The Most Common Plumbing Emergencies
Blocked drains? Burst pipes? Plumbing emergencies can strike when you least expect them. Luckily, if you require an emergency plumber in either Bayside Melbourne, The Drain Brigade are available to assist you, ready to restore order and provide the peace of mind you deserve.
But why wait for a plumbing emergency to strike? In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks to avoid common plumbing emergencies altogether.
Regular cleaning of drains
Keeping your drains clean is essential for preventing clogs and plumbing emergencies. Aim to clean your sink drains (kitchen, bathroom, and laundry), as well as shower and bath drains, at least once a month. Here are a few effective methods to keep them in top shape:
- Purchase a drain cleaner from your local Woolworths, Coles, or Bunnings. Simply follow the directions on the product label for best results.
- Baking soda and vinegar – for a natural solution, pour half a cup of baking soda down your drain and then follow that by half a cup of vinegar. You can then let it sit for approximately 30 minutes, flushing with hot water afterwards.
- Use a drain snake – for tougher clogs, try a drain snake. These can be purchased from your local hardware store.
By incorporating these cleaning methods into your routine, you can help prevent clogs and maintain a healthy plumbing system.
It’s also important to educate other household members about what items should never go down the drain, as these items can lead to blockages. These include:
- Grease and Oil
- Coffee Grounds
- Food Scraps
- Hair
- Hygiene Products Including wipes, tampons and cotton balls
- Chemicals
If these methods have not resolved your issue, contact The Drain Brigade for additional assistance – we are available 24/7 for your emergency plumbing Bayside needs
Maintenance and regular inspections of your hot water system
Regular maintenance and inspections of your hot water heater are essential to ensure its longevity and efficiency. Here are key aspects to check:
Leaks: Inspect the bottom and top of the tank, as well as the drain valve, for any signs of leaking.
Odours: If you notice any unusual or concerning odours, especially gas, it’s crucial to contact The Drain Brigade, your emergency plumber in Bayside.
Age: If your hot water heater is over 15 years old, it may start to experience issues. Even if it seems to be functioning well, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Temperature Fluctuations: If your hot water is fluctuating or not as hot as it should be, this could indicate a problem with your hot water heater.
Higher Energy Bills: Unexpected increases in your energy bills may signal a leak. Check your hot water heater for any leaks.
Discoloured Water: If the water coming from your hot water heater is discoloured, this may indicate corrosion or rust within the tank.
Strange Noises: Unusual sounds, such as rumbling, hissing, or popping, could signal an issue with your hot water heater.
By keeping an eye on these factors, you can help ensure your hot water system runs smoothly and avoid potential emergencies.
Take a look at our recent blog about all of the potential reasons your hot water heater may not be functioning properly.
Leaking faucets
Your faucets are an important part of every day life in your home so it’s important to address any leaks promptly. Here are some common causes of leaking faucets:
- Improper Installation of your Taps
- Damaged O-rings
- Worn Washers
- Loose Parts
If you consider yourself handy, you might be able to fix some of these issues yourself. However, it is always best to call the experts instead of trying to DIY any plumbing. There are many issues and potential dangers of DIY and when you should call the professionals. The Drain Brigade are happy to assist you 24/7 when you need it the most.
Toilet issues
Toilets that constantly run can be both frustrating and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. The most common cause of your toilet running too long is that the flapper valve has worn out.
Other issues can involve the toilet bowl draining too slowly, which is often caused by clogging in the lower drain. This is the most common toilet problem in the home. You can also have issues with leaks – this is normally the result of leaky or deteriorated seals. This is easy to notice, as it will show through water leaking at the base of the toilet.
Pipe leaks
Detecting a pipe leak can be challenging, as they are not always visible. The best course of action is to have regular maintenance of your entire plumbing system. It is recommended to have annual plumbing maintenance and inspections to reduce the risk of pipe leaks in your home.
Should any of the above become an issue for you in your home, then be sure contact the team at The Drain Brigade. You can contact us 24/7 on 0414 255 066. Read more about The Importance of Having an Emergency Plumber.
At The Drain Brigade, we are passionate about high-quality residential plumbing in Bayside Melbourne. We have an expert team with over 25 years of combined experience and are based in Parkdale. We provide services to anyone located between Mornington and St Kilda.
Conclusion
We pride ourselves on our goal to provide the best plumbing solutions within the shortest amount of time. We provide a number of services and can assist you with both common and not so common issues.
Do you have more questions? You can either look at our Blog page, or have a read through our Frequently Asked Questions. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to give The Drain Brigade a call today!