Once in a while, we’ll have plumbing issues. But if you’re like most Aussies, the first thing that would come to our minds is that we can DIY it. There are indeed several things that we can actually do or fix by ourselves. But it’s important to accept defeat and call a professional–but how do you find one the easy way?
In this article, we’ll run you through some secrets from the professional plumbing industry, from finding the best Sydney plumbing services to avoiding a variety of plumbing problems and practically saving money and your property.
Tip #1: How to find a plumbing company
Tons of articles online will provide you with in-depth details on how to find the best plumber in town. But there’s a shortcut: call a plumbing supply store. According to the magazine Reader’s Digest, these places will not tolerate bad plumbers, so they will be referring you to the good ones.
Plumbing supply stores are a great source of contact for your plumbing needs, but you can definitely still do research about the Sydney plumbing services they refer to you. In fact, it’s best that you do.
Tip #2: Not all “tips” are true
Some say that putting bricks on your toilet tank can help you save water. But don’t believe that. Instead of helping you, you will end up with a busted toilet tank that won’t flush properly.
Tip #3: Hire a plumber before buying a house
If you’re looking to buy a pre-owned or pre-made home, have a plumber come over and look at the property with you. By doing so, they can check the condition of the property’s plumbing system, especially its underwater lines.
Basically, they have the eye that most property buyers don’t have, and it could potentially help save you from spending thousands on repairs.
Tip #4: Talk about the toilet
Over the years, tampon and tissue companies have created “flushable” products that they market as safe to flush down the toilet and won’t cause clogging. While that sounds good, it’s too good to be true–so don’t flush anything down the toilet, even if the packaging says it’s alright.
Moreover, speak to your kids about the toilet and tell them never to flush anything, even small toys.
If they can’t help themselves, invest in a lid lock. It’s a small price to pay for potentially clogging your toilet and spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to have it repaired.
Tip #5: When to replace a water heater
As with almost everything, water heaters also have an “expiry” date. Nothing lasts forever, so if your water heater is around eight to 12 years old already, time to get the right Sydney plumbers. The older the water heater, the more it’s susceptible to damages, and damaged water heaters will cost you more than a new one.
However, you can also prolong your water heater’s life expectancy by doing a little maintenance here and there. For one, draining it at least once a year helps remove all the sediments building up from the bottom. You can also insulate the pipes connected to the water heater with foam tubing that you can easily purchase.
Tip #6: No to harsh cleaners ever again
Harsh cleaners can definitely remove the accumulated foreign objects in your drain–but they also dissolve the pipe itself, so instead of the right solution, you end up with a problem.
According to experts, it’s best to use diluted baking soda in vinegar for a highly effective but natural cleaner. Simply dissolve a half cup of baking soda in a cup of vinegar down the drain each week. Leave the solution for around ten minutes before pouring boiling water. Doing this weekly almost guarantees you can avoid clogging and paying hundreds for a plumber.
Tip #7: How to pay plumbers
According to plumbing experts, homeowners should be paying these plumbers by the job and not by the hour. So, this is one thing you should know when you’re looking for a competent plumber in your area. Ask for the quote and see how they’ve come up with the fee.
Also, if you’re hiring a plumber, keep your questions within their line of job. Don’t expect them to be experts at everything. If you have questions, ask them plumbing-related stuff instead of how to prune your plants.
