FAQ
Questions, answered.
Straight answers to the things people ask us most. Can't see yours? Just call.
Is pipe relining cheaper than replacing?
Often, yes, when the pipe is hard to get to. Relining avoids digging up driveways, slabs, paving or gardens, so you skip the excavation and the cost of putting everything back. For a short, shallow section in open ground, digging and replacing can work out cheaper.
We run a camera through the pipe first, then give you a fixed price for both options where both are possible.
How do I know if I have a leak?
Try the meter test. Turn off every tap and water-using appliance, note the reading on your water meter, and don't use any water for an hour or two. If the reading has moved, water is escaping somewhere.
Other signs: a water bill that's jumped for no reason, damp or bubbling paint, mould, loose or cracked tiles, the sound of running water when everything is off, or one patch of lawn that's greener than the rest.
What's a safe water pressure?
Most homes run comfortably between about 300 and 500 kPa. Australian plumbing standards cap the static pressure inside a building at 500 kPa, because anything higher wears out tapwear and appliances and can burst flexible hoses.
If yours is above that, a pressure limiting valve at the meter fixes it. If it's weak, the cause is usually a partly closed valve, a blocked filter or old corroded pipes. We can test it in a few minutes.
What should I do while I wait for an emergency plumber?
Turn off the water at the main stop tap, usually next to the meter at the front of the property. If the leak involves the hot water, switch off the heater too: the circuit breaker for electric systems, or the gas valve for gas.
Keep people and pets away from water near power points or appliances, move valuables off the floor, and take a few photos for your insurer. If you can't find the stop tap, call us and we'll talk you through it.
How long should a hot water system last?
A storage tank usually lasts about 8 to 12 years, and continuous flow units often go longer. Warning signs include rusty or discoloured hot water, rumbling or popping noises, water pooling around the base, and running out of hot water faster than you used to.
If yours is past 10 years and showing any of those, it's worth planning a replacement before it fails on a cold morning.
Do you charge a call-out fee?
No call-out fee on jobs you go ahead with. We agree a fixed price before we start, so the number you approve is the number you pay. After-hours and public holiday rates are quoted upfront on the phone before we head out.