Water proofing & Renovations

One of the more important parts of a bathroom renovation is the water proofing.

Spend money on a water proofing company that has a strong guarantee and can show you why they are the best. Different membrane seals perform differently under different water loads.

Recently an older style (5years) membrane failed under the water load of a spa failure. I asked an excellent local water proofer and he showed me some of the newer membranes they use and how they install it differently.

At first glance you may not be aware of any difference, so ask and get a good membrane installed under your new bathroom.

As the bathroom is completed a good tiler should look after the membrane as he works his mortar and tiles over the top.

Bathroom tip: good membrane, good water proofer!

New Toilet Suite

Many clients wonder if they replace their old toilet suite will it cover the shape of the old suite on the floor tiles?

99% of the toilet suites I have replaced will cover the old markings on your floor tiles left behind from the older pan.

Consider a close coupled toilet when purchasing a new suite as the small increase in price for the contemporary design and ceramic material should be less then future maintenance on rubber seals or extra labour from your plumber having to mount the plastic cistern directly to your wall.

Call today M: 0402866892 OR 137586 (on the Gold Coast) and get a new toilet suite today! GREAT BARGAINS WITH A QUALITY INSTALL IS POSSIBLE.

Braided water hoses - new technology 2009

It is the early part of 2010 and I am noticing more water leaks from older style braided hoses (easyhookers).

There are a few different brands, yet the important point is in 2009 then better wall lining technology was introduced to minimise leak risks in your home.

Here is a photo of an emergency leak I visited this morning. Last night a small leak in an upstairs basin vanity became a wall of water in the entertainment room below.



Consider replacing all braided water hoses installed prior to 2008. Average cost is $15 per braided pipe (retail) and 2 - 3 hours labour.

Reduce leak damage, stress & lost time.

Phone 13 PLUMBER - 13 7586

Thank you.

William
M:0402866892

Gas Compliance

Have a good look at your gas system.

If you have a gas system for your cook top or hot water service...you may notice there are required distances from windows, drains and other openings to your home.

Make sure you receive a 'gas compliance' certificate when the installation is completed to cover you.

This certificate is also important for your home insurance. If you need to claim damage to your home and you have an illegal gas installation you may have some issues with your insurance company.

Contact your local gas fitter or ask One Plumber (Dial 13 7586) to visit and check if your system is compliant for your piece of mind.

Toilet Blockages

If you enjoy a clean toilet, do not use certain products to keep it germ free.

The little disinfectant holders on the side of the bowl (pan) are a regular problem for my clients needing drain blockages cleared.

The blue tablets you place in the cistern (water tank on top of toilet) can be aggressive toward the rubber seals within the suite.

Do not over clean your toilet or the ceramic will be worn off and you will get the dark patch at the bottom of the water trap.

If you require an installation of a new toilet give me a call today (Gold Coast ONLY) and tell me you read this article and you will get the best deal for June 2009.

Thank you - Will Price

Customer Water Rebate Information

Rainwater, Greywater and Solar Hot Water.

MPMSAA have listed all the State and Federal Government Rebates available for householders when installing new, solar hot water systems, rainwater tanks or greywater systems. The table gives a short description and value of the available rebate and a link to the government website for further information and application forms etc

* Rebates available for installation of Rainwater Tanks and connection to residential properties in states and territories of Australia
* Rebates available for Greywater Systems in states and territories of Australia
* Rebates available for Solar Hot Water Systems in states and territories of Australia

Please check the various government website(s) for terms and conditions

keep updated www.hotwaterrebate.com.au

Hot Water System - REC Rebates

What is an REC?

An REC or Renewable Energy Certificate representes 1 MWh(Mega Watt Hour) of renewable electricity displace by a solar hot water system.

RECs are electronic certificates that are publicly available on an internet database (www.rec-registry.gov.au) Solar hot water systems are rated for their electric displacement over a ten year period.

An average solar hot water system will be assigned 33 RECs = 33 MWh saving over ten years = 3300kWh (kilo watt hour) saving per year.

Every solar hot water model is listed individually within Federal Government Legislation.

Eligibility for RECs are only available to;

- Installations where they replace an existing electric system
- Any new installation
- Reduced RECs are available when an electric-boosted solar replaces an electric-boosted solar.

The more environmentally friendly - the more RECs assigned to a solar water heater.

The value of the REC is determined by the market demand sort of like stocks.

Whomever owns the house when the water heater is installed has the rights to the RECs.

For further information please visit www.orer.gov.au.

Gas Bottles in the Home

Many homes have Gas services installed to look good and be out of site.

The bottles are the BBQ size 9kg and look neat and tidy.

ISSUE: the Gas service in your home servicing through a regulator and running fixtures such as gas cookers & a hot water system need to have the proper larger bottles which are about 1200mm tall.

If your house Gas service is being run on 9kg bottles it is an illegal installation. Worse your insurance company may have grounds to void a claim.

Contact your local Gas fitter and ask to have your Gas service updated. It is important you receive a compliance certificate when the work is complete. One copy is for YOU. One copy to Gas supplier & One copy is kept by your Gas fitter.

Any questions...?

Will

Leaking Meter Test

1. This test should be conducted for a 30 minute period, during which time no water is being used on the property.
2. Find your water meter, which is usually located in front of the house in a covered box near the street.
3. Write down the numbers indicated on the meter at the start of this test.
4. Return to check the meter reading after 30 minutes have passed.
5. If the numbers have not changed, you do not have a leak in your pressurised water system.
6. If the numbers have changed, continue with the following steps. Shut off the valves under all toilets in the house, and repeat steps 1-4.
7. If the numbers have not changed, you may have a running toilet that should be serviced.

If the numbers have changed, this indicates water consumption even though water was not being used during the test, and you may need a leak detection.

Plumbing Priority

I notice that well maintained properties can have more work completed then poorly maintained properties.

What do I mean?

If I have 90 minutes to work on a property I will try to locate more work for the client if the work is completed early.

A well maintained property will allow me to do more for the client or pass the saving onto the client.

There really is nothing more frustrating then a poorly maintained property.

There's no point ignoring your plumbing, because the problem never goes away. It will get worse!

How can a plumber show off if the property speaks loudly: 'my owner does not care!'

Unhappy plumbers:

• May leave after only doing the requested work.
• Is not enthusiastic about your property and creating more solutions.
• Do not want anymore of your work.
• Worse scenario: Overcharge with no service guarantee.

Locate a great plumber, look after your property and expect the best from your plumber every 2-3 years.

Thank you for your time.

William Price
propertyplumbing.com

Green Machine Plumbing

From March 1 2009, all major renovations, new houses and units built in Queensland must achieve a minimum five stars energy equivalent rating under the state government's new sustainable housing regulations.

The regulations contain several measures to improve the sustainability performance of homes,
in particular, all new houses and units must install as a minimum:

• WELS 4 STAR RATED TOILETS
• WELS 3 STAR RATED TAPWARE

Easy Beach Shower by One Plumber

As a valued client you may notice I have placed a new product for you online.

All it takes is a few minutes and you will have your new Easy Beach Shower packed up and sent to your home.

If you a local I will install it for FREE.

Thank you.

Will Price
One Plumber

You move to a new house - Is your plumbing okay?

When you move to a new house consider some simple, affordable and effective changes for health & safety.

Check toilet bowls for cracks or ceramic damage outside and inside bowl.
Change all toilet seats as wear and tear and small areas under the fastening bolts hold visable germs if removed
Service high traffic tap wear so any expensive leaks can reduce long term water cost from day one eg: kitchen & basins.
Clear floor waste drains serviced by showers & baths.
Renew plastic traps under the kitchen sink, laundry tub and bathroom basins.
Check thermostat on your hot water system so it is producing good hot & safe water to your home.
Clear gutters of leaves and clear ground water drains
Clear floor waste service by washing machine
Check hoses and fittings servicing the dishwasher
Check cistern float valves and flush valves when you first use the toilet - does it fill quietly? Does it stop & fill properly?

Enjoy.

Will

Water Hammer

You need to eliminate the shock waves from water hammer to reduce damage to your home plumbing.

The noise is usually the first sign a home owner is aware of a problem.

Ideas:
Install a hammer suppression device near quick closing valves.
Use a fabricated air chamber as a cheaper alternative.
Install a 500 Kpa pressure limiting valve after your water metre & before your home.
Clip pipes as per AS/NZS 3500.
Extra clips is pipe runs along wall studs.
Use ball valves to replace some loose jumper valves at the meter when the meter is fitted with a non return valve.
Try spring loadedwasher if you choose to use a loose jumper valve.
Use silicon around the pipes when it passes through wall studs.
If you place a pressure limiting valve on your dishwasher, place it as far away as possible.

Always use a Licensed Plumber

Will

Hot Water System REBATE

If you want to know how much money you can save when you install your next GREEN hot water system just visit this great website: www.hotwaterrebate.com.au

Thanks Will.

Referral reward

What reward should you receive for helping a Plumber promote his business?

If you refer a friend should the friend get something?

If you are a great customer should you get a further benefit?

Ideas:

• no callout fee...
• free advice...
• movie tickets...
• work cost discount...

Your ideas will help us better promote our business through YOU!

Thanks Will.

Hot Water Safety

Recently I have noticed flexible hoses & easy hookers being used to connect hot water systems to residential properties.

This is incorrect, dangerous and against the law.

Check your hot water service for proper pipework for your health & safety.

Easy to find on the web

I had a client locate me on Google by placing 'plumber in Burleigh Heads' for a search.

After seeing 5 directories for plumbers it showed off my phone number 13 PLUMBER...EASY!

Renovations are on the rise, so remember when you change the fixtures to the bathroom (add or take away) make sure you use a licensed plumber and you get a Council inspection.

If you change 'new for old' then you can lodge a form with the council for their service records.

Will Price

Plumbing Charges

When getting work done on your plumbing consider a price based on a piece rate.

WHY?

A valuable plumber is effective, efficient and understands a successful sale involves the 'numbers game'.

Whether it is the amount of clients a plumber sees in one day or better ways to earn a predetermined income for a days work.

eg: A client has leaky taps.

• should you the client, pay for time overall? (hourly rate)
• should you organise for a piece rate?

Imagine the repair cost involves the plumber driving to the property, using his product, applying his service and asking for your immediate payment.

PLUS supplying a service guarantee!

Imagine your plumber is keen for work, keen to satisfy you and keen to promote himself through word of mouth and create a WIN, WIN with you!

• I notice you have 20 taps in the house.
• I would change the immediate single leak into an proposal to repair all of your taps at a piece rate. ie: $16 per tap.
• You win for affordable plumbing.
• I win by gaining immediate income.
• Together we create work to satisfy immediate and future needs.
• This idea is based on Payment on the day or within 48 hours.
• Successful SALE leads to 'Word of Mouth' advertising ($$$$$)

Money today is better then Money tomorrow! (QUOTE: Salesman in Marakesh, Morrocco.)

Thank you for your time.

William.

Plumber pipe noises

Water hammer, whistling and chattering of pipes is annoying and can be costly.

Water hammer is the thump in the piping heard when faucets or valves are turned off abruptly.

It can usually be eliminated by the installation of an air chamber or short length of pipe in the wall where each supply pipe enters a plumbing fixture.

Proper clipping of the pipes during installation is another preventative method.

Shock arrestors should be installed on the main line near the meter or as close as possible to the cause of the noise.

How is the condition outside of the house, either along the water main or in a neighbouring house.

Skillful detective work by an experienced master plumber is necessary to ferret out the source of the trouble and to plan corrective methods.

Water hammer should be fixed immediately.

The noise is only an audible symptom of what is going on in the piping.

The piping is being worn and damaged by the multitude of shock waves.

The result will be leaks in piping, tanks or fixtures unless the condition is corrected.

Chattering in the piping may be caused by loose pipes, by pipes rubbing against a metal projection, by worn faucet washers or looseness of other inside parts. Poor clipping of pipes and fixtures.

Whistling is caused by the speed of water flowing through piping which is usually too small or has not been deburred properly by the plumber.

A pressure reducing valve will help as will a general checkup and straightening out of the plumbing system.

Whistling is most common at bends and tees in the pipe. This is where the fitting is connected to the unburred pipe or where the incorrect join may cause friction.

Thank you.

William.

Hot Water Systems -GREEN!

After a bit of feedback this year about new GREEN hot water systems I would like to share the info.

HEAT PUMPS Vs Solar Hot Water Systems.

Both give the client the Gov. & factory Rebates.

Both are expensive without rebates.

After rebates both cost only $500-$750 more then standard installation.

Heat Pumps use under 4 amps on a Continuous Electrical cycle (Less than TV on standby)

Solar save a little bit more but run the heat element in poor weather at the full 14 + amps to heat the water.

Heat Pumps save 60%+ on your electricity.

Solar can be FREE on a good weather summer, but winter can run to the top of the cost scale.

CONSIDER: Heat Pumps have a warranty of 4-5 years on the tank which is normal & around 12 months warranty on the compressor on top. Some older models need maintenance on electronics but the newer systems have improved and are more efficient.

Solar Systems need to have FROST FREE panels on your roof. It will cost more, but reduce future possible costs from damage claims being rejected by your insurance company. All clients I am aware of who have had frost damage have been unable to receive compensation from insurance companies. 

In one recent example my relative installed a solar and in the first few months was hit by frost and their insurance would not cover frost damage and they have now spent more on renewing one of the solar panels.

Both are good systems but I do prefer the Heat Pump as the solar system can be exposed to more weather and may not have suitable insurance cover.

If you choose a solar system spend a little extra to get frost free panels for your roof and make sure possible debri from trees is not a risk.

William.

Plumbing Renovations

Yesterday I visited a property and the client had renovated their property using cheaper solutions and it looked fantastic. (eg: fake tiles on the bathroom walls)

The property was clean, new and attracted a good tenant.

I was asked to fix a leaky shower. This shower was leaking every 3 months.

When I opened the taps and serviced all the parts, I looked inside the wall to see the original wall shower combination.

The owner had decided during renovations to leave a 25 year old piece of pipework in the wall.

My jaw dropped to see a newly renovated home (max 2 years old) with an original and important part of a major water fixture still in the wall.

YES - a really old and heavily used piece of plumbing.

Now the owner would have to work out how to get into the wall behind the shower to replace the wall combo.

This piece is a small and reliable cost of a few hundred dollars and would have lasted another 25 years.

When you renovate replace as many plumbing pipes and parts as possible.

Otherwise you may have to start again!

William

Plumbing O-ring size!

Most o-rings in household spindle taps are one size.

Spindle taps have a body washer, jumper valve (washer) and an o-ring.

The size of the oring is 8.5mm.

Remember hot water taps are best maintained by a Licenced Plumber - It is law. Safety & insurance are also important.

Regards,

William

Plumbing Tenant Tips.

If your water pipes burst or you get a home leak, what do you do?

If you rent out your property do youhave a plan for your tenants to act quickly and save you money?

Story: On a Sunday afternoon a water pipe burst in the frontyard of a tenanted property.

The new tenant from overseas called a plumber, who charged a callout fee of $200.00.

The plumber advised the leak was on the street side of the water metre and it was the Local Councils concern and promptly left.

The property owner had a $200 call out bill and the tenant had no water for a few days with a damaged front yard.

There may be many ways to argue who pays for damages, but some information for the tenant may have reduced damage to the property and the property owners pocket.

Try leaving a laminated list of do's and don'ts for the water and plumbing.

Possible leak list:

• Shut off the main water out the front of the property. Look for meter box.
• Reduce pipe pressure by opening the taps of the nearest fixture (basin) or at the lowest level of the home.
• Identify the exact location of the problem.
• If it's the hot water line, turn off the water supply into the water heater.
• If a hot water leak is stopped then you can turn the water metre main line back on so cold water can be used while the pipe is being fixed.
• If the water is off at the Hot water system, then turn off the water heater at the electrical box.
• Call a Plumber to discuss the problem further.

You can add to this list. You get the idea. Information is key to saving your property and your wallet from damage.

Think up your own plumbing list, laminate it and fasten it to the kitchen cupboard so all your family or tenants will help you manage your plumbing.

Thank you.

William Price.

Plumbing Tip of the Day!

If you have a gas or electric water heater, keep the temperature dial setting at or below the suggested Factory Energy Savings Settings listed on the water heater. Above that mark means excessive wear on the water heater and the potential for scalding.

Ask your Plumber about Temperature control valves.

Plumbing smells

How important is water in keeping smells in the sewer and away from your property?

A trap can loose its water seal by a syphonic action.

• By the use of another plumbing fixture.
• Poor design or incorrect venting of the property drainage system.
• Oscillation - Wind effect from outside breeze or storm.

There are many possible ways to loose the important trap seal, but the most common is caused by the wind outside or non use of the fixture.

When you return to your property after a holiday or a few days away or on a windy day you may get a smell in your home from the drain.

Quick tip: Run the water in the basin, shower, kitchen sink and check your tiolet pan water seal.

A few seconds of water will stop the smell and insure an adequate seal. You can open the windows to add fresh air.

Regards,

William

PS: clear out your drains every few years to help minimise other trap seal problems.

dictionary.com
Oscilliation: Physics. a. an effect expressible as a quantity that repeatedly and regularly fluctuates above and below some mean value, as the pressure of a sound wave or the voltage of an alternating current. b. a single fluctuation between maximum and minimum values in such an effect.

Plumbing hot water service.

Hot Water Service.

Attached to most hot water services you will have:

• Pressure relief valves (cold & hot).
• Temperature control valves.
• Water control taps.
• plus other strainers, reducers etc.

Your hot water service will last from 5 - 15 years.

To maximise the life of your HWS you should maintain your HWS valves etc as per guidelines.

Some are every year, others about every 2-3 years.

Try organising your plumber to come around at an agreed time.

WHY?

If you plan the plumber's visit you may save on the call out fee or reduce the chance of your system failing and having to pay full price to replace it.

Some of the valve parts are designed to operate within the HWS, so if you cannot see any problems, it may still mean a regular plumber visit will keep the HWS running and your wallet in good health.

Learn from your plumber to save you time and money!

Thanks.

Will Price.

Basin Plumbing

An important place to check on your property is your basin taps.

The basin taps look the same as other taps, but they have a different setup.

The basin top looks the same as other taps but the underneath is joined together with copper or brass. 

This means when maintenance is done the plumber needs to take care when opening taps so the pressure is not transferred to the underneath of the basin set. This will damage the set.

If you are buying a property this is an excellent area to check to see how the previous owner looked after the property.

The basin is a high traffic fixture and needs maintenance every 3 years to keep it in excellent working order.

Most people will not service this fixture enough, so the reason to check the basin set is because you can tell by viewing the t-piece (underneath the basin holding the set together) how the owner treats his property.

WHAT?

If a good tradesman is used to service this area you could probably bet the property has a good service history in other areas of the house.

If the owner or a handyman has serviced this area then you can bet a bent or corroded t-piece is a clue to the service history and care the property has had.

Basins, hot water systems, roofing, drainage and other plumbing areas such as showers all have tips you need to understand to reduce any future costs after you purchase the property.

Alternatively, these are all important areas to highlight when selling your property. Most people are unsure about bathrooms, kitchens and other wet areas past a visual inspection.

If you enquire further about these areas of the property you can use them as a selling or buying point when you negotiate.

Thanks,

Will price

Truth about Plumbing.

One of the more important services provided to the community is from plumbers.

This is work that most people can grasp, but as their exposure is less then a trained Plumber, the risk is not worth it.

Managing hot water and waste system are just 2 of the many things everyday people need to leave to Plumbers.

This may seem an obvious statement. In reality this is the LAW.

The Plumbing by-laws or Australian and NZ standards outline the areas of plumbing, drainage and gasfitting.

These laws are based on hydraulic and scientific development taken from worldwide experience with the control and distribution of water.

So what!

Some scenarios of plumbing risk are:

• property damage.
• manslaughter charges from fatal injury (hot water risks).
• public health risk (bad plumbing effects your neighbours too!).
• excessive costs through poor design or installation.

This list can be extended, however the message I hear from plumbers and people is a Licenced Plumber has an important role in the community.

I have spoken to clients who have been distressed by previous plumbing work being incorrectly installed or repaired and service overcharging.

As a Plumber you should carry your licence and consider showing it to your client to highlight that great Plumbers are proud plumbers.

Proud of their work and proud of being a Plumber.

I also suggest to clients to ask for the Plumbers licence. The best time is when payment is being made from the client to the Plumber.

Plumbing is a great trade, a great community service and is supported by great people.

Always use a Licenced Plumber.

Thank you for your valuable time.

William Price

Thinking & Action

California in the winter of 1998/99.

What do you believe about the power of programming your mind?

Feeding your mind with healthy positive commands to do things you thought were impossible, requiring courage and learning or time to complete. To do it now!

I think the benefit of having courage to take bigger steps in life leads us to greater fulfillment. I think it is okay to go kicking and screaming, but we must still go for it.

Okay, I will get to the story.

I am standing on top of a mountain looking down a double black diamond run at a ski resort in the Tahoe Mountains of California. I have only been on a snowboard for 2 hours learning how to break,stop and fall.

How did I get here?

I had taken a wrong turn while trying to find an easy way down the mountain. Here I was on the hardest ski run of the mountain; mind you my first time at a ski resort aswell.

You see I grew up in the deserts of Australia and some of its cities. What now?

Just as I was about to shuffle off the side and quietly try to sneak awkwardly away, a large group of Aussies came around the bend and were daring each other to complete this ski run.

As true gentlemen they insisted I go first as I was sitting on the peak ready to go.

One guy Brunero, was a blonde haired Italian Aussie who had a great attitude to life and would later become a good friend over the next few months.

I explained laughingly I had only hopped on my board 2 hours ago.

He said quietly 'do not worry, I have a great tip for you'.

He then explained that the task of balance and speed were influenced by the language in your head.

Not really what you say, but how you say it. If I ride down the mountain and speak to myself I am likely to follow the action of the command.

If I say 'don't fall' to myself, I will more then likely follow the command 'fall' not the 'don't' part of the statement.

What do I do? I said.

He said 'say the same command differently, so the action is proactive and the result is positive'.

If I say 'stay up' to myself, I will follow the command which has the benefit of positive reinforcement.

Now, to someone who wants to save face and slide away from this danger these ideas seemed worth a go.

I am up on the board looking down and Brunero reminds me again 'positive commands to the brain'.

okay!' I reply. I slap on my locked knees trying to convince them to let go and start this new journey.

The board starts to move as I tip the front down the slope and WOW the board just takes off. It is fair to say 60% degrees is a good description of the angle.

All I notice is I am going so fast any thoughts in my brain get blown out my ears and there is a deafening silence.

I am quickly and repeatedly whispering these words to myself 'stay up, stay up, stay up...'

Then as I pass halfway I noticed, I could not hear the soft powder under my board, I could not recognise any thoughts and my fears disappeared from my mind. In this high speed silence I hear a pure and spirited voice whisper to me 'F..R..E..E..D..O..M..'

I flew down the mountain with a breaking slide and sat on my backside with my hands in the air bellowing at the top of my lungs. What a wonderful ride.

MESSAGE: What you serve your mind, it will deliver to you.

Plumber Presentation.

When you visit a client, what is your appearance like?

• Is it a regular pair of work shorts with silicon all over them?
• Is your shirt covered in previous work mess or a favourite alcohol brand?
• Is your face, hair and teeth proof of last weekends adventures?
• Do your socks have holes in them?
• Is your face clean and shaved?
• Do you have business cards ready and your invoice and costings ready to go?
• Do you have all the tools and gear for the immediate job?
• Is your work vehicle less then 5 years old?

What part of your personal presentation will add the most value to how your plumbing business is perceived by your clients?

William.

Plumbing hazards.

One of the big hazards facing Plumbers are pets.

Imagine visiting a property to do work and the owner or tenant says...

' Do not worry about our cute dog he is harmless'.

Are you aware of this fact?

Property pets (eg: Dog) attack men on the back of the legs and buttocks and attack women and children on the face and arms.

This is more often the result of an unsecured pet!

Do the right thing....ask your client to secure and isolate their pet when you, the Plumber visits their property.

Thank you.

William

Plumber Location ?

oneplumber.com

Hello Reader,

If your client knew your phone number by heart or had a magnet on their fridge or a business card in their wallet or purse would they call you?

Should you call your clients regularly (every 60 days) to discuss their plumbing?

Can you make it easier for your clients to access you, your product and your service?

The less hoops your client jumps through to find YOU to get their problem solved, the more often you will earn their respect, time and MONEY!

Merry Christmas.

Will

oneplumber.com

Plumber Call Out Fee

oneplumber.com

Should a Plumber charge a Callout fee?

WHY?

WHEN?

HOW MUCH?

Thanks.

William.

oneplumber.com