Tales from the Tap: Real Plumbing Stories and Lessons Learned

Let's be honest, plumbing issues can be more than inconvenient, they can be really crappy. Yes, pun intended. Here are some real stories and the lessons that we learnt from them.

1. Not-So-'Flushable'-Wipes

One of our clients experienced a toilet overflow due to a hidden clog in the sewer line. The culprit was 'flushable wipes'. These, in fact, are not flushable. Although marketed as such, they do not break down in the pipes and can pose major clogging issues over time. If there is any sign of a clog, such as gurgling toilets, toilets not flushing fully, or overflowing drains, these must be addressed ASAP to prevent major disasters. We always recommend addressing small issues before they escalate.

2. What is that Noise?

A homeowner couldn’t locate the source of a persistent sound of a water leak, that they could hear, but could not find themselves. After investigating with a leak and dye test, and a leak detection kit, we discovered a hidden leak behind a wall, caused by a pipe that had corroded over time. There was minor moulding in the walls due to the leak. Leaks or noises that are not immediately visible should always be checked.

3. DI-Why Not?

DIY-ing is awesome. It's great to work on your home yourself and is a hobby for a lot of people. One customer attempted a DIY repair on a leaky faucet but unfortunately ended up causing more damage, leading to the need to replace the entire tap. Although this didn't end too badly, most water and gas jobs we recommend to be dealt with by licensed professionals.

4. Trees? or More Fees?

A customer experienced a sudden sewer backup due to tree roots infiltrating their pipes over time. This is extremely common for older houses that have many larger trees nearby. We use a jetter to unclog the pipes, if possible, and a CCTV camera to determine the cause of the blockage. If the pipes need to be dug up and replaced, a plumber should determine whether the repair can be minimalised and localised to only where the blockage is, rather than digging up the whole pipes can save a whole lot of money. Oh, and a whole lot of future time replacing your lawm. Regular sewer line inspections and maintenance to prevent blockages and costly damage. Regular check-ups can catch such issues before they escalate.

5. Water Heater Worries

This is a common story about a water heater malfunctioning, where a client's hot water stopped working, in the middle of winter, mind you. Usually malfunctioning water heaters can be fixed with a simple valve replacement or repair. In this instance, the water heater was old and required a full replacement, which we were able to do on the same day. If your hot water cuts out completely or intermittently, hiring a local licensed plumber to fix it before more issues arise, is important.

These common stories give us some insight into what most customers experience in their homes. By learning from real-life experiences, you can better manage your home’s plumbing system and avoid common issues. For professional plumbing advice and services, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.