ASK A PLUMBERMost Commonly Asked Questions

1
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SMELL GAS?

If you smell gas this may indicate a gas leak and you need to take immediate action.  Turn off the gas at your gas meter or cylinder, Turn off all appliances and pilot lights. Our Licensed Gas service technician will be on site as soon as possible and in most cases within the hour. He will carry out a full gas safety inspection and provide a gas certificate on completion of works. In case of Fire call 000 

2
DO I HAVE A WATER LEAK?

If you receive an unsually high water bill, call us today! This may be caused by an underground water leak or running tap, cistern or shower wasting water at your property.  Our experienced plumbers will conduct a pressure test and inspect your plumbing fixtures and fittings to locate and repair the leak.  If needed, our leak detection team will survey your grounds to locate underground water leaks. Once they have pinpointed the leak our plumber will have it repaired in no time at all.

3
WHERE IS MY WATER METER?

If your property is a freestanding dwelling, your water meter can usually be found at the front boundary on the left or right hand side.  It is recognisable by the coverplate in the ground or may be above ground level (usually coloured).

4
WHY ARE MY DRAINS BLOCKING?

A frustrating problem that can happen when we’re not careful about what we put in the drains. Common problems occur in the kitchen where wastes and and fats stop the flow of liquids going through. Bathroom drains can get blocked because of wipes, sanitary products, soaps and hair. Try to educate the whole family of what should and should not be put down your drains. For external drains, tree roots, building debris and leaves can cause blockages along with faulty sewer lines and foreign objects in the drain can cause major problems. 

These type of problems need to be repaired by our experienced team.

5
WHY IS MY TAP DRIPPING?

A common problem that usually occurs because of faulty internal mechanisms like the washers and the valves. To repair, our plumbers will fully service all your taps and reseat and replace washers and O rings as required to extend the life of your taps. We also supply and install a wide variety of taps if replacement is needed.

A slow drip can add up to hundreds on your water bills and it’s money straight down the drain. Make sure to turn on/off your taps gently to extend its life.

6
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A BURST PIPE?

Burst pipes can be a nightmare and are a major concern for many households.  If you experience a burst pipe, it is important that you act fast in order to minimise damage, wastage and money!

Turn off the water.                        

Drain the pipe of water by turning on all cold taps and flushing all your toilets. Then switch off the water heating system and turn on all hot taps to help drain the water supply system. 

When there is no water left in the pipe the leaking will subside.

Prevent further damage. 

If the leak is coming through your ceiling, place a bucket under the problem area to prevent the spread of any further damage.

Exercise caution. If a leak has gone unnoticed for a period of time in the attic, upstairs floors and ceilings may become unstable due to the weight of retained water. Never walk across a bulging floor as it could give way.

Switch off the electrical mains.Never, ever touch wet electrical appliances and it is worth reminding all house occupants of this. Turn off the electricity mains without delay.

Call Impact Plumbing and Drainage for immediate repair.

7
WHAT IS A SACRIFICIAL ANODE?

Inside your hot water unit is an anode (a steel rod) which is essential in keeping your hot water tank in its best condition and extends the lifespan of your water tank, as it prevents corrosion of the tank. 

Anodes should be changed every 4-5 years but varies on the quality of water on different areas. Once fully corroded, the anode will cease to protect the tank, which will become a problem if left uncorrected.

8
DO I NEED TO GET MY HOT WATER UNIT SERVICED?

Your water heater is one of the hardest working and important appliances in your household.  It’s hard to imagine not having hot water and frustrating to waking up to no hot water on a chilly day.  

Different manufacturers have different requirements for how often they’d like you to service your hot water unit to keep it performing at it’s optimum and to protect your warranty.

You can ask our plumbers about these requirements and have one of our certified technicians carry out this service for you.

Refer also to “What is a sacrificial anode?”

9
WHY IS MY WATER PRESSURE LOW?

If you notice a drop in water pressure it can indicate many problems.

Your taps or showerhead aerators may need cleaning.

Your showerhead may be in need of replacement.

You may have a leak somewhere in your home.

There could be corrosion inside your pipes.

 Your supply lines and/or valves may be faulty or damaged. 

If the pipes are old, there may be mineral deposits present. 

You don’t have to put up with low water pressure.  Call us today to have one of our experienced and certified technicians offer a solution.

10
HOW LONG SHOULD MY HOT WATER HEATER LAST?

Water heaters generally have a lifespan of around 8-10 years and come with a manufacturer’s guarantee, however there are things you need to do to maintain your hot water unit to extend its life and protect your warranty.  (see “Do I need to get my water heater serviced).

If your water heater requires replacement, Impact Plumbing and Drainage Solutions can provide you with options for a range of Hot Water Heating Systems depending on your individual needs and budget.

11
SHOULD I GET A WATER FILTER?

Water filters can make a big difference to the taste and the look of tap water. Fitted before the tap, they also filter out bacteria such as Guardia and Cryptosporidium, parasites that can cause unpleasant health problems. 

However, filters do not take out fluoride, and the natural salts that are found in water. 

Having a good quality filter in place is an easy way to get the best tasting water possible.

12
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY TOILET IS CONSTANTLY RUNNING?

If not repaired, a running toilet wastes water and money. 

If the water continues to run into the bowl after the toilet is flushed, it means that some part of the mechanism has malfunctioned and needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Call Impact Plumbing and Drainage Solutions today to book a licensed plumber to repair.

Get a quote!

Simply send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible to provide you with a quote.

    Contact us

    For all your Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainage Needs
    Phone:
    1800 44 67 22
    Opening Hours:

    Monday – Friday
    07:30 am – 06:00 pm

    Saturday- Sunday
    Emergency appointments only

    About

    Your dedicated Plumbers, Drainers and Gas-fitters proud to be servicing the Moreton Bay and Brisbane Northern Suburbs. We are a family owned business that continues to provide the best plumbing services to our customers and offering advice to help any way we can.

    Contact

    Phone:
    1800 446 722

    Opening Hours

    Monday – Friday
    07:30 am – 06:00 pm

    Saturday – Sunday
    Emergency Appointments Only