From blocked drains to hot water systems - get the Frequently Asked Questions on plumbing.
Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?
How To Unblock a Drain – Top 5 Methods
6 Most Common Causes of a Blocked Drain
Our Top 3 Tips on How to Clean Your Shower Head
How to Increase Shower Pressure
How Long Do Hot Water Systems Last?
How Long Do Electric Hot Water Systems Last?
How Long Do Gas Hot Water Systems Last?
How Long Do Instant Hot Water Systems Last?
How Long Do Solar Hot Water Systems Last?
What Causes the Hot Water Pipe Knocking & Banging Sound?
There are 3 common reasons your toilet will keep running:
1. Your Float Needs to Be Lowered
The water level in your tank is controlled by the float. This float can be adjusted to change how your toilet flushes. If it's set too high, water will spill into the toilets overflow tube and the fill valve won't shut off. By lowering the float below the overflow tube, you can stop your toilet from constantly running.
2. Your Flapper Is Leaking & Needs to Be Replaced
The flapper lets water come into the toilets tank and prevents more water from coming in. If your flapper has been damaged or the chain moving it up and down has been damaged, the water can continue to flow non-stop.
3. The Refill Tube Is Too Long
If the refill tube is too long or improperly positioned, it can cause your toilet to continuously flow. By shortening and repositioning the refill tube, you can prevent a non-stop flowing toilet.
1. The Classic Plunger
When you think about unclogging a blocked drain, the first image that comes to mind is a plunger. Seal the drain with the plunger and push down to force air through the blocked pipe to dislodge the blockage. If you have a double kitchen sink, be sure to block off both drains to insure good pressure. There are a variety of plungers that are designed for different types of drains, e.g. the plunger you use for the kitchen sink is different from the one you should use for a toilet.
2. Toxic Chemicals
You can use a cocktail of toxic and acidic chemicals to dissolve and break down the blockage. Products such as caustic soda and hydrochloric acid are available at most hardware stores. When using these chemicals make sure to be in a when ventilated room and wear thick rubber gloves with a breathing mask. Refer to the instructions of the product you used and don't overuse them, otherwise you risk damaging the pipes and making yourself sick.
3. Non-Toxic Chemicals
One good recipe for a non-toxic chemical method of unclogging your drain is a mix of ½ cup of bi-carb soda, ½ cup of salt, 1 cup of vinegar, and one cup of hot water. This method doesn't pose a risk to your pipes or your health. You may need to use this method several times before the pipe is completely unclogged.4. The Technical Method
Through the use of a CCTV drain camera and specially designed 5000 PSI High-Pressure Water Jetters, the blockage can be cut through and dislodged. The problem is, most people don't have this specialised equipment or have the training to use them, which brings us to the last method.
5. The Easy Method
Call up the team at Jetset Plumbing and one of our experienced plumbers will take care of your blocked drain quickly and efficiently. Using the latest in plumbing technology, our team will get your pipes flowing as good as new. Save yourself time and hassle of trying to unclog your drain, and get the Jetset plumbing specialists to take care of your blocked drain.
1. Fat, Oil, & Grease
The build-up of fat, oil, and grease is the enemy of your plumbing. Many people treat their drains like a garbage disposal, but over time, fats and oils can build up in your drains and eventually cause a blockage. Even the trimmings from meat, cream, butter, and oils that you clean off your plate can contribute to a clogged sink.
2. Hair
Hair can accumulate in your drain, creating a slow flow or totally blocking the drain. Hair comes out naturally, but you can take steps to prevent an excessive amount of hair from going down the drain. Pet cleaning can be a major source of shedding hair and you should be mindful of how you're disposing of your pet's hair.
3. Food
You should avoid letting chunks of food go down the drain and can cause blockages. Also, if the food gets stuck in the drain, the food will go rotten and create a terrible smell.
4. “Flushable” wipes
Just because something is capable of going down the toilet, it doesn't mean it should be called flushable. Toilet paper is specifically designed to break down in water, but moist wipes and paper towels aren't designed to break down in water and will stay in your pipes for a long time, causing a blockage.
5. Hygiene Products
Feminine hygiene products and baby wipes are not biodegradable and have a remarkable ability to block drains. Flushing these down the toilet is terrible for your plumbing.
6. Tree Roots
Tree roots seeking water can find their way into your pipes and sewer mains, blocking your drains and causing an underground leak. If you live in an area with many trees with deep roots, you should have your pipes inspected if you've noticed any changes to your water pressure.
How to Clean Your Shower Head:
1. Massage the Nozzles
Massage each of the rubber nozzles to dislodge the mineral build-up inside. You can also use a toothbrush to gently scrub each nozzle.
2. Soak the Shower Head in Vinegar
Get a plastic bag, fill it with vinegar and tie it around the shower head using a rubber band. Leave the bag around the shower head for a few hours, remove the bag and let the show run for a few minutes to clear out the vinegar.
3. Clean the Filter Screen
This involves partially disassembling the shower head and you should refer to the shower head's instruction manual. You'll likely be able to find instructions online or by contacting the customer service department of the manufacturer.
Once you've removed the filter screen, run it underwater for a few minutes and use a toothbrush to gently brush out any mineral deposits. Place the filter screen back into the shower head and re-install it.
1. Clean Your Shower Head
Try cleaning your shower head to remove any mineral build-up inside of the nozzles.
2. Replace the Shower Head
If your shower head is looking a bit old and worn out, it could be the cause of your low water pressure, have it replaced with a new one.
3. Install a Shower Pump
When you're serious about cranking up your shower's water pressure, install a shower pump. This device activates when the water on your shower is turned on.
As the water travels from your tank to your shower, it will go through the shower pump. A properly installed pump will increase the water pressure of your shower.
But if the water pressure issue isn't diagnosed properly, you don't know what is causing the lack of water pressure in the first place. It's best to get a trained plumber to come out and let you know what the issue is.
Broadly speaking, a hot water system should last between 8 to 20 years, but this depends on the type of hot water system you have and if you have a plumber come and service the system every couple of years.
Electric hot water systems have an average life expectancy of between 10 to 15 years.
The life expectancy of gas systems is a bit shorter at between 8 to 12 years.
Instant hot water systems have a longer life expectancy compared to the water tank gas and electric options, lasting between 12 to 20 years.
A Solar Hot Water System has a life expectancy between 12 to 20 years.
Although, with regular maintenance of your hot water system from a trained plumber, you can expect your hot water system to last longer than the expected average.
The knocking and banging sound coming from your pipes is referred to as a “Water Hammer”. Water hammering happens when a valve suddenly closes, forcing the water currently flowing through the pipe to collide with the closed valve. This collision creates a shockwave that shakes your pipes, creating the banging noise.
On top of the scary noises, this forceful vibration can damage your pipes over time. This problem can be solved by installing a water hammer arrestor. This system reduces the impact of the rushing water by using a sliding piston.
If you believe this noise is progressively getting worst or the vibration is excessive, give the team at Jetset Plumbing a call.
If you plan on tinkering with your hot water system, you need to be careful. A good rule of thumb is that if it requires any tools, you'd best get a plumber.
Each hot water system is a little different, but some have a thermostat you can adjust that is easily assessable. You should refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions.
Typically, there is a temperature knob found under the access panel. The knob will have some numbers on it, the higher the number the hotter the water. Turn the knob to your desired setting and test to see how hot the water is.
No. Jetset Plumbing offers flat rate servicing. Call one of our friendly team members to discuss an estimate for your plumbing issue on 1800 443 996.
You can find the water main shut-off valve in a few places.
In a house, it can typically be found near the front of the property, near the property boundary, covered with a small metal or plastic lid on the ground. Take off the cover (you might need a screwdriver to lever it open.) Turn the tap to the off position to turn off the water.
In unit blocks and townhouses, the shut-off valve might be located elsewhere on the property, possibly in a cupboard. Contact your landlord or body corporate and they'll be able to tell you where it is.
If you're having difficulty finding the shut-off valve, call Jetset Plumbing on 1800 443 996 and our friendly staff will help you out.