by BPD Team | Dec 27, 2022
With outdoor kitchens becoming ever more popular one of the questions that our plumbers in Brisbane often asked is “What plumbing do I need for an outdoor kitchen?” As its name suggests, an outdoor kitchen is simply a kitchen that’s installed inside an outdoor living space, so essentially your plumbing needs will be the same as for the kitchen you have inside your property.
Complete outdoor kitchen plumbing
Outdoor kitchens have become more sophisticated over the years as people realise how much fun they can have cooking and entertaining in their outdoor space practically all year round. We’ve visited many homes in Brisbane to assist with the plumbing and been blown away by the equipment that owners have fitted into their outdoor kitchens. It wasn’t so long ago that an outdoor kitchen would contain at best a fitted BBQ and perhaps a beer fridge but nowadays we’re seeing such things as:
- Fitted storage cupboards
- Granite countertops
- Serving benches
- Bar fridge
- Sink and prep sink
- Dishwasher
- Wine cooler
- Beer on tap
- Ice machine
- Ovens and/or stovetop
- Pizza Ovens
- Outdoor gas heating
- Designer lighting
- Ceiling fans
- Coffee machines
From a plumbing point of view, many of these appliances and fixtures need to be connected to water, sewer drains, and gas lines and, ideally, for the easy connection it’s best if your alfresco kitchen has ready access to your house. Having a patio kitchen built without easy access to existing connections means installing additional service lines, which ultimately pushes up the installation price.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of the main outdoor kitchen plumbing considerations.
Outdoor Kitchen Sink
A sink in your outdoor kitchen will require a water line to bring in fresh water, as well as a drain pipe to carry away waste water. The water line can be connected to your home’s main water supply, or you can install a separate line specifically for your outdoor kitchen. The drain pipe will need to be connected to your home’s sewer system or to a septic tank, depending on your setup. You will also need to install a faucet on the sink to control the flow of water.
Gas cooktop plumbing
If you are installing a gas cooktop in your outdoor kitchen, you will need to run a gas line to provide fuel for the grill. This should be done by a professional gas fitter in Brisbane, as gas lines can be dangerous if not installed correctly. The gas line will need to be connected to your home’s main gas supply, or you can install a separate line specifically for your outdoor kitchen.
Refrigerator water connection
If you are installing a refrigerator in your outdoor kitchen, you will need to run a water line to the refrigerator for the ice maker and water dispenser. The water line can be connected to your home’s main water supply, or you can install a separate line specifically for your outdoor kitchen. You will also need to install a drain pipe to handle any water that is produced by the ice maker. The drain pipe will need to be connected to your home’s sewer system or to a septic tank, depending on your setup.
If you’re building a new house it’s a good idea to plan for an outdoor kitchen during the design phase as that way you can ensure that drainage, gas pipes, and water are installed before any of the landscaping takes place. Even if your original house design doesn’t include an outdoor kitchen, you can still plan ahead for the eventuality by installing live capped water, gas, and drain connections outside to use in the future.
If you need help with kitchen renovation plumbing for your outdoor kitchen or indoors, we’ve got you covered. Call Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage today!
by BPD Team | Dec 22, 2022
High water pressure can be a major problem for homeowners. It can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs, and it can also lead to a decrease in the efficiency of appliances that use water, such as washing machines and dishwashers. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of high water pressure and what you can do to address this issue.
Why do I have high water pressure?
One of the main causes of high water pressure is a malfunctioning pressure-reducing valve. This valve is responsible for regulating the amount of water that flows through your pipes, and if it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to an increase in water pressure. Other potential causes of high water pressure include a faulty water meter, a blocked or damaged pipe, or a problem with the main water line.
Unlike low water pressure where some outlets can be effected but not others, high water pressure is usually noticed across the whole house.
How to test for high water pressure
If you suspect that you have high water pressure, there are a few steps you can take to address the issue. First, you should check your water pressure using a pressure gauge. You can purchase one of these gauges at a hardware store or online, and they are relatively easy to use. Simply attach the gauge to an outdoor faucet and turn on the water to see what your current water pressure is. If it’s above 80 PSI (pounds per square inch), you may have high water pressure.
How to fix high water pressure
If you do have high water pressure, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent damage to your pipes and appliances. There are a few different steps you can take to fix high water pressure in your home:
- Install a pressure-reducing valve: A pressure-reducing valve is a device that is installed on the main water line of your home and is designed to regulate the water pressure. If your water pressure is too high, installing a pressure-reducing valve can help bring it down to a safe level.
- Repair or replace damaged pipes: If your high water pressure is being caused by a damaged or blocked pipe, you may need to repair or replace the pipe to fix the issue. A professional plumber can help identify the problem and recommend the best course of action.
- Check the main water line: In some cases, high water pressure may be caused by a problem with the main water line. If you have ruled out other potential causes and are still experiencing high water pressure, you may need to contact your local plumber in Brisbane to see if there is an issue with the main water line.
In some cases, high water pressure may be caused by a problem with the water supplier. If you have ruled out other potential causes and are still experiencing high water pressure, you may need to contact your water supplier for assistance. They may be able to help you resolve the issue.
Overall, high water pressure can be a serious problem for homeowners, but it can be addressed with the right tools and techniques. If you suspect that you have high water pressure, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professional plumbers for assistance. We can help you identify the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of action to fix it.
image source: https://idronics.caleffi.com/article/31/2-plumbing-system-pressure-concepts
by BPD Team | Nov 11, 2022
We all know that our grocery, mortgage and electricity bills are going up, up, UP! But how about your water? Unfortunately, it’s also bad news. While household water usage actually decreased by 0.5% so far this year, and the water supply is through the roof due to hefty rainfall, general inflation means that those water bills are still up by 3%-plus. But before you rush around and instruct everyone in the house to limit their showers to a 1-minute speed-scrub, there’s something else to consider: the water saving shower head.
Have you ever had a water saver shower?
However, the adoption of water saving shower heads actually remains quite controversial. Why’s that? Well, it’s because of all the negative reviews. For instance, water-efficient shower heads are otherwise known as the aerated shower head – and some people say that a combination of water with air can make your steaming hot shower a little bit lukewarm. Others moan that it can also take longer for a temperature tweak to take effect, while others say the faster-moving stream of water feels like pins & needles on the skin.
But: have you tried a water-efficient shower head lately? You may just be blown away by the improvements – and end up loving it a lot more than that standard, water-washing showerhead. And at the same time, you’ll also be enjoying a reduced shower flow rate that can save you more than 20 litres PER MINUTE. Install them in all of your showers, and the savings can be counted in the hundreds of dollars per year – more than enough to compensate for higher water prices. Just be sure to look out for the WELS label, which is an Australian water efficiency standard that lets you know just how effective your water saver shower will be. TIP: We recommend water-efficient showerheads with at least a 3-star rating.
And did you know:
- Saved hot water also means a smaller power bill?
- Your carbon footprint will be smaller?
- You may qualify for rebates/swap programs for water efficient shower heads?
4 reasons to give water saving showerheads another try
But are you still in the naysayer camp of people who have heard negative stories or had negative experiences with water saving showerheads? It might be time to check out the latest-generation range of products, because 21st-century innovation means that product weaknesses don’t remain that way for long these days:
1. A conservative choice
Did you know you can now buy a water saving shower head that doesn’t really save all that much water – and therefore won’t negatively affect your shower quality either way? If you’re nervous about the switch, why not start with a slight reduction to that average 15-20 litres per minute flow rate? Because every cent counts.
2. Try a non-aerated shower head
The biggest complaint about aerated shower heads is that some people don’t like the feel of air-mixed-with-water on their bodies. However, you can also get a non-aerated product that won’t change the expected temperature of your hot water at all. It simply ramps up the speed and pressure of the water by squeezing it through smaller holes.
3. Find your ideal style
Once upon a time, when water saving shower heads were more of a niche product, the style and materials often left a little to be desired. But no more! In fact, most modern shower heads are in fact water-saving to varying degrees, but you can also get extremely low-flow products in the high-quality material and on-trend style you prefer. These include the popular rainfall-style heads, a chrome finish, duel heads, multi-spray pattern features and more.
4. Hedge your bets with variable-flow
If you’re a big believer in low-flow showerheads but you live with people who want to stick with full mains pressure, grab yourself a variable flow head. This means you can switch between various flow rates, from very little saving at all to a powerful shower massage – the choice is yours!
Let us install your water efficient shower heads
Did you know Brisbane Plumbing & Drainage can fix you up with full, proper and certified installation of water saving shower heads at your place this week? If you’ve tried them in the past, try the latest-generation products to experience water-saving benefits with your usual 5-Star shower experience. And if you’ve never used water saving showerheads, start browsing the shiny new range today. For advice, guidance and fully guaranteed workmanship for life, get in touch with the friendly shower & bathroom plumbing team at Brisbane Plumbing & Drainage today.
by BPD Team | Nov 3, 2022
There are a lot of ways in which our plumbing pipes, drains and systems get clogged and damaged. All of that hair from the shower, food scraps from the kitchen sink, unwisely flushed items down the toilet and debris from storms is most definitely a big problem. But there’s one phenomenon that can cause even bigger problems than all of them put together: tree roots.
What’s the deal with tree roots in pipes?
Why is the tree root in pipes problem so severe? Because it’s almost certainly been brewing for some time – probably years upon years. Tiny, hair-like roots sneak into those tiny pipe cracks or joints because the damp, humid and organic-rich insides of your plumbing pipes are just so attractive to your hungry and thirsty trees. And once they’ve found their way in, those tree roots in pipe systems utterly thrive – causing incredibly dense blockages, cracks, leaks and destruction.
Think you might have a tree root pipe problem? Here are the most common signs:
1. Water bills soaring?
If your water bills are suddenly much higher than before, a hidden leak is probably the cause. And if you can’t even notice where that significant leak is occurring, it’s probably under the ground – with the tree roots!
2. Drainage problems?
When you pull out the plug, is the water from your bath, sink and other drains slow to clear? It could be the case that a big clump of thriving tree roots in the drain and plumbing infrastructure is now slowing the flow, which may also cause your toilet to back up.
3. Backyard sinkhole?
An underground leak, as outlined in #1, can get so bad that the soil in your yard starts to get so sodden and soft that a particularly wet patch and even a sinkhole can form.
4. Drains gurgling?
Our baths all gurgle a little bit when you pull the plug, but you’ll probably notice the difference if a roots in pipes problem is worsening. So if your drain gurgling is starting to sound sinister, it could be the water trying to squeeze through a major concentration of tree roots.
5. Drains smelling?
Similarly, all of our drains sometimes smell a little ‘off’ to some degree now and then. But when that drain smell gets really foul what could be happening is that ordinary waste is starting to accumulate and mix with the tree roots – and the result can be quite pungent indeed!
6. Water pressure falling?
If you turn on the tap and you’re disappointed with how dismally low the water pressure is, a mass of tree roots in pipes could be the underlying cause.
Tree roots in sewer and other pipes – What next?
We’d like to tell you that there’s something easy you can do to improve the situation, but there are a couple of problems with that. Firstly, the Australian Plumbing Code basically forbids you from doing very much at all without being a fully licenced plumber. And most of the remedies you use for unblocking drain issues simply won’t work with a full-on tree root incursion short of digging up the ground, chopping up the roots and then repairing all of the pipe damage.
We’ve all got better things to do than amateur plumbing anyway, right? So if tree roots in pipes have become a major issue at your place, why not just give the blocked drain plumbers at Brisbane Plumbing & Drainage a call straight away? As you can tell from the name, we rather enjoy getting stuck into your annoying tree root problems with the very best techniques and highly specialised equipment, such as:
Need a tree root in pipe specialist who is available 24/7? For fair, upfront pricing and fully-guaranteed workmanship for life, give Brisbane Plumbing & Drainage a shout today.
by BPD Team | Oct 20, 2022
Do you need a friendly and reliable Electrician in Brisbane? We are excited to share the news of our partnership with Your Electrical Expert.
Electricians and plumbers are often working together on home improvement projects like kitchen and bathroom renovations. Electric hot water system installations are another time you might need a plumber and electrician. Who should you call? Well, now you can contact us for all your plumbing and electrical needs and we’ll coordinate with the local Brisbane electricians at Your Electrical Expert to get the job done seamlessly!
Who are Your Electrical Expert? Local Brisbane electricians near you, the team providing fast same day electrical services with a friendly smile. Covering all of Brisbane, all the way to the Gold Coast, emergency electricians are available 24 hours with fully stocked vans to come to your rescue.
Working to the latest Queensland Electrical standards, you can count on quality electrical services from the team with guaranteed workmanship. After inspecting the electrical issue, Your Electrical Expert provide a fixed quote so you know exactly what to expect. They really are a one stop shop for all your electrical installation, repair and maintenance needs!
Brisbane Electrical Services
Air Conditioner Repairs, Installation and Servicing
Beat the heat of Queensland with our competitive air conditioning services. Split system air conditioners are a great way to keep your home or office cool during summer. They are efficient, reliable and affordable. Do you need one installed or serviced?
Ceiling Fans
In the Queensland climate, ceiling fans are essential! Do you need a new ceiling fan installed or old one replaced? Brisbane electrical services cover all types of ceiling fans to help you keep cool.
Antenna Repair & Installation
Tired of your TV signal being interrupted or losing signal altogether? Your Electrical Expert can repair your antenna or install a brand new one. Get the clearest picture possible! With a wide range of antennas to choose from, they’re sure to have one that meets your needs, so you can start watching your favourite TV shows in no time.
Switchboard Repairs
Your switchboard controls the electricity flowing into your home so it has to be operating effectively and safely. Local Brisbane electricians can test, repair or upgrade your switchboard today.
Lighting Installations
Quality lighting solutions are an essential part of home living. Save on electricity bills by installing efficient new LED lighting or replace existing lights with modern fixtures to make your home more appealing.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are crucial for the early detection of a fire in your home. Did you know that Queensland Fire and Emergency Services recommends installing photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway and living area of your home?
Your Electrical Expert: Brisbane Electrician Near Me
For obligation free quotes on Brisbane electrical installations, maintenance or electrical emergencies that can’t wait, give our friendly office staff a call. We will have a qualified technician on-site promptly.
Your Electrical Expert and its team of electricians in Brisbane have an excellent reputation for quality, prompt service. We know you love our plumbing services, now you can have a great experience when you need a Brisbane electrician too! With a top review rating, don’t just take our word for it. Visit the Your Electrical Expert website to make a booking or get more information today!
