was one answer. The type of hot water system that is best really depends on your circumstances – a 5 person household that lives in the suburbs with 3 bathrooms are going to require a different system to a single person living in the city in a studio apartment. Additionally, the aspects that are important to you will also affect your decision – would you like something more eco-friendly, or cost-effective (or both!), or that looks a particular way? All of these factors contribute to deciding which system is best for you, so it is super important that you complete your research and, if possible, speak to your local hot water plumber about the options and what is best for your area. In the interim, however, some advantages and disadvantages of the systems are as follows :
Electric Hot Water Systems
Advantages
- Low upfront costs
- Easy to install
- Reliable
- Heat in off-peak times
Disadvantages
- Expensive long-term
- Not environmentally friendly if not run on renewable sources
Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Advantages
- Environmentally-friendly
- High energy efficiency
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional systems
- Easy to install and connect
- No need for solar panels, inverters or batteries
- Long-term money savings
Disadvantages
- High upfront costs
- Not ideal for really cold climates
- Unreliable if not installed properly
Gas Hot Water Systems
Advantages
- Fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- Generally have lower usage rates (depending on your area) compared to electricity
- Long-term cost-effective option
- Quick heat recovery times
Disadvantages
- Only really workable if connected to mains gas (using LPG bottles is very expensive)
- Must be located outside (or exhaust fan inside)
- Can lose heat quickly due to lack of insulation
Solar Hot Water Systems
Advantages
- Fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- Lower energy bills
- Eligible for some rebate schemes
- Energy independence
- Can be installed almost anywhere, as long as there is enough space
- Virtually no maintenance
Disadvantages
- High upfront costs
- Need lots of space for the system
- Cloudy days don’t produce much energy
- Lower production in winter months
Your local hot water specialists
If you have any questions regarding hot water systems, their capabilities and what system is best for your needs, give Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage a call on 1300 616 203 or complete an online contact form today. Our team knows everything there is to know about hot water systems, so get in contact to have a chat!
Check our Hot Water System Costs and Hot Water System Sizing guides to see what hot water system is the best size for you.
Resources :
