1. Update the bathroom

Updating your bathroom will increase the value of your property and keep your home up to date. To keep the price down, we suggest you keep your existing layout, but update the fixtures such as toilet, sink and tapware.

Depending on your budget you can replace an old enclosed shower with a frameless model, and update the toilet and vanity too. You will save money buying a full bathroom suite rather than individual pieces.

2. Add a bathroom 

Adding a bathroom adds value to your home and convenience for your family. Experts estimate that converting existing space into a small bathroom or ensuite will increase the value of your home by up to 10%.

Small bathrooms need a toilet, sink and shower, and layouts can be challenging. If your new bathroom or ensuite is short on space, here are some ideas to make it work:

• Wall mounted toilet
• Small sink and floating vanity
• Frameless glass shower panels
• Dark floor tiles with white walls
• Feature or mirror wall tiles

3. Add a patio kitchen

Creating the perfect outdoor entertaining space will increase the liveability and market appeal of your home. Take your BBQ area to the next level with a patio kitchen.

The ideal patio kitchen has a sink, counter space, cupboards and a fridge (or bar fridge). You can integrate the BBQ and, in Melbourne’s changeable climate, shelter is a must. Outdoor heating is another option to give you year-round access.

4. Install gas heating and appliances

Gas appliances are a popular feature of any home. Gas heaters such as flame-effect fires, provide warmth, comfort and the ambience of a wood-fire heater without the hassle or damage to the environment.

In the kitchen, gas stovetops and gas ovens add value. You don’t have to be a Masterchef to prefer cooking with gas. Compared to electric stovetops, gas cooktops have instant heat, even temperature and cook the food faster.

5. Remodel your kitchen

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Updating the kitchen will add value to your home, but there’s no need to go overboard. According to the experts, an average kitchen remodel will pay off more than a high-end renovation.

These simple improvements will keep your property up to date and add it its market appeal:

• New kitchen sink and tapware
• Vented rangehood
• Dishwasher
• Gas cooktop – the foodies will love it!

For a more extensive remodel, you could open up the space and add a kitchen island, update the cabinetry, flooring or lighting. Experts say that you will double your investment on resale.

6. Convert the garage

Converting your garage is another cost-effective way to add space and increase the value of your home. In many homes the garage is wasted space, storing junk and collecting dust. Why not think about converting it into a bedsit, kids retreat or mancave?

With a kitchenette/bar and small bathroom, this new space will increase your living area and the resale value of your of your home. Some experts say that converting the garage into living space will increase the value of your home by 20%.

Call us to check whether your garage is suitable for a conversion, and whether you will need planning permission. In many cases, the work involved in converting a garage is permitted development, but it’s always best to check first.

Beware of bad DIY

When it comes to renovations, it’s really important to know your limits – especially when it comes to plumbing. While most of us can stop the cistern running or fix a leaky tap, when it comes to adding or changing plumbing fixtures its best to call in an expert.

Blue Diamond Plumbing is about water in, sewerage out and everything that happens in between. When it comes to your hygiene and health we won’t take any shortcuts. All work is certified and 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Save money with a Blue Diamond Plumbing Maintenance Contract

With a Blue Diamond plumbing maintenance contract, you receive 10% off all services including repairs, renovations and new plumbing installations for the length of the contract. We will tailor a maintenance program to suit your requirements, including annual inspection of your property to identify small problems before they cause bigger problems.

Six Ways To Add Value To Your Home | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Water heaters are some of the biggest sources of conveniences for most households. They prevent the shock of an early morning bath, particularly in the cold winter. Plus, they make sure that certain household chores are more physically comfortable to carry out.

While energy authorities in Australia have recognised water heaters as some of the biggest electricity consumers at home (along with HVAC systems and clothes dryers), most people do not mind the cost. What homeowners mind, however, is when water heaters start to fail at the job that they were designed to perform.

Even in such a situation, most homeowners are not quick to buy a replacement. After all, there are reliable hot water repair services available in communities across Australia. 

It is crucial to note, though, that it is important to recognise real indicators of wear and tear in water heaters. Knowing what these indicators are can help you avoid potential safety risks and unnecessarily higher energy and water bills every month. 

So how will you know if it is finally time for a water heater replacement? Here are four key indicators to look out for.

Four Reasons to Replace Your Water Heater

1. Age of the water heater

If you have been using the same water heater for about a decade or longer and it has ceased to function as well as it used to, it’s time to buy a new one.

From Blue Diamond Plumbing’s years of experience, we have found that 10 years is already a long period of service. Therefore, if a water heater has grown less efficient, it’s because its parts have significantly become worn over time, and getting a replacement is better than having the water heater repaired.

It’s important to factor in the better, newer models on the market. Functional features increase in a matter of a decade. You may find that the additional features of more modern models are more suitable for your family’s needs.

2. Signs of corrosion and leaks

When you start seeing rust and water dripping directly from the water heater, it’s time to start looking for a replacement. Any sign of corrosion indicates irreversible wear, which you will not only see in the body of the water heater. 

It will also start appearing in the quality of the water released from your taps and showers. You may begin to find small particles or discolouration in your water. As for leaks, these can blow up your water charges every month. Plus, they can lead to further corrosion and safety risks.

3. Strange noises

When the water heater starts making weird sounds when turned on, this is always an indicator that it’s nearing the end of its functional lifespan. Most of the time, people shush the sounds by banging on the machine, and the noise goes away temporarily. However, you can always expect strange sounds to get worse over time.

At first, you would only hear the noise when you are actually using the heater. But, eventually, the water heater will continuously make sounds even when you have the tap turned off. You can have this issue repaired. 

However, if your heater is old, it’s quite likely that the problem will occur again not long after the repair. Instead of paying for frequent repair services, it’s more practical to have the machine replaced with a much newer model.

4. A change in your personal requirements

It’s crucial to include the change in a person’s values and requirements as indicators of a replacement. Say, you have decided to become more environmentally responsible, or you wish to lower your household expenses. These are valid reasons for replacing the water heater you are currently using.

There are so many models of water heaters on the market these days and they have attractive features that better align with specific requirements. For instance, there are solar-powered water heaters that can significantly lower energy consumption; these are ideal options if you’re transitioning to a greener lifestyle. Likewise, there are water heaters that come with their own water purification system, which is highly recommended for people with poor immune systems.

The moment your water heating needs change, it’s the perfect time to start looking for a replacement.

Replace Your Water Heater with the Help of Blue Diamond Plumbing

When you are ready to replace your home’s water heater, Blue Diamond Plumbing is ready to help you with this task. As the most trusted master plumbers in Melbourne, we can assist you with everything from choosing the best water heating system for your home according to your unique needs to actually installing the system.

We only want to ensure the best plumbing system for our clients. What’s more, we offer an abundance of plumbing information that can help you. Once you decide to entrust all your plumbing concerns to the professionals, know that we are just a phone call away, or you can book us online. We are available 24/7 to help you with any plumbing concern.

Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater? | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Fortunately, there are different ways to work on both goals. You need to identify these and determine how you can implement the changes that can make your home more comfortable and functional, as well as yield significant cost cut-backs in the long run.

Your plumbing system is one of the areas at home where you can slash costs and ensure convenience. Making timely repairs and upgrades will not only help you avoid piling on expenses by preventing widespread damage, but also modify practices that waste energy and water.

What kinds of upgrades can greatly improve home efficiency and convenience? Our team at Blue Diamond Plumbing, the top plumbing company in Melbourne, shares five important upgrades to keep in mind.

1. Latest Plumbing Technology

Plumbing technology has made leaps and bounds in the last decade. Now, there are so many technologically advanced plumbing products that are designed not only for increased convenience, but also for energy efficiency.

Water heaters are one example. You can find designs that automatically adjust energy consumption based on the weather. Likewise, there are solar-powered heaters that can reduce a household’s usage of fossil fuel energy, which translates to lower monthly energy bills. Thus, consider having your old heater professionally replaced with these better models.

Another impressive plumbing product that technology has improved is the toilet. Japanese toilets, specifically, are not only more convenient and comfortable to use, but they come with a variety of features to make life easier for certain individuals as well. If you have sick, elderly family members who live with you, you can invest in a toilet that warms up for every user, flushes automatically, and even monitors health by examining the urine of users.

For something quite affordable, you should think about new showerheads and taps. If you have family members with mobility issues, taps and showerheads with sensor technology will make their bathroom activities more convenient and safer to perform.

2. Greywater System Installation

Although clean water is abundant in Australia, it’s still worthwhile to consider recycling water you have already used. Have a greywater system installed so you can easily reuse everything from laundry to bath water for cleaning the house, watering the garden, and washing the car.

This is truly an excellent way to improve home efficiency, become more environmentally responsible, and boost savings for the household. What’s more, with the system thoughtfully installed, all the recycled water can be coursed through to the areas of the house where they will be often used.

3. Plumbing Framework Redesign

If you are keen on allocating a generous amount of money to make your plumbing system optimally efficient, think about redesigning the plumbing framework of your home. Get in touch with expert plumbing contractors to determine the different solutions you can take in improving the framework of your entire plumbing system.

The relocation of certain pipes, for example, can help reduce the energy consumption of water heaters. Likewise, replacing old fixtures can lead to savings as well.

The bottom line here is that changes made to your home’s entire plumbing system can have a huge impact when it comes to preventing fast wear down, reducing water costs, improving safety, and so much more. And for the appropriate changes, it’s best to leverage the experience and expertise of seasoned plumbers.

4. Durable Plumbing Products

When you want to upgrade plumbing fixtures in your home, do not just focus on improved functionality and low energy and water consumption. Pay attention to the durability of the products as well. It’s always worth paying extra for greater product quality.

Highly durable plumbing products will last your household a long time and prevent the steep cost of repairs and replacements. What’s more, you can avoid unnecessary hassles to your daily routine as well. For a more efficient home, you need all its useful components to perform their job well and support your lifestyle.

Therefore, if you’re already upgrading your plumbing, make sure that all the changes are meant for the optimal advantage of your entire household.

5. Regular Plumbing Maintenance

If you tend to give your local plumbers a call only when something is seriously wrong with your taps, toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures, then aim to turn a new leaf. Make regular maintenance a complete commitment.

Remember, prevention is always better than a cure. Through a plumbing checkup, potentially costly problems can be remedied right away. You can bet that it will cost you less to catch and resolve budding issues than to address a full-blown problem. And again, it would be to your household’s benefit because there would be a much lower likelihood of plumbing woes disrupting everyday life when maintenance is carried out regularly.

These are five helpful plumbing upgrades that you can carry out for your home. Call the trusted plumbing experts at Blue Diamond Plumbing to discuss all of these home efficiency strategies. We are always more than happy to assist, educate, and provide our services for all your plumbing concerns.

5 Plumbing Upgrades for Improved Home Efficiency | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Your home presents plenty of opportunities to save money. If you wish to cut back on energy costs, for instance, you can start replacing your fluorescent lights with LED ones. Another area of your household where you can lower your expenses significantly is your plumbing.

Not many homeowners are aware that inconsistent practices and their choice of plumbing fixtures can cause them a considerable amount of money. Therefore, to work against this, here are our tried and true tips on saving money on plumbing.

1. Take care of leaks right away.

Most people tend to put off plumbing leak repairs for a long time. They only call in a plumber to replace broken pipes or leaky taps and showerheads when their water bill becomes unmanageable, or if there’s a sense of real urgency or danger present (as with gas leaks).

The immediate repair of leaks can save you a lot of money. Firstly, you get to avoid water wastage. And, secondly, you can avoid the higher cost of bigger damage later on such as pipe replacement or repiping.

2. Have your pipelines maintained regularly.

Pipes, even with their highly durable material, are quite prone to damage because they come in contact with different substances and often varying water pressures. Make sure to call in expert plumbing maintenance services for the regular inspection of your pipe network to ensure material and structural integrity.

Catching cracks and other small damages, and repairing them right away can extend the functional lifespan of your pipes. You won’t need to upgrade, which would require a bigger budget for a much longer time.

3. Upgrade your toilet.

The newer toilet designs available on the market offer better performance in terms of water economy, as well as functional range. You can replace your old toilets with these much better models if you have the budget.

You may want to consider installing Japanese toilets with a built-in sink for handwashing and recycle water from the sink as flush-water. This product of Japanese ingenuity is a wonderful plumbing fixture to consider if you are not just into water-economy but environmental responsibility as well.

The upgrade may cost you some, but you can recoup the cost of this investment easily through your water savings. Also, factor in the convenience and other pleasurable benefits of having a high-tech toilet to establish how the upgrade is truly worth the cost.

4. Have smart plumbing fixtures installed.

The market offers a wealth of water-saving plumbing fixtures. You have showerheads that do not release as much water as regular ones, but whose pressure is strong to ensure sufficient cleaning power. There are taps that offer the same functionality.

Consider a solar-powered heater as well, since water heaters use up a lot of energy. Regular electrically powered water heaters do not only require a considerable amount of energy per use, but they also lose energy even when not being used. You can avoid this energy wastage by opting for a solar water heater.

You should also consider switching to plumbing fixtures that come with sensor technology. Sensor technology is the most effective in reducing water consumption because it effectively controls water use.

5. Tune up plumbing appliances as well.

Quite often, when plumbing appliances are not properly maintained, their functionality gets compromised. Not only do they become prone to costly damages, but they also use up more energy and water, as well as become potential safety hazards.

The plumbing appliances that you should get routinely checked are your washing machines and dryers, and dishwashers. The washing machine and dryer, especially, should be checked regularly. They can collect a lot of lint, which can catch fire easily and turn into a fire hazard.

6. Have your water meter inspected.

It’s essential to have your water meter inspected by a professional regularly to see if you are being billed correctly for your actual water consumption. If you find your bill unreasonably high, perhaps there’s a problem with your home plumbing that you are not aware of.

You then can have a plumber come to thoroughly examine your plumbing network and find out the possible reasons for the high reading.

You can depend on Diamond Plumbing

Indeed, maintaining a home is a big responsibility. So, hopefully, the tips we have shared here will help you keep household costs under control.

As Melbourne’s most trusted plumbing professionals, Blue Diamond Plumbing is there to help residents and commercial establishments with all their plumbing concerns. So, if you need to make some plumbing changes at home to save on household expenses, we’re the best experts in Melbourne for the job.

Give us a call whenever you want — our services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

6 Smart Money-Saving Plumbing Fixes | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Given the abundance of choices, it can be tempting to just go with whatever the salesperson recommends for you. Still, it is important to look beyond the products you are being offered.

In this endeavour, listening to advice from the professionals is your best bet at finding the right hardware for your bathroom. This article lists the things your trusted Melbourne CBD plumber would want you to learn about first before buying a new bathroom tap.

Understanding Tap Differences

When you go to the local hardware store, chances are, you’ll be greeted by a wide array of tap selections that differ in appearance and function. With all these choices, you might find it overwhelming to pick just one.

To help you decide, below are the different kinds of taps based on style and the type of mechanism used to control the water pressure.

Tap Style

In terms of style, there are three options available to you: pillar, monoblocs, and mixers.

A pillar tap is considered the most traditional style of bathroom tap as it separates the hot and cold water with individual taps called “pillars.”

A mixer tap, as the name implies, mixes hot and cold water before dispensing through a single nozzle. It has two handles, each controlling the amount of hot or cold water in the mixture.

Monoblocs, on the other hand, are single-handled taps which combine hot and cold water inside. The temperature and flow of the water can be changed by twisting to one direction.

Types of Mechanism

Aside from the style, you also need to consider the kind of mechanism each bathroom tap has.

For instance, some monoblocs come with a disc tap mechanism. This tap is cylindrical and contains two ceramic discs with one hole each that serves as the tap’s on/off mechanism.

Once these discs align, water passes through. Because of their simplicity, disc taps don’t require too much turning to unleash full water pressure.

If you want to go for more traditional mechanisms, washers may be just what you’re looking for. Considered the oldest mechanism type available, compression washer taps always come in pillar style. These can be controlled by twisting the handles, which makes a washer move up and down.

Other tap mechanisms include:

• Ball taps: Rounded monoblocs with a hollow ball that controls water
• Cartridge taps: Can be used for both mixers and monoblocs
• Pressure taps: Use a lever to control water flow (two, if used in mixers)

Check for Compatibility

Not all water taps are created equal. In fact, how your chosen tap performs will depend on its compatibility with the other fixtures in your bathroom as well as your home’s water pressure system.

Both bath and basin taps can be used in houses with a high-pressure water system. But if you have lower water pressure, you probably need to match it with the right kind of tap to ensure optimal water flow of hot and cold water.

Basin Taps

When choosing a basin tap, you must first take a look at your existing bathroom basin and answer the following questions:

• How many holes does it have?
• How far away are the holes from the basin? What is the actual size of the basin?
• Are there obstructions, like shelves or cabinets, that might make it hard to lean over it?

In case there is only one tap hole, you can choose between a monobloc and a single-lever tap. As you already know, the latter has a mechanism that controls the water flow and temperature using one lever. The same goes for monoblocs, except you would have more options in terms of finishes and styles of the handle.

If there are two tap holes, you would need to install two pillar taps for cold and hot water. This style of tap also comes in several varieties, including ones with cross-shaped handles, a lever, or a knob.

The size and position of your bathroom basin will also serve as a factor in your tap choice. In this case, you would also need to consider the tap spout. Start by looking at the depth and overall size of the basin. You must also consider how you plan to use it to determine the perfect position of the tap’s spout.

For instance, compact basins may require a shorter spout. In this case, find a tap with a spout that extends up to the plug hole only.

If the area is tight, you can choose a lower spout for cloakrooms to avoid splashing water on any hanging clothing. But if you plan to shave or wash your hands in the basin, it would be best to choose a tap with a higher spout for optimum washing comfort.

Before You Head to the Checkout

Choosing bathroom fixtures can sometimes be the last thing that comes to mind during a home construction or bathroom remodelling project. Often, homeowners make mistakes in the process because they haven’t planned beforehand what tap they should buy, and only realize they need to decide when they’re already in the hardware store.

To be sure, consult an expert plumber and trusted provider of plumbing service and repairs to help you pick the right one for your bathroom. Get in touch with our team at Blue Diamond Plumbing today for more information.

What Your Plumber Needs You to Know About Getting a Bathroom Tap | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Understandably, choosing from a vast selection of kitchen taps can prove overwhelming. On top of that, it’s crucial to take several factors into consideration to ensure that you buy the perfect kitchen tap.

How should you go about the process and what are the vital factors to consider? As the go-to emergency plumbers in Melbourne, we at Blue Diamond Plumbing can help. Below, we’ve rounded up the essential considerations to help guide you in choosing the right tap for your kitchen.

● Does the design of the tap go with the design of your kitchen?

Naturally, you need your kitchen tap to blend harmoniously with the design of the room. Otherwise, no matter how properly sized it is, it will stick out like a sore thumb.

Does your kitchen have a modern design? Is it rustic-country? Japanese minimalistic, perhaps? There are kitchen taps that appropriately fit specific aesthetic sensibilities. Choose among them carefully.

●Does the tap fit your sink?

The shape, size, and depth of your sink are important details to think about when choosing a kitchen tap. Likewise, the location of the sink should also determine the type of tap to use.

Say, you have a small sink in a tiny kitchen. You need a tap with fantastic flexibility for this. One with a removable sprayer is a good option, especially if there’s not enough space on the sink for a separate sprayer. This will make dishwashing a breeze, especially for big pots and pans that you cannot move around so much in the sink.

Another smart option for a cramped kitchen is a wall-mount design tap. A wall-mounted tap creates sufficient room to move tall pots around in a single kitchen sink.

Think about how deep your sink is as well. If you have a shallow basin, a high tap installation can create a lot of splashes during dishwashing.

● What are the sizes of your biggest dishes, pots, and pans?

When you have established the type of mount and installation ideal for your kitchen sink, you need to then think about how big your dishes, pots, and pans are. These should also dictate the height, arc, and reach of your tap, especially if your sink is not that deep.

If your tap is tall and far enough from the base of the installation, it will be more convenient to move and wash a bulky object under it.

● Material: Plastic, brass, zinc alloy, or stainless steel?

Most taps on the market are made of brass, stainless steel, plastic, or zinc alloy. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Brass, for instance, has that old-world look to it, making it perfect for a vintage-inspired kitchen. It is highly durable and will last you many years.

Stainless steel, meanwhile, is the most popular option these days because of its mirror-like shine and durability. Stainless steel taps suit most kitchen designs and come with the most extensive selection of designs. Best of all, they are lead-free and resistant to corrosion.

As for plastic taps, these come in an exciting range of colours. Plus, they are typically the most affordable. The problem with these, however, is they’re not very durable, especially against hard water. The minerals in hard water easily wear plastic out. And, of course, banging metal pots against a plastic tap could lead to immediate breakage.

Lastly, zinc alloy taps often boast similar beauty to chrome or brass taps. They are quite affordable, too. However, they have a short functional lifespan because of the lower quality of the metals used for them.

● Water economy

Modern technology has made it possible to improve water usage through taps. Some tap designs have valves that release a small amount of water but allow for strong pressure to help with fast and effective dishwashing.

Therefore, if water economy is important to you, inquire about the valves or the cartridge used for the tap. These components are responsible for water flow. Also, ask about their material. Ceramic cartridges are believed to be the best material for they are the most effective in controlling water, and they are incredibly durable.

● Handle design

This is another vital consideration when choosing a tap to buy for the kitchen. The handle design contributes to the convenience of use. If you have young children, a knob that has to be turned to the right and to the left can be difficult to work with. The same goes for older individuals with hand mobility issues.

The handle design also plays an important role in controlling the amount of water flow. Choose a tap with a handle that you can pull or push up and down or left to right. These designs easily reach the water flow limit.

Alternatively, if you have a generous budget, opt for a handle-less option with built-in sensor technology. This is a smart choice if you are a germophobe or if you have family members that may struggle with a handle.

● Colour and finish

These are aesthetic considerations if you want a specific look for your kitchen. Examples of trendy colours are rose gold and matte black. As for the finish, a matte or frosted finish gives off a modern and luxurious feel.

Chrome remains popular, too. Most homeowners love the shine, but one issue is that it can be difficult to maintain and polish. Chrome often bears watermarks that compromise its mirror-like appearance.

These are the important factors to think about when buying a tap for your kitchen. Taking these details into consideration can certainly be advantageous for your shopping process.

For the flawless installation of your new tap, get in touch with us at Blue Diamond Plumbing. We are the most trusted plumbing contractors in Melbourne, and we can install your kitchen tap and other plumbing fixtures with ease according to your specific requirements.

Plumbing Contractors’ Kitchen Tap Buying Guide | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Swap your old one for a new one when it seems to need constant repair. When you frequently call in an emergency plumber for repairs, buying a new toilet can be the cheaper option.

Another sign that you need a replacement toilet is when your current toilet is continuously blocked. Older models of toilets are prone to blockages, and this can be frustrating to owners.

Consider getting a new toilet if you notice scratches and cracks on the toilet. Apart from being unsightly, scratches can harbour bacteria. Cracks in the porcelain, on the other hand, can cause leaks. Over time, the crack can become more prominent and cause the complete breakage of the toilet.

Finally, you might want to get a new toilet if you want to minimise your consumption of water. Low-flush toilets require less water and are better for the environment. Plus, with lower water consumption, you can save more money over the long term.

Factors to consider when shopping for a toilet

For many people, shopping for a new toilet can be a confusing experience. After all, how often are you given the opportunity to visit a showroom to look at all the available choices?

In order to help you simplify matters, we have listed the following critical factors that you need to consider when shopping for a new toilet to replace your current one.

Types of flush

Before you look into each of these factors, it is also worthwhile to know the types of toilets that are available in the market.

Broadly speaking, toilets fall under two categories: gravity-feed and pressure-assisted toilets.

Between the two, gravity-feed toilets are more common. These toilets are equipped with flush valves that enable them to take advantage of gravity to move waste. Compared to pressure-assisted toilets, gravity-feed toilets are quieter.

Pressure-assisted toilets may be noisier between the two types of toilets, but they compensate this drawback by using less water and are less likely to get blocked. However, these cost more and require a certain amount of water pressure to function efficiently.

Size of flange opening

The bigger the flange size opening of the toilet, the quicker it can move waste down the sewer system. The flange is composed of two parts, the one that is bolted on the floor and a pipe which is connected to the sewer line.

Material

There are plenty of materials used in the production of toilets. But if there is one crucial factor that you shouldn’t overlook — the porcelain grade. The higher the porcelain grade of a toilet, the sturdier it is. Additionally, toilets with high porcelain grades are less prone to leaking and cracking.

Brass bolt quality

A toilet is fixed to the bathroom floor with brass bolts and double nuts. The better the quality of the hardware, the less likely will the nuts and bolts corrode. Furthermore, good quality bolts provide stability to the toilet.

Styles

The close-coupled style is probably the one you are more familiar with. This toilet is composed of a pan and a cistern. The cistern can be found mounted on the pan. Close-coupled toilets can come with either dual-flush buttons or lever handles.

Among the different styles of toilets, close-coupled toilets are easy to install and come in a diverse array of designs.

If you are eyeing a toilet that matches the minimalist design of your bathroom, consider a back-to-wall toilet. This modern-looking toilet has a cistern that is hidden either behind a wall or a piece of furniture. It is relatively easy to install and gives your bathroom a clean, sleek look.

Wall-mounted toilets can give your bathroom the illusion of more available space because these are mounted to the wall instead of the floor. Like back-to-wall toilets, wall-mounted toilets have cisterns that are hidden in either the wall or behind a piece of furniture.

Also known as fully-enclosed toilets, closed-back toilets provide a clean look to a bathroom by covering the pipes. Apart from that, these toilets can help save space and are easy to clean.

Comfort height toilets are taller than other types of toilets, making them ideal for households which have taller members or sick and older adults.

Time for a new toilet

With a broken toilet, the repairs and associated costs can pile up. Plus, you have to deal with the typical hassles involved. Weigh your available options. If the toilet needs to be repaired on an almost-regular basis, you are only delaying the inevitable – you need to buy a new one.

Give Blue Diamond Plumbing a call now.

Our expert plumbers are ready to provide you with helpful advice, especially in terms of choosing a new toilet that matches your needs, budget, and the look of your bathroom.

Shopping for a New Toilet: Pro Plumbers Share 5 Factors to Consider | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Let’s face it, the sewer isn’t the most glamorous part of anyone’s home, and most of us would rather not think about it too much, let alone talk about it. For most people, it’s ‘out of sight, out of mind’ and they’re happy for it to stay that way.

However, your sewer pipes are a crucial part of your home plumbing system. If they fail or block, the consequences are pretty horrible to deal with. A disgusting mess, awful smells, and a ruined lawn can all be expected if your sewer pipes get completely clogged. 

With this in mind, it’s always best to have a policy of ‘prevention is better than cure’ when it comes to the health of your sewers. Here’s how to take good care of your sewer and prevent catastrophic blocked sewer pipes.

1. Educate family members about what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet.

Apart from human waste, the only other item that should ever go down the toilet is toilet paper. It’s easy to assume that other similar products like facial tissues and kitchen paper wouldn’t cause a problem. However, they weren’t designed to be flushed, and they won’t break down as quickly as toilet tissue.

Never flush baby wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, paper or plastic cotton buds, or any other household item down the toilet. They cannot break down fast enough to flow easily down sewer pipes.

So-called flushable toilet wipes are also a big issue. They still take a long time to break down and can cause sewer pipe blockages and large plumbing bills. It’s best to avoid them completely. 

The 3Ps are easy to remember and a good rule to apply when using the toilet: only pee, poo and (toilet) paper down the toilet. It’s essential that the whole family understands these rules to prevent problems.

2. Be vigilant with small children.

Small kids love to experiment and make things disappear. Most parents can tell you a funny story about their toddler putting something weird or wonderful down the toilet.

Little kids are going to find it hard to follow the rules about what should or shouldn’t go down the toilet, so it’s important to supervise them any time they’re in the bathroom. If they do manage to slip something into the toilet while you’re not looking, don rubber gloves and fish it out straight away. 

3. Be careful with what goes down the kitchen drain.

It’s equally important that you guard what goes down the kitchen drain as well. Dirty dishwater is fine, as are leftover drinks including milk.

Never ever tip anything oily down the sink. Unwanted cooking oil, sauces, dips, and salad dressings should put in your household waste in a suitable container. Do the same for any oil left in the pan after frying: let it cool, pour into an old container, then wash the pan normally in your sink or dishwasher.  

Oil is regularly responsible for clogging drains. Even if oil isn’t clogging the sewers in your property, then chances are it is doing it somewhere in your local area. Local water management authorities regularly need to remove ‘fatbergs’ — giant balls of accumulated fat and grease mixed with other items like baby wipes — from main sewer pipes. 

Fatbergs are causing enormous problems. As an example, here in the Melbourne area, Yarra Valley Water spent $1 million removing fatbergs from their systems. They recently donated a portion of fatberg to Melbourne Museum to illustrate to visitors just how big the problem is. 

4. Use plug screens.

Plug screens are brilliant little mesh devices that can be placed over plug holes to prevent unwanted items from slipping down. They are easy to find in hardware stores, are inexpensive and come in a range of sizes.

In showers and bathroom sinks, they’ll prevent hair going down the plug. Hair is notorious for causing blockages as it catches grease and other items and creates quite a buildup.

In the kitchen sink, a plug screen will prevent items of food ending up in your sewer system, too. 

Take them out regularly for a quick clean to keep them hygienic and efficiently working.

5. Know the first signs of a sewer blockage.

Despite all your best efforts to follow the above advice, sewer blockages can still happen. Old pipework collapsing and tree roots growing aggressively into pipes are two causes of blockages that are harder to prevent. 

Make sure you know the first signs of blocked pipes so that you can act fast and prevent the problem from getting much worse. Here are the signs of plumbing problems:  

• Bad smells coming up from the drains
• Water draining slower than usual in the shower, bath or sinks
• Unusual gurgling noises coming after you’ve flushed the toilet
• The water level in the toilet is much higher or lower than usual

If you notice any of the signs above, call an emergency plumbing service for assistance immediately. Leaving it too late can spell disaster, so always act quickly.

Above all, don’t worry; by following the five pieces of advice here, you should be able to prevent most sewer pipe problems and minimize the risk of a catastrophic problem arising. 

If you do need a plumber’s help with a blockage, their years of training and experience means they should be able to resolve a stressful situation quickly. 

At Blue Diamond Plumbing, we’ll assess where the blockage is and will use advanced equipment to remove it as fast as possible with minimal disruption to your household.  

So for any plumbing concerns or issues, get in touch with Blue Diamond Plumbing ASAP.

5 Best Practices to Prevent Blocked Sewers | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Having a functional, comfortable, and healthy home depends a lot on one vital feature: your plumbing system. When part of your plumbing system (or its entirety) is damaged or not working correctly, you stand to face a variety of problems that will make living in your home highly stressful and even unbearable.

The main sewer line is a crucial component of your plumbing system. It is the primary plumbing line that directs all waste from the toilets, showers, sinks and bathtubs out of the house and in the direction of the main sewer.

If the main sewer line is not in tip-top condition, you need to schedule blocked sewer repair immediately. This is because a blocked main sewer can cause a lot of plumbing issues. Failure to deal with this plumbing problem straightaway can lead to more complicated issues that may worsen over time.

Signs of Main Sewer Line Blockage

A blockage is the most common problem that you may encounter with your main sewer line. The sooner you detect a blockage, the more likely it is that you will be able to fix it without going through a lot of hassle and paying for expensive repairs.

To avoid a blown-out, costly plumbing problem, you have to be aware of (and be on the lookout for) the top warning symptoms that indicate your main sewer line is blocked:

1. Several plumbing fixtures are blocked at the same time.

The biggest indication that the main sewer line is obstructed is that several of your plumbing fixtures are all blocked at the same time, or one after another. This will come in the form of water backing up out of the toilet or drain.

Generally, toilets are the first fixtures to experience plumbing or backing up problems. Pretty soon, you will notice the other low-lying installations having issues, too. These include the shower, bathtub, and sink on your house’s main level.

If there are signs that the drain of your sewer is blocked, start by checking the toilet, followed by the other fixtures.

2. Sinks, bathtubs, and other fixtures are draining more slowly than usual.

When you notice your sinks, toilets, shower drains, and tub draining slowly, or not at all, this is usually a sign that your main sewer line is blocked.

Other appliances and fixtures may be affected by the blockage as well. If the water from the washing machine or laundry room keeps backing up, there could be an obstruction somewhere along the line.

Tree roots are the most common culprit behind a main sewer line blockage. If there is a big tree near or in the area where your main sewer line is located, its roots could be the problem.

This is an issue that is often unavoidable if you have an older sewer made of clay or concrete. The tree roots will have an easier time working their way inside the pipe through the pipe joints.

To make matters worse, small feeder roots may also find their way inside the pipes since they are always seeking moisture. Once the roots are inside, they will grow bigger and start acting like a net that will catch toilet paper and waste. They will then form a blockage that will need to be handled by a competent provider of plumbing services in Melbourne.

3. Constant gurgling sounds.

If you hear gurgling sounds whenever you flush your toilet, or noises coming out of places they shouldn’t (or don’t usually) come from, your main sewer line may already be blocked.

This sloshing sound is usually caused by the tree roots that have already crept in the sewer line. Their presence will lead to the strange, disturbing sounds you will hear coming from your toilet and plumbing fixtures.

If you notice slow draining and gurgling sounds from your toilet and plumbing fixtures, you need to take immediate action to remove the roots. Otherwise, a complete sewer line block will occur. This will be an even more expensive and onerous issue to deal with.

4. The sewer cleanout is overflowing.

The sewer cleanout refers to a pipe that comes with a cap which connects to the sewer line. This allows for obstructions to be easily removed. The sewer cleanout is also connected to the lateral sewer line which connects your home to the public sewer system.

This plumbing part is usually located in the basement. However, some homes have more than one cleanout. The other ones can often be found near your house or the property line, or both.

Once you have located your sewer cleanouts, check the area around them to see if there is sewage outflow or any sign of leakage. If you notice one or both of these, you already have a blockage in the sewer line that may already extend to the main line.

A sewer line blockage, especially if found in the main line, is a plumbing issue that you should never handle yourself. Professional inspection, cleaning, repairs, and maintenance are required to have your plumbing system working correctly again.

As such, if you notice any of the signs above, get in touch with us quickly. We will resolve your main sewer line problem immediately and effectively.

Is Your Main Sewer Line Blocked? Check for These Symptoms | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

A blocked drain can be a major inconvenience, especially in a busy kitchen. But if you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about this problem until you see obvious signs. There’s really nothing wrong with that as long as you are careful. However, your life and kitchen will always run efficiently if you think ahead and prevent problems from happening.

How do kitchen drains get blocked?

Most of the time, accumulations in the drains and pipes create blockages. This can either be due to food from the kitchen sink, hair, or soap buildup.

If you’re worried about a blocked kitchen drain, there are signs to look out for according to an emergency plumber in Melbourne.

1. Slow drainage of water

Does it feel like water is draining a lot slower than usual? If you don’t normally have a slow drain, this may be a sign that you have a blockage somewhere in your plumbing system. To restore your kitchen drain to normal, let a professional plumber remove the block to clear your drain pipes and allow water to run through faster.

2. Foul odour

Is there an unpleasant smell coming from your kitchen drain? This can be a potential sign of a plumbing problem caused by rotten food.

If this is the case with your kitchen sink, it’s a good practice to run your garbage disposal with water to eliminate old food that may be the cause of the odour. You can also pour some dish soap or lemon juice down the drain to get rid of the smell. If the odour persists or is in a different area, contact a professional for plumbing system maintenance and inspection.

3. Gurgling sounds

Do you hear gurgling noises when liquids go down your kitchen drain? This may be because the liquid is trying to go around a block. The sounds are due to trapped air bubbles below the blockage that are popping up through the water as the liquid ‘tries’ to pass through the pipe.

Gurgling sounds indicate that there’s at least some water flow occurring. However, it may not be normal or as fast as you want it to be. Drainage cleaning is a great way to solve this problem and maximize your drainage.

If a drain cleaner can’t remove the food deposits that are causing the gurgling sounds, a professional plumber’s high-powered tools such as a hydro-jetter can be another solution. Take note that damage to the sewer line may also be another reason for gurgling noises. Since this issue is far more serious than a block, seek help from a professional plumber to safely fix this problem.

4. Food particles left after running the dishwasher

Ever have unexpected food particles in your kitchen sink after running the dishwasher? This may be due to a blockage that has more to do with your garbage disposal rather than the drain itself. You can try resolving this by running water down your garbage disposal to let it drain out any food trapped inside.

Else, you should have the problem looked into by a reliable, professional plumber.

How to Prevent a Blocked Kitchen Drain

The best approach to proper kitchen sink maintenance should always be focusing on prevention rather than repair. Below are some good practices that will help you avoid expensive plumbing upkeep.

• Avoid pouring grease or fat down the drain – Grease and fat are the common triggers of sink blockage. Make sure that everyone living in your house abides by this policy. Keep a container near your sink where they can deposit grease and fat to prevent people from pouring them down the drain.
• Run water when using disposal – When it comes to your kitchen disposal, don’t use the grinder without running water down before, during, and after you dispose of waste. For your safety, always place the lid on the drain whenever you turn on the grinder and never stick your hands or fingers in it.
• Don’t use the sink if the drain stops flowing – As soon as you notice that the drain stops flowing, immediately turn the water off and clean the sink area. This will prevent water from overflowing and flooding your kitchen floor.
• Don’t wash hair in the sink – Hair that makes its way into the sink is another cause of blocked kitchen drains. So, insist that all family members avoid washing their hair in the kitchen sink and do it in the bathroom instead.
• Don’t wash your hands in the kitchen after working on the garden – Sometimes, you might not notice the tiny leaves or dirt that get stuck on your hands which you then instinctively wash in the kitchen sink. That dirt from the garden can actually build up over time and cause a blockage.

Watch out for the signs and seek help

Now that you know the indicators that serve as warning signs for a blocked drain, don’t worsen the problem by attempting to DIY the problem; instead, call a professional plumber. Your attempt to remove the blockage may not work and cause more problems, leading to lengthier and more expensive repair work.

By letting a professional handle the problem, you can be sure that your plumbing system is in good hands, and will soon be working efficiently.

If you experience a blocked kitchen drain, whether it’s in the middle of the night or in the daytime, you can always rely on Blue Diamond Plumbing for emergency plumbing work and maintenance.

Need an emergency plumber ASAP?

Give Blue Diamond Plumbing a call right away!

4 Warning Signs of a Blocked Kitchen Drain | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

When a house is built, the plumbing goes in before anything else. It is installed in the dirt before the concrete slab is poured or the frame goes up. That’s why moving the plumbing is so difficult and expensive – in most houses it’s under a concrete slab. Moving the pipes, water supply and drainage is one of the hardest things to do – and it’s very costly.

Here are eight important design considerations that will save you money:

8 Plumbing Considerations for Your Bathroom Design | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Without a doubt, your bathroom is an important part of your home.

As such, your bathroom should be an oasis where you can comfortably relax and freshen up after a long, hectic day. It is an area in your home where you can have your “me” time. And how you design it has a huge impact when it comes to achieving this kind of ambiance.

So if you are planning to undertake bathroom renovations in Melbourne, you must be meticulous regarding the choice of features and fittings to integrate into the space so you can get the most beautiful, functional, and comfortable outcome.

To help you design your bathroom, here are six pro tips you must consider.

1. Light it well

Proper lighting is crucial because this sets the mood in any space. In a bathroom, using warm lights will help soften the room’s appearance, considering the fact that it contains cold materials like tile and marble. Furthermore, use light hues to brighten up the area and even make it appear more spacious.

Incorporating layers of accent, decorative, ambient, and task lighting is also a good idea when it comes to achieving a well-lit space. In fact, this is highly recommended for a big bathroom.

2. Consider the height of the sink

Generally, your countertop should be 61-81 cm (24-32 inches) from the ground. When selecting or constructing a sink, you must take this into consideration. If you want to have an above-counter sink, for instance, you must plan for a lower counter so that the whole family can use it comfortably while brushing teeth and washing hands.

3. Be creative about storage

There has to be a place for your towels, toilet paper and extra toiletries in your bathroom. This is why integrating enough cabinets is a must. This will provide you with hidden, secure spaces for your bathroom essentials. This way, you don’t have to step out of your bathroom in just your towel when you realise that you’ve run out of soap, shampoo or shower gel. Instead, you can just open a cabinet to retrieve a new bottle or bar to use.

But if you can’t add huge, built-in cabinetry due to limited space, a medicine cabinet is a great alternative. This offers the perfect depth for storage, and positioning it above your toilet keeps it out of the way.

4. Use high-end materials

One designer secret every homeowner should know is that splurging on some high-end finishes and materials is a great investment that will make your space look and feel luxurious, considering the fact that bathrooms are often smaller spaces.

So before deciding that your bathroom should feature just the basic materials, search for materials for your flooring and walls that are of higher quality. You will realize that integrating these materials to even just a small space in your bathroom is possible and affordable.

5. Stay away from the usual tub/shower combo

For decades, most homeowners have opted for a tub/shower combination because they are efficient and practical, and they offer the option of taking a quick shower or a long bath. But if you have small children or elderly parents living with you, this design is not a good option for the household as it can increase the risk of injuries. Instead, consider replacing this combination with a separate glass panelled shower and a freestanding tub.

However, if you a bathtub is not likely to used often in your home, then you better think twice about dedicating space in your bathroom for it. INstead, you can opt to have just a shower installed.

6. Keep your plumbing system where it is

Repositioning your tub, sink or anything that involves your plumbing can be costly and time-consuming. So if you want to avoid delays and additional costs, you have to keep your plumbing where it is.

However, there are instances wherein pipe installation and re-routing is necessary. And when you are faced with these situations, you must enlist the help of a professional plumber.

Plumbing specialists here at Blue Diamond Plumbing have the proper knowledge, expertise, and tools to deal with anything that concerns your plumbing system. You can be assured that they will expertly install or re-route your pipes and plumbing fittings for your new bathroom. Best of all, they can maintain your home’s plumbing system to prevent the occurrence of plumbing emergencies.

A bathroom renovation project involves a lot of important things. The options, processes, and decisions can be confusing, but this does not mean that you should not plan and prepare for it. Knowing what to expect and consider will make a huge difference between a luxurious bathroom and an ugly one. And always remember that for any task involving your plumbing system, let our emergency plumbers in Melbourne handle it for the best results.

Designing a Bathroom: 6 Tips From the Experts | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

But you must know first what a plumbing emergency looks like so you can take immediate action to prevent further damage. Examples of plumbing emergencies include leaking taps and pipes, blocked drains, frozen or burst pipes, running toilets, waste smells, and gas leaks.

As a rule of thumb, you must call a professional plumber whenever you encounter any of these plumbing issues or if you notice any water damage with an unknown source. So make sure to hire an emergency plumber in Melbourne whom you can call when these situations arise.

Here are things you must do and avoid to help you get through any plumbing emergency situation.

1. Do stay calm

Staying calm is easier said than done. When you are faced with plumbing emergencies, most people tend to panic. But panicking will make things worse because it will cloud your judgement.

Instead, aim to take several deep breaths and collect your thoughts. By doing your best to stay calm, you can cope with any stressful emergencies that will come your way.

2. Don’t forget to switch off the water supply

Shutting off the water supply is the next thing you must do after calming your mind. If you are facing a huge plumbing emergency, switch off the main water supply immediately. Otherwise, you just have to do a local shut off, perhaps under the sink or behind the toilet.

It is for this reason that before you settle in your home, you should know where the water mains tap is located so you can switch it off before water leaks can cause more damage to your property.

3. Do remember to call a plumber

Most homeowners forget to call a plumber because they become preoccupied during a plumbing emergency. But calling an emergency plumber right away will significantly reduce the extent of water damage.

Reputable and well-trained plumbers will inform you if the situation is too dangerous. And when they tell you to leave your property immediately, listen to them. This can save your life, especially during a gas leak. Don’t try to retrieve some of your items because your life is far more valuable than any of your things.

4. Do have an emergency plumbing kit at home

If the emergency is not life-threatening, your plumber might give you some tips to control the leaks and minimise the damage while waiting for them to arrive. So making sure to have an emergency plumbing kit at home is important. Generally, this must include the following:

• Plunger – You must have a separate plunger for your toilet and for kitchen sinks.
• Gloves – Disposable gloves will protect yourself from dealing with messy drain lines and toilets.
• Bucket – A five-gallon bucket is helpful when dealing with leaking taps and pipes. Place it under the pipe or tap you are working on.
• Flashlight – This will make your life a lot easier when inspecting your plumbing system, especially in dark places. And don’t forget to have extra fresh batteries as well in case your
• flashlight dies when you need it.
• Tapes – Keep Teflon tape on hand to prevent leaks, especially when changing your tap. Duct tape is also useful to seal up leaks in drain lines temporarily.
• Tools – You should have at least several adjustable wrenches to help you tighten or loosen pipe junctions and valves. Screwdrivers and Phillips are beneficial as well.

This plumbing kit is a lifesaver in case you are faced with minor plumbing issues. Still, it is highly recommended that you call a professional plumber to assess your plumbing system and deal with any identified problem instantly. This way, you will have peace of mind that your taps and pipes are in great condition.

5. Don’t use tools without proper knowledge

Despite being advised by your plumber to do things to control the problem, don’t try to use tools you are not familiar with. An attempt to use the complicated tools can lead to further damage and injuries. So just stick with those you know how to use or just wait for the plumber to arrive.

6. Do protect your items from water damage

In addition to dealing with plumbing emergencies before the plumbers arrive, to protect your home and other items, you must also remove everything from the affected area or cover them with plastic. These immediate efforts will not just protect your goods from the actual water damage, but also from the mould and related health risks of plumbing emergencies.

Plumbing emergencies are disastrous events that can occur at any time. When left unaddressed, they can lead to significant damage to your property, family, and even to the environment. So the moment you notice any problem with your plumbing system, call a professional plumber immediately.

Here at Blue Diamond Plumbing, our plumbers have been dealing with different plumbing issues for years. We are experts not just in general plumbing, but also in gas fitting, welding, irrigation, drainage, lead working, air conditioning, repair and replacement of downpipes and gutters, and earthmoving. Moreover, we can retrofit your plumbing system with eco-friendly and energy-efficient products to minimise environmental impact and running costs.

So if your taps or pipes are leaking or your drainage system is blocked, don’t wait for a disaster to happen. Instead, call our experts in plumbing emergencies now!

6 Dos & Don’ts of Dealing with Plumbing Emergencies | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Why are grease and oil harmful?

If you think oil and grease can’t clog your drain because they’re liquid, think again. Every time you pour something fatty down your drain, it sticks to your pipes. Even if you use hot water, it won’t help flush all of the grease out.

In fact, grease and oil are the leading cause of sewage spills, pipe backups, and clogs that require property plumbing maintenance. The easiest way you can avoid costly plumbing repairs is to avoid sending grease and oil down the drain.

There’s no need to avoid using your preferred frying medium. An expert emergency plumber in Melbourne shares how you can make good use and dispose of your cooking oil in a safe and efficient manner.

1. Save for personal reuse

If you just deep fried something recently, there may be a chance for you to use it again. After all, some of the best foods are cooked with oil. Follow these steps before you reuse your cooking oil.

• Utilize several layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain used oil and remove any particles.
• After straining, store the oil inside an airtight container in a dark area away from light.

Reuse oil for only one to two times as using it more times can reduce its smoke point, making it burn easier. This can cause the fat to release harmful trans-unsaturated fatty acids and free-radicals. Make sure to do a sniff test before using it as well.

Sooner or later, cooking oil will turn rancid. Oil that hasn’t gone bad has a clean, light smell while a metallic or bitter aroma indicates it is way past its prime.

2. Contribute to a recycling program

Ask your neighbours if your city has any recycling program that involves the reuse of grease or cooking oil. You can also check your local government’s website for this. There may even be some trash companies that will offer bins that you can use for their collection.

Most recycling centres use any kind of cooking oil to create biodiesel. Make sure to check with the centre before dropping off your oil and avoid mixing it with any other liquids.

3. Consider proper oil disposal

If you decide to get rid of your oil after using it, don’t throw it in the trash immediately especially if it’s still hot. It might leak from your trash bin and reach the ground – causing contamination, attracting rodents, and harming aquatic life. Here’s what you should do:

How to determine if grease is blocking your pipes?

It’s quite easy to tell if grease is beginning to block your pipes. You will notice the following:

• Water draining slowly while producing some gurgling sounds
• Bad smells coming from the drain

If you believe that grease or oil may have damaged your pipes, let an expert plumber solve the problem for you. Never attempt to do it on your own as you can end up damaging your pipes more – leading to costly repairs.

Use oil sensibly

In the kitchen, it’s almost impossible to avoid using grease and oil altogether. The problem isn’t caused by usage but by improper disposal. Be a responsible user and never pour oil down the drain as it doesn’t only block your pipes but also your city’s sewer mains.

A plumbing problem caused by oil needs an expert’s skills.

For all your plumbing emergencies or demands, Blue Diamond Plumbing delivers fast and efficient services.

Whether it’s in the middle of the night or early in the morning, we at Blue Diamond Plumbing will respond immediately to your plumbing problem, carry out the work, and guarantee optimum results.

Pros Reveal the Proper Way to Dispose of Grease and Cooking Oil | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

To help keep your home easily accessible and free of hazards, trusted emergency plumbers in Melbourne share these seven tips to boost bathroom safety.

1. Clear the floor of any clutter

The best starting point to reduce risks and increase safety in the bathroom is to clear the walking space of any clutter. Keep all toys, cords, hygiene essentials, and other things off the ground and store them in their respective spaces. This simple task can make a huge difference in preventing unnecessary accidents in your bathroom.

2. Get rid of standing water

Due to the fact that most bathrooms have tiled or wood flooring, there is a high chance that you or any family member could lose balance and sustain an injury if spills and standing water are left unaddressed.

So if you know that there is a certain area in your bathroom that accumulates water, mop them up instantly or, better yet, install a drain. By preventing water from pooling in that area, the whole household can be kept safe from potential injuries.

3. Use non-slip mats

Bathing literally means getting wet, which increases the risks for falls, especially in the shower, floors, and bathtubs. One of the best ways to prevent falls in these risky areas is set down water-resistant, non-slip mats. These mats are designed to grip the floor in wet areas with suction cups, covering the slippery surfaces with textured ridges so you can maintain good posture and balance. For your bathtub, you can make use of non-slip strips for to enhance safety when stepping in and out of the tub.

4. Install grab bars

If you are living with a family member who needs a bit of support, you would need to make some changes in your bathroom, such as installing grab bars. This is crucial in preventing your loved ones from losing their balance while navigating the bathroom.

These sturdy bars must ideally be securely anchored to the wall near the tubs, showers, and toilets to hold an adult’s weight. Also, it must be wide enough and covered with non-slippery grips so your loved ones can grasp it quickly and easily.

5. Always keep the water at the right temperature

In addition to slips and falls, burns and scalds are also common injuries in the bathroom due to hot water. The best way to prevent these accidents from happening is to make sure that the hot water is at the right bathing temperature: 37°C and 38°C for children and 41°C and 42°C for adults.

To achieve the right water temperature, you should run the cold water first and then slowly add hot water. But if you have mixer taps, you must run the cold and hot water together.

Consider adding more warm water if you need to increase the temperature. Never run the hot water alone because your child might put their hands or foot in the stream, resulting in burns. And before getting your child in the tub, you need to test the water temperature first using your elbow and wrist.

6. Supervise your kids or anyone needing assistance

Never leave your child alone in the bath even for a minute because small children can quickly drown in just a few inches of water. So make sure that before you bathe your kids, everything you need is already within your reach. In case you need to grab something, or perhaps answer the phone/doorbell, you have to take the children with you.

Bear in mind that bath rings and seats are bathing aids, so they won’t prevent drowning when you leave your little ones unattended. Also, keep the tub dry when not in use.

The same is true if your elderly parents or anyone needing special assistance is going to use the bathroom: Never leave them unattended! Despite having non-slip mats and grab bars installed, nothing beats proper supervision and assistance in keeping your loved ones safe.

7. Deal with plumbing issues ASAP

Leaking taps, blocked drains and toilets, and other plumbing issues should not be ignored, but rather, dealt with as soon as possible. When left unaddressed, these problems can quickly become worse and even lead to accidents.

Remember that water is the primary cause of misfortunes in the bathroom, so unnecessary water must be eliminated at the soonest possible time. This means that whenever you notice any problems with your home’s plumbing system, immediately contact a professional plumber to make the necessary repairs and replacements.

With hard, shiny surfaces that often get wet and slick, your bathroom can become a danger zone, especially to children and seniors. But a little work can go long way in creating a comfortable, safe environment. Implement these seven preventative measures to stop any bathroom mishaps from occurring. And for your plumbing needs, be they repairs, replacements or renovations, Blue Diamond Plumbing can be of great help. Don’t hesitate to give our experienced plumbing pros a call!

Boost Bathroom Safety with These 7 Tips | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

3 Types of Commercial Drain Cleaners and How They Work

Drain cleaners available in the market today come in three forms: liquid, gel and powder. These products contain various chemicals that serve as active ingredients which initiate movement in electrons and produce heat so they can de-clog backed up drains.
These commercial cleaners are classified into three main types:

5 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Drain Cleaners

The use of commercial drain cleaners should never be your first choice for blocked drains because of the following reasons:

A Final Word

When dealing with a blocked drain, doing it yourself with the help of chemical cleaners won’t necessarily save you money— it may even cause you to spend more than you should down the line.
To ensure that your home and place of business are safe from the costly consequences of plumbing issues, contact licensed professionals offering emergency plumbing services right away.
Need help with a plumbing problem? Contact us at Blue Diamond Plumbing for fast and reliable professional plumbing solutions.

Are Commercial Drain Cleaners Safe? | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

It is worth noting, too, that in the last several years, companies that manufacture plumbing products have also paid great attention to meeting the unique requirements of people’s evolving lifestyles. This is why there are huge selections of their products that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and universally convenient.

Therefore, when you visit certain homes and business establishments, you will instantly notice that careful attention has been given to the choice of plumbing fixtures. Taps, shower heads, sinks, and toilets all possess delightful details that are stylish, purposeful, and reflect the special values of the homeowner or the business operations.

If you are building a new home or you want to give your business establishment a makeover, we, at Diamond Plumbing, believe you should keep an eye out for plumbing trends. These trends introduce implements that create a huge impact in terms of “beautility.”

And speaking of plumbing trends, listed below are seven to watch out for:

1. Sensor technology

This is the solution the plumbing industry came up with to prevent the transmission of germs and to make hygiene convenient for everyone.

Sensor technology prevents people from touching plumbing fixtures with their dirty hands. Likewise, it gets plumbing to work automatically so people with mobility issues can go about their hygiene routine more easily.

Sensor technology is now applied to toilets, taps, hand dryers, and soap dispensers.

2. Heated toilet seats with an electronic bidet and self-opening lid

This trend is actually an old one – in Japan. Over 80 per cent of households in Japan have toilets with such features, but the rest of the world – Australia included – still has a lot of catching up to do.

These toilets are the pinnacle of comfort, convenience, and hygiene in the bathroom. They do cost quite a bit of money (anything that does so much for you tends to be) but they are absolutely worthy investments especially for hospitality businesses such as hotels, resorts, shopping complexes, and restaurants.

Some of these toilets have more added features such as automatic foam dispensers to muzzle the sound of toilet use and prevent splash back, and music that plays the moment you sit down.

3. Water-saving taps and shower heads

With drought being a global issue, plumbing products that save water are quite in demand. Low water flow taps and shower heads are among such products. They release a small amount of water with strong pressure to maintain their cleaning power.

These taps and showerheads are perfect for residences and commercial establishments that are committed to preventing water wastage.

4. Unique sink designs

Unexpected designs for sinks are all the rage these days. They add beauty to kitchens and bathrooms, making trivial activities such as washing the hands or cleaning ingredients a more enjoyable experience.

There’s no shortage of extraordinary sink designs to choose from. You have everything from minimalist transparent wash basins to faucet-less ones, integrated chopping boards sinks, and many more.

If you want your bathrooms and kitchen to impress, keep an eye out for quirky sink designs that can fit into those rooms.

5. WiFi-integrated plumbing systems

If you are building a smart home, you can now tap into the power of the Internet to manage household responsibilities that require water.

For example, there are new sprinkler systems that make use of the household’s WiFi connection to generate weather forecasts. This allows the sprinkler system controller to adjust automatically and ensure the right “amount” of water to be released, as well as when to water the lawn according to the weather information generated.

If you want lawn care to be easier, our property maintenance plumbers believe this WiFi-integrated system is certainly worth checking out.

6. Health-checking toilet

This is another Japanese innovation that’s gaining popularity across the globe. This plumbing fixture was created to cater more effectively to the ageing population of the country. However, it is deemed a smart solution for any household that has a sick or ageing family member as well as care facilities for the elderly.

What this toilet does is it uses sensor technology to measure the glucose level of the user. The toilet deploys the “checking” feature when a person uses the facility, and it can help determine his or her risk for diabetes, as well as aid in the health maintenance of those who already have the disease.

7. Contemporary tap designs

Rose gold, matte black, marble, stacked stone tap designs are all trendy and they fit the modern aesthetics that a lot of people have.

They are on the pricier side but they provide the advantage of actually boosting the market value of the property. But, more importantly, they are functional plumbing products that are lovely to look at.

There you have it, seven plumbing trends that are ready to sweep the world.

If you wish to integrate any of them into your home or business establishment, our bathroom and kitchen plumbers are perfect for the job.

Call Blue Diamond Plumbing for a consultation today.

The Future of Plumbing: 7 Trends to Watch Out For | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

For large families, they can receive utility bills that can range from $ 400 to $ 500 per month during the extremely hot and cold seasons – a particularly high amount that no one will want to pay for regularly.

Appliances that use both water and energy are the usual culprits behind high household utility bills. Water heaters, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers are examples of these energy- and water-eating appliances.

If you want to receive lower utility bills every month, you have to start using these appliances smartly and more efficiently. You can do this by taking note of the plumbing services and tips below and other techniques for saving money on your electricity and water consumption:

1. Upgrade your water heater

Water heating systems are the second biggest users of electricity in the home, next to cooling and heating systems. If your water heater is already 15 or 20 years old, you may be paying more for using it every day.

As such, if your budget will allow it, consider replacing your old water heater as soon as possible. Opt for a tankless on-demand system that does not store water since this type can give you savings of up to 30 percent.

You can even choose to have a solar hot water system. With this system, you will even save more money since you won’t rely on electricity to have hot water running in your home. However, make sure you have this feature installed by a qualified solar hot water plumber so that it will function properly.

2. Insulate your water heater

In case you can’t replace your old water heater yet, you can save 4 to 9 percent on your water heating costs by insulating it.

By using a hot water heater jacket, you can prevent standby heat loss by 25 to 45 percent. With this simple insulating technique, you will be heating your water more efficiently at a lower cost.

3. Switch to a low-flow shower head

Many older shower heads release 18 to 22 litres of water per minute. If you and other family members take 10 to 15-minute showers every day, you are literally throwing money away down the bathroom drain.

To save more water and money, have a low-flow showerhead installed. With this feature, you can reduce the water coming out of your shower by 75 to 80%. And even with the lower water output, you will still get sufficient, forceful showers every time.

Other benefits of switching to a low-flow showerhead are that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

4. Use the dishwasher, washer and dryer only when full and at night

Most cities use the highest amounts of energy after lunch and dinner. Because of this, the charge for electricity use at these times is often higher.

To save money, hold off using your dishwasher, washer, and dryer until late at night. Put all the dishes and other utensils you used the whole day inside the dishwasher and turn it on at night. You will even save a few more bucks by turning off the manual “heat dry” and letting your dishes air dry instead.

Make sure your washer and dryer are also full before using them at night. You can schedule weekly or bi-weekly laundry work so that you don’t have to spend more than you should on washing your clothes.

Hand-wash large pots, pans, and other kitchenware

Bulky pans, pots, and other cooking and dining items take up a lot of room in the dishwasher. You will have to use the dishwasher twice in a day to ensure all these items are clean thereby using more energy and water.

To save more money on your water bills, do not leave the water running when you’re hand-washing these pots, pans, and other kitchenware. Use a basin so that you can avoid wasting water.

Use cold water when washing clothes

When you use hot water to wash your clothes, 80 to 90 percent of the energy your washer will use will go to heating the water. Your washer, therefore, has already consumed a lot of electricity even before it has completely washed your clothes.

On the other hand, if you use cold water to wash do your laundry, you only use about .24 kWh to run the machine – a significantly lower amount. When you regularly use cold water for laundering your clothes, you will see a considerably lower energy bill every month.

7. Clean your dryer regularly

Make sure you clean the lint trap in your clothes dryer after each use. This will help facilitate proper airflow during the drying cycle.

When your dryer has better airflow, your clothes will be dry in a shorter amount of time. And this, of course, means you will be saving on electricity.

If you want to save more money on your energy bills, air dry your clothes naturally. Use a collapsible drying rack which you can place outdoors when the sun is out.

8. Avoid drenching your lawn

Finally, if you have an irrigation or sprinkler system at home, make sure it gives your lawn the right amount of water it needs, and not more.

In general, lawns need only an inch of water per week which it can get from the sprinkler system and rain. Irrigation systems often give lawns more than the required amount of water which will cause you to have higher water consumption.

To avoid wasting money on your irrigation system, configure it properly or ask the installer to do it for you.

The tips above have been tried and tested and, thus, will allow you to save money on your utility bills in the short and long term.

You can also ask any one of our professional plumbers here at Diamond Plumbing for more advice on how you can lower your monthly utility expenditures.

8 Tips to Help You Lower Your Utility Bills | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

So, if you smell something funky or repulsive in your dwelling, the smartest thing to do right away is to determine where it is coming from and what could be causing it. From here on, it should prove easy to decide on what to do next.

For a lot of households, the smell of something that has gone bad usually originates from sanitation issues. Rubbish that has not been thrown out and mould growing in damp areas are the usual causes. However, if those are not present in your home and clearly not the reason behind the foul smell, it is most likely because of sewer gas.

What is Sewer Gas?

Sewer gas is often the result of an accumulation of waste products in the septic system. Proper plumbing prevents it from seeping out. Therefore, if you start smelling it inside your home, this is an indication that the structural integrity of your plumbing system has been compromised.

This gas is not only bad for the health because of the foul smell; its malodourous scent is due to its toxic properties. These toxic properties, therefore, make sewer gas a safety hazard as well. High levels of sewer gas toxicity can lead to a fire explosion.

What To Do About Sewer Gas

If sewer gas is stinking up your home, one of the immediate things you should do is to open the windows and doors to air out your house. It is quite dangerous and very unpleasant to contain sewer gas.

The next thing to do is to make sure you turn off anything that can cause a fire. Avoid turning on your stove or cooking anything for a while. As mentioned earlier, the toxic properties of sewer gas can cause an explosion.

Afterward, call an emergency plumbing service. Emergency plumbers are the best professionals for the job because they can attend to the problem right away so that order and safety can quickly be restored to your home.

As you wait for the plumbers to arrive, stay outdoors. You do not want to compromise your family’s health as well as your own by staying inside and inhaling sewer gas. Perhaps, consider staying elsewhere temporarily until the problem is completely taken care of.

At times, it can take a couple to several days to get rid of a sewer gas problem depending on the source of the problem. Severe sewer gas smells can be due to a combination of factors such as plumbing traps in different areas or components of your home.

The plumbing trap may be present in the roof plumbing, and/or it may be present in your wash area because of a broken washing machine plumbing setup.

Health Problems Sewer Gas Can Cause Your Family

As mentioned earlier, the toxic properties of sewer gas can lead to health complications to those who are exposed to the gas. Some of the health issues it can cause are the following:

• Eye irritation (stinging sensation and watering)
• Respiratory tract irritation (difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing)
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Temporary loss of one’s sense of smell

These health concerns may occur due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia in the sewer gas.

Highly toxic sewer gas which contains methane can also lead to death. Methane decreases the amount of oxygen in the air and causes complete suffocation after dizziness, headache, and nausea.

It definitely bears repeating that sewer gas is no small matter. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of this problem as soon as possible because failure to do so can be a matter of life and death.

Blue Diamond Is the Expert on Sewer Gas

If you wish to prevent sewer gas from becoming a problem at home, or you are currently dealing with sewer gas, Blue Diamond Plumbing can help.

We are the master plumbers for the job.

We not only have countless years of experience solving this problem for households all over Melbourne, but we also have developed the most effective plumbing solutions to restore order and safety in your home. Best of all, we can serve you right when you need us because we are the leading emergency plumbing company in the area as well.

So, the moment something smells rotten in your house and you are certain that it’s not rubbish or some dead rodent trapped somewhere, give us a call right away. Our emergency plumbers will be at your doorstep in no time, ready to take care of the situation for you.

At Blue Diamond, will not only provide you with prompt and appropriate sewer gas solutions, but we will also advise you on how to better care for your plumbing system to prevent the same plumbing issues from happening again.

You can book our services online, or call us on 03 9636 0156.

What to Do When You Smell Sewer Gas Inside Your Home | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

But even if you practise this good habit and clean your toilet frequently, you can’t expect your toilet to last forever. There will come a time when you will have to replace your toilet before or during a bathroom renovation project.

But, how do you know when you need to replace your toilet? If you see one or more of these signs, it would be best to call your plumber immediately:

1. It gets blocked regularly

If you never flush anything in your toilet except that which is allowed but it still needs plunging more than once a week, it may be time to think about replacing this bathroom fixture.

This is especially true if your toilet is already old. Many of the older models require more than one flush to get rid of solid waste. These toilets are also prone to frequent blockages as well.

If you’re tired of using the plunger to get your toilet working properly again, you may want to start talking to your plumber about replacing it.

2. It has cracks and leaks

A crack, even the smallest one, on the tank or bowl of a toilet, can get worse over time. These cracks will cause slow water leaks that can turn into a flood of water if you don’t have the fixture repaired or replaced as soon as possible. And in addition to having to deal with constant puddles of water in the bathroom, you will have to deal with a mould problem soon as well.

To prevent this problem from becoming a full-blown crisis, check your tank and bowl for any cracks when you clean the toilet. In case you spot one, it would be best to replace the toilet before it breaks completely.

But if the crack is in the toilet bowl, don’t make the decision to replace the toilet immediately; keep an eye out for leaking water whenever you flush first. If there is a leak, you will save water and protect your bathroom floor from damage if you have the toilet replaced as soon as possible.

3. It has too many scratches and stains

Scrubbing the toilet is a must if you want to keep it hygienic and sparklingly clean.

However, frequent scrubbing and using harsh chemicals can cause this porcelain fixture to get scratches and look really worn out. The whole fixture can even get stains from rusty water as well.

These scratches and stains will even become more noticeable over time. If you frequently clean your toilet tank and bowl but can’t seem to keep it completely spotless, it may be time to buy a new fixture and save yourself the extra effort of maintaining the old one.

4. It is contributing to your large monthly water bills

As already mentioned, many of the older models need more than one flush to get rid of solid waste completely. Think of all the water you’re wasting every time you and the other family members flush twice which will be reflected in your monthly water bill.

If you want to have lower monthly water bills, consider getting a low-flush toilet. This type of toilet uses six litres of water for a full flush which is considerably less than the usual 11-litre flush toilets.

By switching to a low-flush toilet, you will spend less on your water bills and, at the same time, help the environment with the water you save.

5. It is out of date

Even if your toilet is still working properly, if it looks old, consider getting a new one.

This also means you have to replace it even if it completely functional during your bathroom renovation project. If you don’t, you will have a toilet that looks out of place in your bathroom.

Keep in mind that newer models are more comfortable than older ones since they come in different heights and shapes. They come with other features as well. As such, you stand to gain more if you choose to invest in a new toilet.

6. It requires too many repairs

Lastly, frequently fixing water leaks, removing blockages, and replacing small parts such as the handle and flapper can be exhausting. If you keep calling a plumber to do all these things, your expenses will add up over time as well.

Although replacing your toilet requires a bigger expense upfront, you will still save a lot of money in the long run. And with a new fixture, you won’t have to worry about anything needing any repair or replacing soon.

Even if the toilet is one of the strongest fixtures you have in the bathroom, keep in mind that it won’t last forever. Take note of the signs above and how often they happen.

If your toilet is giving more trouble than it’s worth, call your plumber in Richmond ASAP, and ask for his or her advice on replacing this fixture.

To get help with replacing an old toilet and other plumbing problems, get in touch with us here at Diamond Plumbing via our Contact Us page.

Do You Need a New Toilet? 6 Signs to Watch Out For | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

If you found yourself nodding your head to any of those answers, you indeed aren’t alone. Most homeowners prefer to spend their energy thinking about their new appliances or the new sofa they are saving up for, instead of the pipes that keep everything moving in the house.

While they may not be as sexy as your new meditation cushion, the elements of your plumbing system are essential for the health and wealth of your home, which means they deserve a little more of your consideration.

Here are four effective plumbing maintenance best practices every homeowner should know about.

1. Be aware.

As a homeowner, there is a long checklist of things that you need to be paying attention to in order to keep your home safe and secure. In addition to security systems, the health of your appliances, and the location of your housemates, you also need to be on the lookout for any signs of issues with your plumbing.

For starters, if you are noticing your sink, shower, garbage disposal, or the like acting strange, then this could be a sign that there is a more significant problem with your drains. A clogged drain in the bathroom or kitchen (or anywhere else, for that matter) can be a red flag. You want these systems to be draining swiftly and smoothly without any gurgling noise.

Additionally, if you are noticing that your water is coming out at a higher or lower pressure than usual, this may also signify an issue. Generally, the perfect force is around 40-65 psi. If the pressure is too high, it can ruin valves and fixtures and may lead to a blowout in your supply lines. If it is too low, it can be frustrating to bathe, fill up a cup of water, or wash your clothes.

In both situations, it is necessary to fix the issue.

2. Observe routine maintenance as it is essential in extending the lifespan of your plumbing system.

Too many homeowners overlook their plumbing systems until it is too late and a significant problem has started to take hold.

Generally, if a small plumbing problem begins to develop, it will never “just go away.” In fact, the very nature of plumbing issues ensures that they are only going to increase in intensity which will inevitably lead to more problems, more destruction, and more money to get it all sorted.

For this reason, as a homeowner, you should have scheduled routine maintenance with a professional plumber to stay on top of the health of all your pipes, valves and drains.

Over time, your plumbing system will suffer from extended wear and tear, but qualified plumbers can work with them to guarantee they last as long as possible. At the very minimum, you should have an annual maintenance review by a professional plumber. They will check your pipes for leaks and corrosion, as well as your main appliances.

During these visits, a licensed plumber will be able to tell you when you need a new water heater and if there are any small issues with your water or sewer line that require additional review.

3. Sewers can cause major devastation, so watch out for blockages.

Unfortunately, most of us have experienced the terribly unique smell and the sight of raw sewage. No one wants to wake up or come home from work to be presented with this sort of disaster in their garden. It can take a lot of work and resources to get everything back to normal.

Preventative measures (see #2) are the best way to decrease your chances of experiencing such a catastrophe, as a blocked sewer doesn’t happen instantaneously.

However, if you do have a blocked sewer in Melbourne, then make sure to contact Blue Diamond Plumbing to ensure that a highly qualified plumber with years of experience will be at your door to fix the blockage ASAP.

First, they will need to assess whether the predicament is under or within your house. Next, using their advanced equipment, they will find and verify the blockage, before using their training and experience to implement the appropriate remedy.

4. It is always better to let a professional deal with it.

No matter what issue you are facing in your home, or if you are just looking for preventative measures, it is always essential that you let a professional deal with it. While many people believe they can “DIY” it themselves, generally, they end up missing the mark and having to hire a professional to come in and clean up the mess.

The best thing to do is find a professional plumber that you trust, is reliable, and knows your home through annual maintenance. Building a relationship with your plumber will make it easier for them to be on the scene and prepared should you need a reliable emergency plumber in South Yarra or wherever you reside.

How do you ensure that your plumbing is kept in good shape? What have you found that works and what doesn’t? Let us know your experiences in the comments below!

Plumbing Maintenance Best Practices Every Homeowner Should Know About | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

It is widely popular because the temperature of natural gas can easily be controlled, it is simple to install and most of all, it is energy-efficient.

But despite all these advantages, there is a downside to using it, particularly, when it isn’t sealed tight inside pipes.

CO Exposure Is Potentially Fatal

Natural gas contains carbon monoxide which is toxic to humans. An undetected gas leak, especially in an area with poor ventilation, will spread CO and reduce oxygen in the air.

When you breathe in this gas and it gets in your bloodstream, your body will start replacing the oxygen in your blood with carbon monoxide. The CO will prevent oxygen from getting to your brain until you lose consciousness. Exposure to CO is potentially fatal.

Watch out for these symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Headache
• Difficulty or irregular breathing
• Fuzzy vision
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Throwing up
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Paleness of skin

It Causes Lung Problems

Exposure to gas leaks even in small amounts can lead to respiratory problems. The nitrogen dioxide it contains can inflame the lungs and narrow breathing passages. Prolonged exposure can cause fluid to build up in your lungs and lead to chemical pneumonia.

It aggravates the condition of those with pre-existing lung problems and allergies. Consistent and regular exposure to gas leaks can lead you to develop asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, respiratory infections and impaired lung function.

It Worsens Chemical Sensitivity

Chemicals emitted in a gas leak can aggravate chemical sensitivity. For people who don’t have this condition, gas leak exposure can lead to intolerance not just to the mixture of compounds in natural gas but even to other chemicals found in the environment.

It Can Trigger A Fire Or Explosion

Natural gas contains methane with small amounts of other hydrocarbons. This makes it a highly volatile substance especially when mixed with air. The smallest flame or spark in a house with an undetected gas leak could cause a fire or explosion.

How To Recognize A Gas Leak In Your Home

Natural gas doesn’t have any smell, color or taste which makes leaks hard, even impossible to detect. Good thing utility companies add mercaptan to the gas, a harmless chemical mixed with natural gas to make it smell like sulphur, thus easier to detect.
So if you smell something that’s akin to rotten eggs, that’s a gas leak right there.
Gas leaks are also often accompanied with a hissing or whistling sound. Check the gas line connection for any visible signs of damage. Another subtle sign of a gas leak includes dying plants near the area for no obvious reasons.

What NOT To Do If You Suspect A Gas Leak

But even with mercaptan, you might still not be able to smell anything if the leak is very small. Gas leaks are not always accompanied by a hissing sound either. If ignored or not handled carefully, gas leaks can cause significant damage to life and property.

If you suspect there’s a gas leak in your home, avoid doing the following:

• Touching or turning on electrical household appliances.
• Making phone calls in the area—phones can create a spark.
• Turning the lights off or on.
• Repairing the leak yourself.

What To Do If You Suspect A Gas Leak

Here’s what you should do instead:

• Open up the windows to let out the gas.
• Turn off the gas meter (only if you know how to do it).
• Leave your house and call a qualified gas plumber Melbourne to visit your home and inspect indoor and outdoor pipelines, locate the leak and get it fixed.
• Wait for your professional gas plumber to tell you when it is safe to return to your home.

How To Prevent Gas Leaks From Happening Again

Prevention is always better than cure. Most leaks are preventable and are often the result of mistakes or carelessness during line installation, old appliances and pipelines, lack of regular inspections. It also happens when your appliance has not been hooked up correctly. As such, make sure to hire an experienced master plumber and gas fitter for safe oven installation in Melbourne.

To avoid gas leaks, it’s important to have a qualified contractor inspection your pipelines and appliances every year. Also make sure the appliance you are using is design-certified.
When you cook, it’s best to use your back burners as it sits directly under the range hood. Open the windows or turn on the fan. The color of the gas flame must be blue. If it’s orange, you need to adjust your stove.

Also remember not to line the inner part of your oven with aluminum foil. These things might sound small and simple, but it can save your life and property.

Don’t put your property, health and life at risk. For fast, expert and safe gas plumbing services, give us a call at 03 9636 0156 now.

The Health Hazards Of Undetected Gas Leaks | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

It provides more convenience for your family (imagine lining up to use the toilet when you have to go right now!). It’s definitely more comfortable for everyone when there’s an extra bathroom to use.

With an extra bathroom, you would also be adding more value to your property. In case you decide to sell, buyers would be more attracted to purchase a house with an extra room or in this case, an extra bathroom.

But building one is not as easy as it sounds especially if you are not prepared. What do we mean when we talk of preparation? What are the things you should take note of to prepare yourself for the task of building it?

Layout Plan

Are you building it on the upper level of your home or on the ground floor? How much available space do you have for the bathroom? The answer to these depends on the current layout of the house and the position of the existing plumbing. If you are going to put the bathroom where there is no existing plumbing, the farther you will have to run the pipes through the walls, the more expensive it would cost.

Fortunately, most homes have existing plumbing at the back. You can build the bathroom near that area and simply run the pipelines off the current plumbing.

What if I don’t have enough space for a bathroom?

Most builders will disagree with this—there will always be space for an extra bathroom, albeit small. For instance, a walk-in closet can be converted into a bathroom (or powder room). And you don’t even have to tear down walls to do this!

Stealing a few feet from a large room is also sufficient to make a bathroom. You only need about three feet from one side. Other possible areas where you can put a bathroom includes the space at the end of your hallway, pantry, beside the laundry area or existing bathroom and adjoining closets.

Modern shower enclosures can be surprisingly small yet functional—about 25 square feet will do. A headroom of six feet and six inches is enough so you can tuck a bathroom (or tub) under the stairs or in the attic. A second or third bathroom can be squeezed into most houses if you look closely enough.

Crawl spaces will lower the cost

PVC drain lines have to sit low in order for the water to drain. If your house sits on concrete slab or you don’t have crawl spaces, then the plumber will have to cut into the concrete (or open up walls) for the new drain line.

Aside from requiring more work and increasing costs, doing so might weaken the structural integrity of your house and encourage the development of cracks. Talk to your plumbers in Melbourne on the best possible way to approach this challenge.

Can your existing water heater supply another bathroom?

Can your water supply adequately provide both hot and cold water to the extra bathroom? Have your plumber assess the capacity of your existing water heater, the condition of your current pipes and if they are compatible with the new piping to be installed in the additional bathroom. Make sure to work only with plumbers that completely understand high-efficiently plumbing systems.

Other Tips

If your available space for an extra bathroom is really cramped, consider having the door swing out instead of in. You can also opt to install a sliding pocket door instead of a regular door.

Another trick you can do is to install skylight windows for natural light and exhaust or ducted fan for more ventilation.

Adding an extra bathroom will surely provide a good return of your investment, if not in terms of money, then in terms of comfort for your family for many years.

Things To Remember When Adding A Bathroom To Your Home | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

All these things will eventually dictate how comfortable your new home is going to be.
Plumbing is another aspect in your home you should also focus on.

When does plumbing come in when building a house? Do the bathrooms and kitchen need to be fitted first? How much will plumbing cost for a new construction? What layout/full design is the best? It’s important to have a plumbing system that works with the architectural parameters of your house.

Plumbing Basics

Plumbing has a very simple concept: water in, water out. It also features three main parts—the appliance, the water supply system and the drainage system.
But it isn’t as simple as it sounds. There is a danger to plumbing that can promote unhealthy conditions. This is why plumbing layout and design must conform to building codes—so exposure to these unsanitary conditions can be avoided.

It’s important to have a detailed layout of sanitary plumbing plan (pipe size, pipe routing diagram, etc) which also includes a list of the materials that will be used for the plumbing, tools and equipment to be used including personal protective equipment. Have these approved before starting work.

Ask your professional Melbourne plumber for the best layout or design system that will comply with the building code of Australia as well as your own personal requirements.

Optimizing Your Plumbing Layout

How can you get optimal results from your plumbing system? Take note of these things:

Plan wisely — Putting the bathrooms, kitchens and laundry room in close proximity with each other reduces the length of the piping needed to be bought and installed because then they can all share parts of the system.

Choosing high-rated materials — It might be tempting to cut costs by opting for cheaper materials. It might save you a few bucks, but only for a moment. In the long run, when the cheap materials you bought start to wear out (and they will wear out sooner than your expected), you will be paying far more in repairs.

Consider color coding your pipes — To make your plumbing easy to repair in the future, consider color coding your pipes.

Less is more — The lesser connections in your plumbing system, the less places there are for problems to occur. Your plumber should know how to create a plumbing plan with the least number of fittings.

Hiring professional plumbers — Even if you have a great plumbing design and have bought high-rate materials, it only takes one incorrectly-fitted joint to ruin the whole thing.

All these falls back to one thing: the importance of choosing only competent plumbers. It will ensure your new home will get only the best yet cost-efficient plumbing layout that will last for many years.

Building A New Home? Here Are Some Plumbing Things You Need To Know About | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

But one aspect you should never overlook is its plumbing. There might be issues requiring expensive repairs and they’re all hiding behind the walls and floors of your new would-be house. Don’t expect the seller to be too keen in telling you about these problems. So never take anything at face value and do your own inspection.

Some plumbing problems are easy to fix and can be ignored. But others aren’t as minor. If you’re buying a home, what are the things you need to look for about the plumbing? It helps to know what red flags to watch out for so you won’t run into bigger problems in the long run.

Old Water Heaters

The average lifespan of a water heater is about 10 years. If the water heater installed in the house is older than that, it might need replacing—and it doesn’t come cheap. Imagine, hot water tanks can go as high as $2,000!

There are obvious physical signs of ageing water heaters such as corrosion and dampness. But professional plumbers in Melbourne will be able to tell how old it is based on its model, serial number, the mineral deposits inside the tank among others.

It’s not just the age of the water heater you should be concerned about but also its location. Is it near a living space? If it leaks or cause flooding, will it cause further damage by affecting your furniture, wood flooring and carpet as well? Also note if the tank big enough for all your household needs.

Deteriorating Septic Tank And Sewer Lines

Checking the health of the main sewer line isn’t as obvious as say, checking if the flush works or not. But first things first…

Is there a septic tank installed in the property or do wastes go to the municipal sewer system? If there’s a septic tank, where is it? How much can the tank hold? When has it been emptied last? Is the standing water near the tank, any noticeable odors?

To check the condition of the sewer lines, you will need a professional plumber to do a video inspection. The lines might be on the verge of clogging or collapsing and you won’t even know it until it’s too late!
Lead Pipes

Houses built before 1986 often have galvanized or lead plumbing—which is bad. Lead is a common metal that although useful has adverse environmental and health effects. It is known to cause poisoning and behavioral and physical problems.
Leaks

Leaks are characterized by discoloration of the surface, corroded joints and sometimes, in worse cases, tiles don’t feel secure if you step on it. It doesn’t matter if the leak is obvious or just the size of a pinhole. Leaks are leaks no matter how small and they must be repaired. If not, it will rot your subfloor and ultimately, the finished floor which can cause you more expense.

Clogged Drains

If you turn on the tap and the water doesn’t immediately go down the drain, then the pipes are clogged. Clogged drains are normal what with hair, grease and other things getting into the drain—it can’t be helped.

However, it’s also possible that the clogging (or slow flow of water into the drain) is caused by having small pipes. Your plumber should be able to tell if your pipes are big enough (or what is big enough) for a specific area or not. The size of the pipe will also determine the water pressure you will have in your new home.

Don’t Close The Deal Too Quickly

Have a professional plumber in Melbourne inspect the house for problems. If there are issues, let the owner or agent fix them first before closing the deal. You can also haggle for a lower selling price or better yet, ask for a warranty that will cover any issues that might arise for a specific period of time.

Buying a home cost serious money. But if you don’t do due diligence, like inspecting its plumbing system, it will cost you much, much more later on.

Plumbing Basics You Should Know About When Buying A New Home | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

It’s these extreme temperatures that are the reason why Melbourne households use up to 40% of their electricity bills on heating and cooling. Reverse-Cycle split systems are popular, but installing them the wrong way can have big consequences.

Where Should You Install Your AC?

A highly efficient air conditioner depends not just on the unit itself but on where you install it. If you want your air conditioner to work efficiently, you need to know where to place it.

The Costs Of Incorrect AC Positioning

Where you install your unit has a great impact on energy efficiency. If incorrectly positioned, it will force your air conditioner to work harder than it should which could shorten its lifespan and spike up your electricity bill.

It isn’t a guessing game or a matter of aesthetics. Trained professionals know where the unit needs to be positioned so it can effectively cool your home without making the unit work overtime.

Do You Have The Right Tools?

Take a look in your garage and go over the tools that you have in there. Do you have the tools necessary to install your air conditioner? If you are not a trained professional, you most likely don’t have all the needed tools.

If you decide to purchase additional tools—tools you are not familiar with—you are endangering not just your budget, but also the air conditioning unit which you might damage.

DIY Air Con Installation Is Dangerous

AC units are electrical appliances that must be handled carefully. If you don’t have experience in doing wiring, the chance of getting hurt due to electric shock is likely.

And the danger isn’t confined during the installation of the unit. Electric shock can also happen after the AC has been installed if it has not been set up the right way from the start.

Warranty Issues

Most HVAC units and systems have a manufacturer’s warranty. This is your assurance (and their guarantee) that the product is built to last for years. However, the warranty could be voided if you don’t have the air conditioner installed by a professional.

Leave It To The Experts

Cost-cutting is the primary reason why people want to do it themselves on most projects. In some ways, it is practical and fulfilling. In other cases like AC installation, it isn’t practical.
It’s a technical job that requires a specific skill. Given all the risks above, you might end up spending more instead of saving a couple of extra dollars if you install your own ac unit. This is one task you should reserve to professional air conditioning plumbers in Melbourne.

Why You Need Air Conditioning Plumbers In Melbourne | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Antibiotics. Penicillin. Vaccines.

We may feel these things have always existed, but they haven’t been around that long. These are advances in medicine we owe scientists from the 19th century—breakthroughs that made our lives easier and life spans longer.

But another invention that’s equally important to the health of humanity, but so deeply ingrained in our daily lives that people almost ignore it, is plumbing.

Before Plumbing Was Invented

Centuries ago, outbreaks of dysentery, cholera and other such diseases occurred repeatedly partly because of inefficient plumbing system and a lack of safe public water and wastewater management.

These caused the deaths of millions of people, young and old, worldwide. It may paint a very grim picture, but it powerfully illustrates how essential plumbing and sanitation is.

With the invention and development in plumbing and safe sewage disposal, deaths from such diseases significantly decreased.

How Contamination Could Happen Today

Today, threats like these are largely nonexistent especially in developed countries like Australia because of the existence of better infrastructure and facilities.

But that doesn’t mean contamination that can lead to water-borne diseases cannot happen in modern-day homes and establishments.

• Cross Connection

A situation where wastewater can contaminate your water supply with bacteria is called a cross connection. It happens when there is backpressure and back siphonage.

Backpressure occurs when the downstream pressure is greater than the supply pressure. When this happens, downstream water (which might be contaminated) could be forced back up to your water supply.

When there is a loss in pressure (like when a fire hydrant is in use, your water main breaks or when there is a drop in water pressure in the supply line), a vacuum is created. This vacuum can consequently suck contaminants into potable pipelines.

There are many places where cross connection can occur—bidets, older bath sinks and tubs, dishwashers and washing machines connected to drains without air gaps—just as there are many possible sources of contamination (toilets, garden hoses, swimming pools).

Although cross contamination is not common, it certainly is possible. When it does happen, the consequences to your health are usually severe.

• Unfixed Leaks

Moulds thrive in an environment that is rich in organic material and moisture. In homes, it usually grow on roofs, clogged gutters, wallboards in bathrooms, basements, kitchens and other areas that are moist or has leaks that have not been fixed for awhile.

Both toxic and nontoxic moulds cause health problems in humans including asthma attacks (and the development of asthma), sinus infection, runny nose, sore throat, coughs, headaches and other respiratory problems. Moulds are also linked with fatigue and depression.

• Improper Plumbing Installation And Negligence

Not all companies that offer plumbing services in Melbourne employ certified professionals. Thus, there might not be air gaps, vacuum breakers, double check valves, backwater valves and backflow preventers in your plumbing that would help prevent cross contamination, back siphonage and wastewater backup.

Or if there are, they might be defective and you are unaware that it needs to be replaced.

There are many things to consider when it comes to plumbing (if you are occupying the lowest residence on a sewage line, if your septic system and hot water heater can handle add-ons and changes when renovating your home, etc). But only certified professional plumbers in Melbourne would completely know what they are.

• Lead Pipes

Lead has been used in plumbing for centuries. However, studies have proven that it is hazardous and can lead to poisoning. It is important to have your pipes, fittings and fixtures checked for lead to make sure that it is not in your drinking water.

• Water Acidity

Have you been regularly repairing pinhole leaks in your copper pipes? Have you noticed any blue stains in your tubs and sinks?

If you have, then it means your supply of water has a low pH. When acidic water flows through pipes, lines and taps, it can dissolve the metal (like copper and lead) used in your plumbing and can mix with your drinking water.

Over time, it can lead to gastrointestinal disorders, liver or kidney damage, and increased risk of Type-1 diabetes.

Plumbing and Health Go Hand In Hand

There is an intimate link binding plumbing with public health, of that there is no question. It’s one of the contributing factors that help us maintain good health, protecting the water supplied to our homes from pathogens and contaminants.

However, no system is absolutely safe from failure. It is important we maintain our plumbing system. Don’t take it for granted.

If you need help in maintaining your plumbing, repairing leaks or inspecting your pipes for lead, give us a call at 03 9636 0156. We’ll be happy to help and answer all your plumbing questions and concerns.

The Link Between Plumbing And Your Health | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

We clean plumbing fixtures with water and hand soap, flush things down the toilet if it can be flushed.

But the truth is, there are many myths handed down from one generation to the next that have no scientific basis.

When followed, these do-it-yourself plumbing idea fixes can cause more trouble than good.

It can damage pipes and plumbing systems that would require the help of professional plumbers in Melbourne to fix and ultimately, cost you expensive repairs.

Here are some of those myths people still follow and waste money on:

Myth 1—If It’s Just A Small Leak, Then It’s Not Really A Problem”

“It’s just a small leak…it doesn’t really matter.”

Or so we were told by our parents when we complain of “minor” leaks in our homes. But a leak, no matter how small, is not just an annoyance.

It may seem like a small thing, but when done collectively by around 10 million homes, it could waste approximately 1 trillion gallons of water each year—that’s a serious amount of water.

Water conservation is a big concern today because of insufficient water supply around the world. To keep on stalling the repair of that leak is a blatant disregard to the environment. On a personal level, it will also be money down the drain because you’d be paying for something you didn’t really use.

Besides, the drip won’t stop until you get it fixed no matter of how tight you turn off your tap.

Myth 2—Water and Soap Can Clean Plumbing Fixtures

If all it takes is water and soap to clean toilet bowls, kitchen sinks and other plumbing fixtures, then why do taps corrode even though you leave a bit of soapy water on it whenever you wash your hands?

Soaps, no matter how mild, can corrode fixtures, especially brass plumbing fixtures. It can damage the surface, making them bubble and peel off. Toilet bowls need to be cleaned with a stronger disinfectant to kill bacteria effectively.

Remember: lifetime warranties on plumbing products become void when the finish of the fixture has been damaged by soap.

Myth 3—If It Can Go Down The Toilet, Then It’s Flushable

Although the toilet can take human waste and toilet paper, that’s just about all it can take.

People mistakenly think they could also flush wet wipes, facial tissues and the like down their toilet. However, these types of tissue or paper, have been designed to absorb moisture and stay together even when wet. It will not disintegrate on its way to the sewer.

Over time, it will clog up your sewer system and cost you expensive repairs.

Another thing you should not flush is pharmaceutical products. It might not clog up your toilet, yes, but the chemicals it contains get pumped into groundwater, rivers and lakes and contaminate it. Even wastewater treatment plants cannot remove all the chemicals in drugs.

There are many things you can’t flush down the toilet. But to keep things simple, if it’s not human waste or toilet paper, don’t flush it.

If you notice early signs of clogging like a slow-moving disposal, it’s best to stop using it to avoid further damage. Call a plumber in Melbourne to get it in working order again.

Myth 4—Blockages Happen Unexpectedly

A lot of people imagine that if they accidentally drop a bar of soap down the toilet or drain, it will result to immediate blockage and a deluge of water flooding their homes.

But it doesn’t work that way. Blockages happen because of scum, hair, dirt, oil from our bodies, etc. that build up over time. They stick to your pipes (much like how cholesterol builds up and stick to arteries) and narrow down your drain.

It takes many months, years before you see standing water in your sink. If you disregard it, it will eventually block your drain and require extensive drain cleaning later on.

Myth 5—You Don’t Have To Maintain Your Plumbing Fixtures

Just because plumbing fixtures are as cold as steel and as hard as a boulder doesn’t mean they don’t need maintenance.

Like every part of your home, plumbing needs a little TLC every now and then. Fixtures inside homes and pipes need to be inspected for obstruction (tree roots, shifting home foundations, clogs). Otherwise, you risk running into serious problems that would need pipe or sewer line replacement.

How Are Your Plumbing Vents Doing?

Are you experiencing any of these things?

• Slow-moving flushing of water in sinks, toilets and drains
• Gurgling sound after your flush the toilet
• Stinky smell from the septic tank or sewer
• Toilet doesn’t fill back up with water after flushing

If you are, then it’s likely you have a plumbing problem. Whether it’s a blockage or something else would be hard to determine without consulting qualified and licensed Melbourne plumbers. Call 03 9636 0156 so we could help accurately diagnose the problem and get it working again for you.

The 5 Most Common Plumbing Myths You’re Wasting Your Money On | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Think about it — the provision of water and electricity, your plumbing system, and your security system all help to enable the household to perform routine tasks and experience convenience at all times. Without them, people would not have the basic necessities to function.

As such, it pays to take care of these systems. This entails regularly inspecting their condition, getting professionals to perform routine maintenance and emergency repairs (when needed), and making sure payments are kept up to date so that the services won’t be interrupted.

In addition, homeowners must be familiar with the appropriate safety guidelines regarding these systems. For example, when it comes to gas plumbing, Melbourne residents need to exercise extra care when handling the mechanisms involved. And to keep the family protected at all times, it’s essential to be aware of potential issues that may arise and the proper way to deal with these.

A crucial plumbing matter

When it comes to residential plumbing, a gas leak is one of the most dangerous problems that could arise. Most households are aware that gas has a particular smell — an odorant is mixed into natural gas so that people will be able to detect when there is gas leaking into a room. When you notice this smell, plumbing professionals need to be called in immediately.

However, there are instances when households fail to detect the smell of gas.

A person could be asleep inside a room, for example. If he remains inside the room, which is an enclosed environment, the gas could keep him from breathing in sufficient oxygen, and this can become fatal when prolonged.

Likewise, if there is a gas leak and you unknowingly create a spark, the gas will ignite — causing significant harm to a person’s life and serious damage to the property.

How to keep safe

It helps to educate yourself and the whole family on the different ways to ensure safety when interacting with gas appliances at home as well as the best things to do in case a gas leak occurs. Here are the best examples:

Know how to properly turn off all gas appliances.

Forgetting to turn off the oven is a common occurrence that has even become a popular kind of joke, but it should be treated seriously. Even when you’re busy in the kitchen or getting ready to go out, turning off the oven should always be something you do before you step out, and make sure to double check it as well. This will help prevent your appliances from leaking gas.

Pay attention to the colour of the flame.

The flame produced by appliances that burn gas should be coloured blue. Take time to check it whenever you use the appliance; when you see that the flame has turned yellow or red, contact your trusted plumbers immediately to find out if the appliance is still safe to use.

Identify the symptoms of gas poisoning.

Finally, if a gas leak goes undetected within your home, your family may be inhaling the gas and will soon begin exhibiting signs of mild to severe gas poisoning. Watch out for these symptoms: shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and weakness. See a doctor right away and call your plumbers as soon as possible.

Gas Plumbing (Melbourne): Safety Tips | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

All plumbing work should be executed by a licenced and insured plumber, even if it involves something as seemingly simple as drain unblocking. Melbourne professional plumbers would actually tell you that it’s neither simple nor easy. You need the combination of know-how, experience, and tools to be able to unblock drains in a truly successful manner. Experts shudder at the idea of the implements laypeople would deem fit to use for unblocking drains.

If you’re curious about the nifty pieces of plumbing machinery that professional plumbers use for addressing drain blockage, the following list will give you an idea:

• Hand tools – Augers, hand spinners, and sewer tape are some of the manual tools used to remove tough obstructions and break up hard blockages. These can be used on a variety of drains – from lavatories to sink lines, to urinals, to bath drains, etc.
• Sink machines – These basically do the same work as hand tools, but with more power, quicker results, and much less mess on the worker’s hands, the work area, and involved fixtures.
• Drum machines – These are used for cleaning indoor drains such as sink lines, floor drains, and roof vents. They are powerful and easy to transport. Some models are sophisticated with a cable control system and a blockage detector that emit audible warnings when any is encountered. They may also have accompanying accessories such as a toolbox and a selection of cutters.
• Sectional machines – These come with different-sized cables for cleaning different sections. They are used for all types of drain cleaning, from residential to commercial, to industrial, etc. They are often compact enough to fit in small spaces but powerful enough to clear blockages.
• Rodder machines – These are mainly for straight main line work in public and industrial drains. As per the name, they drive sectional sewer rods through long but straight and large diameter pipes.
• Water jetting machines – These are mostly for commercial and industrial applications with their hoses blasting through blockages made up of sludge, grease, soap, and sediment. They may be used for residential drains as well when necessary.

The drain unblocking Melbourne plumbers perform involves more than the hot water and plunger remedies people read about online. It’s really best that a professional addresses any issue of drain blockage right away in order to save time, effort, and even money.

Drain Unblocking Tools Professional Plumbers Use | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

It goes without saying that it is imperative to repair burst pipes immediately upon discovery, hence the need to get an emergency plumber over right away. The effects of one burst pipe can be dramatic and devastating, causing immense damage to property and putting people out of their home. If it happens on the main system, it can even leave an entire neighbourhood without precious water for days.

With the increased population in the Melbourne suburbs and the more complicated modern plumbing systems, failing to repair burst pipes can lead to so much more trouble. If it happens to you, you’ll not only have to deal with the cost of repair and the inconvenience of lack of water while the problem is being fixed, but the damage to your home and possessions as well. This hits you both financially and emotionally.

If the burst pipe is in the ceiling or floor, it may take a while before it becomes evident. You’ll probably notice by the appearance of a bulge or the actual torrent of flowing water. What potential water loss do you have to contend with if you have an unaddressed burst pipe? It can be as much as 400 litres an hour. Think of it as two full baths. Let’s say you were away for 24 hours; that could mean up to 9,600 litres of water or 48 full baths. If you were away for an entire week, that would be 47,200 litres of water uselessly down the drain.

As mentioned, burst pipes most commonly stem from frozen temperatures and unprotected piping. If you don’t have the correct temperature warming up your pipes, including those located outside, they could freeze. The water in them expands as it turns into ice, eventually cracking or altogether breaking the pipes. It’s even more unfortunate that pipes are usually hidden in flooring, walls, and roof spaces, so when they burst, the damage could be really significant. This is one of the reasons why insuring your home is absolutely necessary.

There are some ways to reduce the risk of a burst pipe, but it’s going to be difficult with some pipes being underground or located some place that’s hard to reach, so the best that you can do is to let your tap drip during freezing weather and keep your house warm, drain your water system if you’ll be away, and if a pipe does burst, shut off your water mains tap right away and get your emergency plumber over.

The Urgent Need to Repair Burst Pipes | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

What could you have done or been doing to deserve this gross fate? Actually, sewer backup can happen to the best of us, even those who’ve been very careful. It’s just more likely to happen if you do any of the following:

• • Flush unsuitable items down the toilet

    – What are some of these? Disposable diapers, tampons and sanitary pads, kitty litter, as well as oil and grease. None of these should go down the toilet. Put them in the trash to dispose of them.

• • Rinse oils, grease, and fats down the sink

    – These come from bacon, burgers, mayonnaise, butter, and cooking oil. What makes them even more troublesome is that they solidify about 25 feet into your sewage line, the point where the hot water that goes down the drain cools off. Clearing more than 10 feet of a pipe is definitely a job for a pro with the right know-how and tools. What else shouldn’t you allow to go down your drain? Coffee grinds, egg shells, and orange peels are known blockage culprits as well.

• • Plant trees near your sewer line

    – When roots get big enough, they can get inside pipes and form root balls that block your sewer. There are products you can use to get rid of the root, but the chemicals in them will also kill the plant.

If you live in an older home, it’s possible that your pipes have deteriorated. If this is the case, they can corrode, break and cause a block for the system. If you suspect that your pipes are old, you may want to address the issue before any problem occurs. Call your plumber to see how you can go about replacing your pipes.

In any case, a blocked sewer in Melbourne is cause to call a plumber. It’s best to let the pros handle it as a DIY effort could backfire and worsen the problem in the most disgusting way.

Common Causes of a Blocked Sewer in Melbourne | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Unlicensed gas work is dangerous and illegal. Besides this, the warranty on your appliances may also become void if it has been tampered with by somebody who is not a licensed specialist.

If you’re under the impression that any plumber you contact can take on gas work, this is not the case. Many gasfitters are plumbers, but not every plumber is also a gasfitter. For this reason, if you’re having trouble with your gas hot water system, make sure the service you hire is licensed and insured both as a plumber and as a gasfitter.

There are about 16,000 plumbers in Victoria; only 7,000 of them are licensed gasfitters, so if you’re looking for a plumber, choose one that advertises himself as a licensed gasfitter as well. Don’t just take their word for it either. Ask to see their ID endorsing them to perform gas work.

Why is it so important to engage the services of a legitimate gas plumber? What does it mean to hire a plumber who is also a gasfitter? It indicates that the plumber has undergone sufficient appropriate training to safely complete gas work, and then passed the competency exams before finally being registered with the Victorian Building Authority.
Keep in mind, however, not to assume that a licensed and experienced gas plumber in Melbourne is fit to install all types of gas appliances. Be sure to ask first.

What are the different gas fitting tasks that a specialist may perform for you?

• Installation, conversion, repair, and maintenance of gas appliances.
• Installation of gas bottle, including regulators, gas lines, pigtails, and changeover valves.
• Gas flue pipes installation and repair.
• Installation of gas metres, valves, as well as other related pipe work.
• Gas pressure adjustment.
• Gas detection system installation.
• Test for and repair of leaks.

Gas, unlike water, is a tricky and volatile matter to deal with. You can ensure safety of all concerned as well as general satisfaction with the service by being meticulous about the specialist you hire.

Why You Need a Licensed and Experienced Gas Plumber in Melbourne | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

This is understandable. How can you plan for such a thing as a plumbing emergency? The most that you can do is research. Find out which company among the various 24-hour plumbing services in Melbourne you should call. Have its contact information included in your list of emergency numbers and you’ve done as much as you could. Of course, if your problem involves water, common sense will tell you to shut off the water mains. For everything else, make your call to your chosen plumbing service and get instructions on what you can do while waiting for your plumber to get to your place.

When choosing among the 24-hour plumbing services in Melbourne, you need a process that will help you make the right choice. Right off, decide not to base it on rates. It’s natural to worry about costs, but if you go with the cheapest solution, you’ll probably have to deal with even more expensive repairs not too far off in the future.

So what do you need to do to pick out the right service to call in case of a plumbing emergency?

• • Call and get a feel from the answer. Pay attention to the nuances of that call, no matter how short. Did you get a live person or an answering machine? Did the person who answered seem like he’s happy to assist you or did he rush your call and make you feel like a nuisance?

• • Find out how forthcoming the company is about pricing. Over the phone, you’re likely to be given a base price, which can significantly climb when the plumber gets to your house. If the person you talk to adequately explains that you can be charged higher, then you can take it as a sign of transparency and goodwill.

• • Ask the hard questions. It’s easy enough to get confirmation on licences, qualifications, and insurance, but you might feel a little uncomfortable asking about drug tests and background checks. People can get touchy about these matters, so go with a company that has no problem answering that all its technicians have been drug-tested and background-checked.

• • Read online reviews from neutral sites. Official websites feature testimonials but it’s best to read reviews in community message boards or blogs. Exercise enough sense to figure out if a review, no matter if it’s positive or negative, is genuine or not.

It’s good to do your research now before the need arises. This ensures you that you won’t be settling for the first plumber you can reach at three in the morning.

How to Choose Among the 24-Hour Plumbing Services in Melbourne | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

A thorough plumbing maintenance cannot prevent plumbing emergencies, especially if you live in an old house. What are the most common plumbing emergencies you should watch out for? When should you call in the experts in emergency plumbing (Docklands)?

Leaking taps

When taps leak water, the annoying sound produced should be the least of your concerns. Apart from wasting water, leaking taps can lead to larger problems, including the growth of mould and damage to property, especially those made with timber. In this instance, you will need to turn off the water mains and then call an emergency plumber.

Burst pipes

Arriving home and seeing that your property has been flooded is one of the worst experiences you can have as homeowner. Apart from the sight of water rapidly gushing out and flooding different parts of your home, matters can become complicated with the idea that as each second passes, your water bill, and the damage to your property, increase exponentially. The first thing you need to do is to turn off the water mains and locate the burst pipe.

Blocked drains and toilets

This is another perennial problem among property owners. Left unchecked, this can turn into a serious problem that leads to additional woes like health issues and further damage to property. If using the plunger does not solve the problem, call in the expert.

Gas leaks

Under no circumstances should you put off calling in an emergency plumber if you notice signs of a gas leak. At the first sign of a leak, turn off the main gas valve, get out of the house, and call in an expert.

Before the plumber arrives

While you are waiting for the emergency plumber to arrive, there are a few things that you can do. Apart from turning off the water mains to contain the leaks/flooding, you can clear the area of unnecessary clutter and remove as much water as you possibly can. Also, if there are children and/or pets in the household, you can put them in a room in your home to avoid disturbing the plumbers while they are at work.

Emergency Plumbing – Docklands Locals’ Most Commonly Encountered Problems | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

If you were to assign placement to these four based on importance, many would pick a toilet and wash basins to be first. You can bring your own water, wait to go home before changing, and bring a ready-to-eat meal for lunch, but you can’t very well bring your own toilet and sink. Considering the frequency and urgency of their use, they have to be in good working condition at all times.

If you’re an employer, you want to make sure that there are working toilets and running water at your workplace, first and foremost, for the comfort of your employees and your visitors. Secondly, these provisions must be in place to avoid a visit from the local health and safety inspector, which may then lead to the temporary closure of your workplace.

What if your office were to suffer blocked drains? Melbourne CBD businesses should understand the importance of a working toilet and sink, so in case of problems, they should call a nearby plumber fast. A blocked toilet or drain can prove to be very inconvenient and unhygienic. If not dealt with efficiently and immediately, it can turn into a real nightmare. It may even cause you to make the decision yourself to close your office until the situation has been resolved.

How do you know if you have blocked drains? Melbourne CBD employers should look out for slow draining water, gurgling, and foul odours coming from the drains. These mean that your workplace requires emergency drain clearance. Blockages are often caused by a build-up of oils, greases, fats, soap residues, silt, dirt, leaves, and possible foreign objects in the infrastructure of your drainage. They should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Blocked drains are quite common, especially in places where the facilities are put under a lot of pressure. Experienced professional plumbers can easily address these cases in no time at all. The important thing to do on your part is to call right away for immediate service in order to prevent any more unpleasantness from occurring. A quick solution will also prevent the situation from worsening to the point of bearing a major implication on your business’s operations.

Blocked Drains – Melbourne CBD Offices Should Call a Nearby Plumber Fast | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

For anything that will be connected to a gas line, it’s very important that the installation is done according to established safety regulations. You can only be sure of full compliance with safety standards to ensure your home is free from gas-related risks if an experienced gas plumber carries out the installation.

Gas plumbers have undergone stringent training for a completely safe installation of natural gas lines and appliances, and to be able to help with any natural gas issue that your household may be dealing with. For example, if you wish to reduce your consumption of natural gas, this professional can provide plenty of conservation tips applicable to your gas appliances. Apart from that, he can also offer sage advice on how to ensure the proper functioning of gas appliances so you can be sure to get the best mileage out of them and avoid costly, frequent repairs or a quick turnover.

However, it’s crucial to note that not all gas plumbers can deliver the same quality of service. There are licensed gas plumbers, and there are also ones with a master plumbing licence. Likewise, there are greenhorns, as well as those who have been in the industry for decades. If you have a wide selection of such professionals to choose from in your locality, it’s best to go with established masters of the trade that have had many years of experience. You can be certain that they have encountered many gas issues that households deal with, and that they have a proven effective and fast work system for dealing with home gas issues and installation.

Don’t forget to look into their reputation, too. It would be to your advantage if the gas plumber you hire is a professional with a nice disposition, knows how to listen, and is considerate of your requests, enquiries and other concerns. Not all masters of the trade are easy to talk to and work with.

So, if you wish for a completely professional installation services for your gas appliances, get a reputable and highly experienced gas plumber for the job. Not only will installation be done right and according to industry requirements, but you also get the side benefit of a smooth relationship with your contractor.

A Gas Plumber Melbourne Locals Trust Explains Why Only Professionals Should Install Gas Appliances | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

The ideal reaction, of course, would be to keep your head and remember to call for some emergency plumbing. Melbourne customers, just like most people may be unable to always think straight under pressure, so some of them may choose to take a different and potentially detrimental route. Some might try to remedy the situation themselves, whereas others might call somebody they know who may have a little bit of knowledge about plumbing. These are not the recommended measures in that kind of situation.

When there is a plumbing emergency, Melbourne home or business owners must remember and heed the following steps:

• 1. First and foremost, do not panic. Call your emergency plumber right away. You can apprise him of the situation so he can advise you on what to do to keep it from getting worse and causing further damage. As your plumber heads over to your house, you can take the succeeding steps while you wait for him to get there.
• 2. Take care of your electricity, Depending on the layout of your house and the kind of damage involved, you may have to go to your mains box and turn off your power or at least isolate it in certain areas. In case your electricity is definitely involved, you will also have to call your electrician.
• 3. Take care of the water source. If you can, go to the mains and turn it off.
• 4. Stop the water from spreading to other parts of the house. Try to stymie the flow with towels. Block its entry into other rooms with even more towels.
• 5. See to your furniture. Once you’ve taken care of your electricity and the water, you can then focus on saving your things. Your wooden furniture will need to be moved out of the wet room to prevent warping and other damages.
• 6. Be patient and wait for your plumber. Do not try to fix the problem yourself. It is very possible that you will end up making it worse. Leave the job to somebody who knows what he is doing.

A plumbing emergency can go from bad to worse if you fail to have some presence of mind and take the recommended steps. Make the correct move by calling your plumber right away.

6 Steps To Take When In Need Of Emergency Plumbing – Melbourne | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

When it comes to checking the water and gas connection, Melbourne professional plumbers have listed a few important steps and tips.

One of the first things that you need to make sure of is that the water heater tank is located in the right place. The best location for a water heater’s tank is an open space with at least 76 cm of working clearance in the front.

Water heaters should not be placed inside a bedroom, bathroom or closet, even if these are no longer occupied. If the water heater is going to be placed in the garage, it is important to consult with the authorities first and to enforce safety measures, like the installation of crash barriers.

Once the tank has been installed, it is important to periodically check it for signs of corrosion. Corrosion of the tank may arise due to either a leak inside or the high moisture level in its location.

Check for blackened areas near the burner. More often than not, this is a sign that the water heater is not burning fuel properly.

Using a combustible gas leak detector, check your water heater for signs of gas leaks. To perform this test, you need to turn the gas valve a little bit in order to make sure that it is not in the Off position. Do not turn the valve all the way as this will shut the pilot light off. After switching the gas to Off, conduct a visual inspection.

Make sure that the draft hood is positioned securely and that the vent stack has the proper rise.

Next, open a nearby tap to test the heater’s burner. This will allow you to test the burner without altering the control, and check the plumbing drain as well.

After turning on the heater, look for signs of back drafting. The exhaust should move through the exhaust stack. Perform the draft test with the furnace turned on and off.

Check the temperature of the pipes. Those labelled hot and cold should have the right temperature. If these pipes are reversed, the water heater will not perform optimally.

Inspecting Water and Gas Connection – Melbourne Pros Share Tips | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

How do you do it? You need to follow a maintenance plan that works for your household. You also need to stay ahead of any troubling signs that spell disaster for your plumbing—and immediately call a professional plumber. Docklands residents may want to take note of these five critical signs that indicate you have plumbing problems.

1. The Slow-Dripping Tap

If you have a lot of patience, slow-dripping taps might not seem like such a bad thing. In fact, you might even think you’re saving water because you’re just not using a large volume of it. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Slow-dripping taps may actually be a symptom of a leak somewhere in your system.

So by letting the slow-dripping tap take its sweet time, you are actually wasting water—and with it, paying higher water bills.

2. Water, Water Everywhere

Examples are when you step onto your yard and there are puddles of water where pipes may be laid, or when you go down to your basement and certain areas are damp. Water should not appear where it should not be, indoors or outdoors. When this happens, you may have leaks in your pipes. Water will not only damage your property but it could also invite pests that bring diseases.

You want to take care of this problem immediately. Call a Docklands plumber and find the source and the extent of the leak.

3. The Blocked Toilet

This is a problem that might not be resolved with the humble plunger. You might even end up damaging your toilet with it. Blocked toilets that cannot be fixed with plungers may indicate sewage line problems. And this means the expertise and proper equipment of professional plumbers.

4. Fish Smell and Rotten Eggs

Your water may smell like fish because it could have barium in it. Barium in the water could indicate a filter failure. Your water could also smell like rotten eggs because there is sulfur issue coming from somewhere in your system. Call your Docklands plumber when something does not smell right with your water.

5. The Noisy Plumbing System

Your plumbing should not make a sound, especially when it isn’t being used. When your house is free and clear of ghosts, and your plumbing system suddenly acts up at night, you need to make that call to your plumber. Find out what is behind the noise. Get it fixed. And sleep soundly.

5 Critical Signs You Need a Plumber – Docklands Service Areas | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

To help in managing this momentous task (and all the surprises that may come along with it), the plumbing company has rounded up some of their tried and tested tips.

• Create a plan for dealing with the disruptive nature of renovation tasks for the bathroom or kitchen if you do not intend to temporarily move out and make way for the project. Determine where you will shower and cook while these rooms are all a mess. Perhaps you can set up an outdoor shower, or cookoff of a hot plate or the barbie to get through the necessary daily activities of cooking, eating and bathing.
• Hire a good plumber or gas master for tasks that cover pipes. You can’t mess with these components because a misstep with a gas appliance or pipe can lead to fatal consequences.
• If you wish to effectively stick to your budget, conduct your research on building products’ prices online. Doing this will help you avoid any hidden costs, and at the same time, you’ll be able to determine which items you actually can spend more money on. Do you want those fancy imported taps, or a new solar-powered heating system? You can work all these into the renovation budget better if you know the prices of all your building needs as well as those special arrangements that will allow you to cut costs.
• Save a bit more money by determining which items you can salvage and repurpose for the renovation project, as well as green solutions available on the market such as low flow showerheads and taps.
• Over-order products. This may seem to be counterproductive in terms of keeping expenses low during renovation, but in the long run, you may actually end up saving money by ordering more than the specific amount of materials needed. You can use the excesses for future repairs.
• Don’t obsess over the schedule; make your expectations realistic because it’s very common for home renovation projects to take longer than the initial projection of completion.

A North Melbourne Plumbing Company Shares Tips for Those Renovating Homes This Season | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Plumbing specialists will have a thorough understanding of the complexities of household and commercial plumbing systems, as well as top-notch tools and equipment needed to perform their tasks. This ensures not only that the repair, renovation and maintenance job is accomplished to standard, but also that all people and properties involved are kept safe and protected from accidents, injuries and damage — all in all, they come in to do the job and leave the plumbing system in your home, office or store in great working condition, without messes and loose ends.

Founded in 1985 and based in South Melbourne, Blue Diamond Plumbing began working on new homes, repairs and commercial contracts before it began specialising in Emergency Plumbing, Property Maintenance, and Repairs and Renovations in 2001 — that’s 30 years of industry experience that you can count on to get your home or establishment’s plumbing system back in great shape.

If the damage or problem in your household, office, or commercial establishment is traced to your roof, Blue Diamond Plumbing will fix you up with a highly qualified roof plumber. St Kilda structures that are built with metal, laser light and fiberglass roofs can trust that our team of experts can address and resolve all leaks and damage to these kinds of roofs. They will also be highly trained and certified to perform other related tasks:

• Working safely at heights, on roofs
• Locating and clearing blockages
• Handling and storing plumbing materials
• Using hand and power tools for plumbing
• Fabricating and installing roof drainage components
• Fabricating and installing external flashings
• Selecting and installing roof sheeting and wall cladding
• Installing roof components, roof coverings (to curved roof structures) and composite roof systems
• Making flash penetrations through walls and roofs
• Cutting and joining sheet metal
• Installing thermal and acoustic environmental protection systems
• Installing and fixing metal roofs, gutters, flashings and down pipes
• Erecting and dismantling restricted height scaffolding
• Carrying out Work Health and Safety requirements

Contacting seasoned and highly trained professionals to take care of your roof plumbing issues for you assures you that your property is handled with care and that the problem is effectively targeted and resolved so that the affected components will function properly once again. So don’t leave your plumbing issue (and the integrity of your structure) to DIY methods — call up Blue Diamond Plumbing at the first sign of a plumbing emergency.

Ring Up the Roof Plumber — St Kilda Facilities Require the Real Deal | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

You need to make sure this one household appliance is in good condition: the boiler.

Unfortunately, like most appliances, your boiler is not going to perform forever. At some point, you will need to replace it with a new one. A new boiler will mean limitless hot water delivered to multiple taps. And, of course, a comfortable and rather toasty winter.

Here are signs that indicate you need a new boiler installed by a plumber. Melbourne residents will need a professional for the job because the right replacement and installation will improve efficiencies as well as guarantee comfort.

• You’re hearing unusual sounds — and your kids are not even on the video gaming console.
  Strange noise is a good first clue that tells you a new boiler is in order. Your existing boiler may have deposits inside it causing pockets of water and rapid heat build-up, which then create such odd popping or knocking sounds. Now when water from the tank re-enters this system, you will hear even more unusual sounds.

• You see a puddle of water at the base of the boiler.
  A leak is a definitive sign of bad things. A leaky tap is annoying. A leaky pipe may signal blocked systems. And water leaking from your boiler means it needs serious attention.A number of causes may lead to leaks such as cracks in the body, boiler pressure problems, loose joints, and damage to the boiler seals. Whatever the cause, it may mean replacement.

• Your energy bills continue to increase, as though you were living with 10 other people.
  No one likes to pay for utilities beyond the budget. When your energy bills arrive and you feel like you’re about to have your first heart attack, then something is seriously wrong with your boiler. Boilers can account for a significant portion of your bill.Replacing an old and poorly running one will allow you to cut heating costs.
• Water temperature goes from hot and then to cold, while the tap is on.
  Finally, when the water temperature makes that kind of switch, you do need a new boiler installed.

Don’t let these signs go unnoticed. Listen. Pay attention. And call a Melbourne plumber to put a new boiler in place.

Immediate Signs You Need a New Boiler Installed By a Plumber – Melbourne | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

A properly working plumbing system is so vital that it can be a huge hassle, not to mention a big expense, when something goes wrong with it. A leaking pipe, a blocked drain, a toilet that doesn’t seem to flush properly – these and other plumbing problems can wreak havoc on your schedule, bring so many inconveniences, and even compromise your health.

Therefore, as with any vital component of your home, it’s important to be proactive when it comes to the upkeep of your plumbing system. Instead of reacting only when problems occur, it’s better to take a proactive approach through regular check-ups so that you can detect issues early on. Port Melbourne plumbers can attest that regular plumbing maintenance is one of the most important investments you can ever make for your home.

With proper and regular maintenance, you can address issues immediately before they become full-blown problems. Technicians from your trusted plumbing agency can identify which parts are already worn down and need repair or replacement. They can tell you the components that are worth upgrading so you can enjoy better water pressure and be rest assured that your plumbing system will reliably be in good condition at all times.

Aside from preventing, detecting and solving issues, regular plumbing maintenance can also help you improve the efficiency of your system, especially your water heater, so that it consumes less energy without sacrificing the quality of its performance. With an energy-efficient water heater, you can save a significant amount of money over time, thanks to lower energy bills. Moreover, by lowering your energy consumption, you reduce the carbon footprint of your household, allowing you contribute to helping protect the environment.

Another way that you can save money from regular plumbing maintenance is from the reduced need for costly repairs and replacement. When small issues are fixed early on, you can avoid premature damage of your plumbing system, prevent catastrophic accidents, and therefore extend the life of the system’s components.

Make sure to put your plumbing concerns in the hands of reliable professionals. Invest in regular maintenance now. For your own peace of mind, it’s best to deal with trusted emergency plumbing specialists so you know that you’ll have someone to call for urgent assistance.

Port Melbourne Plumbers Discuss the ROI of Regular Plumbing Maintenance | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

If adding another bathroom doesn’t work for your finances, for now, renovating it might be doable. You can add more space by extending it or you can improve the layout and, thus, make it more comfortable and manageable to move into. But before you start tearing down walls with a sledgehammer, you should hire a plumber. Melbourne experts recommend talking to one for the following reasons.

Plumbing lines will affect your bathroom design.

Knowing the current placement of existing pipes in your bathroom will keep your expectations realistic. You might want special features so your bathroom takes on a spa-like atmosphere or you might want your sink or tub placed strategically to make use of the view. But if your current pipe layout does not work for your wish list, you may go over your budget.

Licensed plumbers in Melbourne will recommend which of your bathroom additions or changes would work for the existing layout of the pipes.

The right plumber will improve the efficiency of your bathroom.

From water- and energy-efficient fixtures to better drain lines, the right plumber will make significant improvements to your bathroom. You don’t have to worry about clogs in the future. You can conserve water. And you can take a shower without thinking about the drains not being able to handle increased water flow.

A licensed plumber can prevent future costly repairs. The wrong pipes could be easily damaged during harsh weather. Unresolved leaks could lead to mould. Bathrooms with poor plumbing design and materials would not only be costly in the future, but also become hazardous for anyone to use.

Your plumber can recommend the appropriate changes where necessary so that you don’t have to worry about such things.

Hiring a plumber for your bathroom renovation will ensure that the project runs smoothly.

Delays not only cost money. They also become inconvenient for you and your family. And delays are generally caused by mistakes during the renovation. Like when the tiles are installed or the walls are painted and suddenly leaks start showing.

For every bathroom renovation, plumbing becomes top priority. With the right plumbing design, changes, or upgrade, you can ensure the form and function of your new bathroom for years to come.

So talk to a Melbourne plumber today. And get the best bathroom renovation.

Why Your Bathroom Renovation Needs a Plumber — Melbourne Expert Lists Reasons | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

And in Melbourne, including the whole of Australia, a licence is essential for doing any kind of plumbing job.

When it concerns the drainage system for collecting and disposing of storm water, the downpipes, the gutters, and the like, you need the expertise of roof plumbers; Melbourne carpenters would not be able to work on plumbing jobs associated with your roof.

Roof plumbers can help you during the construction of your home. They will provide you with the design and installation of your property’s roof drainage systems, making sure it is done the right way to prevent future problems. They can also work with you on installing rain water tanks, and constructing roof flashing, ductwork joints, and other key roofing components.

Roof plumbers know exactly how to make sure storm water is sufficiently drained, and therefore kept away from your home. When water seeps into your property and it is left unnoticed, it could lead to mould and mildew, which create health issues; it could also create leaks in the roof, which will degrade your property. And in the worst case scenario, water damage may create property erosion and foundation issues, which are dangerous.

In addition to installation and perhaps fabrication, your roof plumbers are also qualified to do maintenance projects and repair jobs. The best roof plumbing service can come up with the appropriate maintenance plan that prevents costly and hazardous problems in your property.

When roof plumbers are involved in the design and construction phase of your property, your storm water drainage system and all essential roofing components will perform as expected. You will keep your home safe. You will save yourself the cost of future repairs. And you maintain the value of your property.

Should anything unfortunate happen, gutters get damaged or the storm water drainage just fail to work, your roof plumber can come in and fix it right away.

From high-quality installation work to impeccable repair jobs, roof plumbers in Melbourne are valuable tradesmen you should hire before you ever need one. When you have one programmed in your speed dial, you never have to worry about leaks and damaged roof drainage systems for long.

Why You Need Roof Plumbers Melbourne Companies Offer | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

Do-it-yourself projects are not always applicable to all things around the home, especially when those projects require expertise. And where your plumbing is concerned, credentials are crucial to guarantee that the small repair issue does not turn into a great big expensive problem — or worse, a safety issue.

Hiring a Melbourne plumber as opposed to repairing a plumbing issue on your own is a good investment. It is a good investment because you will be assured that the problem gets fixed right away. It is a good investment because you get to use your hot water system or toilet immediately. And it is also a good investment because certain plumbing projects will be too complicated for DIY approaches.

Gas fitting, for one, is not a job for novices. You need qualified plumbers to handle gas fittings and installations. The law requires it for safety reasons. A qualified gas fitter will make sure that your property (and your neighbourhood) is free from and clear of potential carbon monoxide poisoning and the threat of fire and explosions.

Only professional Melbourne plumbers have the knowledge and the training to do gas fittings and installations. They can test units. They will make the required adjustments. And they will make sure that you, your family, and your neighbours are safe.

Aside from gas fittings and installations, blocked toilets could also get complicated, not to mention terribly nasty. Not all blocked toilets are instantly remedied with the use of a plunger. You might fix it for a time but it could happen again. Unless you get to the root of the problem, you will continue to have a toilet that keeps blocking up — sometimes, in the most inconvenient times, like when you have a party at home.

Professional and licensed plumbers can uncover the real problem behind this issue. From clogged drain lines or blocked traps to issues with the water supply line, the right tradesmen will fix your toilet problems and prevent it from happening again.

You may think you’re saving money by attempting to fix or do your plumbing, but if you end up making a mistake, you will soon realise the cost of further damage to your property. Instead of saving, you actually spend more with DIY plumbing.

In the end, hiring professional plumbers will save you from costly repairs, help your plumbing systems to function well as long as you need them, and keep your home, your family, and your neighbours safe.

Why It Is Important Not to Attempt Your Own Plumbing and Hire a Melbourne Plumber Instead | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne

That banging or hammering noise inside your walls after a tap or water is turned off is what’s known as water hammer, or the technical term is ‘hydraulic shock’. Water hammer is a sure sign that all is not well with your plumbing. Like all plumbing issues, prevention is better than cure – water hammer needs to be fixed before your pipes leak or burst.

What is it?

While water hammer can happen when you turn off the shower or a normal tap, it’s more common in bigger pipes, such as those found in washing machines, dishwashers and toilets. These appliances have a valve that opens when they are being filled up and closes very abruptly once the appliance is full. As you can imagine, when a washing machine is filling up there is a significant amount of water moving at high speed through the pipe.

When the valve suddenly shuts off, the momentum of the water causes the pipe system to jolt or shudder. If there’s a problem with the air pressure in the pipe or loose mounting straps, the pipe will shake and bang against the wall or other pipes. This is the cause of the loud banging sound.

Why does it happen?

Water hammer happens in new houses but is more common in older homes where worn-out pipes absorb less of the shock and mounting straps may have loosened over time. The longer the problem persists, the more damage is being done to the pipes and mounting straps that hold them in place. It’s important to stop a water hammer before your pipes leak or burst.

How to fix a water hammer

There are a number of possible solutions to the problem of a water hammer. The first you can probably try yourself:

1. Turn off the water at the main.
2. Turn on all taps in the house and flush the toilet/s. Its best to start with the highest plumbing outlet in your home.
3. Let all the water drain out of the taps and wait for 30 minutes.
4. Turn the water main back on.
5. Let the water run from all taps for 5-10 minutes.
6. Then turn off the taps, starting at the lowest outlet. (Toilets will automatically fill.)
7. Once all taps are off and toilet/s filled, flush the toilet or do a load of washing to check for water hammer.

If that doesn’t work, let our plumbing expert help you out.

Melbourne homeowners call experienced master plumbers, the right professionals to call about banging pipes and other plumbing problems. They’ll be able to resolve this issue with a quick visit to your home.

What can the plumber do?

To help you understand how they will address the problem of water hammer, here are some typical solutions:

1. Fit the pipe closest to the valve with a shock absorber.
2. Replace a vertical pipe with a spiral of copper pipe.
3. Install a valve that reduces pressure on the water supply line.
4. Fit water heaters with an expansion tank on the cold water side.
5. Re-fit house with larger 3/4-inch pipes so that the water flows more slowly.

Different situations can call for different solutions. Sometimes, water hammer can also be caused by broken taps or valves, loose pipes, steam heat, and gurgling and banging caused by problem hot water systems. The best course of action is to contact your trusted plumbers who can perform quality emergency or routine repairs, renovations and adjustments to fix your banging water pipes once and for all.

How To Stop Water Hammer | Blue Diamond Plumbing South Melbourne