A hot water tank will usually last about 6 - 10 years before it decides to rupture or leak. The main cause is that the cylinder walls have corroded from rust.
If your tank has sprung a leak, you will need to turn off the water pressure quickly to prevent water damage to your property. The main shut off valve for your hot water tank is usually found at the bottom left or right side of your tank. It will either be a black round knob, or a tap handle, similar to the one in your garden.
To turn this valve off, simply turn it in a clockwise direction until the water stops flowing. Next, release any pressure remaining in the tank by activating the Safety Valve. This is located near the top side of your tank.
If the system is electric, you could turn off the hot water switch at the board, however it is not necessary. In a situation where you cannot get your tank replaced straight away, you can simply leave the power on to heat water remaining in the tank, and use it for washing & showers by turning the water pressure back on just for the duration of showering.
If the system is gas, don't worry about shutting down the gas supply, as it will normally shut itself down once the burner becomes wet. Unfortunately with gas units, you can't access emergency hot water, due to the burner being wet. However, you can use the remaining water in the tank.
There is no need to panic if your hot water system breaks down. Stanton Plumbing and Gas are ready for emergencies any where in the Brisbane metro area. We will have a fully qualified and licensed plumber to your door as quick as a flash.
Blocked Drains
Ease the pain of a Blocked Drain!
A blocked drain can be inconvenient, as well as unpleasant on the nose. Stanton Plumbing and Gas provide a hassle free drain clearing service. Whether you have a blocked toilet, basin, shower waste or drain grate, or even a sewer or stormwater blockage, our experienced plumbers will take the pain out of any blocked drain. A no hassle Brisbane plumbing service!
How do you know if your drain is blocked?
Early detection of a blocked drain can drastically reduce the work involved for a plumber to unblock and clear. This saves you money long term! Signs to look and listen for include a gurgling or gulping sound (often accompanied by a smelly drain grate) coming from the floor waste or toilet when water is in use. Another sign of a blocked drain is the water level in the toilet rising above or falling below normal levels. The drain outside the house may also be overflowing, especially after the washing machine has been in use.
The floor waste overflowing during a shower may also indicate a blockage. If you do suspect that you have a partially blocked drain, please give us a call and we will organise a plumber to visit you.
Preventing blocked drains
Tree roots are the most common cause of blocked drains in Australia. Especially in the hottest months of summer, trees will be thirsty for water and will be drawn to the condensation that forms on the outside of pipes. These roots will eventually break through and gradually cause a stormwater or sewer blockage. When Stanton Plumbing and Gas clear a blocked drain, we will identify which trees are most likely to be causing the problem. As a general rule, trees and plants should be planted as far away as possible from sewer and stormwater drainage lines.
It is also important to be careful what you put down your sinks. Fat and grease will stick to the inside of drains and should never disposed of in this way. Large amounts of hair can cause clogged or blocked drains and should be prevented from going down your shower waste or vanity basin. Excessive loo paper is also a common cause of a blocked toilet. Cement or plaster from DIY repairs will also prevent water flowing smoothly through your sewer and may cause a blocked drain.
Drainage problem? Not to worry! Stanton Plumbing and Gas will solve all your drainage problems for a moderate fee. When you need a Brisbane Plumber, problem solved! Call us today.
Burst Water Pipe
Don’t pour your money down the drain! Help to save Brisbane’s most precious resource WATER! Below is some valuable information on how you can save money and help the environment -
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Checking for leaks in taps, pipes, and dishwasher hoses is an easy way to reduce water wastage. Remember, one leaking tap can waste more than 2,000 litres per month.
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Installing water efficient taps is an inexpensive way to cut your water usage without you even noticing the difference. Tap aerators is also a great way for restricted flow on your tap.
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Install a dishwasher - Automatic dishwashers can use up to 40 litres of water per load. By using a dishwasher with at least a 3 star/AAA rating, you can get this figure down to 18 litres per load, while still achieving the kind of sparkling clean dishes you're used to.
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Install one of the latest 3 star/AAA rating showerheads. It will still provide a great shower, and will save around 10 litres of water a minute. They also save you energy costs, as you'll use less hot water.
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Check your water meter and bills to track your water usage. Also, check your water meter when all fixtures are turned off, and if your water meter dial is spinning when you're not using anything call Stanton Plumbing and Gas as you may have a water leak.
A burst pipe is a relatively common plumbing problem. When you have a gushing flow of water in a fairly obvious location, water leak detection is not the difficult part. It is more a matter of ceasing the flow, and then fixing or replacing the split. A not so obvious leaking pipe can water damage your property and furniture.
Stanton Plumbing and Gas will find the source of the broken water pipe, and fix it immediately. For Ironclad plumbing solutions in Brisbane, don’t look any further.