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).
The Salmon office staff get a lot of questions about submersible pump installation. So as a plumber of 30+ years (who clearly has no life whatsoever!), I’m naturally very excited to do a deep dive on submersible pumps, their uses, installation, and problems to look out for.
Submersible water pumps, aka dewatering submersible pumps, are everywhere. From your septic tank to your rainwater tank, from bringing clean water up from a bore or well to getting rid of liquid trade waste.
So, why would you need your pump to be submersible? And do you need one?
Here are all the answers to common questions we’re asked about submersible pumps for home, commercial and industrial use.
Feeling pumped? I am!
What is Discharge Head and how do you calculate it?
This is the pressure that the pump must overcome to move the liquid through the discharge pipe to reach its destination. It’s generally measured in pascals of pressure or in meters. To get the right pump, you’ll need to know what’s required to overcome the discharge head. If the liquid is being pumped vertically (from underground, for example), you’ll need to know the height that it will be pumped. This is called the static discharge head. The length of the piping, the pump’s flow rate and any additional pressure at the location where the liquid is discharged will need to be taken into consideration, too.
Clear as mud? That’s why choosing the right submersible pump usually means getting an expert plumber (like me) to do some maths. You must get this right or the pump won’t run efficiently, or at all.
Do you actually need a Submersible Pump?
The right flow/discharge capacity, the discharge head, the quality of the pump’s design and the quality of the plumber fitting it all have an impact on how well the pump will perform. Just saying, if you need an excellent plumber in Brisbane, we’re really good at this stuff.
Advantages
Cheaper To Run. Because it’s submerged in the liquid it’s pumping, submersible pumps predominantly use kinetic energy to move fluids around – and kinetic energy is free. Who doesn’t like free/cheap energy? In an industrial or commercial setting, these savings can be mind-blowing.
Quiet. Noise won’t annoy the neighbours
Child- (and fool) proof. Fools do tend to find impressive new ways to be foolish, but as these pumps are submerged and out of sight, they’re less prone to breakage by passing fools (or foolish contractors on site), or interference by bright and curious children.
Low Maintenance. A quality submersible pump is completely sealed, corrosion resistant and very, very reliable. Perfect, especially if you’re after one for emergencies like floods.
Less Problem-prone. Quality manufacture and installation go a long way to heading off any issues with pumps, but the type of water pump you find at your local hardware store – well, it’s notorious for problems. Leaking and seal problems, power problems – nothing costs more than a cheap pump! Submersible pumps are completely sealed, so a lot of these potential issues are avoided.
Disadvantages
Requires Professional Installation. A plug-and-play pump from the hardware store can be installed by anyone. But when it needs fixing, you’ll be calling the sparkie or plumber out. And yes, you’ll be making that call sooner than you think.
Reduces Capacity. Depending on the size of the submersible pump, it can reduce the capacity of a tank. Most domestic submersible pumps will mean sacrificing about 50 litres of rainwater in your tank or pond.
Requires Some Maintenance. Over time, you will need to replace any seals on your pump. Access is a bit trickier as the unit is kept within the liquid source.
Quality REALLY Matters. Yes, submersible pumps are designed to be submerged in liquid. However, a low-quality pump will deteriorate faster, and water will infiltrate the motor. This doesn’t pose an electrical risk unless the pump is faulty or does not comply with Australian EESS quality standards. HOT TIP: never buy a submersible pump on a discount website or unassembled. Not kidding. People do. Darwin Award winners mostly.
Submersible Water Pumps at Home
There are two kinds of submersible water pumps used regularly in Brisbane homes. The first is a permanent fixture with a specific purpose. The second is increasingly popular due to our crazy weather of late, a portable submersible water pump for when the floods hit.
Here are some residential applications for submersible pumps.
Suburban Rainwater Tanks and Irrigation Systems. A submersible pump is a more cost-efficient way to pump rainwater into your irrigation system.
Submersible Pumps for Ponds. Most of our customers choose a submersible pump for backyard ponds because they want a serene, quiet environment. A submersible pump aerates the water in your pond and makes cleaning it much easier.
Pools. A submersible pump is an efficient way to empty an over-full pool or a pool requiring lining maintenance, especially if the pool is inground and cannot be efficiently siphoned.
Water and Septic Tanks. For Brisbane’s semi-rural residents, a submersible pump is a more efficient option for bringing underground tank water into your home, or to deal with your septic system. We can provide you with a specialised service in areas like Jimboomba, outer Moreton Bay and on the Redlands Islands.
Submersible Pumps for Floods. Brisbane used to be all about the droughts, but we’re a flooded city these days. If you’re in a flood hotspot like Deagon or Rocklea, owning a submersible pump can help you move floodwaters out of your home faster to minimise damage and maximise the impact of your stormwater drainage system. The key here is to buy the right pump, with the right flow/discharge capacity, and the right discharge head for your needs. Nothing worse than a useless tool in an emergency! We’re happy to talk you through it. Just give us a call.
Commercial and Industrial Submersible Pumps
Sewerage, trade waste, stormwater, irrigation, and safety systems… they all need the right pump to do the job right. And, frankly, whether it’s sewerage or contaminated water, the job needs to be done right. Not just for public safety, but because the laws and fines are HUGE.
Installing Industrial and Commercial Submersible Pumps
Are you upgrading plant and equipment to be compliant with environmental laws? Maybe you’re dealing with liquid trade waste that needs sorting. Your engineers have probably made some suggestions, but you need a professional Brisbane commercial plumber to do the installation plan in line with Queensland laws.
Flow Rate and Head. The whole project relies on accuracy in flow rate and “head” measurement. A submersible pump will only work efficiently if these are accurately calculated.
Viscosity. How much is your fluid going to resist being moved? The fluid type will impact the type of submersible pump you need. You’ll also need to consider the kinds of solids passing through the pump system. Sewerage pumps, for example, may have different requirements in a large commercial public toilet setting than in a treatment plant. Because people in public toilets do incomprehensible things. Trust me. I’m a plumber. I have seen some things you wouldn’t believe.
Environmental Requirements. Legal compliance under Queensland law.
Energy Efficiency. High-volume liquid pumping creates a massive energy cost. Submersible pumps help reduce that cost, but your business goals will determine which pump will be most cost-effective over time.
The Site. Are there site considerations that will make installation a challenge? Will the pump be operating at an extreme depth? Is the delivery destination vertical or horizontal?
Corrosive or Abrasive Materials. Slurry, chemical waste, mineral runoff – anything that can cause damage to your pipe infrastructure must be taken into consideration. Your engineers will have advice, but your professional industrial plumber will know the options available. That’s us, by the way.
But Wait, There’s More! Pump Maintenance and Decontamination
Submersible pumps are generally designed to need less maintenance than other types of pumps, but in a commercial or industrial environment, all plant and equipment needs regular maintenance to make sure everything runs efficiently and complies with industry regulations. Most companies do this on a scheduled maintenance plan that includes:
Core Maintenance. Visual inspection and core maintenance of the seals, O-rings and bearings. Diagnose any changes in the overall state of the system including changes in flow rate or an increase or decrease in pressure. Make recommendations for any parts that need replacement due to damage, or manufacturer recommendations.
Decontamination. While your team will keep your plant equipment clean, pumps may periodically require full decontamination, especially if they’re moving chemicals, sewerage, or slurry.
Compliance. Provide necessary documentation of the inspection for compliance purposes.
Repair Considerations
A permanently affixed submersible pump will usually be more difficult to repair than other models. The pump may need to be completely removed from your system for repair. This can mean a period of downtime.
We recommend you find a reliable emergency plumber who is on the road 24/7 (that’s us), and one with extensive experience working with some of Brisbane’s largest commercial operations (also us). That way, you can be sure that if and when repairs are needed, they’re completed to the highest standard and with the minimum disruption.
Okay, yes… this is my sales pitch. But our services are backed by decades of experience and a reputation we’ve earned through demonstrated expertise and service excellence. You won’t find someone more pumped about submersible pumps than the Salmon Plumbing team! Get in touch today.
As a commercial landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure adequate grease trap installation in hospitality spaces. Under Brisbane City Council Laws, administered by Urban Utilities, all restaurant space owners must apply for Trade Waste Approval. So, let’s make sure your space is up to scratch!
Grease Traps – known as pre-treatment grease arrestors or interceptors
A grease trap is a device placed between two pipes that filters out grease and other solid or liquid trade waste before discharging water into the sewer system. It acts as a holding tank to be collected by a trade waste collection contractor. Your obligations for trade waste collection and disposal will depend on the volume of oils and fats discharged through your plumbing system and the size and design of the grease trap you choose. As commercial plumbers in Brisbane for over 30 years, we can advise on the type and size of the grease trap to install to keep your collection, maintenance and repair bills to a minimum. We’re happy to answer any questions.
Not all trade waste approved businesses must install grease traps. However, any business that frequently cooks with or washes fats or oils on the premises will likely require a grease trap installation. To remain compliant, you’ll also need to schedule trade waste collection services (colloquially known as “pump outs”) by a regulation-approved transporter. It’s also recommended that a commercial maintenance plan be put in place to ensure that you remain compliant and avoid hefty fines.
Food facilities that require trade waste approval under Brisbane law
All premises that prepare food require trade waste approval to ensure that no liquid waste is discharged into the sewer or stormwater system. Generally, a small commercial operation (e.g. a small coffee shop) will require a 1000-litre grease trap to minimise collection obligations. Standard grease traps typically go up to 5000 litres. In some parts of Australia, the minimum size grease trap to install in new commercial food premises is 2400 litres, regardless of the business that may someday occupy the space.
So do you need a grease trap installation? If you’re planning to rent the property to a food industry tenant, then yes. These include, but may not be limited to:
Schools and tertiary institutions (daycares/pre-schools and childcare centres may require trade waste approval also)
Halls and community kitchens
Grease Trap Installation Issues
All liquid waste management system installations present their own unique challenges. No two systems are identical, so they need an experienced commercial plumber to design and install the system.
Flow Rates. The projected amount of liquid for treatment during peak times. This is generally determined by the number of meals your tenant will serve. It may also take into account the number of dishwashers discharging into the grease trap.
Backflow Prevention. You may require backflow prevention devices to be installed to prevent contamination.
Rated Capacity. The rated capacity of your commercial kitchen’s grease trap is at minimum twice the flow rate.
Location. Depending on your location and layout, your installation may be straightforward or it could be a job for a veteran plumber with exceptional problem-solving skills.
Cuisine Type. This is calculated on the percentage of meals considered “greasy.” This typically applies to fried food and high-fat restaurants.
Fixture Capacity. What’s draining into your new grease trap installation? Is it one sink, or several sinks, and will you have a hob faucet? Are you discharging dishwashers and rinse jets directly into the system? If so, how much water is discharged from each source during peak time?
Number of Dischargers for a Pre-Treatment Device. In larger-scale kitchens, including food processing plants, there may be multiple dischargers attached to each grease trap (or other pre-treatment device). This creates complexity around flow, inspection and sampling points for compliance testing.
Food Scraps. How much solid waste will find its way into the grease trap? Solid waste doesn’t just mean potato peels. Drain cloggers like flour can greatly impact the effectiveness of your grease trap.
Covers. By law, your grease trap must have removable covers for inspection and emptying. If your grease trap is located underground, the covers must be strong enough to handle foot traffic.
Piping Requirements. Does the set-up require pipes that can manage high temperatures, harsh chemicals, abrasives, or other damaging liquid waste?
Venting and Condensation. Unsurprisingly, a receptacle of used fats creates odours and gasses. This means that grease arresters require venting systems which can be complex depending on the layout of your commercial kitchen.
Regulatory Issues. This is where a professional commercial plumber makes all the difference. It’s more than understanding “plumbing maths.” Our comprehensive knowledge of what will make your business compliant is what protects you from hefty fines and other problems down the line.
Salmon Plumbing Grease Trap Installation Services
After 30+ years as the Plumbers Brisbane trusts with complex jobs, we can help you design a system that is customised to your needs including:
Peak efficiency for your space
Lowest trade waste removal costs
Easy to access and maintain
Built to last with minimal repair bills
We can also provide scheduled, no-mucking-about maintenance on your system and priority call-out for repairs and plumbing emergencies. We offer scheduled maintenance on all your facilities including commercial hot water, toilet and urinal maintenance, pumps and tanks. We’ve earned our reputation as Brisbane’s trusted commercial plumbers. Once you join us, you’ll see exactly why.
So you’ve noticed a problem with your urinal installation and you’re wondering what to do. First thing’s first: don’t panic!
A faulty urinal doesn’t have to be a messy, stressful, or expensive fix, so long as you catch the problem early and do something about it before it gets worse. Accessing professional commercial plumbing support is the key to avoiding extra dramas and ensuring your FlushMaster urinal system is up to the job.
How can you tell if a urinal is running off course, and what might the symptoms mean? More importantly, what can you do about them? Read on to figure out your next steps.
How to Spot a Faulty Urinal
Fortunately, a faulty urinal is usually easy to spot! This is a good thing, as it allows you to recognise issues while they’re still small and may only require a simple fix. Even if you know nothing about the world of plumbing, you can take control of your installation.
When you walk into the restroom, are you met with a nasty smell? Well-functioning urinals should be squeaky clean with no unpleasant odour, providing that you’re doing your due diligence with daily sanitisation and deep cleans every few months. If your maintenance work is up to scratch and you still find yourself pinching your nose, there’s probably something wrong with the system.
Other clues to a faulty a FlushMaster urinal might include:
a urinal that won’t flush or a flush that keeps running when it shouldn’t;
slow-draining problems or leaky solenoid valves;
in an auto-flush urinal system, the flush sensor might be acting up, triggering at the wrong times or not at all.
What’s the worst that can happen? If your Zip FlushMaster urinal system is in a bar or restaurant environment, you might be left dealing with the damage left behind by drunk punters after a rowdy night out. Nothing brings down the vibe like a problem seeping from the gents area, and nobody wants to call out an emergency plumber on their biggest night of the year!
Knowing the symptoms of a faulty urinal is important because it brings you one step closer to diagnosing the problem. Here’s what a few common issues might mean for your plumbing.
Bad Urinal Smell
If your FlushMaster urinal smells bad, it’s a clear sign that you need a service! Regular maintenance is an important part of ensuring urinals are built to last – and that they stay clean and hygienic. A professional plumber can fix any structural issues that might be causing a foul smell and replace the urinal cake if needed.
Urinal Water Not Draining
Zip FlushMaster urinals can be prone to backed-up drains. If you notice that water isn’t draining the way it should, the fix might be as simple as unclogging the urinal’s internal drain or as complex as snaking the drain line to keep things running smoothly. You might also need the vent stack cleaned so that sewer gases have an easy escape route with no debris blocking the way.
Urinal Won’t Flush
Urinal not flushing the way it’s supposed to? Often, this is a sign that the flushing mechanism is malfunctioning. An automatic urinal flush may need to be cleaned, or the sensor may need to be replaced in order to trigger correctly. A manual urinal flush might require a repair and clean-out to fix mechanics and remove what’s in the way.
Wrong Urinal Flush Pressure
When a Zip urinal’s flush pressure is too high or too low, you won’t be getting the best cleaning results. A plumber might need to fix or replace the flush valve at the top of the system, or they may simply need to adjust the regulator to release more or less water, depending on the issue you’re facing.
Should I Attempt DIY Urinal Repairs?
The short answer is no! DIY urinal repair is rarely a good idea.
Delaying urinal maintenance can create larger issues. What could have been a small, simple, and cost-effective job can easily become a requirement to replace the whole system. If you’re very unlucky, the problem might even result in a flood that damages the entire restroom space!
Attempting to DIY repairs is a recipe for disaster. FlushMaster urinals can be finicky systems, and if you’re not used to working with them, it’s easy to make a mistake.
Unless repairing urinals is your day job, it’s best to leave it to the experts!
Get Urinals Fixed – Fast!
Urinals can be great water saving devices – until they aren’t. If your urinal is acting up, get it fixed and fast!
Take control of your property, and prevent greater problems from arising by staying on top of maintenance and repair requirements.
At Salmon Plumbing, we bring decades of experience and a wealth of expertise to every job we do. Our skilled plumbing team will have your urinal smelling as sweet as a freshly baked urinal cake – and flushing on time, every time.
Don’t wait to fix your FlushMaster! Get the best urinal repair services Brisbane has to offer. Call Salmon Plumbing today.
There’s no doubt PVC pipes and fittings have revolutionised plumbing. PVC is a durable plastic with a long service life, making it ideal for residential and commercial plumbing. But what happens to the off-cuts?
The problem of trade waste is a massive one. But the good news is that Queensland plumbers are leading the way with innovative PVC pipe recycling solutions for a more sustainable future.
The Conundrum of Long-Lasting PVC Pipes
Long-lasting and reliable plumbing infrastructure is a vital step towards building sustainability. PVC pipes are engineered to offer exceptional durability. With a service life of 100 years or more, they’re a ‘built to last’ solution in an increasingly disposable world.
However, this durability is an environmental disaster when PVC ends up in landfill. The PVC content in pipe off-cuts and fittings can last up to 600 years – or more.
A Sustainable Solution for PVC Pipe Off-cuts
Concerned about the volume of PVC off-cuts, the Master Plumbers Association Queensland and Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia partnered with Reece, Tradelink, Iplex, and Vinidex to launch the Constructions Plastics Recycling Scheme in 2021.
In an effort to divert PVC off-cuts from landfill, the voluntary program began with seven recycling bins providing easy and accessible drop-off points for the construction industry across South East Queensland. Once full, the bins are collected by pipe manufacturers who audit and sort the contents to be reprocessed into new PVC pipes. In fact, PVC is so durable that it can be recycled six to seven times before it starts to degrade.
The scheme’s popularity was immediate and bin locations quickly doubled. By June 2023, over 3,845 kgs of PVC waste had been recycled to make new pipes.
And now, with the assistance of a Queensland Government grant, the scheme will be expanded to 22 new locations across the state. This brings the total number of recycling deposit sites to 40.
We’re Committed to PVC Pipe Recycling
When he’s not leading the Salmon Plumbing team, John Salmon is busy working behind the industry scenes – in particular, with the Master Plumbers Association where he played a major role in the inception of the PVC pipe recycling scheme.
The success of the scheme and the way his industry colleagues have embraced it highlights what John has always known. The plumbing industry is committed to sustainable and responsible practices that ensure the future looks bright for generations to come.
You’ve been dreaming of crisp, cool water to dive into on a hot Brisbane day and seeing the first clumps of turf lifted in your backyard was so exciting! So what could turn this dream into a nightmare of sludge and horrendous smells?
Your pool installer just dug up the sewer line on your property.
No one wants to experience this trauma-inducing event; however, it’s more common than you think. There are many reasons a sewer pipe can be broken – and a lack of due diligence in determining where sewer lines are BEFORE breaking ground for a new pool installation is one of them. But don’t waste time trying to figure out who’s to blame or you’ll be up to your neck in it! You need to act FAST. Here’s what you need to know.
What NOT To Do When You Have a Burst Sewer Line
Considering DIY repairs? Please don’t! Stay as far away from the leak as possible. If the smell isn’t enough to deter you, remember that sewerage is a biohazard. The hidden danger of disease-causing pathogens that can be airborne is a real risk and not one worth taking by attempting a DIY repair.
The quicker you can get a burst sewer line under control, the better. An emergency plumber is ready to respond to your crappy dilemma with fully equipped trucks – and all the necessary qualifications and licenses. Only a licensed plumber is legally permitted to work on plumbing and you want to be sure that any repairs are covered by your plumber’s insurance.
Until the plumbers arrive, avoid using water within the home to reduce pressure on the damaged sewerage line. This includes toilets, showers, the washing machine, the dishwasher and anything else linked to your plumbing system. Every drop of water you use inside your house is going to flow down that house drain and potentially pour into the pool excavation via the broken sewerage pipe.
What If My Sewer Line Is Damaged After 5pm?
Don’t panic! Our emergency plumbers are on call 24/7. We’ll assess your emergency and send a plumber out as soon as possible.
Upon arrival, our highly trained plumbers work as quickly as possible, locating the whole sewerage line, assessing the obvious damage, and identifying possible underlying causes. Our trucks are equipped with advanced technology to get the issue identified and rectified as soon as possible. The aim is to repair the damage as soon as possible and have your pool installer back to work. Within a few hours, we aim to return your dreams to hues of blue, not brown.
Got a problem with your sewer line? You need the plumbers Brisbane trusts to get them out of the proverbial! Call Salmon Plumbing now on 3862 2600 – we’re on call 24/7.
Do you want to know the trade secrets for cutting costs on your next water bill? Or how you can identify the right time to replace your hot water system? What about when to take a leaky tap seriously? What’s actually going on in your drains – gross as it may seem, there’s a definite fascination with CCTV investigations! Today, I’ve decided to open the floodgates and let the answers to some of Salmon Plumbing’s most frequently asked questions come swimming out. In this read I’ve got everything from trade secrets to top strategies for care and protection, and more.
You’re sure to learn something that will help you look after your property’s plumbing system and ensure you save a few dollars when it comes to next month’s water bills.
So, what are you waiting for? All your plumbing FAQ answers in one place. Let’s dive in.
PlumbingFAQ #1: How does a plumber identify what is blocking a drain and get rid of it?
When investigating blocked drains, plumbers will use plumbing technology and knowledge to analyse the situation. Your typical “local plumber” will likely have a “drain snake” on hand for unblocking drains but larger plumbing companies will carry more advanced technology to make sure that the blockage is fully dealt with.
How we identify blocked drain problems, and fix them
We’ll ask you some questions about the location and characteristics of the blockage. This helps us understand if it’s likely just a simple issue or if there’s a chance of bigger problems like tree root infiltration.
All of our vans come ready to address the problem fully. Depending on the location and characteristics of the blockage we will use special tools, like CCTV cameras, water jetters and plumbing draining rods to get to the root cause and solve the problem.
FAQ #2: What are the benefits of installing a solar hot water system?
Solar hot water systems are one of the biggest underdogs in plumbing.
Whether it’s money, or environmental concerns, people seem to continuously underestimate the value that these eco-friendly systems can add to your home (and wallet!). A solar hot water system can:
Minimise the electricity needed to heat water and lessen energy bills as a result.
Reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated by heating water.
Offer an aesthetically pleasing alternative to large tanks taking up space in your yard.
Make you eligible for a solar hot water rebate.
Installing these systems may seem costly at first, but they’re one of those “pay for themselves” items. The long-term savings and environmental impact you can make, will see you recoup your spending and then some.
FAQ #3: Why is my water bill so high?
An unusually high water bill can be a real slap in the face when you’re not expecting it. If you’ve noticed a recent spike in your monthly costs, there may be an underlying problem that is causing excess water usage at your property. Here is a list of some of the possible culprits:
Leaky toilets, taps, irrigations (think lawn sprinkler systems), or lines (underground pipes that connect your home to a water meter)
Inefficient fixtures (consider the age of the plumbing appliances in your home, outdated fixtures can use more water in less efficient ways!)
Lifestyle changes (consider the seasons, are you doing more laundry in winter? Or, perhaps filling up your pool in the summer?)
Water waste (consider the water habits of your roommates, are they leaving the tap on while they brush their teeth? Taking long showers? Maybe overwatering the lawn?)
Burst pipes. A burst pipe deep underground may not be immediately noticeable until you receive an eye-watering bill. If you see a massive increase in your water bill, don’t panic. Turn off all taps in your home and then check your water meter. If it’s still running red hot, call in our emergency plumbers immediately. Also, don’t panic, you may be able to appeal the water bill if your leak meets set criteria.
These issues might not be the first that spring to your mind, but they are worth investigating. If you find that after looking into them, you’re still experiencing unusually high water bills, then it’s time to call in a Brisbane plumber to inspect your system.
Plumbing FAQ #4: Is a leaky tap really a big deal?
If you care about the amount of cash in your wallet and the quality of your plumbing system, then yes.
Like I mentioned earlier, a leaky tap might be a sneaky culprit for unusually high water bills, meaning that ‘drip-drip’ isn’t just keeping you awake at night, it’s costing you money!
Additionally, there are so many reasons that a tap could be leaking that it’s worth investigating even if it you consider it to be insignificant.
It could be something as simple as a problem with the O-ring, a small disc that holds the tap in place. Or, it could be a sign of something more serious, like valve corrosion, problems with the washers, or broken pipes or fittings.
FAQ #5: Why do my drains smell horrible and how can I get rid of the smell?
Drains are meant to prevent smells from coming back into your home. So, if you find yourself wrinkling your nose when you walk into the bathroom, you might have a problem. Luckily, it’s usually an easy fix.
Most odd smelling drains are caused by a dried out trap. See, every drain has a U-shaped trap designed to hold a small amount of water. This water blocks sewer gasses from travelling back up your plumbing and into your house. When the trap dries out, there is no barrier, hence the smell when you enter a room.
The simple solution is to pour water down drains in your house that aren’t used often. This builds the barrier back up and should, hopefully, get rid of the smell.
However, if that odd odour persists, it’s probably time to look at calling in a professional plumber to thoroughly inspect your system and track down the problem.
FAQ #6: How do I know when to replace my hot water system?
There are a few hints that it might be time to look at investing in a new hot water system for your property. The biggest and most obvious being that you are frequently calling your local plumber for repairs.
Outside of this issue, some other factors to consider are:
How hot your hot water is when it comes out of the tap
How long your water is taking to heat up
The age of your hot water system (if it’s older than 10 years, you might find new models are more energy efficient and nicer to your water and electricity bills!)
FAQ #7: My pipes are making a banging sound – what’s going on?
This problem is most commonly known as a water hammer. It can be caused by a range of different issues, so it’s important to identify what is exactly causing the problem before you investigate home remedies. In a lot of cases, it’s home remedies that caused the water hammer in the first place. Water hammer is hard on your pipes, it ‘shakes them about” which can lead to them bursting and one of those whopping great water bills and potential flood damage.
A plumber is your best bet in this situation, they can help you identify what is causing the water hammer. Plus, a quick diagnosis from an experienced professional will help you resolve the problem sooner and ensure you’re treating it correctly ASAP.
Do you have a plumbing question that wasn’t answered here?
We’ve got plenty more answers and information about caring for, and protecting, your property’s plumbing system on our blog! You can check it out here.
Otherwise, feel free to contact us on 07 3073 9211! We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Could your business do more to contribute to sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint? According to the people2people Recruitment 2023 survey, 3 in 5 Australian employees believe that their employers have fallen short of their expectations in environmental efforts and sustainability practices. It’s becoming increasingly important to people, particularly Gen Z (or Zoomers), that workplaces take sustainability seriously.
Fortunately, there is a very easy and affordable swap that you can make in your office that can significantly reduce plastic waste at work – install a boiling, cold and sparkling water drinking tap.
The Benefits of Installing a Boiling, Cold and Sparkling Water Tap in Your Office
Reduce Single-Use Plastics
If you are looking for solutions for plastic waste, installing a drinking water tap in your office is a great way to contribute to sustainability and reduce your carbon footprint. Despite a greater push for recycling over the past decade, approximately 373 million plastic bottles end up as waste each year and only around 35% of plastic drink bottles are recycled in Australia. Providing your team with a water tap that gives them instant access to chilled or boiling water is an easy way to lower their consumption of store-bought drinks in plastic bottles.
Reduce Energy Usage
With the cost of electricity now at an all-time high, finding energy-efficient solutions makes sense both from an economical and environmental standpoint. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an energy-efficient kettle, and a kettle that is boiled repeatedly throughout the day can be a huge waste of energy – particularly when it’s overfilled. In contrast, boiling water taps use heat exchange technology to harvest the waste heat generated by the chilled water system to heat the hot water. They are also designed to go into standby mode when not in use, so you only heat the water you need, when you need it. This makes fitting a boiling, chilled and sparkling water tap a very simple way to create a more sustainable workplace.
Plus, just think how much more productive your team will be if they can get their much-needed caffeine hit without standing around the kettle waiting for it to boil multiple times a day or walking down to the corner store for a bottle of chilled filtered water.
Reduce Water Wastage
Whether or not you already encourage staff to observe water-saving practices in the office, giving your workers access to a tap that provides chilled, boiling or sparkling water is a great way to reduce water wastage. Drinking taps dispense the exact amount of water required, so there is zero waste.
Implementing more environmentally friendly practices in the workplace needn’t be complicated or costly. Whilst there can be barriers to some sustainability practices that negatively impact profit and growth, installing a boiling water tap in your office is a small, inexpensive change that you can make today. Not only will it help build your brand as a sustainable workplace and give your employees everything they need to reduce plastic waste at work, but it’ll also show them that you care about both them and the planet!
Ready to reduce plastic waste at work, bring down your energy usage and save precious water? Of course you are! Now that you understand the benefits, it’s a no-brainer!
Give your workplace sustainability an instant boost with a new boiling, chilled and sparkling water tap. Contact Salmon Plumbing today for a quote.
We’ve been in the plumbing business for over 30 years, and as the emergency plumber North Brisbane homeowners call when things go wrong, we’ve dealt with thousands of emergency callouts. In the last decade or so, we’ve noticed the reasons homeowners call an emergency plumber in North Brisbane have changed.
Since 2011, there’s been an increase in major weather events in North Brisbane such as storms, heavy rainfall, and flooding. These extreme weather events can put additional pressure on a home’s plumbing system. Left unchecked, homeowners can find themselves panic googling ‘emergency plumber North Brisbane’ when hidden issues bring a flood of plumbing problems.
Read on to discover which plumbing issues we’re getting more callouts for and how you can avoid emergency calls to your North Brisbane plumber.
More Blocked Drains
With only 11 years between the two major flood events in Brisbane in 2011 and 2022, it’s no surprise that we’ve seen an increase in blocked drain emergencies. Every time there’s a heavy downpour or a flood, your drains take a hit. After so many rain events, North Brisbane’s drainage is limping.
More Roof Plumbing
Nothing ages a roof faster than regular hard weather – and metal roofs can be especially prone to weather damage. It only takes a small flaw in a metal roof for corrosion to set in. Similarly, a single cracked tile can allow water inundation into your ceiling. After more than a decade of heavy rain events and freak winds from storm cells, emergency plumbers in North Brisbane are noticing more callouts for roof leak repairs.
Need an emergency plumber in North Brisbane? Call (07) 3862 2600 – we’re available 24/7.
More Preventative Plumbing
Like many major Australian cities, the Brisbane property market has seen extraordinary growth since the pandemic. Despite the recent extreme weather events, buyers continue to purchase properties in known flood zones. To combat further flooding issues, many North Brisbane homeowners are turning to preventative measures such as improving or upgrading stormwater drainage and pump systems to minimise flood impact.
More Relinings
Plumbing issues can also arise during unseasonably dry years. Periods of high rainfall allow trees to develop big, healthy root systems. When a relatively dry period follows, those thirsty roots go looking for water to support their growth. A cracked pipe or drain makes for an excellent water supply. Rather than digging up your whole backyard to replace whole pipes and drains, relining damaged pipes and drains is the cheaper way to repair cracks and breaks without major disruption to your property.
Rainwater Tank Removals and Replacements
It’s been 15 years since the government introduced rainwater tank incentives. Most rainwater tanks should last 20-30 years, but unfortunately, some of those tanks weren’t made to last. Consequently, we’re receiving more plumber callouts for split and deteriorating rainwater tanks in North Brisbane.
Removing an old, damaged tank and disposing of it yourself can be tricky which is why we offer a crane truck service to pull them out and take them away.
Book Plumbing Maintenance with the Plumber North Brisbane Trusts
To avoid a potentially costly call to an emergency plumber, North Brisbane homeowners should make plumbing maintenance a priority, particularly after a storm, heavy rainfall, or flooding. A licensed Master Plumber can check for:
drainage and septic overflows
silted or blocked drains
damage to gas regulators and pipework
damage to solar panels
roof or skylight damage
water tank contamination
Don’t wait for disaster! Get a plumbing health check with the plumber North Brisbane homeowners rely on. Contact Salmon Plumbing today.
Whether you’re looking to give your kitchen a contemporary, Instagram-worthy makeover, or simply want to save time and money, installing an instant boiling and chilled water tap in your home can have all kinds of benefits. Once thought of as a luxury item, taps that give instant boiling, chilled, and even sparkling water are fast becoming the must-have fitting for Brisbane homeowners looking for stylish tapware that’s both innovative and energy efficient.
The great news is that Salmon Plumbers can help you choose and install the perfect instant all-in-one boiling, chilled and sparkling water tap for your kitchen.
The Benefits of Installing an All-In-One Water Dispenser
Still not sure if it’s the right choice for you? Let’s look at the many benefits of having an all-in-one boiling, chilled and sparkling water tap.
Time Saving with Instant Boiling and Chilled Water on Tap
Waiting around for the kettle or a saucepan of water to boil is a thing of the past when you have boiling water at the touch of a button. Whether you’re making a cuppa, cooking dinner, or sterilising bottles for your hungry baby, you’ll love the time-saving benefits of having boiling water in an instant.
Similarly, having a chilled water dispenser on tap in your kitchen negates the need to fill and keep bulky water jugs in your fridge, or wait for ice cubes to freeze. You can enjoy refreshing, ice-cold water any time you like. You can even adjust the temperature to your exact liking from 6°C up to 15°C.
Space Saving
Not only can you declutter your kitchen bench by saying goodbye to your kettle, but you’ll also love the space-saving design of new boiling and chilled water taps that, unlike others on the market, don’t take up a huge amount of under-sink space, making them perfect for units and townhouses. With a sparkling water tap on hand, you can stop stocking up your fridge with plastic bottles full of fizz. That’s great for entertaining, and even better for the environment!
Energy Saving and Environmentally Friendly
Boiling water taps and chilled water taps feature heat exchange technology for energy efficiency, water-cooled technology that cools water efficiently, and standby mode to conserve energy. Plus, they minimise water wastage, as you only use what you need!
Premium Filter
Want better-tasting, cleaner water? Of course you do! Renovating the kitchen to include a tap that gives you instantaneously boiling, chilled and sparkling water means that you’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having a premium filter that removes sediment, chemicals, minerals, parasitic cysts, and lead from your family’s drinking water.
Boiling Water Taps for Child Safety
If the idea of having boiling water on tap appeals to you but you are concerned that it could pose a hazard to small children or vulnerable people in your home, fear not. These innovative taps are far safer than having a full boiling kettle sitting on your bench or stovetop. Instant boiling water taps come fitted with safety features to protect your loved ones so that they can’t be accidentally turned on. Additionally, they run at a low pressure to prevent boiling water from splashing back and scalding users.
Give Your Kitchen a Sleek, Contemporary Feel
The best kitchen renovations couple functionality with timeless aesthetic appeal – and all-in-one dispenser taps offer both. With a range of stylish designs and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to find one that perfectly suits your décor and kitchen aesthetic.
So you’re a fan of home renovation shows and DIY plumbing videos? Who wouldn’t be? There’s nothing more satisfying than dealing with home maintenance yourself – and you can really save a buck. Right?
Don’t be so sure!
Plumbing is a licensed trade and plumbers carry their own insurance for a reason – what looks simple on the screen can go wrong in a whole lot of ways, especially when enthusiastic but unqualified DIYers pick up the tools.
So take a step back for a moment and consider the ramifications of what could happen if things don’t go according to plan. Some jobs should be left to the experts – and your home plumbing system is one of them.
What about minor DIY plumbing?
Have you ever changed a washer and heard banging in your walls afterwards? That’s called water hammer, an issue that many optimistic DIY plumbers have learned about the hard way. When you hear that noise after turning off a tap, the entire pipe network is shaking, loosening it up and risking a burst wall pipe.
Even the simplest plumbing jobs can cause major headaches when not undertaken by qualified professionals. Let’s not even get started on what happens if someone is injured as a result of your work.
What will DIY plumbing cost you?
When it comes to DIY plumbing, it’s worth remembering that if you mess it up, the proverbial you-know-what can hit the fan fast. And if it does, whatever money you saved in DIY skills might end up costing way more in repairs.
Yes, we’re Master Plumbers with decades of experience so it’s only natural that we think you should avoid DIY plumbing – and if you read the policy fine print, you’ll find that in most cases, your insurance company agrees.
It’s not just a case of comparing your skills to that of a professional plumber. Your plumber has insurance for their workmanship so in the event that they make a mistake, their insurance will cover it. Your home insurance is likely to have clauses related to DIY work – so if they suspect you could be responsible for damage, your claim could be denied.
Think you’ll be able to hide the fact that you’ve fiddled with the plumbing yourself? Unlikely. Your insurance company will send an assessor to investigate the damage to your home and determine the cause of the incident. If dodgy DIY is discovered, you’ll be liable for the damage. If in doubt, we recommend digging out your home insurance policy and checking all those terms and conditions.
Don’t risk it
While the temptation to tackle a plumbing issue yourself to save time and money is understandable, it’s rarely the smart option and could end up costing you dearly in the long run.
It’s also worth noting that plumbing is a licensed trade in Australia. This means, with a few exceptions, a valid plumbing license is required before you can undertake plumbing work. These regulations aim to protect the community’s health and safety standards by ensuring plumbing disasters don’t occur.
So, before attempting any DIY plumbing, it is crucial to determine what you are legally allowed to do, and when you need to call in the help of a licensed plumber.
Preserve your home’s value, avoid a costly disaster, and leave the plumbing work to Salmon Plumbing.
