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When hiring a local plumber in Canberra, here are the three things you need to know: Check Registration: Every plumber should be registered with Access Canberra. There are 3 different levels: Licensed Plumber: This is the top level. They can work alone. Journeyman: Almost a licensed plumber, but not quite there. Apprentices: They are learning. They shouldn’t work alone. Ask for their Access Canberra ID and check it on the official website. Different plumbers specialize in different things like gas, water, or drains. So, make sure their registration matches the job. Public Liability Insurance: It covers any damages they might cause to your home. Professionalism: It's about resolving disagreements in a positive way. A good plumber will always aim for a solution that makes both parties happy.
Yes, pipes can freeze in Canberra. Canberra’s location leads to extreme weather with blistering hot days and freezing cold nights. To prevent this, we recommend using lagging. Lagging is a special insulation material wrapped around pipes to keep them warm and prevent freezing. This helps in retaining the heat and thus, prevents the pipes from freezing. It's a highly effective method to safeguard your plumbing during the colder months. Circulation water pump
Pipes don't always burst when they freeze. The risk depends on factors like the age of the pipe and how quickly the temperature changes. If a pipe gets very cold at night and then is quickly warmed up by the morning sun, it can be at risk.
This is because metals like copper, which many pipes are made of, don't flex much. So, when there's a rapid change from cold to hot, the metal moves and there's a greater chance it could break, especially at joints or weak spots.
At HolyMess Repairs, we don't usually try to unfreeze pipes directly. The safest method is to patiently wait for them to melt on their own. However, in emergency repair situations, we use Mapp gas to gently heat up the pipes and melt the ice inside. But we avoid heating an entire line because the extreme temperature differences can damage the pipe due to the movement of the metal.
Emergency call-out costs in Canberra usually vary from around $110 to as much as $300, $400 or $500. The exact amount often depends on which plumbing company you're working with. If the company operates a 24-hour call center, their operating expenses are higher because they offer round-the-clock support, a service not every company provides. As a result, these companies may charge a bit more to cover their costs and provide you the emergency service.
We're experts at fixing burst pipes, following Australia's strong guidelines. These guidelines make sure everything's uniform, so when we come to your home, we know what to work with. Our team is packed with experience and the right tools for the job, whether it's plastic, metal, or any other material. Sometimes, if your pipe is old and rusty, we face challenges fixing it. In such cases, we might need to replace a larger part of it to ensure a sturdy fix.
It's essential to ask the following questions to ensure you're getting quality work. - Can I see your license? - Are you registered with Access Canberra? - Are you qualified for the specific work (like drainage) you're doing at my house? How long have you been a plumber? Where did you get trained? How do you handle disputes? What are the warranty terms? Do you provide an upfront price for the job? It is essential as some plumbers drag out a job if they're charging by the hour. What guarantees do you offer on your work? Can I expect a compliance certificate after the work? This certificate ensures that the job meets Australian standards and is a requirement by the law. Getting clarity on these points ensures quality work without unnecessary delays.1. Licensing & Registration:
2. Experience & Background:
3. Warranty & Dispute Resolution:
4. Pricing & Work Quality:
No, you can't. Doing your own plumbing can risk people's health, especially with gas, which can cause gas poisoning and even death. Only licensed plumbers can do the work. Some plumbers need a high-level registration to work solo. If they're below that level, they need supervision from a licensed person. Sadly, many companies let workers operate without proper licensing. So, when a plumber visits your home, it's good to ask about their registration level. Many may be working without proper authorization.
Before importing any product to Australia, it must meet specific Australian standards, especially for parts. For all our plumbing projects, we trust materials with atleast a "three-star WELS" rating, a mark of top-quality that meets Australian standards regardless of the supplier. We'd advise you to always look for this when considering plumbing solutions. We've had great success with brands like Reece. After all, we always aim for the best, just as we do for you! Reece products have gone through years of usage and are trusted.
Australian gas has a unique smell. If you detect this distinct odor like rotten eggs, it can be a sign of a gas leak. You shouldn't ignore even the smallest hint of this smell because gas leaks quickly become dangerous, leading to potential explosions or damaged appliances.
If you suspect a gas leak: Go to your gas meter and turn it off immediately. Call a plumber who is licensed in gas work and has equipment to detect leaks. Always ask the plumber if they have specific equipment to detect leaks. With the right tools, they can pinpoint a leak quickly, even behind walls. Without them, finding the leak takes much longer. Gas leaks aren't just from pipes or stovetops. They can also come from gas heaters. If you have a gas heater, it's a good practice to get a carbon monoxide test every two years.
If you ever face a plumbing emergency in the middle of the night, don't panic. Firstly, always have a go-to emergency plumber's number saved – trust me, it's a lifesaver. If water's gushing out, turn off your water meter, and grab some towels to limit the mess. Gas leak? Turn off the gas and air out your house by opening windows and doors. And if you ever smell a strong gas scent, get outside and call for help. Just remember, there are pros out there equipped for these moments, so always reach out when in doubt.
In an emergency, you can expect plumbers to arrive swiftly. In the best-case scenario, they'll be there within 30 to 45 minutes. However, on average, it might take two to three hours. Generally, if you call promptly, most plumbers should be at your location within an hour.
We do install heat pumps. However, in Canberra, because of the shifting hot and cold weather, they have some issues. While other parts of Australia get warm water all year from heat pumps, in Canberra, they work well only for about three to four months. The changing temperatures make them break down faster here. So, even though we can set them up for you, please be aware they might not last as long or work as consistently in Canberra due to the weather.
Yes, we use PVC for drainage, like stormwater or sewer drains. This includes the storm water drains from your gutters going under the ground and beneath the sink. When water flows away, whether it's sewer water or rainwater going from the gutter to the downpipe, it's all through PVC. PVC is the latest technology. Before, we had terracotta, but now, whether it's a commercial place or a high-rise building, PVC is the go-to material.
