Posted on

Most Common Water Heater Problems

Modern water heaters are known for silent operation, they do not make much noise when in use which means it is time for a full inspection whenever you hear your unit making that annoying popping or rumbling sound.

High Temperature and Pressure

When you notice a high-pitched sound coming from your water heater, it may be an indication that excess water pressure exists in the hot water tank.  Check the temperature and pressure relief valve to discover how high the pressure has been set. If you find that the valve is dropping water, shut it off and find a professional plumber.

Build-up of Sediments

When sediment builds up at the bottom of your unit to the tune of excesses, then your water heater might make that noise we spoke about earlier. These sediments are often calcium and magnesium deposits coming from tap water. When a large amount of sediment is collected at the bottom of your unit, it traps hot water in its bosoms which is what makes that popping sound you hear.

To ensure that sediments don’t build up in your unit, flush it regularly. This will help you avoid poor unit performance. Sediment build-up is not dangerous, all it can do is reduce the effectiveness of the unit.

The Campbelltown committee on water and power advise individuals to flush their water heaters at least once a year to check the build-up of mineral deposits. Proper maintenance like the simple flush can ensure your water doesn’t turn yellow. If you do not know how to go about flushing your unit, get a professional plumber to look in on it.

Expansion and Contraction of Plumbing Pipes

Plumbing pipes expand and contract as water is being drawn through them from the tank.  This process of expansion and contraction often causes the pipes to rub against loose strap or water heater framing thereby making that noise you hear often.

To correct this, locate the source of the noise and secure the loose straps with plastic spacers. Turning the water temperature down can reduce pressure and keep the sounds to a minimum.

Water Heater Leaks

When you hear a sizzling sound, the type that says water just dropped on something hot, chances are there is a leak from the water heater or the pipes and fitting. This can be dangerous albeit rare. In such rare and dangerous situations, water leakages can cause water heater explosions. It is always best to invite a professional plumber to take a look no matter the stage of the leak.

Campbelltown Water Heater Inspections

Once you discover that your water heater is making any form of noise, it is certainly due for an inspection. It doesn’t matter what the issues may be, Campbelltown Plumbing is equipped to handle all water heater related troubles.  We have a stable of highly-trained professionals ready to examine the situation and proffer solutions to any issue that might arise. We use modern technologies to ensure that our customers’ noisy water heaters are well taken care of.

Call 02 9158 6549 for help with your water heater.

Posted on

Unclogging Your Drain the DIY Way Tips from a Campbelltown Plumber

Here are signs that your drain may be clogged; your sink will take a little longer to drain, the water rises around your feet in the shower and unpleasant smells hit your nose from the drain. When you see these signs, note that you may soon have a completely clogged drain.

Below are simple things you can do to fix it before it becomes completely clogged.

Use a Bent Wire Hanger

This may sound simple but it is one of the most effective methods of unclogging a drain. Just pick up a normal wire coat hanger, make it as straight as you can, then bend one end slightly to create a hook. When you’ve got this, stick it past the drain cover and fish around the drain for the offensive cause of the blockade. If it is hair or other particles, you should be able to pull these out with your improvised hook. Ensure that you do not push gunk in, grab with the hook, and pull them out. After you must have pulled out every bit of gunk you can, run the hot water, you will find that you have a clear drain again.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Combination

Here is a good trick to learn, mix 1/3rd of a cup of baking soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar. Pour it into the drain immediately you notice the fizz. Ensure you pour the mixture into the drain immediately because the fizzing action is what helps to remove hair and other particles clogging your pipe. Allow this formula to stay for an hour or through the long night in your drain. An overnight stay has been shown to provide the best results. In the end, rinse with hot water.

Boiling Water Remedy

The boiling water style is the least demanding of all the DIY hacks on this list. Boil a large quantity of water, any quantity you deem necessary. When it boils, pour it slowly into the drain, allowing the hot water to work on and break up the gunk. This is often the fastest and easiest way to unclog any drain.

Send in the Drain Snake

The drain snake is a long flexible metal rope with a spiral metal end attached to it which can go all the way down into your drain, breaking up gunk and freeing the drain. It is one of the best ways of unclogging your drain and you can learn how to use it by watching a step-by-step video showing the whole process.

The Salt and Baking Soda Combination

This is similar to the Baking Soda and Vinegar trick, simply mix half a cup of table salt with half a cup of baking Soda and pour these down your blocked drain. Leaving the mixture in the drain for about 10-20minutes before pouring boiling water into the drain to clear it up. When the boiling water meets the table salt and baking soda mix in the drain, a chemical reaction takes place that clears the gunk and grime from your drain.

Dish Detergent

If you are experiencing the menace of a clogged toilet, place 1/4 cup of dish detergent into the toilet bowl, boil some water and pour into the bowl, then using the plunger, start plunging. The dish detergent acts as a lubricant here, breaking away any greasy residue.

Need help unclogging your drain? Give your local Campbelltown Plumbing legends a ring at:

02 9158 6549.

Posted on

Why you should Invest in Copper pipes for your plumbing

Every time you are confronted with plumbing issues, you will probably hear plumbing experts and professionals say, “What you need is a good set of copper pipes.” In such a case, you need to put a call through to your local piping experts to make a quick inquiry to know if you have a good set of copper pipes for your plumbing system. After they might have done a proper check-up and confirmed that everything is in order, then your home is possibly well-equipped to withstand any future plumbing disaster. Alternatively, you can seek the service of Campbelltown copper repiping specialists to upgrade your home’s plumbing systems.

This development leads us to the question: why is copper a suitable material for pipes?

Copper Can Bend

Take note that copper is not only good for electric wires; it remains the best material for water pipes. The reasons are not far-fetched. First, copper can easily be folded. Also, copper is rust-proof and free from toxic substances.

Also, copper is more malleable than other metals, making it the best material for pipes. In other words, it can be folded, bent, and molded into any type of pipe you want to make.

Folding or bending copper pipes does not result in any breaks or cracks in the copper. Nor does it affect the structural length of the pipe. Admittedly, a substantial amount of pressure can break the copper the same way it can break other materials. But apart from abnormal depreciation, the durability of copper is top-notch.

Copper Withstands Rust and Corrosion

Plumbers are usually concerned about rust when choosing their preferred pipes to install in homes. As for water pipes, the best idea is to install a material that can resist rust. Otherwise, the pipes will be short-lived and need to be replaced.

This negative development will result in a loss of time and money. Copper does not contain iron, so it cannot rust. It also takes time before it corrodes. Though technically, copper can disintegrate, it is tougher and slower to corrode a copper pipe than other types of metals. This explains why copper pipes can last for years and even decades.

Copper Destroys Harmful Bacteria

In addition to preventing hazardous chemicals from staying permanently in your water system, copper kills harmful bacteria at first contact. This is another good reason you must use this material for pipes.

Copper, as an antimicrobial material, instantly destroys viruses, bacteria strains, and dangerous microbes whenever it comes in contact with them. It does not only drive toxic substances away from your water, it reduces the risk of the spread of diseases.

Buy Copper Pipes for Your Home Now

Copper pipes are undoubtedly the best material you need for your home’s plumbing system. And you can easily replace your older iron or aluminum pipes with copper to enjoy the benefits above. Doing this will drastically improve your health and well-being, and of course, the overall maintenance of your home. In short, opting for copper repiping services will save you time, money, and ill-health.

If you need some help with your plumbing. Be sure to call your local plumbing legends at

 02 9158 6549.

Posted on

What is Hard Water? Some advice from a Campbelltown Plumber

What is Hard Water? Some advice from a Campbelltown Plumber

Contrary to what the name depicts, hard water is not, in the actual sense, hard or ice. Hard water simply means water with high mineral content. The opposite is “soft” water – which has low mineral content.  Hard water can be found mostly in sedimentary areas that have high mineral deposits. The reason is that water becomes hard when it flows through sediments of chalk, gypsum, or limestone, collecting sulfates, bicarbonates, calcium, and magnesium carbonates along the way. During evaporation, hard water leaves behind mineral deposits also called hard water stains.

Is Hard Water Harmful to Your Health?

Research shows that hard water is not in any way harmful to the human body. It is, in fact, good for humans.

First of all, hard water can be used as a dietary supplement for essential minerals, including calcium and magnesium. Some reports even suggest that hard water can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, though these findings have not been substantiated with sufficient research.

Please note that hard water is harmless to the human body, whereas the same conclusion does not apply to plumbing and household appliances.

What Are the Effects of Hard Water on Household Appliances?

Hard water can be very hazardous to plumbing and drainage systems. As a result of the mineral deposits, hard water leaves behind some white residue on anything that it comes across, like sinks, dishes, glassware. Likewise, when the remaining calcium deposits mix with soap, the resulting mixture produces soap scum, which can be very tough to remove when it accumulates in your sink and shower.

Such mineral deposits can be devastating to plumbing installations because they can accumulate inside your pipe and hinder the flow of water. Moreover, the mineral buildup can cause a blockage to showerheads.

In addition to the effects mentioned above, hard water causes more damage to property. It can exert pressure on plumbing systems and cause cleaning agents to rust. Also, the mineral buildup may slow down the efficiency of the dishwasher. Finally, the overall damage done by hard water to appliances is not only energy-consuming but also costly financially.

Treatment of Hard Water

You can use a hard water test kit to test for hard water. If the test is positive, select either of the two hard water solutions (chemical and mechanical) to reduce the mineral content of the water.

Chemical hard water solutions

Instead of removing the issue, chemical hard water solution hides the effects of hard water, such as scum. This solution is only temporary because the cleaners do not entirely remove the root cause.

Mechanical hard water solutions

Unlike its chemical counterpart, mechanical hard water solutions leave a long-lasting effect on appliances. Add water softeners to your plumbing system to mix sodium ions with the water, thereby displacing the mineral in the hard water. If you are utilizing an ion exchange water softener for hard water treatment, use a water filter because the sodium ions can give water a salty taste. If you have health challenges, such as edema or high blood pressure, install a water filter to prevent excess sodium from worsening your health challenges.

Are you looking for a professional plumber to help you out?

Give us a call at 02 9158 6549

Posted on

6 Signs of a Leaking Sewer Pipe in Your Home

6 Signs of a Leaking Sewer Pipe in Your Home

You can easily discover a clog through a slow-draining sink or an overflowing toilet bowl. However, a clog that occurs beneath the floors or in the walls is very difficult to notice. Nevertheless, the fact that sewer pipes are commonly hidden does not mean we should ignore them. Here are six signs you should watch out for to ascertain if your home is having leaking sewer pipes.

1. Sounds of Running Water

If after checking the toilet valves, the faucets, and even the outdoor spigots, you have not been able to unravel the source of sounds of running water, you need to take an accurate reading of your water meter. Then, do not use the water for several hours. If the water level remains the same, the sound is apparently not from the water. However, if there is a change in the reading, this is an indication that water is flowing and there is a likelihood of a leak somewhere in the sewer line.

2. Moist Floors

If the floor area is moist and you are sure that the household pet has not relieved himself on the floor, a sewer leakage is likely occurring somewhere. Whenever you come across such damp spots, pay serious attention to it, as mopping it with just a towel won’t solve the problem. If more moisture accumulates in your home, it will encourage the growth of mold and mildew, a condition that is harmful to the health, especially to those with a weak immune system.

3. Unpleasant Odors

If you experience terrible smells on the floor or behind walls, mold and mildew might be growing in your house as a result of pockets of moisture and water damage. As explained earlier, if you fail to find out the problem in less than 48 hours, the affected area will start breeding fungi.

4. Abnormal growth of lawn and garden

If you observe some patches of grass in different areas of your garden or unusual growth of other landscaping with attendant wet spots, there is a likelihood of pipe leakage causing fertilization in the areas. This situation usually leads to the buildup of harmful bacteria in the underground waste that can result in various hazardous conditions and may destroy the lawn and garden.

5. Wall Cracks

It may seem surprising that ordinary leaks can cause cracks in the wall or foundation of a home. It is indeed possible. Leaks in the sewer lines might result in a slight shift in the ground beneath, thereby leading to either diagonal or vertical cracking that can distort the foundation of the structure resulting in a potentially hazardous situation.

6. A Spike in Water Bill

A sudden rise in your water bill is one of the major signs of pipe leakage. This is because your bill gives you an accurate measure of your water consumption in a particular period of time, contrary to random signs that only give you a clue about a leak. Apart from unusual circumstances like having an extra guest or filling up the pool for the summer, you should not receive an unexplainable rise in your water bill. A typical water bill ranges between $10 and $15 per month. If you receive an unusually high bill, it is a clear indication of a leaking pipe.

Call us at 02 9158 6549 if you have something stuck in your drain and we will get a pro plumber to sort it out.

Posted on

Do Not Flush These 6 Items Down the Drain!

Disposing household waste down the drain looks quite easy but a lot of people are oblivious to the amount of damage it can cause. Pouring bacon grease down the sink after preparing breakfast seems effortless but even the tiniest bit can cause serious backups. When waste is not disposed of properly either in the sink or the toilet, it can lead to various issues such as clogs, backed up drains, and other glitches. To avoid having any problem with your plumbing, you should never dump these items down your drains.

Things To Avoid Flushing Down Your Drain

Hair and Dental Floss

Regardless of your efforts, hair will constantly manage to find its way down the drain. Few strands might initially seem like it’s no big deal but they can and will eventually build up to form a big clog. Dental floss also acts in a like manner since both can stick to the pipes while being flushed down the drain.

Fat, Oil, and Grease

You will surely want to clean up the mess made while cooking once you are done cooking. Dumping the leftovers in the drain is simple to do except you are causing serious damages to your plumbing. Are you aware that when these items get cold, they become hard and solidify? This indicates that as they go down the drain, they stick to the sides of the pipe and thicken. They mix with other items while going down thus creating serious blockages. Also, they mix with other substances once they are released into the public sewer systems, leading to damages to public infrastructure and affecting drinking water.

Diapers

It is quite astonishing to learn the number of blockages diapers are responsible for. This also applies to feminine hygiene products such as sanitary pads or tampons. It is best to call a professional once such an issue occurs. A plunger won’t have any effect in removing these things, and dislodging them can be expensive and destructive. The blockage may likely be sucked outside your house and a professional would have to go open up your lawn to get to it.

Coffee Grounds

Even your garbage disposal finds coffee grounds difficult to handle. They are known to be the cause of serious blockages, so every plumber will suggest you dump them in the trash.

Bones, Egg Shells, and Hard Food Waste

Although your garbage disposal can easily destroy these food waste substances, regardless of this, they can cause a blockage in your system. This is why it is recommended that these substances should be dumped in the trash or a compost pile.

Paper Products

Toilet paper was designed to be water-soluble, as a result of this, it can be flushed down in little quantities. Paper towels, swabs, cotton balls, and every other related item are not designed in this manner. When wet, they can build up and lead to a clog in the plumbing.

If you are having any issues with your plumbing, reach out to us to help you rectify it as quickly as possible. The issue will keep getting worse if it is not attended to on time.

Call us at 02 9158 6549 if you need further assistance from a professional plumber.

Posted on

Remove Air From Your Pipes by Following this Step-by-Step Guide

There are various reasons why your pipes gather air that splutters out of your faucets. The most common reasons why this occurs are:

  • Leakages in your piping or well system
  • Your check valves become loose or start malfunctioning
  • Tiny air pockets are formed whenever you are heating the water
  • A well pump delivers a mixture of water and air because it is unable to draw in enough water.

Fortunately, fixing the above-mentioned plumbing issues is a simple DIY task that does not require you to call an expert plumber – unless you end up unable to do the repairs yourself. Here are the simple steps you should follow to bleed those disturbing air bubbles and ease yourself from the incessant loud noises behind your walls.

Follow the 3 Steps Below to Remove Air from Your Pipes

STEP 1: Switch off your main water supply valve

Check out your main water supply valve and ensure it is fully turned off. It can be inside or outside, depending on the warmth or coolness of the climate you live in.

Step 2: Open all faucets

Open all the faucets in your home or building to bleed all the air out of your pipes. Make sure you shut off the water pipe before turning on the faucets. Turn the faucets gently (not at full force) to allow the air to escape. Essentially, you should turn on all faucets that have a water connection, as well as washer and dishwasher. First, turn on the faucet closest to the shutoff valve, then on to the next one while the farthest faucet should be the last to be turned on.  Open every hot and cold faucet halfway to allow the air to run out unhindered. Also, flush the water completely out of the toilets.

Step 3: Switch On Your Main Water Supply

Once you have turned on all your faucets, as well as the outside spigots, ensure you also turn the water valve on. Allow the water to run through all your faucets for about 15 minutes to pave the way for a steady stream of water or until you stop hearing any noise coming from your pipe.

For dishwashers or washing machines, pour a cup of water in the appliance and allow it to run through a rinse cycle. If you observe a steady flow of water, that is an indication that there is no more air left in the pipes. Now, you can turn off every faucet starting from the farthest to the closest.

The occurrence of air in your pipes will not damage the plumbing system in your home or building, so you don’t have to worry. Often, people confuse the presence of air in their pipes with a water hammer condition. A water hammer arises when water flowing through the pipes suddenly changes direction because someone turned a faucet or water valve hastily thereby causing the water to return into the piping system. It can lead to extreme pressure and damage to your water system.

After following the above-mentioned steps, if you are still experiencing low water pressure or any other plumbing issues, you should consult an expert plumber.

Call us at 02 9158 6549.

Posted on

How to Regulate Your Water Heater Temperature Quickly and Safely – Advice from a Campbelltown Plumber

How to Regulate Your Water Heater Temperature Quickly and Safely.

Sometimes it feels like the alarm clock starts to go off moments after you just fell asleep. You reluctantly get off the bed with the plan of having a long and hot shower to feel reinvigorated. However, you turn the handle of the faucet only to get cold water pouring down on you (on the other hand, when you need the coolness of the water to make you active you get water that is hot as the sun instead).

How to Regulate the Temperature on your water heater

Regulating a water heater is quite easy and it doesn’t require the presence of a professional except the water heater needs to be repaired.

It is important to have some background knowledge. The water heater thermostat adjusts the temperature of the water in the heater. If the temperature is not high enough, the water will get cold before it gets to the faucet. If the temperature is too high, cooling will not take place and you might hurt your skin as the water will be too hot.

To avert either situation, the majority of the thermostats now have a control that lets you change the settings to your desired temperature. You can check from time to time to ensure that the temperature is well adjusted. It is a job that you can do yourself and also save yourself some cash.

To make adjustments, find the temperature control knob that is linked to the water heater heat source; this is usually in front of the water heater, towards the bottom. The majority of the temperature adjusters are colored red and can be found without difficulty. It is similar to an oven knob with numbers and lines.

You will see a small black arrow right above the knob; it lines up with the marking on the control knob. This shows the present temperature (this depends on the manufacturer and model of the water heater, it could be marked hot, warm, cold or something comparable). It could also have precise settings indicated with various colored lines (typically, white – 43 degrees and black – 48 degrees).

Don’t Get Burned with your water heater

To set the temperature accurately, turn the control knob counterclockwise to reduce the temperature, or clockwise to increase the temperature. Do not turn the control knob beyond the highest temperature. High temperatures will likely increase the possibility of scalding even if exposure is just for a short while.

Savings you can expect

A piece of advice: most manufacturers set the thermostat at or above 60 degrees Celsius. Though, the temperature needed in most homes is between 48-54 degrees. Scalding will occur within a very short time if the temperature is set at 60 degrees, but at 54 degrees, you or your loved ones will have had enough and should have gotten out of the shower before scalding can occur.

Additionally, at 54 degrees, water is hot enough for optimal cleaning and for eliminating bacteria in the dishwasher. Also, you get to save some money as well because removing those additional pre-set degrees could reduce your water bill by as much as $200 yearly.

Need some help dealing with your pesky hot water heater? Get your local Campbelltown plumber to have a look at it. Just ring us at: 02 9158 6549

Posted on

How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink in 4 Simple Ways

Your home’s kitchen sink will definitely clog at some point, whether it has a garbage disposal or not. This is because there are too many things that you most likely dispose of on a daily basis.  Take a look at some of the stuff that a typical kitchen sink in California is regularly exposed to. They include:

  • Food debris
  • Dirt
  • Hair
  • Soap scum

and more.

There are different ways that you can unclog your sink, either by using the garbage disposal or pouring chemical unclogging liquids down the drain. However, these methods of restoring the condition of your sink to effective draining come with significant disadvantages because regular use of those harsh chemicals can erode your pipes.

How to Unclog Your Kitchen Sink

Now, what other options do you have? Well, here are the 4 different methods that you can use to unclog your kitchen sink.

  1. Handy Plunger can do the magic

Handy Plunger has been one of the most common and useful handiest tools for decades. Though you may not be able to use it to repair broken or leaking pipes, you can use it to unclog your bathroom fixtures like toilets, sinks, and tubs. Moreover, it is a very useful handy tool for your kitchen. Whenever you discover dirty dishwater accumulating in your kitchen sink, make use of your Handy Plunger.

  1. Home-made Chemist’s Solution 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda is a multipurpose solution inherited from old generations used for laundry detergent, toothpaste, and so on. Moreover, it is relatively less harsh when it comes to unclogging your kitchen sink.

Just pour a half-cup of baking soda down the sink drain, and add a half-cup of white vinegar and then hot water.

  1. Home-made Chemist’s Solution 2: Baking Soda and Salt

As stated earlier, baking soda is a powerful DIY ingredient that you can use to unclog your sink. This recipe is, however, different from the one explained above, because salt, rather than vinegar, is used.

Pour only 1 cup of baking soda and a half-cup of salt down your sink drain and allow it to sit overnight or a few hours. Thereafter, boil 2 cups of water and pour it down the drain.

  1. Home-made Snake

Use a metal wire hanger to make your own snake just by untwisting it and snaking your drain. This will either lift the clogged item or force it down the drain.

Irritating Kitchen Sink Clogs

Although the 4 methods discussed above are proven cheap and simple fixes, they may not work if the clog is severe. Thus, if your kitchen sink fails to unclog after you’ve tried all the above methods, you should contact a professional plumber to assist. Meanwhile, hydro-jetting is one of the non-invasive methods that can be used to unclog even the most stubborn drain clogs.

Call your local Campbelltown plumber at 02 9158 6549 if you are looking to get your clogged kitchen sink sorted.

Posted on

Why Is Your Pipe Making A Banging Sound?

There are many possible causes of a banging sound from water pipes. The seriousness of the respective sounds also varies from one pipe to another. Some of the reasons that can cause your pipe to be making such a strange noise are explained below.

Loose Straps

People often tend to neglect the relevance of the physics of water pressure. Meanwhile, typically, a residential home passes water through the pipes at 45-80 psi (pounds per square each). Sometimes, municipal water suppliers increase the pressure of their water delivery to over 100 psi during an emergency service to high-rise buildings or fire hydrants. This abnormal pressure creates an energy that puts a massive burden on pipes, which sometimes makes the pipes shake or vibrate.

During installation, pipes are generally affixed to the structural beam by brackets or metal straps. Sometimes, huge water pressure can induce movement in the pipes to enable them to jerk free and make some sounds against the loose structure and constraints. This motion causes a continual sound and can lead to the destruction of the pipe unless it is well secured.

Broken Taps/Valves

If you hear a rattling, rather than a banging sound, it is possible that something is loose somewhere and is shaking inside the pipes. This problem always leads to a drop in water pressure caused by a blockage in water flow. Faucet taps and valves are usually the leading cause of the problem. Unless the damaged material has gone deep into the plumbing, you can repair it by opening the faulty tap or valve and wiping out the debris.

Water Hammer

This is another common problem that can make your pipe malfunction. Water hammer occurs when a closed valve suddenly stops water that is flowing through a pipe at high pressure. The stoppage certainly forces the fast-moving water to go elsewhere, where it rushes out of the valve creating an air pocket that is quickly filled. This pressure always results in a loud, banging noise.

Before the 1960s, most of the houses built had integrated special air chambers, which was a form of shock absorbers in the plumbing system. Thus, pressurized water smoothly flows into them, thereby oozing out force instead of crashing into the valves, which can damage the pipes and connections. After some time, water may fill these chambers, thus rendering them faulty to use. This explains why older homes usually experience a water hammer. Most modern homes use water hammer ancestors, also called spring-loaded shock absorbers, to deflect the force of the water when the valve is sealed. Compared to air chambers, water hammer arrestors have a longer lifespan because they don’t fill with water and never become waterlogged.

Water hammer is a significant threat to a home’s plumbing, especially if the arrestors or air chambers fail. If you observe a similar fault in your plumbing, consult a skilled plumbing contractor to find and replace the faulty devices.

Having issues with your pipes and need a professional plumbers help? Call us at 02 9158 6549 and we will quickly sort out your problem.