Salmon Plumbing Guarantee to ARRIVE ON TIME to your scheduled appointment.
In the rare instance that your plumber has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we promise to give you a MINIMUM 30-minutes notice of ANY change in arrival time and will offer to reschedule, if that’s more convenient for you
If we don’t give you at least 30 minutes notice in advance, we will happily give you a FREE Hour of Service on your plumbing job.
This offer is not to be used with any other offer.
Does not apply to quoted jobs.
Discounts will not be applied to overdue amounts.
Deposits
Deposits are not refundable however partial or total refunds of deposits may be made at the sole discretion of Salmon Plumbing.
Cancellations
Salmon Plumbing reserve the right to charge for lost time as a result of cancellations and or postponement made less than 2 business days from the scheduled appointment time.
Warranties
Salmon Plumbing offers a 6 and half year warranty as per the Queensland Building & Construction Commission (QBCC).
Summer is almost upon us, and in Brisbane, this usually means heavy rainfall. After the past few years of wet summers and flooding, drainage can become an issue in many Brisbane homes, so it’s important to look for ways to help to mitigate this. Channel drains, box drains, French drains – there’s so many options! So, which one should you choose? Salmon Plumbing can help you make the best decision to help lessen the risk of flooding to your home this summer.
Old galvanised pipe was used to plumb water into homes fifty years ago. Unfortunately, many homes still have these pipes as the source of their water lines to their home. Without a doubt, there can be issues within the plumbing of the home due to not updating these pipes to copper.
Galvanised Pipes are a bit gross
Brisbane is jam-packed with antiquated galvansied pipes. After more than thirty years as plumbers in Brisbane, we have seem some truly disgusting galvanised water pipes. Would you drink water sitting in a rusty bucket overnight? Probably not. But this is what many of us are doing when we drink tap water that has been through old galvanised water pipes in our homes. Older and exposed plastic pipe is also not great for our health. Old pipe work can cause long term issues in other areas of the home too. It’s time to ditch your galvanised water pipes, here’s why.
1. It will improve the taste and odour of the water
Rusty water has a metallic taste and odour. Sure, Brisbane water isn’t exactly reputable for its sweetness but you might be drinking water that’s extra flavoured by rust particles. Regular ingestion of rust particles can lead to health complications including hemochromatosis. This is a condition where iron builds up in your body. The cure? Regular bloodletting. Sounds sooooo good right?
2. It will remove the probability of legionella bacteria
Around 30% of homes with galvanised or old plastic piping in their home have tested positive for legionella. To avoid the growth of legionella bacteria, replace your water pipes.
3. Can prolong the life of your dishwasher and washing machine
The rusty water used through the dishwasher and washing machine (and plumbed in fridge, water filters and other appliances also being supplied by old galvanised iron pipes). Rust and mineral buildup can affect the effectiveness and life expectancy of your appliances.
4. Will avoid build-up of scale and sludge in hot water system
Hot water units can also be affected by rust-contaminated water from galvanised pipes. Hot water units are expensive to replace. If you want to prolong the life of your hot water unit too, consider changing your water pipes.
5. You will have clear water
This is the best benefit of all after replacing your galvanised water pipes. Brown water from your taps if often rusty water, not dirty water. This water can stain clothes, leave a film on crockery and glasses and can cause the water to be brown through the tap faucet. A brown bath anyone?
If you want to protect your belongings and avoid a brown bath, upgrade your water pipes. Clear water is healthy and vital for washing, hygiene and general wellbeing. It will also eliminate the need for a higher than normal reliance on detergents and cleaners to keep your items clean because of the brown water. This can help save money and the environment.
For help replacing the old galvanised water pipes in your home, contact Salmon Plumbing for an inspection.
Have you always dreamed of cooking with gas? There’s indeed nothing better than a gas stove for precision temperatures. Perhaps you’re considering a new gas fitting to reduce your water heating costs, or for the outdoor kitchen renovation you’re planning. It’s true that gas was the gold standard for economical cooking and water heating for a long time. But it’s important to ensure that this is still the right choice for your household.
Let’s talk about the importance of gutter maintenance. Sure, you probably climb a ladder once a year and clear out the worst of the leaf litter, but could your gutters handle a freak hail storm in Brisbane? Is your water tank well maintained to ensure any overflow of water is stored in the tank?
It’s been a decade of heavy downpours. Nothing like droughts and flooding rains to put pressure on your guttering and water tanks. But with the more turbulent Brisbane summer storms, those turbulent 5pm thunderstorms, comes isolated pockets of hail. It’s not just about clearing out the leaves, your gutters need to withstand being pounded with ice – sometimes the size of a pebble, occasionally the size of a golf ball. Are you gutters in the right shape for summer hail storms in Brisbane?
Gutter Maintenance
Rusty galvanised pipes aren’t Brisbane’s only rusty problem. Leaf litter build up in your gutters can lead to rust holes forming. Poorly maintained, damaged or incorrectly installed gutters don’t just mean a bit of leakage during big rain events, there’s a whole lot more going on up there.
Well-maintained gutters can:
Protect fascia boards and
roofing timbers
Prevent damage of overflowing
water to footings and foundations
Prevent water ingress during
rain events
Remove the attraction for
mosquitos carrying RRF and Zika, as pooled water is the perfect breeding ground
Prevent the breakdown of moist
leaves and debris, which can leach acid and rust gutters quickly
An inspection from our pro Brisbane plumbers can check your gutters are correctly installed and we can identify rust and give a quote for the replacement before it becomes an emergency plumbing problem.
Rainwater Collection Maintenance
The condition of your gutters and downpipes will determine the health of your rainwater collection system. When hail melts, it will carry whatever is sitting in your gutters, through to your rainwater tank.
A well-maintained rainwater collection system can:
Prevent health hazards
Prevent mosquito infestations
Extend the life of your water pump
Prolong the life of your toilet
cisterns. Dirty tank water can cause the inner parts of your toilet cistern to
deteriorate. It can also cause the toilet to smell. When a toilet flushes,
water turns into an aerosol which you can inhale and this can be bad for your
health.
Prolong the life of your
washing machine as dirty tank water can stain the inner drum of the machine and
leave an odour.
Prolong the life of your irrigation or pool gear. If you’re using rainwater tanks to supply outdoor water systems, keeping the water clear of rust particles and other debris will reduce damage to your irrigation or pool systems.
To ensure your gutters and rainwater
collection system are in good working order, contact Salmon Plumbing for
an inspection.
Updated 2024 by John Salmon. You’ve found your ultimate holiday destination. The accommodation is booked, your suitcase is packed and it’s almost holiday time! But before you head off on a well-earned break, be sure to complete our homeowner holiday checklist. The last thing you want is to come home from some much-needed R&R to find your home flooded from a busted pipe or tap. Here are our top tips to get your house holiday ready and number three could save you hundreds of thousands in water damage!
Plumbing Problems Always Happen When You’re Away
Several things can potentially go wrong with pipes, especially if preventive measures haven’t been taken.
Probably the biggest plumbing problem for Brisbane these days, especially during the summer holiday period is flooding. It’s been a wet few years for homeowners, and a busy few years for emergency plumbers in Brisbane. Backyard drainage and blocked drains are the most important items to check over before leaving your home unattended during another Brisbane la nina season.
Burst Pipes: If the temperature drops or increases significantly while you are away pipes can burst. This can lead to extensive water damage throughout the home.
Leaking Pipes: Even if pipes don’t burst, they can develop leaks over time due to corrosion, wear and tear, or pressure buildup. These leaks can lead to mould growth if left unchecked.
Clogged Drains: If drains are partially clogged before you leave, they may become fully blocked while you’re away, leading to backups and potential water damage.
Appliance Malfunctions: Appliances like washing machines and dishwashers can develop leaks or malfunction.
Tree Root Intrusion: If you have outdoor pipes, tree roots can grow into them, causing blockages, leaks, or even pipe ruptures.
Gutters and Stormwater Drains: Damaged and blocked roof gutters, downpipes and stormwater pits and drains can lead to water flowing into your home unseen during a storm.
Plumbing Problem Prevention Checklist
Taking the time to perform a thorough inspection of your home to address any potential issues can help prevent plumbing emergencies and water damage during your absence, plus give you peace of mind while you’re away. The great news is there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk:
Check your hot water system for leaks. Test the hot water unit’s valves and make sure they are working correctly.
Investigate if your hot water heat pumps have holiday modes on the electric timers. If yes, set the timers to holiday mode.
Inspect the flexible water connections underneath fixtures such as the kitchen and bathroom taps. If they are older than 5 years, we recommend that you change them before you leave home for an extended period. For your safety, these parts should be changed every 5 years.
Test for dripping taps and leaking toilets.
Clean out the roof gutters on your house and make sure the stormwater is running well. Keeping gutters, downpipes and stormwater pits and drains clear will help mitigate the risk of damage caused by a storm while you are away.
If you are aware of some small ‘plumbing issues,’ don’t delay. Get them fixed before you go, to avoid a costly surprise on your return.
Ask a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member to check on your home periodically while you’re away. They can ensure that everything is in order and address any issues that may arise, including plumbing emergencies.
When you get home from your holiday, go around the house and turn on every tap/water source. This is important because:
Water has been sitting in your pipes for an extended period and is likely stale. This water will have begun to absorb minerals from the pipes and bacteria may have started to flourish. Be sure that you do not use the stagnant water to wash or drink.
Running the taps also flushes and fills the pipe traps. While you were away, the water in the pipes can evaporate in the drains and traps, allowing smelly sewer gases into your home.
Holiday with Confidence
The cost of repairing leaking pipes in houses can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the leak, the location of the pipes, accessibility, and the extent of damage. By taking these precautions before going on holidays, you can minimise the risk of coming home to plumbing issues and water damage. It’s always better to be proactive and prevent problems before they occur.
For the best advice on pipes and drainage, you can rely on the Salmon Plumbing team. From blocked drains and burst pipes to roof leaks and emergencies, we can meet your plumbing needs – day or night.
When it comes to stormwater drainage, Brisbane can be a tricky place to get it right. For example, plenty of homes in inner city suburbs have no stormwater access on their block. However, all properties must now connect to a ‘lawful point of discharge’ such as an authorised council stormwater drain or road. But what if your stormwater access point is on your neighbour’s land? Well, then you’re talking about an easement.
Sound complicated enough yet? Want to outsource it to the experts?
The Salmon Plumbing team are the drainage plumbers Brisbane trusts to keep them safe this storm season. We can help you develop and install an effective roofwater drainage system for your home. Here’s what you need to know when planning your stormwater drainage project.
Why stormwater drainage in Brisbane is crucial
We live in a sub-tropical environment, and that means plenty of rain. If you have an inadequate plumbing system in place, any downpour can lead to a potential disaster for your property. Brisbane’s history of flooding exacerbates this risk. The 2022 Queensland floods brought intense, record-breaking rainfall that quickly inundated homes, leaving an estimated damage bill of $2.22 billion.
The quicker you can remove excess water from your property, the lower your risk of long-term water damage to your home. Ideally, your stormwater drainage system should remove rainwater from your roof, gutters, and garden so that it is directed into stormwater drains, or other appropriate outlets or storage areas.
The environmental impacts of poorly managed stormwater drainage can be really serious, too. In Australia, the stormwater system is separate from the sewer system. While raw sewage is treated before it ends up in our waterways, stormwater typically isn’t. All manner of pollutants can end up in our rivers and oceans including soil and other organic matter, garden fertilisers, and even the car oil residue that washes off your driveway.
What happens if roofwater drainage is inadequate?
As a result of Brisbane’s climate and topography, issues with stormwater runoff can be a common problem for residents. Flood prevention means looking beyond your property line. If you don’t get your stormwater drainage sorted, you’re unlikely to be popular with the neighbours or your local council!
Some of the serious problems we see caused by poor rainwater drainage design include:
Damage to roof structures, timbers and other building materials
Issues with attracting unwanted termites
Flooding to areas around the home and into neighbouring properties
Erosion under slabs, foundations and gardens
Who should carry out a major stormwater drainage project?
Whether you’re building a new home or having stormwater drainage issues at an existing dwelling, your first step should be to engage a licensed plumber to review your block. It’s a plumber’s job to design a stormwater drainage system for your home that prevents flooding and stops contaminants from entering stormwater catchment systems.
What’s considered when designing a stormwater drainage system?
When designing an effective stormwater system for your Brisbane property, your plumber will consider a range of important factors.
Water Sources
Stormwater can be collected from several sources:
Roofwater: Your roof size, the level of rainfall in your region, and the size of your gutter/downpipes are all factors that affect how roofwater needs to be managed.
Surface water: This is water that travels over your entire block. To manage surface water, the specific types of surfaces and the contour and fall of the ground surface need to be considered.
Your home’s flood risk
Brisbane stormwater drainage plans must consider the flood risk that comes with life in a sub-tropical climate.
The Queensland Government has developed the Floodcheck interactive map that lets you view historic floodlines, the likely extent of floodplains, and other relevant flood data and technical reports. You can search by address, lot/plan, town, and local government areas.
Water conservation and harvesting
When developing a stormwater drainage system, it makes sense to consider how roofwater can be harvested for use on your property. By installing a system that utilises roofwater for watering the garden, you are likely to notice a decrease in your water bills, too. If your rainwater tank installation is over ten years old, ask Salmon, the plumbers Brisbane trust, to check it over, and if necessary upgrade your old rainwater tank in time for storm season.
Council approvals
The Brisbane City Council does not maintain private stormwater lines. This includes your home’s connection to the kerb and channel via a kerb adaptor or the connection to an existing council stormwater pipe or manhole.
For houses built after 1975, the council requires stormwater to be managed in an approved manner (e.g. directed to council stormwater mains, kerb and channel). You’ll need to submit an application/notice to work on council property to connect stormwater or roofwater pipes from a residential or commercial development to any of the following:
kerb and channel
open drain
swale
enclosed drainage
stormwater gully
culvert
Council stormwater drainage infrastructure may be in the street, on private property, or in dedicated drainage easements. You can purchase copies of the Brisbane City Council’s stormwater drainage plans to assist with the development of your system. However, this is another resource a licensed and experienced plumber will already have access to.
Rubble pits
If your home was built before 1975, you might have a rubble pit or shallow trench filled with rocks through which the stormwater drains. Unless you carry out a reconfiguration of your land (subdivision, significant building or renovating), these pits are still considered a ‘lawful point of discharge’ if the ability to direct the stormwater straight to council stormwater drains was not available for the original build.
Common mistakes to avoid when planning Brisbane stormwater drainage
Unfortunately, stormwater drainage is not effectively regulated in Queensland. There are many cases of people taking the DIY route with catastrophic outcomes.
Ineffective roofwater drainage can be due to a number of factors. The most common issues we see include:
Undersized pipework
Running of discharge to undersized rubble pits
Lack of fall or backfall
Undersized in-ground stormwater sumps
Non-existent or poor waterproofing of retaining walls
Undersizing of spoon drains and grated drains
Lack of maintenance of stormwater systems
The consequences of inadequate stormwater drainage range from expensive to catastrophic so think twice about DIY! For ultimate peace of mind, call in the experts.
Fixing an existing stormwater drainage issue
At Salmon Plumbing, we use high-pressure drain cleaning equipment that can quickly and effectively clear stormwater systems and get them flowing to help prevent expensive flooding and damage to your property. While we are on site, we can look over your existing roofwater drainage plan and advise on how it can be improved.
If you need expert assistance with your stormwater drainage, Brisbane specialists Salmon Plumbing should be your first call. Get in touch today!
Updated 2024 by John Salmon. When winter rolls around, bring on the hot chips and gravy. Bring on all the carb-rich comfort foods like roasts, soups and casseroles. Anything to keep your belly full and hands warm while embracing all the comforts winter draws us to. Unfortunately, these foods can also cause blocked drains. A kitchen sink blockage caused by congealed fat needs to be dealt with urgently as it will likely trap additional debris and get out of hand fast. It’s not just winter, kitchen sink blockages can happen at any time, but the grossest one? Let’s talk Fatbergs.
Common kitchen sink blockage
Oils and fats rinsed down the kitchen sink drain are notorious for causing kitchen sink blockages. It can happen all year round but in winter, as your pipes are cold, the fats congeal and form solid clumps, or as Queensland Urban Utilities likes to call them Fatbergs. These solid masses of fat will block your drains and grab passing debris to create all kinds of problems, in your kitchen sink, your pipes and eventually in sewers.
How to avoid kitchen sink blockages caused by fatbergs
It’s sacrilege to leave gravy on a plate, but some people are just heathens. If you’ve got oil, fats, or gravy to dispose of, don’t wash them down the sink. Here’s a few good habits to avoid a fatberg kitchen sink blockage:
Allow the fats to cool and solidify then scrape them into the bin.
When rinsing roasting trays or plates with oil slicks or excess sauces and gravy, immediately turn the hot water tap on to ‘flush’ away the oils from the trap.
For extra measure, boil the kettle and pour boiling hot water down the kitchen sink to ensure the breakdown of the fats and oils.
A small squirt of dishwashing liquid down the drain and a full bowl of water drained down the sink will disperse the oils in the pipes, which will prevent blockage.
Oil is just the tip of the Fatberg
Not going to lie, I like saying fatberg. For are we not all fatbergs in winter to some extent? Grease is just one cause of a blocked kitchen sink. And it can just be the start of a much bigger problem. Once a fatberg forms, it can catch other “stuff” causing a bigger problem, fast. What else could be causing a kitchen sink blockage?
Soap Scum. A build up of dried soap scum, usually from hand soap can cause kitchen sink blockages. Run hot water down your sink regularly to avoid material drying in the pipes.
Food Scraps and Coffee Grounds. Yes, we’ve all been guilty of flushing a few coffee grounds down the sink. It’s hard to make good choices before you’ve had coffee. Fit a “waste trap” in the sink’s drain to catch all those bits and pieces that can cause blockages.
Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal Problems. If your dishwasher is draining food matter into the kitchen sink drain, or you’re overlading your garbage disposal, you could be inadvertently causing blockages. Regularly clean your dishwasher, make sure the food trap is in place. Keep your garbage disposal system well maintained and avoid overloading it as it will let larger particles into the drain pipe.
Children. Look, it seems a bit mean to say but the number of times we’ve been called out to a kitchen sink blockage caused by…. nerf bullets, Barbie doll parts, those little balls that swell up in water (WHY) – first step in a sudden and unexpected kitchen sink blockage is to ask the little darlings if they’ve been up to no good!
Flash flooding or backed up pipes. Sometimes a blockage isn’t a blockage. When your drainage system is overwhelmed from another source, it may appear that your kitchen sink has a blockage when actually there’s just nowhere for the water to go. If you notice a bad smell, gurgling or slow drainage in your kitchen sink, that comes on suddenly, during a weather incident – you may need an emergency plumber.
DIY tricks on clearing your blocked sink
There are a few DIY tricks that can break
up a blocked kitchen sink.
Sprinkle bi-carb soda and pour hot vinegar (microwave for 1 minute) down the drain.
Use a household plunger to loosen the blockage
Undo the sink trap and pour the water into the sink with the plugin. Ensure the trap is free of food blockages.
Pour a household drain cleaner down the sink. These are readily available from your local hardware or grocery store. Do try the natural remedies before going down the chemical aisle.
If none of these remedies removes the blockage, it’s time to call your local Brisbane plumber. A drain cleaning machine or an electric eel may need to be used to blast away the kitchen sink blockage. Salmon Plumbing is experienced in types of blockages. Contact the team to get your kitchen sink unblocked today.
Yes, there is a call out fee for most Plumbers in Brisbane. If there isn’t, don’t you worry, you’ll be paying for it, and for all your neighbours’ missed call out fees when you book in the job! Let’s talk about what you’re paying for with a call out fee, and how to get the most value from it!
Make the most from the cost outlay
We understand: that calling a plumber can be an expensive exercise, and no one wants to spend more money than they have to. But a timely appointment with a plumber can not only fix your immediate problem, but can also save you thousands of dollars in the future. That’s because the plumber is already at your home or business, so by planning ahead you can get them to look at other things that might not be causing concern now, but may need some minor maintenance to help prevent major problems in the future.
How much is a plumber call-out fee in Brisbane?
A business hours plumber call-out fee in Brisbane is generally between $175 and $295. While some will advertise a much cheaper call out fee, you may not be getting the full story! Most Brisbane plumbers charge a set call-out fee depending on your location and the day and time you call. For example, a Brisbane emergency plumber who gets called at 3 a.m. or on a Sunday afternoon will likely have a higher call-out fee than during business hours. But, once the initial problem is sorted, you can prevent future problems by getting your plumber to do a few extra jobs around the house. Getting some routine maintenance done will prevent future call out fees, so think of it as two (or more) for the price of one!
Why are some plumber call-out fees higher?
We’re plumbers in North Brisbane. We’re big enough to have fully equipped trucks on the road 24/7 but small enough to keep our costs down. So our call out fee is the same competitive price, no matter where you are in Greater Brisbane. Calling in a local bloke might have a cheaper call out fee but they’ll charge you time to go buy any parts you need – which MORE THAN cancels out any savings. If you choose a large plumbing chain or a franchise operation they have a lot of expenses to cover that we don’t, so you might be looking at a steep call-out fee and steeper hourly rates. Be wary of free plumber quotes, they often recoup that cost in other ways.
How to get the most value from calling out a plumber
Let’s say you’ve got a blocked drain. You’ll pay a call out fee and an hourly rate to unblock that sucker – and, yes, it’s an unexpected expense, but there’s nothing more valuable than NOT having a toilet overflow. When you call our beautiful and talented team they’ll help you understand the costings to expect for the job. You could avoid a future emergency plumber call-out fee simply by letting them know you’d like some basic maintenance done at the time.
Water Leaks and Tap Washers
Changing washers is a pretty simple business with most tapware, but if there’s a professional in the house, it’s worth getting them to have a look at what might need replacing and getting it done. Not only will it be faster, but you’ll likely also be able to get a quote to repair any slightly more expensive parts like ceramic discs inside the tapware. This can be one of the easiest ways to save on water bills, as leaking taps cost plenty in wasted water.
Gutter and Downpipes
Gutters and downpipes can back up with debris, and then all it takes is a heavier than normal rain event for water to end up in all sorts of places you don’t want. While your plumber is there, ask them to do a visual inspection of the property to check the gutters and downpipes. They’ll know the places that are likely to be “choke points” for problems, and are also experienced at spotting where signs of damage have already occurred.
Hot Water System
The hot water system is one of the most heavily used and most important parts of many household plumbing systems, so it pays to have it checked regularly. An experienced eye checking over the system can spot plenty of problems like hidden rust, and your plumber can also do a quick test to make sure the system is heating water to the required temperatures.
Water that is not heated to the correct temperature in the tank can quickly become an attractive place for bacteria to grow, and a Legionella problem is the last thing you want in your hot water system.
Your plumber can also double check the operation of all valves and ensure no unexpected surprises are waiting for you in the immediate future. Some minor maintenance can also help extend the life of your Hot Water Service. And if you need to get it replaced, Salmon Plumbing can replace your old hot water heater with a Rheem Heat Pump water heater, saving you between $250* and $350* on your new hot water unit. Get in quick before the offer ends soon. Check out our current Rheem Heat Pump Deals and Government Heat Pump Hot Water Rebates available.
Water Tanks
Droughts over the last few decades in all parts of Australia have meant that water tanks have become as common in Australian backyards as BBQs. But these are often out of sight and out of mind. Having your plumber inspect the mesh at the opening of the tank as well as the pump connections is always a good idea to make sure that wildlife isn’t getting in. Stopping water pooling from leaks or mosquitoes from getting into your tank is also the best way to continue enjoying your outdoor area by denying the mozzies a space to breed.
Flexible Hoses
The flexible hoses around all manner of plumbing equipment are made of a large number of metal threads which means that with age they might fray, rust, or leak. Getting these checked and replaced can go a long way towards preventing any future flooding emergencies!
Like most things nowadays, there are also some cheaper, imported, flexible hoses available on the market today – your plumber can identify these and replace with high-quality alternatives that also come with a manufacturer’s warranty for piece of mind.
So, take the chance to make the most of your plumber’s call out fee next time you have them visit your premises. Have them check over one or more of the areas we’ve mentioned in this article. A friendly, professional Brisbane plumbing service, like us, will be happy to take a look for you and advise what needs to be done to keep your home or office in top shape.
Caught by surprise by a plumbing emergency? Ask us about our finance options as an interest free plumber Brisbane residents can rely on to help you deal with the unexpected and keep things running smoothly on the home front.
*Rheem Hot Water deails available until 31 July 2024. Terms & Conditions Apply.
There is lead, everywhere. You encounter it in the air, the soil, dust, some hobbies, some alternative medicines and in aged paint. We used to pump it straight into the air back when “super” petrol was the default. Nowdays, it’s your taps and pipes may also be delivering lead right to your glass. Lead is dangerous. Lead is water soluble. It was also a very popular building material for a long time. There is lead in your tap water. How much lead is the question?
How likely is it that there’s lead in my home’s plumbing?
There is. But, there’s not TONS. In some countries, the levels are far higher than here. Australian law allows for lead to be used in water infrastructure in modern homes. Our water supply is some of the safest in the world but suffers from “first world problems” – including fancy pipes and tapware. Yes. Lead is in your taps, pipes and fittings. The law will change in 2026 to mean plumbing fixtures will be limited to lead levels to below 0.25%. Not zero. Just less. And not all plumbing products. New lead regulations will only impact plumbing fixtures that deliver drinking water, not your shower, bath or irrigation. There are currently products on the market that are certified lead free, if you’re planning a new build, it’s worth investing in these.
How much lead is too much in our drinking water
According to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, 0.01mg per litre of lead in our drinking water is “safe” (previously the number was 0.05mg per litre). Despite the acknowledgement of lead being unsafe in our water, there is no enforced monitoring of lead contamination in public water supplies on both a local and national level. This makes it all the more important that we are personally diligent in having our water tested for the safety of our families and our communities.
How do I know if a pipe is lead?
If your home was built prior to 1940, you may have pure lead pipes. Lead is soft and silvery in colour. It’s not magnetic. So, if you find a silver coloured pipe, that a magnet won’t stick to, and you can “make a mark” by running a coin across the surface, you may be looking at a piece of lead. Unfortunately, the issue with most homes isn’t that the pipes are pure lead, it’s part of a copper alloy, or used to adjoin pipes. So, to the naked eye, you may not be able to tell. To know for sure you’ll need professional testing.
Brass tapware fittings, so chic, so hip, so retro…. so leaded. Original brass fittings – how very special! While your dream reno may involve fancy antique tapware, it is probably best you use replicas. By current Australian standards, the levels of lead in tapware is monitored. The issue is the influx of cheap plumbing fixtures that “look designer” without the designer price tag. In 2017, 12000 Australians bought tapware from Aldi that contained dangerously high lead levels.
Why lead needs to be removed from water and tapware
Long term exposure to lead can cause a number of significant health issues, especially if you have infants, young children, or pregnant women in the home.
Lead exposure has been known to cause damage to the brain
The kidneys
Red blood cells
The stakes are even higher for young children. Babies and children exposed to lead can suffer from hearing problems as well as mental and physical impairments.
Tips for treating lead in water and tapware
The first and most important step is monitoring your local water quality via the SEQ water website. Anything above 0.01mg per litre is unsafe and unacceptable. You can also contact a Brisbane plumber to get advice on testing and your specific circumstances. You can also reduce your exposure to lead on a daily basis by:
1. Running your cold water tap for up to 30 seconds
If the cold water tap hasn’t been used for over six hours, allow it to run for up to 30 seconds before using that water for cooking or drinking.
2. Avoid using water from the hot water tap
Lead is more apparent in hot water, so try to avoid drinking or cooking using water from your hot water tap.
3. Don’t “over boil” your water
The longer you allow a pot of water to boil, the more lead you’ll find in your water due to evaporation.
4. Stop using lead-based cookware
Australian-made cookware likely doesn’t contain lead. But cookware from other countries could very easily contain this dangerous neurotoxin.
5. Replace your old pipes and taps
We recommend buying taps that have the Watermark logo on it as these have the highest quality standards. If you have old taps or corroding pipes, contact one of the friendly plumbing experts here at Salmon Plumbing. We’ll take a look at your plumbing system and provide you with helpful recommendations on how we can increase the safety of your drinking water in an easy and affordable way.
6. Install activated charcoal water filtration at home
Not all water filters remove lead. You’ll need a minimum water filtration system rated at NSF53. These are activated charcoal filters. More expensive and complex filters including reverse osmosis and distillation-based filtration systems will also remove lead. Talk to us about the best option for filters for your circumstances.
Our team at Salmon Plumbing invite you to contact us online or give us a call now to chat about your plumbing concerns at (07) 3862 2600.
