Finding value in plumbing services.

In this post, we will explore some of the important factors to look for when selecting a plumber for maintenance plumbing work. This will assist you to make an informed decision and achieve value from your chosen service provider. We also consider some of the essential elements you should ensure are completed with some of the most common plumbing services we carry out.

The Value of Investing in Quality Plumbing Services

Investing in a quality, reliable plumbing service will always lead to the best outcomes for you, the customer. These companies will have access to the right tools to provide the best long-term solutions. Quality, reputable brand materials installed by fully qualified and licensed tradesmen will give you the peace of mind to know that if things go wrong, you won’t be left with a costly repair bill, and you will have the best possible warranties in place. In the long run, all these things will add up to you spending less.

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What to look for when selecting a plumbing provider

Here are several factors to consider to ensure you select a company that will provide good value for your maintenance plumbing needs.

Check the company’s pricing structure to ensure transparency. If the company offers fee-for-service, you can find out the labour charges in advance. However, if they only provide the pricing or a quote after visiting the site, this can put you in a position where you may feel pressured to make a quick decision once the tradesperson is at your property.
Find out how quickly the company can complete the work. Often, maintenance plumbing issues require urgent attention.
Consider how long the company has been in business. An experienced plumber will consider your individual circumstances and provide you with the best value-for-money solutions for the short, medium or long term.
Check online reviews or speak with someone who has used the company before to find out other people’s experiences and make an informed decision.
Check if the company offers a workmanship guarantee and a manufacturer’s warranty on materials supplied. This can provide you with peace of mind in case something goes wrong.
Ensure that the company is fully licensed with QBCC and is fully insured. We further explore licensing and insurance below.

Licensing and insurance

Regardless of the service you need completed, you should always ensure that your chosen tradesperson is qualified, holds the licenses and is fully insured to complete the work you have hired them for. In Queensland, all plumbers must be licensed with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) which is the government authority established to regulate the industry. The QBCC has an online licensee register which allows the public to check their contract license status.

For hot water systems, additional licenses are required for connections to gas and electrical systems. A hot water specialist technician should hold a restricted electrical license for the installation of electrical systems or, for the installation of gas hot water systems, a gas work license is required. Technicians without these additional licenses will require the assistance of an additional licensed provider to commission the system.

QBCC Contractors Licence

Restricted Electrical Licence

What to look for in plumbing works

To assist customers with identifying value plumbing services, we have put together some checklists to show the minimum you should expect your chosen tradesperson to complete when hiring them for different services.

Hot Water Systems

To meet the building code and ensure that the manufacturer warranty for your new hot water system applies, The following minimum requirements must be met.

Installation of new valves including tempering valve, duo valve, Cold water expansion valve and pressure limiting valve.
Replacement of existing fitting, tank line strainer and copper pipe.
Insulation to valves and pipework for energy efficiency..
Testing of electrical connections for an electrical system.
Testing of all gas connections including the supply of a gas certificate for a gas system.
Installation of a concrete base, PVC base, Safe Tray or antiflood Valve (if required).
Submission of a Form 4 (notifiable works) to QBCC. For more information on QBCC requirements, see our guide on what to do when your hot water system has failed.

Repairing a leaking tap

If you have a leaking tap or valve, there are several service areas we suggest you ensure your technician completes to get the best long-term fix for your home or office.

Remove both hot and cold spindles.
Polish tap seats to remove any cracks.
Clean spindles.
Replace O rings and grease them.
Replace body washers.
Replace jumper washers.
Refit taps and tapware.
Test operation
Clean up and remove all rubbish

Replacing or service a toilet suite

Toilets are one of the most important fixtures in our homes and offices. Over time and with wear and tear from regular use, they may develop leaks or clogs and necessitate repairs or replacement.

Remove old toilet suite.
Remove and replace old pan collar rubber.
Supply and install new toilet suite.
Replace the water inlet pipe to the cistern and shut it off if required.
Secure the pan with new pan screws.
Seal around the base of the pan with silicone.
Clean up and remove all rubbish.

Install a Mixer tap

A mixer tape can be a valuable addition to many homes allowing you to fill your sink with water at your chosen temperature with a single tap. Replacing a damaged tap before it burst can prevent costly and time-consuming repairs.

Remove the old tap and all seals and gaskets.
Clean any residue from the mounting surface without using hash chemicals or brushes to prevent damage.
Apply sealing PTFE tape to all water supply connection points
Ensure the new tap is correctly aligned before fully tightening the mounts.
Turn the water supply on slowly and check for any leaks

Install or replacing an Insinkerator

Insinkerators have long been a popular appliance in many household kitchens and whilst being a very durable and reliable unit, when they do fail, replacement is often the only solution.

Isolate power to the appliance and pull the plug from GPO.
Disconnect waste line from unit.
Loosen the retaining ring at the base of the kitchen sink.
Remove the Insinkerator and dispose of the old unit appropriately.
Remove the retaining ring under the plug and waste.
Replace plug and waste with one supplied with the new unit.
Install the new insinkerator ensuring the retaining ring is done up tight.
Reconnect the waste connection.
Plug in and turn the power back on.
Test operation with water running and check for leaks.

Fix a Birst pipe

Burst pipes if left unfixed, can end up costing a fortune in excess water bills or worse, cause damage to property.

Identify the location of pipe that has burst and expose it as necessary.
Isolate water supply.
Cut the defective section of pipe out and replace with the same type of pipe.
Reinstate water supply.
Check for leaks.

Clearing a blocked drain

Whether is a blocked stormwater line or a sewer that isn’t flowing, Blocked drains are a nightmare. While not all drains are cleared in the same way, the basics of clearing a drain is the same.

Assess the site and determine which drain is blocked.
Locate an appropriate access point from which to clear the drain.
Using the drain clearing equipment best suited to the situation, run this down the line until the blockage is engaged.
Once clear, slowly bring the drain cleaning equipment back.
Test the operation of the drain thoroughly.
Pack up and clean the area as best you can.

Conclusion

Ensuring maintenance plumbing jobs are carried out correctly not only resolves the immediate issues but also provides long-term value and peace of mind. If you need further advice, please call the team at Conrad Martens Plumbing and Hot Water for more!

Yours in keeping the good life flowing!

The Conrad Martens Team