Plumbing Tips

Having a hot water system is one of those luxuries that people often take for granted. Are you considering installing one at your place? Here’s all you need to know.

Whether or not you live in a particularly cold area, having access to hot water is essential for living comfortably. Daily chores like cooking, cleaning, and washing clothes can be carried out more efficiently when you have access to hot water.

Moreover, hot water is not only beneficial to households but also businesses and other buildings. Whether you are thinking about installing a new hot water system or replacing an old one, knowing their costs can help you pick the right one.

Of course, with dozens of options on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Fortunately, we are here to help you know more about the prices of hot water systems.

So, without further ado, let’s get straight to the deets!

Price Of A Hot Water System

We can keep this guide short and simple by listing the various brands and the prices of their hot water systems. However, that will not be informative or beneficial for you. Instead, we have decided to list some of the essential factors that can help you determine the right price that you should pay for a hot water system.

Here are some vital factors to keep in mind when calculating its price:

1. The Number Of Users

The first thing you need to consider is how many users will be using the hot water system. A family of four will generally use more hot water in a day compared to a family of two. Moreover, commercial buildings and offices may typically need more hot water than residential buildings.

Depending on the typical use and requirements per day – such as cleaning, washing and cooking, the amount of hot water used by a family may vary. Furthermore, the time of day when hot water is used the most may also play a significant role in determining the right hot water system, and its price.

2. The Size Of The System

It goes without saying that larger hot water systems will cost more than their smaller counterparts. However, a larger system may not always be the right choice for a bigger family or office.

Whether or not you should invest in a large hot water system will depend on your specific requirements. Moreover, where you live may also play a role in the size of unit you should opt for.

Those living in colder regions may require a hot water system more frequently than those living in places with warmer climates. As such, it makes more sense for the former to purchase a large unit that they can use to heat and store more water at a time.

3. Installation & Delivery Costs

Every company operates differently and generally quote varied prices for their installation charges and delivery costs. Typically, they may charge more for larger units as it requires more technicians, time and labour for the same job than a smaller unit would take.

So, if you choose to buy a 15 kg hot water system, the installation and delivery charges quoted by a company may be significantly more than if you buy a 500 ml tank. Not just that, some companies may quote delivery charges depending on your location – the farther away you live, the more they will likely charge.

4. Replacement VS Installation

More often than not, the cost of installing a new hot water system may be more than replacing an old one. Moreover, if you plan on switching the energy source from electric to gas or vice versa, the cost may immediately rise. This is because the technician will require more time, skills and tools to switch the systems and source.

Furthermore, most technicians may recommend that you upgrade your electrical and plumbing system during this process. If you choose to do so, the costs may increase again.

Those who want to change the location of their new hot water system may also incur added expenses. Several measurements need to be made beforehand to ensure that everything fits in place and is safe to use.

5. Location & Access

Not having adequate access to the location you wish to install the new hot water system can significantly increase its price. As such, commercial hot water units may cost more not only because of their size but also because of the challenge of bringing them to the location.

If heavy equipment or tools are required to make the installation process easier, they will factor into the final cost too. Furthermore, locations that feature tight staircases, narrow alleyways or high roofs may also cause a significant price increase.

The Types Of Hot Water Systems

There are several hot water systems you can opt for, according to your specific needs. Depending on the energy source, running costs and brand, the prices of these units may vary.

Here are some of the most common types of hot water systems you will find on the market today:

1. Solar Systems

Although solar hot water systems are not very common, people are slowly becoming more aware of its benefits and uses. Moreover, solar-powered units may end up saving money in the long run as you won’t end up with inflated energy costs.

Using a natural, sustainable source like the sun’s energy is an eco-friendly alternative for those who want to opt for environment-friendly products.

• Roof-mounted solar systems may cost anywhere between $3,600 and $4,400.
• Split system solar heaters cost around $3,900 but may go up to over $5,000.

2. Electric Continuous Flow

This is the most common type of hot water system found in the majority of residential and commercial buildings. They are typically known as ‘tankless water systems’ and heat water as and when required.

• A 25L storage unit will cost you around $450 while a 400L can cost up to $1,800
• The price increases significantly for “instant type” units, costing $660 and $1,300 respectively.

3. Heat Pump

Although heat pump hot water systems are similar to solar-powered ones, these use air conditioning technology instead of solar energy. The energy used to heat water is taken from the ambient air. These systems are ideal for hot climates and work best when they are installed outdoors.

• A 160L heat pump system will typically cost you around $3,300, while a 315L unit may cost $4,000.

4. Gas

Water may or may not be stored (tank or tankless system) in gas-powered hot water systems. Moreover, the water is heated with the help of a burner.

• The “storage type” gas units cost $850 for 135L and $1,500 for 360L.
• The “instant type” gas units cost $750 and $1,500 respectively.

How Much Running Costs Will A Unit Incur?

Depending on the type of hot water system, its energy rating, tariff and energy type, the running costs will vary. As such, it is best to opt for energy star rated units as they are more cost-effective and energy-efficient than others.

Moreover, it is best to take professional help when choosing the right system for your needs. Contact a professional service provider that can help you choose the right type of hot water system, considering its size and your budget considerations. Plus, they can assist you with the delivery and installation of the new unit, or the replacement of your existing unit.

How Can You Find The Best Professionals For Installation?

Installation of a hot water system is no easy task. Not only is it laborious, but also time-consuming and dangerous. The right professional can help you choose the right unit and carry out installing it in the best and safest way possible.

You can look for service pages online, but remember to ask for references before booking an appointment with them. Moreover, make it a point to go through customer reviews and feedback, as this will help you gauge the expertise and competence of a company.

Another way of finding the right professionals for installing your hot water system is to ask for references from friends and family. This will help you choose the right company that is trustworthy, reliable and provides excellent service.

Final Words

Although you may find several mid-range and budget hot water systems on the market, calculating the final price isn’t always straightforward. You need to consider other aspects like your location, the installation and delivery charges, and other essential factors.

That said, having a hot water system can be a source of immense convenience for most people. If you live in a region that experiences very hot summers, opting for solar-powered or heat pump systems may help you save money in the long run. However, the initial cost of installation may be slightly higher compared to other choices.

We hope this guide helped you with what you needed to know. Until next time!

Whether or not you live in a particularly cold area, having access to hot water is essential for living comfortably. Daily chores like cooking, cleaning, and washing clothes can be carried out more efficiently when you have access to hot water.

Moreover, hot water is not only beneficial to households but also businesses and other buildings. Whether you are thinking about installing a new hot water system or replacing an old one, knowing their costs can help you pick the right one.

Of course, with dozens of options on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Fortunately, we are here to help you know more about the prices of hot water systems.

So, without further ado, let’s get straight to the deets!

Price Of A Hot Water System

We can keep this guide short and simple by listing the various brands and the prices of their hot water systems. However, that will not be informative or beneficial for you. Instead, we have decided to list some of the essential factors that can help you determine the right price that you should pay for a hot water system.

Here are some vital factors to keep in mind when calculating its price:

1. The Number Of Users

The first thing you need to consider is how many users will be using the hot water system. A family of four will generally use more hot water in a day compared to a family of two. Moreover, commercial buildings and offices may typically need more hot water than residential buildings.

Depending on the typical use and requirements per day – such as cleaning, washing and cooking, the amount of hot water used by a family may vary. Furthermore, the time of day when hot water is used the most may also play a significant role in determining the right hot water system, and its price.

2. The Size Of The System

It goes without saying that larger hot water systems will cost more than their smaller counterparts. However, a larger system may not always be the right choice for a bigger family or office.

Whether or not you should invest in a large hot water system will depend on your specific requirements. Moreover, where you live may also play a role in the size of unit you should opt for.

Those living in colder regions may require a hot water system more frequently than those living in places with warmer climates. As such, it makes more sense for the former to purchase a large unit that they can use to heat and store more water at a time.

3. Installation & Delivery Costs

Every company operates differently and generally quote varied prices for their installation charges and delivery costs. Typically, they may charge more for larger units as it requires more technicians, time and labour for the same job than a smaller unit would take.

So, if you choose to buy a 15 kg hot water system, the installation and delivery charges quoted by a company may be significantly more than if you buy a 500 ml tank. Not just that, some companies may quote delivery charges depending on your location – the farther away you live, the more they will likely charge.

4. Replacement VS Installation

More often than not, the cost of installing a new hot water system may be more than replacing an old one. Moreover, if you plan on switching the energy source from electric to gas or vice versa, the cost may immediately rise. This is because the technician will require more time, skills and tools to switch the systems and source.

Furthermore, most technicians may recommend that you upgrade your electrical and plumbing system during this process. If you choose to do so, the costs may increase again.

Those who want to change the location of their new hot water system may also incur added expenses. Several measurements need to be made beforehand to ensure that everything fits in place and is safe to use.

5. Location & Access

Not having adequate access to the location you wish to install the new hot water system can significantly increase its price. As such, commercial hot water units may cost more not only because of their size but also because of the challenge of bringing them to the location.

If heavy equipment or tools are required to make the installation process easier, they will factor into the final cost too. Furthermore, locations that feature tight staircases, narrow alleyways or high roofs may also cause a significant price increase.

The Types Of Hot Water Systems

There are several hot water systems you can opt for, according to your specific needs. Depending on the energy source, running costs and brand, the prices of these units may vary.

Here are some of the most common types of hot water systems you will find on the market today:

1. Solar Systems

Although solar hot water systems are not very common, people are slowly becoming more aware of its benefits and uses. Moreover, solar-powered units may end up saving money in the long run as you won’t end up with inflated energy costs.

Using a natural, sustainable source like the sun’s energy is an eco-friendly alternative for those who want to opt for environment-friendly products.

• Roof-mounted solar systems may cost anywhere between $3,600 and $4,400.
• Split system solar heaters cost around $3,900 but may go up to over $5,000.

2. Electric Continuous Flow

This is the most common type of hot water system found in the majority of residential and commercial buildings. They are typically known as ‘tankless water systems’ and heat water as and when required.

• A 25L storage unit will cost you around $450 while a 400L can cost up to $1,800
• The price increases significantly for “instant type” units, costing $660 and $1,300 respectively.

3. Heat Pump

Although heat pump hot water systems are similar to solar-powered ones, these use air conditioning technology instead of solar energy. The energy used to heat water is taken from the ambient air. These systems are ideal for hot climates and work best when they are installed outdoors.

• A 160L heat pump system will typically cost you around $3,300, while a 315L unit may cost $4,000.

4. Gas

Water may or may not be stored (tank or tankless system) in gas-powered hot water systems. Moreover, the water is heated with the help of a burner.

• The “storage type” gas units cost $850 for 135L and $1,500 for 360L.
• The “instant type” gas units cost $750 and $1,500 respectively.

How Much Running Costs Will A Unit Incur?

Depending on the type of hot water system, its energy rating, tariff and energy type, the running costs will vary. As such, it is best to opt for energy star rated units as they are more cost-effective and energy-efficient than others.

Moreover, it is best to take professional help when choosing the right system for your needs. Contact a professional service provider that can help you choose the right type of hot water system, considering its size and your budget considerations. Plus, they can assist you with the delivery and installation of the new unit, or the replacement of your existing unit.

How Can You Find The Best Professionals For Installation?

Installation of a hot water system is no easy task. Not only is it laborious, but also time-consuming and dangerous. The right professional can help you choose the right unit and carry out installing it in the best and safest way possible.

You can look for service pages online, but remember to ask for references before booking an appointment with them. Moreover, make it a point to go through customer reviews and feedback, as this will help you gauge the expertise and competence of a company.

Another way of finding the right professionals for installing your hot water system is to ask for references from friends and family. This will help you choose the right company that is trustworthy, reliable and provides excellent service.

Final Words

Although you may find several mid-range and budget hot water systems on the market, calculating the final price isn’t always straightforward. You need to consider other aspects like your location, the installation and delivery charges, and other essential factors.

That said, having a hot water system can be a source of immense convenience for most people. If you live in a region that experiences very hot summers, opting for solar-powered or heat pump systems may help you save money in the long run. However, the initial cost of installation may be slightly higher compared to other choices.

We hope this guide helped you with what you needed to know. Until next time!

We always end up getting confused while choosing the ideal water heating system for our home. 

And even after finding the perfect system, the problems don’t seem to end. There’s either an issue with getting it set up or it suddenly stops working. Well, what if we told you that there’s a solution to all these problems? 

All you have to do is understand how a hot water system works. This will not only help you in the installation process but will also enable you to figure out the issue if it fails to work. As such, you won’t have to call a professional plumber to get it fixed or set up.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into our brief guide. 

Here, we’ll be discussing the working mechanisms of the different types of hot water systems categorised based on their power-source (electric, gas, and solar-powered). Let’s get going!

Basic Working Mechanism Of A Hot Water System

Types Of Hot Water Systems

Ideally, there are two primary types of hot water systems – storage and continuous. Storage hot water systems heat water and store it in an insulated tank. On the contrary, continuous systems are tankless models; they only heat water when required and tend to be powered by gas. 

You also get electric and solar-powered options that commonly include a tank. Now the basic working principle of the different water heater types are quite similar, but they might differ slightly depending on the power source. 

So, to help you understand how hot water systems work, we’ll be discussing the working mechanism of each type. Let’s begin.

How Does An Electric Hot Water System Work?

An electric water heater brings in cold water through the dip tube and heats it using electric heating elements located at the bottom of the unit. This helps keep the water warm as it rises in the tank and travels throughout your home via the heat-out pipe. 

But the location of the heating elements differs in continuous systems (tankless) where they are wrapped around pipes to heat water while it travels to the taps. 

Furthermore, both tank and tankless units come with a thermostat, allowing you to set the water temperature as per your requirement. At the same time, the temperature and pressure (T and P) valves open and release water in case it becomes too hot or the pressure inside turns too high. So, you won’t have to bother about the tank exploding thanks to these protective measures.

How Does A Gas-Powered Hot Water System Work?

Like electric heaters, gas-powered systems bring cold water into the tank through a dip tube, but this water is heated using a gas burner. It burns gas, releasing extremely hot and toxic air through the chimney in the middle of the tank. And while this chimney heats up, the water in the tank heats up as well.

The warm water rises to the top of the tank and then travels throughout your home’s heat-out pipeline. So, when you open the tap for hot water, the cool water is brought in through the dip tube, displacing the hot water and pushing it through the pipe. 

You can also set the desired temperature using the thermostat that’s connected to the gas line. It will bring the right amount of gas to the burner to reach the required temperature. 

However, it’s important to note that continuous systems don’t use the gas burner unless the hot water tap is turned on. 

How Does A Solar-Powered Hot Water System Work?

Unlike electric and gas hot water systems, solar-powered systems heat water by harnessing energy from the sun using the solar panels installed on your roof. Now, in closed-loop or indirect systems, a non-freezing liquid is used to transfer the heat energy derived from the sun to the water stored in the tank.

The thermal energy heats the fluids in the solar collectors, which is then passed through a heat exchanger in the storage tank where the heat is transferred to the water. Once the water is heated, the non-freezing fluids cycle back to the collector to repeat the process.

That said, the heating process works a bit differently in case of direct systems. Here the water is circulated through solar collectors where it’s heated directly by the sun. This water is then stored in the tank or flows directly through the tap in continuous or tankless heaters.

How Does A Twin Element Hot Water System Work?

Ideally, twin or dual-element hot water systems are more efficient than their single-element counterparts. However, they are more expensive when it comes to installation.

Now single-element heaters come with one heating element located at the tank’s bottom, and they are generally set to work overnight when the power is at an off-peak rate. This will help you save money. 

But dual-element systems include two heating elements in the tank – one at the top and the other at the bottom. They work in harmony to heat water more evenly.

Final Words on how dishwashers work

Hot water systems are lifesavers, especially if you live in a colder region with prolonged winters. So, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with their working mechanism. This will also serve as a deciding factor to help you choose the type of unit that best meets your requirements. 

On that note, we’ll now conclude our informative guide on the topic. But before taking your leave, we’d like to share a few valuable tips to maintain your water heater. 

First, always set the thermostat to a safe temperature. We’d recommend setting it to an optimal temperature of 120 degrees to save costs on electricity bills. Other than that, flush out sediment from the tank annually to prevent the system from failing prematurely. 

That’s all for now. But we’ll be back with more useful guides very soon. Till then, take care!

Is your dishwasher not draining well? This might be because of blockages and clogs in the passage. 

Having said that, this could become a serious concern so it needs to be tackled at once to prevent further complications. Also, the dishes will not be adequately washed if the pipes are clogged with food debris. This could lead to contamination and bacterial growth because of residues, and that may affect your health.

Moving on, we know that most homeowners are not very well-versed with the cleaning process; hence, we have curated this guide. The entire process has been broken down into steps to make it easier to understand. 

So, let’s dive right in! 

How To Drain A Blocked Dishwasher?

To fix problems related to a blocked dishwasher, you can always call professional services to take care of it. But before you do so, try your hand at fixing it at home. We have written down a few steps and guidelines that can help you deal with blockages and clear them out. Read on to know more. 

1. Collect The Supplies

Before you begin with the process, gather all the supplies that are required. Most of them will already be available at home; if not, you will have to visit a local hardware shop. 

You will need a wire coat hanger, screwdriver, pliers, flashlight, pan, garden hose, and a clean cloth. In case you do not have a proper pan, replace it with a utensil or a cookware. 

2. Switch Off The Power Source

After collecting all the supplies, disconnect the dishwasher from the power source. Now this would usually be your wall outlet. But in case it is connected to your home’s electrical supply directly, then you might have to remove a fuse in order to break the circuit. And to confirm that it’s disconnected, try to switch on the gadget after having unplugged it. 

3. Unfasten The Kickplate

Next, you will have to open the kickplate to unfasten it; for this, you will require a screwdriver. Take out all the screws carefully and keep them in a plastic bag to ensure that you do not lose it. 

Now different brands provide varying kinds of fasteners, but they should not be difficult to remove. However, you may also check out videos on youtube if you are unsure of the process. 

4. Locate The Drain hose

A drain hose is generally connected to the sinkhole behind the kickplate. Look for it below the lower spray bar, and you will find it running between the drain and pump. This is usually made of thick corrugated and flexible plastic and is located next to the recirculation hose. Ensure that you get hold of the right one before moving on. 

5. Check The Hose

Finally, it is time to detect any issues with the hose itself. See if the plastic has become brittle or is cracking in places. You will need to replace the hose in case there are signs of deterioration or damage. 

Contact a local hardware shop for a replacement hose and get it changed if necessary. Also, look inside the pipe for any obstacle. There can be shards of glass or sharp pieces stuck to the pipe which might be causing blockages. 

6. Keep A Drip Pan

While you are working with the hose, it is essential to have a drip pan below to collect wastewater. The shallow pan can also be replaced by pans, dishes or paint trays. Furthermore, keep a dry rag with you as you might be dealing with wastewater. 

7. Remove The Drain Hose

Use your flashlight here to see the portion of your drain hose that connects to the pump. You will see a wire clamp that needs to be loosened with the help of pliers. Once this is done, you can take out the pipe. 

8. Loosen Blockages 

Now you can take the hose and keep bending it in all directions. This will loosen any blockage that is present inside and might also remove light clogs. Keep the drip pan below to catch anything that falls out. 

9. Flush Out The Clogs

Once all blocks and clogs are loosened, use a garden hose and direct the stream of water into the pipe. The water pressure should help you clean the entire hose properly. Now straighten the wire clothes hanger and use it to check for any remaining blockages after which you’ll need to flush again. 

Moving on, repeat the same for the recirculation hose located next to a drain pipe. 

10. Reassemble The Hoses

If any part needs to be replaced, do it before you reassemble the rest and put them back in position. Use proper pressure while putting the hoses back and pinch the clamps enough so that they are tight. 

11. Check For Leaks

Once this is done, switch on the power supply and see if there is any form of leakage. If there is, turn off the system immediately and check another time to refasten any part that may leak. In case you are unable to handle this on your own, call a professional plumbing service for help.

Final Words on Draining a Dishwasher

If you have replaced both hoses but the issues with drainage remain, then there might be a problem with the drain itself. In that case, it is best to consult professionals to unclog the drain.

Also, remember to buy thick hose pipes which will be resistant to corrosion and damage. While replacing, ask the hardware store for their best pipes. They might be slightly expensive, but will surely last for a longer time. 

On this note, we will now conclude our comprehensive guide on draining a blocked dishwasher. You should be able to have spotless cutlery and a clean kitchen once this issue is fixed. 

Let us know about your experience in the comment section below. Take care!

If you’re preparing to add a bathroom to your house, you’ll be well served by knowing how to do some standard rough-in plumbing.

Most bathroom plumbing includes drains, lines for fresh water, sinks, toilets, and other sewer elements, showers, and even tubs. These appliances usually receive both cold and hot water. The process of rough-in plumbing includes bringing the drain lines to what will be the future bathroom.

Hereon, individual connections will be made once the appliances are installed. If you wish to carry out your own rough-in plumbing instead of contacting professionals, then you need some skills and a set of specialized tools. Do remember that your rough-in plumbing also has to meet the building codes.

Without further ado, let us dive into the guide we’ve prepared to help in the rough-in plumbing process.

Steps For Rough-In Bathroom Plumbing

1. Map the Layout

The first step is to map the entire thing out. If you have a planned diagram in place, the process becomes easier. You have to start with locating the nearest drain stack. Then, you must chart a path for the pipes to reach the bathroom. Finally, you can see where they will reside.

You must also factor in the locations for the sink, toilet, bathtub, or shower. Draw the room’s rough sketch on a paper before mapping out the pipe arrays and the sizes needed for every branch and their endings.

2. Installing T-Connector to the Sewer Stack

The next thing on the list is to install a T-Connector. This needs to be attached to the main sewer lines. Basically, it is a branch of the drain pipe that will allow the sink, toilet, or shower to get the wastewater out of the bathroom and into the main sewers.

We recommend using an extra large pipe cutter. Once you’ve opened the stack, you should put in the PVC T-Connector (three inches) into that space. This should be below the floor level of the bathroom to ensure that drains run downhill towards this. Upon using PVC cement, as per the instructions of the manufacturer, it can then hold this pipe in its place.

3. Run the PVC Pipe

You have to run a 3-inch PVC pipe to the location of a toilet drain. Then, make use of a 90-degree angle, making an upward turn. This should take you to a level that is just below the floor of the bathroom.

After this, it is best if you connect the length of the pipe with both the cement for PVC pipes and female adapters. You can make use of another 90-degree turn to make the pipe horizontal. Following this, you should use the splitter, so your single pipe becomes two.

4. Connect to the Plumbing for Sinks

This step involves installing a 3-inch pipe into one of the open ends of the splitter. In the other open end, you should install a 3-inch or 2-inch adapter. Then, you have to run the 2-inch pipe to the location of the sink.

After this, it must be turned upwards using a 90-degree angle. Then, the last length of the 2-inch pipe has to be installed to the point that is about 18 inches above the floor of the bathroom. This will serve as the sink drain.

5. Connect the Plumbing for Toilets

You have to split the remaining pipe length into two lengths of the 3-inch pipe. Then, use a 90-degree turn to get the pipe upwards to the location where you plan to install the toilet. At this point, you also have to install the toilet flange on the top of the surface of the floor. Now, your drain is ready, and you can install a toilet.

6. Connect the Tub Plumbing and Shower

Finally, all that remains to be done is to run the final length of the 3-inch pipe to the location of the drain for the tub and shower. Then, using a 90-degree turn, you have to direct it upwards again. The 3-inch pipe can be used to bring it to the floor level to serve as the drain.

Final Words on Bathroom Rough-ins

It’s quite easy to do the rough-in bathroom plumbing yourself if you follow these simple steps. True, a degree of handiwork is required, and you must know your way around some specialized tools.

As with all projects, it is best to start off with a plan and then work step by step until the installations are completed. Once the basic plumbing is done, you can go ahead with the installation of different appliances like toilets and bathtubs.

The rough-in plumbing essentially helps you figure out how the water will reach these installations and where the waste water will drain out from. While many might prefer handing off the task to professionals, we’ve seen that DIY ventures can be quite successful too.

That said, if you have any questions about rough-in bathroom plumbing, feel free to reach out to us.

Are your walls wet and cold all of a sudden? Maybe your carpets are getting soaked for no reason at all?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then chances are you have a burst supply pipe in your house. This can happen due to several issues, such as expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, damaged pipes and even rust.

Whatever the cause, it’s important that the leak is plugged as fast as possible. Even the smallest leak in a pipe can damage drywall, destroy flooring and lead to costly repairs. So, you must identify the early signs of a burst supply pipe.

Today, we’re going to help you do exactly that. The following is a list of the most critical signs of burst supply pipes that you need to keep an eye out for.

Let’s take a closer look.

How To Tell If A Supply Pipe Has Burst

1. Sudden Changes In The Water Pressure

This is one of the significant signs of a leak. Rapid and sudden reduction in the water pressure can be indicative of a leak somewhere in the supply lines. In case you notice your sink and toilet getting clogged up, this can also mean that there’s a burst supply pipe somewhere.

2. Dampness In The Walls

The piping in most modern households is of the concealed variety, which means that the supply pipes run behind the walls. When any of these concealed pipes burst, one of the first signs is visible dampness marks on the walls.

Such leaks are usually most visible in bathrooms and laundry rooms. Leaking pipes can damage floors, ceilings and also result in your carpeting getting wet for no apparent reason.

That’s why, in case you see any of the above signs of leakage, make sure to call in a professional immediately. Experts can help you determine the location and nature of the leak, and even the kind of repairs that are needed.

3. Puddles Under Sinks

Puddles that repeatedly form under sinks are a sure sign of leaks. You might also find dripping pipes and sinkholes near the leakage. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to call for expert help at once.

4. Dirty Water

Does the water in your house smell like rotten eggs, and have a brownish tinge? In that case, you can be sure that there’s rust in your pipes. Accumulated rust can dissolve in the water and cause smells and discolouration.

Smelly and brownish water is another precursor of leakage in pipes. Due to leaks, your plumbing system may not be able to carry sewerage from your home. This can lead to waste accumulating and dissolving in the water, leading to the growth of bacteria and harmful pollutants.

5. Unexplained Noises In The Pipes

Another sure sign of burst pipes in the house is strange noises whenever you’re using a faucet. For example, you may notice loud gurgling noises, low hissing sounds, and even rattling in the pipes.

These noises are a direct result of the water trying to force its way through the leakage, thereby exacerbating the problem. This problem is most noticeable in pipes with low diameters when they develop a leakage.

6. Visible Damage On Exposed Pipes

Even in houses with concealed piping, there are bound to be some exposed pipes, especially in the basement or under sinks. Such pipes can quickly accumulate condensation or can freeze over due to temperature drops. Pipes that are bulging unnaturally are usually on the verge of developing a leak and should be repaired at once.

7. Unnaturally High Water Bills

Finally, a leak in the pipes can directly cause a leak in your pocket. Damaged pipes and leaking water can lead to your water bills getting pushed up despite maintaining similar levels of water consumption.

Even when you’re not using water, leakages can cause the water meter to run at all times, thus leading to your bills getting inflated. So, in case you receive unnaturally high water bills despite regular consumption, then you can be sure there’s a leak somewhere in your house.

Final Words

Locating a leakage in a pipe is easy if you keep an eye out for the above signs. Once you do observe any of them, don’t delay and take steps to repair the damaged portion. Otherwise, you might just be looking at severe damage to your property.

In case you’re not confident about handling the leak yourself, don’t hesitate to call out to experts. These professionals can ensure that your pipes remain in top shape, and you don’t have to foot unfairly inflated water bills.

Remember, a stitch in time saves nine!

Queensland’s gas industry has a motto: ‘Gas device safety is everyone’s responsibility’. It means that while you’d expect your gas fitter to take care to do safe work, as a householder you also need to ensure that you only engage qualified and licensed gas fitters to work on your premises.

Have you ever flushed a baby wipe? During the early days of the 2020 lockdown when toilet paper was flying off the supermarket shelves, those of us caught short had to make do. It may have meant sheet rationing, using paper napkins and unfortunately, on occasion – even wet wipes.

So you know you need a plumber but where to start? A google search for plumbers in Brisbane will bring up 17,000 results- that’s a lot of information to sort through to find the right tradie. Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking for the right Brisbane plumber.

Considering how vital the toilet is in a home setting, you cannot afford to have it functioning poorly. One of the common problems that occur with toilets is the toilet not flushing as it should. There’s no question this is a plumbing problem that concerns everyone in the household!

You crank that hot tap on full, but it’s not a satisfying shower … sounds like you have low hot water pressure. After a long day at work or a tough session at the gym, there’s almost nothing more frustrating. But when that water is at a trickle but it’s still hot, diagnosing the cause of low hot water pressure can actually be quite difficult.

Luckily, we’re here to help!