planbweb – Plan B Plumbing

5 Steps To Achieving An Eco-Friendly Bathroom

Posted on September 26, 2022October 5, 2022 by planbweb

Homeowners are significant partners when helping conserve the environment. We can give back to nature by embracing better, energy-efficient alternatives around the home. The bathroom is one of the most significant rooms because it uses water, electricity and other accessories that can affect the environment. These ideas will help you achieve an eco-friendly bathroom.

Tips For Achieving An Eco-Friendly Bathroom

1. Biodegradable cleaning products

The bathroom should always be clean, tidy and smell good. However, some of the common cleaning products on the market contain harmful chemicals and are not suitable for your health and your surroundings. Common environmentally friendly products such as vinegar and bicarbonate soda can be very effective cleaning agents. You can also look for the environmentally friendly logo on cleaning products.

2. Use waste-efficient toilets

Waste disposal uses a huge amount of water every year. The bathroom is one of the leading water consumers, followed by the kitchen. The traditional toilet model can use up to 15-18 litres of water for a single flush. On the other hand, more modern models can use as little as 3 litres of water per flush. Therefore, replacing your bathroom sets with the higher performance models can help you pay less for your water & energy bills.

3. Use water-efficient devices

Plenty of water is wasted in the bathroom as you take a shower, flush the toilet, and clean. Many people enjoy a long, warm shower from an overhead shower. You can conserve water by installing an energy-efficient shower head that releases water slowly and steadily.

You can also invest in energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines. Some recent models save water and electricity consumption and come at a fair price. The more energy-efficient the device, the more expensive it can be, but you would see this cost saved over time due to the annual energy savings. This is especially prudent with the current energy crisis in Australia.

4. Fix leaks and drips

Household leaks waste billions of litres of water annually. Get your plumber to check your water fixtures and connections if you think you have a leak, and repair them immediately. Replace old leaky pipes and faucets with high-quality options that will serve your home for a long time.

5. Use LEDs and natural light options

Conventional light bulbs consume more energy than LEDs. LEDs provide better light and serve you for a long time than the traditional lighting options. LEDs operate on low voltages and perform well in all temperatures. You can also improve your bathroom’s lighting by using skylights.

Natural light helps to reduce mildew and mould from growing in the bathroom. You can also have a heating solution and better ventilation with a professionally-installed skylight. A bathroom skylight and LEDs are practical upgrades to help you save energy and money and make the world a better place for everyone.

6. Environ-Fit Take Away

Investing in an eco-friendly bathroom is affordable and rewarding. You do not have to go without the pleasures of a warm shower and other bathroom comforts. Significantly, everyone can embrace sustainable bathroom upgrades by using the tips and ideas discussed above. Plan B Plumbing can assist with your environmentally friendly bathroom & home needs. Contact Plan B today for more information.

5 Reasons Why Your Hot Water Bill Is So High

Posted on September 6, 2022October 5, 2022 by planbweb

Water is a significant utility in the home. Receiving a high water bill may indicate a change in consumption. When your water bill is higher than normal, it’s critical to track down the cause and address it as soon as possible. Here are the common reasons why your water bill may be high and some tips to help lower it.

Common Causes of High Water Bill

A leaky toilet: The toilet uses a lot of water in a day (up to 20 litres per flush). It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a small leak in your toilet wastes water and can lead to a large increase in your water bill.

A dripping faucet: A tap that won’t stop leaking no matter how tight you close can waste up to 3 litres per day, or 120 litres per month.

Watering the lawn: How often do you set the sprinkler turning on the lawn? Watering the new plants in your yard may be responsible for the high water bills in your home. It’s also worth considering changing the sprinkler cycles depending on the season – so in winter you may have it turned off, but in summer you would run it at night to avoid evaporation. Check with your plumber or gardener to ensure that your sprinklers are running efficiently.
Seasonal changes: Your water consumption patterns can change in summer because of more regular showers or laundry, you may need to fill up your pool, or you may need to water your lawn more frequently.
A broken water pipe/leak: An underground water leakage can creep up on you. Check for a puddle or lush green patch in the backyard because it indicates an underground leak in your pipes.
Old water fixtures: Outdated water fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, toilets and other water equipment are inefficient because they can break or leak unexpectedly.

How To Control Your Water Bill

Fix leaky faucets: Leaking faucets can lose gallons of water in a day and millions by the end month. Therefore, call a plumber to repair leaking faucets and save you the waste. Alternatively, get your repair kit and do it yourself.
Run full loads: It is recommended to run full loads on your washing machine because small, frequent washings consume a lot of water. Additionally, washing a few clothes runs your machine down and uses a few more units of electricity.
Invest in water-efficient showers: Talk to your plumber for better shower options that warm water instantly and tankless water solutions in the home. Alternatively, you can limit your shower period to last for a few minutes. Low-flow showerhead allows just-enough water to flow in the shower, saving you from wastage.
Adjust water temperatures away from the sinks: It may be better to heat or cool water in a different place and not directly from the faucet.
Collect rainwater: Store water in tanks during the rainy season and save your meter from reading for a month or two. You can use the rainwater to water the lawn and for other domestic uses.
Install water-efficient toilets: Replace old toilets with more efficient ones. Water-efficient toilets use less water per flush and can help you slash your bills.

Top Things You Should Never Put Down the Sink or Toilet

Posted on August 22, 2022October 5, 2022 by planbweb

Have you ever tried draining your sink in vain? Toilets are modern-day convenience for human waste but a terrible option for disposing of other items, the result being blocked drains in your home and sinks that refuse to empty !!

Flushing household products and other items can clog drain pipes, contaminate water systems and cost a fortune to repair and replace. Keep your sink on top performance by avoiding putting the following items:

Tissues

Tissues and paper towels are not meant for the sink and placing it down the sink may cause a severe blockage.

Paper towels and facial tissues are suitable for absorbing sweat and water and do not dissolve like toilet paper. A sink that doesn’t get rid of all the water can become a breeding ground for pests & bacteria. Therefore, dispose of paper towels and tissues in the garbage bin and not the sink.

Disposable diapers

Disposable diapers are a common option for personal hygiene. However, they’re not meant for the sink or the toilet. Although the packaging may read “flushable wipes”, the truth is that they do not break down quickly as tissue paper. Therefore, attempting to flush any disposable tissues or wipes can cause a clog in a pipe. Keep a clean-lined trash can in the bathroom and dispose of them often. You can also buy nappy bins that can store nappies in a very hygienic method.

Tampons and menstrual products

Tampons and other feminine hygiene products are not meant for the flush. Tampons look too small to cause a clog in the toilet pipes. However, they absorb water and swell.

Feminine hygiene products should never be flushed because they can mix with other items to cause a big mass of obstruction. The hanging string on the tampon can wind around tissues, wipes, pads and other items, making the system a serious mess. Save yourself water overflow by disposing of feminine hygiene products in the bin.

Dental floss

Dental floss is usually made of Teflon or nylon. These materials do not break down easily in water. Additionally, they can build up around other non-biodegradable materials around them and cause blockage. It is best to toss the floss in the trash and not the sink. Otherwise, repeated flushing in the sink can cause a severe backup and overflow in the sewer line, causing you a fortune to repair and replace.

Fat, oil, and grease

The rule of thumb is never to flush food down the sink. Fats, oils, grease from food items and dirty utensils can cause severe drainage problems. The grease cools down and lines the drain pipes. Gradually, the pipes become clogged and prevent water from flushing down the drain.

Let the grease solidify and scrape it off the utensils. Then, wash in warm soapy water. After every wash, it is best to allow a stream of hot soapy water down the drain to melt the grease off the pipes. You can also use a drain cleaner to help clean out your drains, but this can damage the pipes if not used correctly.

Conclusion

Throwing different materials down the sink or toilet may seem harmless as water flushes them out of sight. However, the items can cause severe damage and cost you a fortune. Avoid unnecessary headaches by disposing of materials appropriately. If you do have any issues with blocked drains (both internal or external drains/pipes), Plan B specialises in clearing blocked drains. Contact Plan B for all your plumbing needs today.

How To Stop Your Shower From Running Cold This Winter

Posted on August 6, 2022September 28, 2022 by planbweb

There’s nothing as annoying as getting a splash of cold water on your back when you expect a warm soothing jet of water. It gets more depressing when the shower frustrates you on a cold winter morning. Get a professional plumber to fix your shower if it keeps giving you cold and warm water jets. The following are common reasons why your shower may run cold water:

A broken showerhead mixer valve

The function of the mixer valve is to deliver warm water according to the set parameters on the showerhead. It mixes hot and cold water, but it fails to add enough hot water to the cold if it’s faulty. And if it does, it does not maintain the temperature for the required shower time. Call a professional plumber to replace the broken showerhead valve and restore function. If you try to fix it yourself, you can often cause more damage, which can lead to more expensive plumber bills.

The tank’s water has depleted

You can have an instant water heater or a reservoir in the ceiling that feeds the shower for the bathroom. The supply is limited to a particular capacity if you have a reservoir that feeds the water to the shower in your bathroom. And if you have teens or visitors in the house or additional people using the bathroom, the water in the tank can get depleted faster than on other days. The water can also finish when you simultaneously use the dishwasher or a washing machine.

The water heater temperature is incorrectly set

This is another potential reason your shower could have cold water even when your water consumption habit has not changed. The shower head regulates the water heater and determines how hot the water should be. The default setting is normally around 48-50 degrees celsius but can be altered to give varying water temperatures. You can call a plumber to check if the default setting has been tampered with or if there’s a problem with the shower head. They can also adjust the default temperature for you if you prefer your showers a bit hotter.

How to keep the shower running hot

You can manage the shower temperature by using these tips:

Plan your hot water use to run alternately. For instance, the washing machine, dishwater and bathing can be done at different times of the day to ensure there’s sufficient supply for all the activities.
Installing scald-guard valves on the faucet prevents the default temperature setting from snapping. You can call a plumber to fix it for you to protect your children and older family members.
Replace the toilets in the house with water-efficient models because they stabilize shower temperature when flushed. Older, less efficient models can deplete water more quickly, making the shower go cold.
Hire a plumber to fix a faulty mixing valve which will stabilize showerhead temperatures.
Invest in a low-flow showerhead to conserve water volumes, especially during long showers.

Takeaway

If your shower is running cold this winter, you should reach out to your local plumber (Plan B) to have a look at it. You can try to fix some of the issues yourself, but you may end up causing more damage. You also may not have the time or the patience of a technician to fix the problem in your shower. Therefore, contact your friendly local professional plumbers from Plan B Plumbing who can help troubleshoot and repair (and if necessary, upgrade & install) your shower or hot water system to help you restore function to your shower.

Common Reasons For A Burst Pipe

Posted on February 10, 2022February 10, 2022 by planbweb

Cold weather can be blamed for most cases of burst pipes in countries with severe winters. In Australia, even our coldest months are milder, so the water inside the pipes usually doesn’t freeze and expand. When pipes burst in Australia, there’s usually a cause unattached to the weather!

1. Rust/Corrosion

In the construction of most old homes, metal pipes were used. These metal pipes have a tendency to succumb to corrosion over time as the walls weaken and break due to the pressure of the water moving through them. Nowadays, newer homes are built using PVC or copper pipes that are rust-resistant.

If you live in an older home, the best fix is to replace your metal pipes with copper or plastic pipes – meaning you don’t have to worry about corrosion again!

2. Tree Roots

As trees grow larger over time, their roots extend further and further into the soil and the trees surrounding. Sometimes, these roots will grow until they make contact with underground water pipes. Water pipes are generally not strong enough to stop tree roots from growing into and around them, meaning the roots will apply pressure to the pipes, pushing them to the point of cracking.

The best preventative for this is to ensure new trees are planted as far away from the water pipes as possible. For any older trees causing issues with your pipes, the team at Plan B Plumbing are here to help!

3. Pressure

If your water pipes are under too much pressure, they are vulnerable to bursting. The optimal water pressure for most homes is 40-45 psi, and at most should not exceed 60 psi. The water pressure can rise for a variety of reasons – it could be that the water is being pumped into your home at too high a speed, or impairments in your pipes can cause water to slow down and speed up at inconvenient times.

No matter the reason, if your water pressure is high, you’ll need Plan B Plumbing to assess the problem, and make the repairs!

4. Blockages

When there is a blockage in your water pipes, pressure builds up and becomes too much for your pipes to bear. This can mean they will crack, leaving you with a burst pipe leaking water. These blockages can be caused by a multitude of things – hair, bathroom products, food and more. Be careful of what you’re throwing down the drain!

If you have a burst pipe, your first point of contact should be Plan B Plumbing. They can diagnose the issue, fix the problem and leave you with pipes in perfect condition! The team at Plan B service South Oakleigh, Oakleigh, Chadstone, East Malvern, Glen Iris, Bentleigh and South Eastern Suburbs. Get in touch today!

What To Do When Your Roof Is Leaking?

Posted on November 10, 2021October 5, 2022 by planbweb

Roof leaks are annoying and can happen to anyone (and often do!). If you find your roof leaking in heavy rain, or any time at all, this is an issue you need to address promptly.

When you notice these leaks, it’s important to deal with them immediately to avoid any further damage occurring within your property. Let’s chat about the reasons behind a roof leak, and some quick fixes before you can get a permanent solution from the Plan B Plumbing team!

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

While you may think the signs are always obvious, there are a few to look out for!

Water leaking from the ceiling
Water stains spread across the ceiling
Water streaks down the walls in your property
Water stains appeared as a puddle on the ceiling, with brown rings around
Smaller water stains in darker corners (this can be a large warning sign of significant damage)
Water spots on exterior walls
Exterior walls are covered in moss, mould or algae.

WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THE LEAKS?

Now you know the symptoms to look out for, but what could be causing them?

Clogged Gutters

If your gutters are overdue for a clean and have been left for a while, water will not be able to travel away from your roof and foundation, potentially causing a roof leak.

Missing/Cracked Roof Shingles

If your roof has damage, this must be repaired ASAP to prevent leaking and water damage.

Leaking Skylight

If you have a skylight, there could be a leak around the rubber seal bordering the skylight. Water can get through this seal, dripping into the interior of your property.

Poorly Installed Roof Membrane

If your roof membrane or roof sarking has been improperly installed, it may be punctured over time, creating a leak.

Old, Tired Roofing

As the elements in your roof exceed their life expectancy, they will start to break down, which can jeopardise your roof’s integrity. If this is the case, it may be time to renew your roof or re-apply your roof waterproofing.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WHEN YOU IDENTIFY A LEAK?

1. Protect Your Possessions

When you identify a leak, the first thing you need to do is to protect your possessions that are at risk of water damage. This means moving away from furniture, rugs, electronics and any other items that surround the risk. If you can’t move these from their positions, try to cover them with plastic or tarps.

2. Try To Contain The Water

If you have a dripping leak, grab a bucket and position them directly under the leak to catch the incoming water. If the leak is rapid, make sure you have 2 vessels to catch the water, emptying one while the other fills up to catch the water.

3. Soak Up The Water

Grab some old towels or a mop to soak up the water. We want to prevent mould, so try to jump on this quickly. Turn on a fan if it is safe and possible!

4. Call Plan B Plumbing

The above are all short term solutions to fix the symptoms, but you need to solve the actual issue! That’s where the professionals at Plan B Plumbing come in. Servicing Oakleigh, Chadstone, Malvern East, Caulfield, Bentleigh, Moorabbin, Clarinda and Clayton, as well as surrounding suburbs, Plan B is here to solve your plumbing problems! Contact us today.

Common Reasons For A Blocked Drain

Posted on October 19, 2021October 5, 2022 by planbweb

Whilst we may not always think to appreciate them, our drains are integral to our lives! They carry our water and waste, allowing us to live comfortably in our homes. But what happens when our drains don’t operate properly, leaving us with a blocked drain? Where do the blockages come from, and what can we do to avoid them? Let’s discuss!

If our drains are clogged either partially or completely, the water will redirect itself. This redirection can cause issues such as backups, flooding, slow drainage or low pressure, impacting your home and causing anything from minor headaches to major damage for you to deal with, depending on the problem.

What are the common reasons for a blocked drain?

TREE ROOTS

When planting trees or buying property with trees, we tend to forget how deep their roots go, and how widely spread they can be! Tree roots are widely known for their ability to block drains, and the first signs of this happening is a gurgling sound in the pipes. Trees are living things, so naturally they seek out water. A periodic video inspection to check out your pipes by the Plan B Plumbing experts is always a good idea!

FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS

If you can avoid it, it’s always best to not flush feminine hygiene products down the drain. These products are not biodegradable and contain fibres that have the capacity to clog the drains! If you do flush them, they can build up and attract other clogging agents, leaving you with a big problem.

FLUSHABLE WIPES

Whilst they are touted as ‘flushable’, these wipes are often detrimental, and can block your drains! Home and commercial plumbing systems have the capacity to accept and process water, human waste and biodegradable toilet paper, and that’s about it Try to avoid these where possible!

FAT, OIL AND GREASE

One of the biggest ENEMIES of plumbing – fat, oil and grease are not friends with your drains. All 3 can build up and cause blockages. Fats are sticky, binding themselves to the inside of your pipes where they can build and build until there is a complete blockage. The garbage bin is a far better place to dispose of your fats, oils and grease! If you leave them to cool, you can either throw out the solidified fats, or transfer them to a disposable container to throw away.

HAIR

HAIR! We can’t help it naturally coming off our heads, however it can accumulate to the point of total blockage. The best way to prevent this is to protect your drains with screens, and cleaning out the hair as much as possible – disposing of it in the garbage bin! A good tip if you can see hair dangling or accumulating in/from the drain is to use tweezers or pliers to pull it out.

Whilst it’s good to know where potential issues with your drains can come from, it’s great to have an experienced plumber to rely on for advice and checkups to ensure you don’t run into big problems down the line! The experts at Plan B Plumbing can help you with preventative checks as well as any big issues you may run into. Based in Oakleigh and servicing South Oakleigh, Chadstone, Glen Iris and surrounding suburbs, you can reach out for assistance today!

How Do I Tell If My Stormwater Drain Is Blocked?

Posted on September 29, 2021October 5, 2022 by planbweb

So, you think your stormwater or sewer drain may be blocked, or something may be happening to alert you to a potential drainage problem. How can you be sure? Find out below!

If you suspect a blocked stormwater drain or sewer drain issue on your property, it will need to be identified and addressed promptly to prevent any flooding.

The drainage points around your backyard and your home’s guttering play an essential role in the stormwater management system within your community as well as your property. This means they need to be regularly maintained!

Mostly, you will only notice your stormwater drain is blocked when it rains or storms. Stormwater drains are designed to handle large amounts of water; however, if something restricts the water flow, you will find they will quickly begin to overflow. Common signs of a blocked stormwater drain are water flooding into or onto your property, water gushing from your downpipes or loud gurgling sounds coming from your gutters.

Another common sign of a sewer blockage include the shower drain, sinks and toilet in your home may present with gurgling sounds, or begin to overflow. Gurgling is caused when something is preventing water or air from flowing through your drains. As the water slowly travels through your drains, air bubbles begin to form and create a gurgling sound. If you notice any of these things, you need to call Plan B Plumbing immediately on 1300 075 262.

The most common cause of blocked stormwater drains is a buildup of debris. If your stormwater drains are neglected, debris can build up, and it only takes one day of wild weather to push it over the edge, becoming blocked and beginning to overflow. This debris can include leaves, dirt, soil and sediment. If left unattended, all these pieces of debris can cause a blocked drain.

Our licensed Plan B Plumbing plumbers can safely remove debris from your gutters and downpipes as well as unblock your stormwater drain or sewer drain.

We can do this quickly and efficiently using a jetting machine or sewer snake! Once your drains are clean, the team at Plan B Plumbing can inspect the drains with our CCTV drain camera and let you know if any damages to the drains are present.

When it comes to plumbers, finding one you can trust can be a stressful task. Based in Oakleigh and servicing South Oakleigh, Chadstone, East Malvern, Glen Iris and surrounding suburbs, Plan B Plumbing Solutions are well known and trusted, already having made a name for themselves as an industry leader.

Call Plan B Plumbing to help on 1300 075 262 or contact us via this link, and a licensed, experienced plumber will be on the way.

Emergency Plumbing in Oakleigh

Posted on September 9, 2021November 5, 2021 by planbweb

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of a burst pipe or blocked drain within your home, you know it’s an emergency. Plan B Plumbing is based in Oakleigh to help you! Plan B Plumbing performs emergency and after-hours call-outs to our neighbouring areas, including Chadstone, Malvern East, Caulfield, Bentleigh, Moorabbin, Clarinda and Clayton, as well as surrounding suburbs. We can provide you with our after-hours emergency service for emergency plumbing, including burst pipes or blocked drains.

Plan B Plumbing understands the inconvenience of a burst pipe, which can happen at any time. When a pipe bursts, it can cause structural damage, so having a local emergency service can put you at ease to quickly resolve the problem. Likewise, for any emergency blocked drains and to avoid any health hazards, call us any time on 1300 075 262.

Should we be unable to provide a permanent fix to your plumbing emergency when we first attend, we will make sure you are safe, at the very least, stop the water from escaping! Plan B Plumbing will then provide you with a no-obligation quote for a follow up permanent repair.
You may need a section of the burst pipe replaced or, in the case of a very blocked drain, a more powerful jet machine. Whatever the cause of your burst pipe emergency, be it from aging, rusting, tree root damage to pipe or incorrect pipe installation, Plan B Plumbing can help you.

We provide highly competitive rates and quality plumbing service to the Oakleigh and surrounding suburbs and emergency after-hour call-outs to our closest neighbours. So if you are in Oakleigh or any of the surrounding areas including, Chadstone, Malvern East, Caulfield, Bentleigh, Moorabbin, Clarinda or Clayton, we can help you with any plumbing emergency, including burst pipes or blocked drains. We are close by, so we can quickly attend to your emergency plumbing issue.

Our licensed plumbers have a fully equipped vehicle to provide high-quality solutions for any emergency plumbing need. Depended on by our locals for all burst or blocked pipe and emergency plumbing issues, Plan B Plumbing is your trusted go-to emergency service.

You can call us any time for your plumbing emergency on 1300 075 262.

6 Reasons Why You Need A Plumber To Install A Hot Water System

Posted on August 26, 2021October 5, 2022 by planbweb

When purchasing a new hot water system for your property, you are making what can be quite a significant investment. The installation of your new hot water system requires an expert hand, and Plan B Plumbing Solutions specialise in new Hot Water System installation. Plan B Plumbing can replace and install Hot Water Systems across all leading brands, including Thermann, Rheem, Aquamax, Rinnai, and Vulcan.

So, why do you need a plumber to install your new Hot Water System?

Suppose you roll the dice and attempt to install your Hot Water System yourself. In that case, most manufacturers won’t cover the product warranty terms if not installed by a professional plumber.

Hot Water Systems can be attached to your gas main or the electrical wiring within your property. If your system isn’t installed safely and correctly, you can be putting yourself and your family at risk.
Hot Water System Installation Specialists deal with these installations regularly and are experts at what they do. This means that if anything goes wrong or there are intricacies to your installation, the Plan B Plumbing installation specialists know what to do to solve it.

If you have a gas hot water system, the gas pipes need to be sized correctly to supply the correct amount of gas. This is crucial to ensure the system meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Many manufacturers credit incorrectly sized pipes to inadequate gas supply and faults.

When installing a new Hot Water System, the water pressure will need to be checked, and a pressure reduction (PRV) limit valve or cold water expansion valve may need to be fitted. Only a licensed plumber will be able to check for these requirements.
When an internal gas Hot Water System is installed, the ventilation into the room will need to be checked to ensure adequate ventilation. If these checks are not completed, you could be putting your family and yourself at risk.

There are many reasons to trust an experienced and qualified plumber to complete your new hot water system installation, but overall, your safety is our number one priority. We recommend that you book a Plan B Plumbing professional to install your new hot water system, so you’re safely on your way to hot water in your home! We’re available to assist you in properties throughout South Oakleigh, Oakleigh, Oakleigh East, Chadstone, East Malvern, Glen Iris, Bentleigh and South Eastern Suburbs!