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While we all live in fear of a toilet backing up or a shower running cold, the reality is that these kinds of major plumbing issues don’t happen all that often. The truth is, when it comes to household plumbing problems, blocked drains are probably the most common issue that you’re likely to encounter.

How will I know if I have a blocked drain?

Blocked drains are usually pretty easy to identify, with the most common symptom being water that is slow to drain away. This is one of the earliest indicators that you might have a blockage forming. Left unfixed, this may progress to an unpleasant smell, a strange gurgling sound coming from inside the pipes and eventually, the water will stop going down the drain all together (when a total blockage occurs).

What can cause a blocked drain?

Occasionally a blocked drain may be caused by something totally beyond your control, such as a tree root growing into a pipe. But far more often, the blockage will be caused by something (other than water) going down the drain. The most common reasons why you’ll get a blocked drain are:

• Oil and food scraps: If you’ve got a blockage in your kitchen sink then oil and food scraps are the likely culprits. While some food scraps will break down over time, others (like coffee grounds) will just sit in the pipes, clumping together with cooking oil and creating a blockage.
• Calcium build-ups: If your mains water contains a high concentration of minerals then you may slowly develop a calcium build-up in your drain. On its own, this won’t usually cause a total obstruction, but it can make it easier for your pipes to get blocked up.
• Hair: We all naturally shed strands of hair when we’re in the midst of a thorough shampoo, but when these hairs go down the drain, they’re a major culprit of blocked shower drains.
• Foreign objects: This includes anything that hasn’t been specifically designed to go down a drain, such as random toys, sanitary products, natural debris (such as twigs or leaves) and cat litter.

I’ve got a blocked drain – how do I fix it?

There are a range of methods for clearing a blocked drain, and most of them don’t even require a trained professional. Here are 5 simple DIY ways to clear a blocked drain:

1. Pour boiling water down: The easiest of tricks, boiling water is great for dissolving fats and loosening greasy build-ups. Just pour freshly boiled water straight down the drain, being careful not to splash any on yourself.
2. Cook up a natural drain cleaner: You can make your own effective drain cleaner using a couple of pantry staples. While there are a few different recipes you can try, the most common involves pouring bicarb soda and white vinegar down the drain and then leaving it to stew for at least 20 minutes.
3. Try a caustic commercial cleaner: If you think you need something stronger, then try a commercial drain cleaner. These are made of strong chemicals designed to dissolve grease and fat, so always follow the recommended safety guidelines.
4. Get a plunger: Plungers are a great way of clearing stubborn blockages, as they create a vacuum effect that sucks the obstruction right out. You’ll need to make a strong seal with the plunger, so this method won’t work on shower strip drains.
5. Build your own drain hook: In a pinch, get some thin wire, bend a hook in one end (a modified coat hanger will do the trick) and see if you can fish the blockage right out. This is particularly effective in showers where the culprit is hair, but you’ll need to remove the drain grill before you get started.

Can’t be bothered doing it yourself? Call your local Perth plumber Hilton Plumbing, your mate in the trade. We can fix any kind of plumbing issue, and we won’t even charge you a call-out fee.

Sinks have an unfortunate tendency to get blocked. This is particularly true with bathroom sinks, where hair, soap scum and personal products often end up going down the drain. The good news is, a blocked bathroom sink is usually an easy fix, something that you’ll be able to handle yourself (no matter how much of a plumbing novice you might be!).

1. Just add water: Yes, sometimes all a blocked bathroom sink needs is a bit of boiling water to soften up the obstruction. Being careful not to burn yourself, slowly pour a steady stream of freshly boiled water down the plughole. If you notice an improvement, but not a complete fix, then try repeating this step multiple times.
2. Experiment with home-made solvents: This tried-and-true method has been around since at least your grandma’s heyday, helping to unclog bathroom sinks long before we had commercial solvents. Using a funnel (to minimise mess), pour in ¼-cup of baking soda, followed by 1 and ¼-cups of white household vinegar. Then put in the plug and wait 20 minutes while the ingredients work their magic.
3. Try something a little more heavy-duty: If your home-made solvents haven’t quite done the trick then you can try using a chemical solvent instead. These commercially made products often have quite a strong smell and can be corrosive to skin, so open a window, put on the bathroom fan and follow all the manufacturer safety guidelines.
4. Invest in a plunger: Plungers are more commonly associated with toilets, but they can be useful for clearing a range of different blockages, including those found in your bathroom sink. Place your plunger over the plughole (remove the plug first), then add a little water to the sink (no need to fill it right up, you just want to help create a seal around the plunger). Rapidly pump the plunger for 15-30 seconds. This will hopefully create enough suction to push the blockage right through. If the problem is only partly fixed then you may need to repeat the process a few times.
5. Send in a snake: Don’t worry, we’re not talking about the reptilian kind. A drain snake (also known as a plumber’s snake) is an elongated auger that is thin and flexible enough to travel right down pipes to clear blockages at the source. Rather than inserting the snake down the plughole, you’ll need to locate and remove the P-trap under your sink (a piece of pipe in the shape of a ‘P’ which connects your sink to the plumbing beneath). Remember to place a bucket underneath the P-trap before you start to loosen the connections (some water may drain out once the pipe is disconnected). Check the P-trap for any visible and easy to clear blockages. If there’s no obvious sign of a blockage, then send in the snake, following the manufacturers’ instructions for use. Once you feel resistance, you’ll know you’re at the blockage. When this happens, secure the snake and then slowly start to twist. The auger will bite into the blockage and push it clear. You’ll know this has happened once you no longer feel any resistance. You can then remove the drain snake and reattach the P-trap.

Can’t be bothered doing it yourself? Call your local Perth plumber Hilton Plumbing, your mate in the trade. We can fix any kind of plumbing issue, and we won’t even charge you a call-out fee.

Your showerhead is leaking. No matter how tightly you turn off the tap, it’s still just dripping…dripping…dripping.

This is a pretty common occurrence with showerheads, but that doesn’t mean you should just put up with the problem. A dripping showerhead can slowly but substantially add to your water bill, not to mention creating a ripe environment for mould and mildew to sprout. It’s also a gigantic waste of water and the dripping noise will eventually drive you around the bend (why does it always seem louder at night?!). To save your sanity and your wallet, you’ll need to fix the leak. Don’t panic. It may be easier than you think.

What causes a showerhead to leak?

Most showerhead issues are caused by either a problem in the showerhead itself, a degraded ‘O’ ring or a problem with the cartridge valve. If your showerhead leak seems to stem from a problem with the flow (water doesn’t come out evenly or dribbles from the base) then your showerhead might just need a clean to get rid of calcium build-up inside.

How do I fix a leaking showerhead?

1. Start by turning off the water at the mains (this is always the first and most important step!). Then, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the showerhead and remove the cover plate. If you want to clean the showerhead, try soaking it in white vinegar for at least 8 hours, then rinsing it with clean water to remove loosened build-up. You can also just buy a replacement showerhead if you’d prefer.
2. To reattach the showerhead, start by removing any loose materials from the end of the pipe, then wrap the thread of the pipe with Teflon tape (to help prevent leaks). Attach the showerhead and then use an adjustable wrench to tighten.
3. Test the showerhead for leaks, and if necessary, add an additional layer of Teflon tape or try tightening the showerhead further. If this hasn’t fixed the problem, it could be that a degraded rubber washer is the culprit.
4. Rubber washers are located behind the taps in your shower. These rubber washers help to prevent leaks by creating a watertight seal when you turn off the tap. However, over time (and particularly when taps are turned off very tightly) these washers will start to degrade, allowing the showerhead to leak. After making sure the mains water is off, unscrew the taps and remove the cover plate, the sleeve (the part that covers the stem sticking out of the wall) and any nuts.
5. Remove the degraded rubber washer and replace with a new one. These are available to buy at most hardware or plumbing supply stores, just make sure you’ve got the same size as the existing to avoid problems. Once you’ve replaced the washer, reassemble the tap, turn on the water and test for leaks.

Can’t be bothered doing it yourself? Call Hilton Plumbing, your mate in the trade. We can fix any kind of plumbing issue, and we won’t even charge you a call-out fee.

The growing demand for cost savings in households has many homeowners drawn to tankless water heater solutions. These water heaters are an innovative system that gives homeowners the freedom of energy efficiency and eliminates the large space requirements of storage tank water heaters.

Tankless water heaters can save households between 27% to 50 % in energy costs and are certainly a great option for those trying to minimise their environmental footprint.

Tankless heaters have evolved into more sophisticated units, with features such as wireless connectivity that alerts you on your smartphone when the unit requires maintenance. If kept well maintained, these units can last more than 20 years, which surpasses the average lifespan of 12 years on storage tank water heaters.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters do not store water, unlike storage tank water heaters. So how do they work? With a tankless water heater, the hot water starts to kick in when you turn the tap. Cold water will then flow through a pipe and into the tankless water heater unit. The water is then heated by an electric element or gas burner. This ensures that you have a steady supply of hot water.

Due to these water heaters not needing a large storage tank, they take up less space. They only use electricity when you turn on the taps making them more energy efficient than other water heaters.

Generally, tankless water heaters are a quick hot water source as they produce 7-15 litres of hot water per minute. Gas-fired tankless water heaters have generally higher flow rates than electric ones.

Tankless Water Heater Installation

Installation of tankless water heaters should be left to the professionals. Many factors influence proper installation. These factors include fuel type, local building code requirements, climate and safety concerns. If incorrectly installed, these units can be damaged or may not last as long as water heaters that are installed correctly.

As a result, it’s best to have your tankless water heater installed by a qualified plumbing and heating contractor.

Tankless Water Heater Benefits

Tankless water heaters offer many benefits:

• They typically last longer and are cheaper to maintain.
• Water is only heated when the faucet is turned on, making these units highly energy efficient and cheaper to operate.
• You need less space for these water heaters than conventional storage tank water heaters.
• You won’t experience the standby heat losses that are usually experienced with storage water heaters.
• They can be run on electricity or gas.
• These water heaters have easily replaceable parts.

Homeowners that have converted to tankless water heaters are undoubtedly enjoying the benefits of these units. To find out more about our tankless water heater solutions, contact our knowledgeable staff at Hilton Plumbing!

After a long day, the last thing you want to find is no hot water when you turn on the faucet. The inconvenience of not having hot water can be a real annoyance, especially if you are in a hurry.

There are several different causes that may lead to this scenario, and they may not be easy to detect, unless you’re a professional. A professional will determine if your problem can be fixed or if you need a complete replacement. If you’re experiencing no hot water in Perth, Hilton Plumbing can diagnose and fix the issue fast.

Reasons There’s No Hot Water

Water heater problems can be complicated if you do not know what to look for. While you might not be able to spot the problem right away, the following are a few reasons you may have no hot water.

Thermostat Malfunction

Like most heating appliances, water heaters are controlled by a thermostat. If you are experiencing no hot water, check the temperature indicator of your water heater.

The Water Heater Has Sediment Build Up

Water continuously flows through these water heaters, bringing sediment and other debris. Because grime and sediment are heavier than water and tend to sink to the bottom, they can accumulate in the tank’s bottom over time. This accumulation can affect the water heater’s efficiency and, if left untreated, can lead to your water heater completely breaking down.

The Unit is Old and Needs Replacing

Like any household appliance, hot water systems don’t last forever. Over time parts of your water heater can wear out, causing you to lose access to hot water quickly. This could mean your water heater has passed its expected lifespan and may not be worth repairing. Whenever a water heater reaches the end of its useful life, it is unlikely to produce hot water as efficiently as it once did. Before you write it off, ask a professional to check it out to determine if there is still some life left.

You May Not Have the Appropriate Tank Size

If you have a large household, you’re sure to run out of hot water quickly if your tank is too small. And if you are running out of water quickly, it is very unlikely that your water heater is energy efficient. Inspect the capacity of your water heater to see if it can handle your hot water needs. If it does not meet the demands of your household, it may be time to replace it with a larger one.

A Leak in the Tank

When a home’s water heater leaks, the consequences are frequently severe. Water damage can extend to floors, walls and your belongings. If you are unable to detect where the leak is coming from, seek advice from a plumber immediately so that the problem can be remedied swiftly.

How Can I Ensure I Always Have Hot Water?

If you take care of your water heater, it will take care of you. These are a few tips on how to avoid having no hot water in Perth.

• When installing your water heater, ensure you hire a professional plumber to complete the installation. A water heater that is not installed properly can be dangerous and ineffective.
• Ensure your water heater is regularly maintained. Well maintained units have a much longer lifespan than those that aren’t looked after.
• Before you buy a new unit, verify the tank capacity is large enough for your household. A tank that is too small means you will regularly have no hot water.

For those experiencing no hot water, Perth residents and businesses can rely on Hilton Plumbing. We’re here to assist no matter how big or small the problem. Contact our experienced and expert team today!

The humble hot water system is a plumbing appliance we don’t give a lot of thought to…until something goes wrong. When that happens, it’s a total disaster. Whether you have a gas, electric or solar-powered hot water system, there’s nothing worse than turning on the shower and having nothing but icy cold water come out. When something goes wrong with our hot water supply, we may immediately believe the worst – that our hot water system is broken beyond repair and we’ll have to buy a new one. But this isn’t always the case.

There are several common issues that you may encounter with a hot water system that are relatively easy to fix (and far cheaper than buying a whole new system!). This is why we’ve put together ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Solving Problems with Your Hot water system’. This simple ‘how-to’ guide will walk you through the basics when it comes to identifying and solving problems with your hot water system.   

 

Problem #1: You turn on the taps, but no hot water comes out

The first thing to do is establish if you have no hot water or no water full stop. If it’s just the hot water that isn’t coming through, check that the isolation valve on your hot water system (usually a red or yellow handle) isn’t turned off. If it is, turn it back on and the problem should be solved. If you have no water whatsoever (hot or cold), check that your mains water meter hasn’t accidentally been shut off.  

If your hot water system is electric, then there are a few other basic things you can check. These include:

• The power cord for the hot water system – make sure it’s undamaged, correctly plugged in and that the power point is switched on.
• The fuse marked ‘hot water’ in your electrical mains switchboard – if the fuse has blown then you’ll need to replace it.

 

Problem #2: There’s water escaping from your hot water system

If you notice water around your hot water system then start by identifying where the leak is coming from. If it’s only a small drip coming out of the temperature relief valve, then don’t worry, this is supposed to happen when the system is in its heating cycle. If you feel like it’s dripping more than it used to, try placing a bucket underneath the drip so you can measure how much water is escaping. If, after 24 hours, you have an overflowing bucket, then it could be worth calling a plumber to ask for their opinion.

If the water is coming from the bottom of the tank, leaking out the sides or overflowing out the top then this is a more serious problem. We’d recommend turning off the water connection to the tank (so you aren’t wasting water) and then calling a professional for assistance.

Problem #3: The water just isn’t warm enough

If you find that your hot water isn’t sufficiently hot, then try adjusting the temperature settings on your hot water system. Always follow manufacturer instructions, as the specifics of how to regulate temperature may vary depending on what make and model of hot water system you have. After you’ve changed the temperature settings, wait an hour or so and then see if this has fixed the problem (be careful testing hot water, in case it comes out a lot hotter than you expected!).

Can’t be bothered doing it yourself? Call your local Perth plumber Hilton Plumbing, your mate in the trade. We can fix any kind of plumbing issue, and we won’t even charge you a call-out fee.

 

You’re enjoying a relaxing shower when suddenly, you realise that the water isn’t quite going down the drain the way it should. Rather than instantly draining away, your shower water is starting to pool in the shower base, creating an unwanted soup of used soap, shampoo and tepid water. You’re left with 2 options:

1. Resign yourself to a lifetime of 30-second showers
2. Fix the problem

Blockages in a shower drain are relatively common, as hair, gunk, sediment and foreign objects (AKA, your kids’ Leggo) start to accumulate within the pipes. Fortunately, unblocking a shower drain can be quite easy, with a range of methods to choose from. These include:

1. The natural remedy: For those who prefer to avoid chemicals, there are a couple of great chemical-free methods for unblocking a shower drain. Start by pouring in 1 cup of baking soda, followed by 1 cup of salt and finally, 1 cup of plain white vinegar. Allow this bubbling brew to sit in the pipe for about 15 minutes, then pour in some boiling water to flush (while being extra careful not to scald yourself).
2. The chemical method: If you need something with a bit more “oomph”, try pouring in a commercial drain cleaner. Make sure you follow all the manufacturer recommended safety precautions, including wearing gloves and safety glasses and keeping children and pets away from the shower while the product is being used. Be aware that a stubborn blockage may need repeated applications.
3. Get clawing: If the blockage is located near the shower drain itself (instead of further down in the pipes) then it may be possible to remove it manually. Remove the drain cover and try looking down the pipe with the help of a torch to see if a blockage is visible. If you can see the blockage then arm yourself with some rubber gloves and a drain claw (if you don’t have a drain claw then you can make one by using a coat hanger and a pair of pliers). Use the claw to try and fish out the blockage – you may need to repeat this process several times. Once the blockage has been removed, rinse the pipe with hot water.
4. Plunge right in: A toilet plunger is designed to force a clear path through blockages, so this can be an option if you want an immediate and vigorous solution to the problem. Start by positioning the plunger over the very middle of the drain, covering the opening completely. Then, run some water into the base of the shower (just enough to submerge the lip of the plunger). As fast as possible, work the plunger up and down for several minutes. This will build pressure within the pipes and create enough suction to (hopefully) force the blockage on its way. Once you’ve finished, flush out the drain with some hot water.

Can’t be bothered doing it yourself? Call your local Perth plumber Hilton Plumbing, your mate in the trade. We can fix any kind of plumbing issue, and we won’t even charge you a call-out fee.

Why is my Toilet Leaking?
If you have a water leak in your bathroom, chances are that it may be your toilet. Toilet leaks are one of the most common reasons for leaks in the home. We have compiled a list of the most common reasons why your toilet may be leaking, to help you avoid this problem.

1. Cracked tank: The tank is the part of your toilet system where the water flows into the bowl when you flush. This is a common problem and could be something as simple as replacing the lid, to the complete replacement of your toilet.

2. Cracked bowl: A cracked toilet bowl is a very serious problem, and can do serious damage to your property. If you notice any cracks, your toilet has to be replaced immediately to prevent any further damage.

3. Rusty pipe: Many parts of your toilet are constantly under water so rust development is a very common problem, leading to a leaky toilet.

4. Wax seal: If you notice that puddles of water are forming around the base of your toilet, it could be the wearing of the wax seal causing your toilet to leak. You can purchase replacement wax from hardware stores or hire a professional plumber to do the job for you.

5. Sweaty bowl: Yes, your toilet bowl can sweat. This is caused by the cooler toilet water interacting with warm air in the environment, causing condensation to occur, Surprisingly, a problem like this can cause a LOT of water to form in your bathroom. If this problem isn’t dealt with immediately, it can cause a lot of problems in the future.

6. Leaky valve:This leak occurs when the valve linking your toilet to your bathroom is leaking. The bolts which bind your toilet to the floor need to be tightened or in some cases, you may need a new wax gasket.

If your toilet is leaking, the best thing to do it to call a professional plumber immediately to take care of the problem for you. Hilton Plumbing is a family-run business in Perth, Western Australia. If you are experiencing problems with your plumbing, please contact us for friendly and professional service.

 

How to Unblock a Clogged Drain
If you have a blocked drain in your home, it is really important that you know how to deal with it properly. If you don’t, you could end up doing more damage than good. As plumbers in Perth, we have dealt with countless situations where a client has tried to unblock a clogged drain and has caused serious damage to their piping system. Here are four simple steps to help you to try and unclog your drain:

1. If you see that your drain is blocked, try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. Fill your sink partially with water and use the plunger to rapidly plunge up and down over the drain. If the water begins to run down the drain again, the blockage was only minor and is now gone!

2. If plunging doesn’t work and your drain is still blocked, allow the water to settle then slowly pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Make sure that you pour these ingredients in very slowly, otherwise the vinegar will simply wash the baking soda down the drain. Cover the drain with a wet rag immediately after doing this. A bubbling chemical reaction will occur when these two ingredients interact, hopefully dislodging the blockage. This is exactly the same principle as when kids make volcanoes at school for their science projects! Make sure you don’t try this method if you have already used a chemical drain cleaner; the reaction between these ingredients and a store-bought drain cleaner can cause unpleasant and noxious gases to form.

3. If the baking soda/vinegar method doesn’t work, you are going to have to get physical. This should not be attempted by people who don’t know their way around their piping system. A drain snake can be used to dislodge the blockage by slowly pushing it down the drain until you feel resistance, then slowly pulling it back up to remove the blockage. Repeat this as many times as you need to to unclog your drain.

4. If your drain is still blocked, call us immediately.

Why Should I Install a Water Filter?

At Hilton Plumbing in Perth, we know all about water! We know all about the joys of drinking a clean, delicious and perfectly cool glass of filtered water right from your kitchen sink. We have years of experience in installing in-house filters for clean drinking water in homes around Perth, and we’d like to share some of the benefits of having filtered water at home.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes when you drink water straight from the tap, it smells a little like a swimming pool and has a slight ‘metallic’ flavour? This is because our tap water in Perth contains chlorine, which acts as a disinfectant, and may also take on the flavours of the piping it has to go through to get to your kitchen tap. Filtered water tastes and smells better than unfiltered water, and also contains less chemicals than regular tap water, such as chlorine, lead and mercury. A water filter will also eliminate bacteria and rust from your drinking water.

Apart from the initial set-up costs, a water filter in your home will also save you money. Rather than having to purchase bottled water for your family or for entertaining, you can have a constant supply of beautiful, clean water right at your kitchen sink. Our water filtration systems also use excellent quality filters, which will last a long time! For any information or advice about installing a water filtration system in your home in Perth, please contact us now for a free quote!

 

Five Ways to Save Water at Home

As Western Australia experiences the effects of our drying climate, it is very important to develop ways in which we can conserve our precious water supply. As a plumbing business in Perth, we understand the importance of saving water in the home, especially as summer approaches and water restrictions begin to apply. Here are five ways you can save water at home.

Make it Rain!
Almost 100% of piped-in water in Western Australian homes is used for things like bathing, washing clothes, cleaning, watering your garden and washing the car. Only a  very small portion of this is actually used for drinking and cooking! Installing a rainwater tank will greatly reduce your dependence on piped-in water, which is not only good for the environment, but will also save you money on water rates.

Shower Power
Over 20% of household water is used in the shower alone! To try and conserve water in the bathroom,  begin timing your showers to ensure that they aren’t too long. A four-minute shower is ideal, and even reducing your normal shower time by two minutes will make a huge difference!. Also consider installing a water efficient shower head, which can reduce water usage by 25%.

Brush, Don’t Flush
A very simple way to save water is to make sure that you turn the tap off when you are brushing your teeth. An amazing amount of water is wasted this way but luckily,  80% of Australians do turn off their bathroom faucet when they are brushing their teeth. Do you?

Leaky Loo
A leaky toilet can use up to 9000 litres of water per year! Make sure that you check whether your toilet is leaking and while you’re at it, check any other faucets in and around your home. If you have a leaky toilet in Perth, please contact us!

Quashing Inefficient Washing
A great way to save water in your home is to make sure that you use a water efficient washing machine. An older washing machine can use up to double the amount of water as a newer model, so consider upgrading; it will be worthwhile! Also, make sure that you wait to have a full load of washing before you put it through!

 

 

Should I Install a Rainwater Tank?

Water usage is a huge problem in Western Australia. Many people have tried to minimise their water usage and find environmentally-friendly and sustainable ways to use water around the home. Installing a rainwater tank in Western Australia is a way to reduce your water usage and has many additional benefits.

1. Cost-Almost 100% of piped-in water in Western Australia homes is used for things like bathing, washing clothes, cleaning, watering your garden, washing the car and other daily tasks. Only a very small portion of this is used for drinking and cooking (rainwater is not recommended for drinking or cooking with unless the tank is extremely well-maintained to ensure that the water is not contaminated). When you consider this, it makes a lot of to install a rainwater tank, which will greatly reduce your dependence on piped-in water. Not only is this good for the environment, but rain water is also free, which will save you a lot of money on water rates.

2. The environment-Using rainwater is good for the environment and contributes to a sustainable community. Rainwater can be used to irrigate your garden in the heat of summer when heavy water restrictions apply to homes in Western Australia. It can also reduce the amount of sewage discharged into our oceans and rivers.

3. Emergency supply-If a natural disaster or zombie apocalypse occurs rendering your piped-in water unusable, having a rainwater supply will allow you to have access to clean water. An emergency water supply is especially relevant in Western Australia where a rainwater tank can be used for bushfire protection and fighting.

Having a licenced plumber install your rainwater tank is the best way to ensure that the tank meets your local council’s requirements, and is fitted correctly to prevent contamination of your water supply.

 

 

Why do Water Pipes Burst?

Water expands as it freezes. It’s science. When water freezes, its molecules crystallise and form an open hexagonal shape.This shape takes up more space than when the water is in liquid form, meaning the water has expanded. When this expansion occurs in a restricted environment such as in a water pipe, the pressure placed on the inner walls of the water pipe by the expanding water can cause pipe to burst. It’s the same reason why you can’t leave a beer bottle in the freezer for too long.

Even pipes made from extremely hardy materials, which can handle the occasional pressure of frozen water, may eventually burst due to the cumulative structural damage. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent your pipes from bursting. These tips aren’t foolproof and it is definitely worth having a good plumber on speed dial just in case!

1. Insulate your water pipes.The insulation will stop heat loss and prevent water freezing in your pipes.
2. Try and ensure your water pipes are located in areas which never or rarely reach freezing point. This is obviously very difficult in older homes.
3. Leave a trickle of water flowing through taps in your home during winter or very cold weather. Flowing water won’t have the opportunity to freeze and your water pipes should hold out until the temperature increases.

Burst water pipes demand immediate attention. The longer you leave it, the more damage which can occur. If your pipes burst, ensure that you turn off the main water supply straight away and contact a plumber immediately. Hilton Plumbing is a family-run business in Perth, Western Australia. If you are experiencing problems with your plumbing in Perth, please contact us for friendly and professional service.