Leak Detection

• If you can’t find your septic tank, we know how to sniff them out
• Check out our CCTV and NaviTrack gear in action
• Did we pick up a new Plumbdog Apprentice?

Today’s adventure takes us out to Stoneville in the Perth Hills. Knowing that we’re good at sniffing things out and detecting leaks and pipes, Darius got called out to a massive property up in the hills because the clients could not locate their septic tanks. They had tried digging some small holes in some areas they suspected the tank to no avail and needed to locate as the tanks were blocked.

WHAT ARE SEPTIC TANKS?

Septic tanks are underwater wastewater treatment structures which wastewater from household plumbing such as kitchen drains, laundries and bathrooms are collected. The septic system then treats the wastewater.

Septic tanks are commonly found in properties in more rural areas and properties that are not connected to the centralised sewerage system which explains why we’re up in the hills today.

ALL THE GEAR AND EVERY IDEA

We’re proud to have the best technology and plumbing equipment for the job but they’re pointless if you don’t know how to use them or have the level of plumbing knowledge that is required to be a true Plumbdog. For those following our VLOG, you’ve seen us using our CCTV and custom made high pressure water jetters. In todays video, we have a different combination of gear that we haven’t shown you before.

CCTV & NaviTrack Gear

When working with CCTV in drains, we tend to have a rough idea where we are heading when inspecting whether sniffing out with our experienced noses or by having an understanding of the plumbing plans of a property but there are times when locating pipes, access points or in this case septic tanks can get tricky. One special piece of gear we never leave our kennel without is our NaviTrack.

Rather than explaining how it all works, check out the video at [2:10] where Darius shows us how it works in a live scenario. The short version is while we have our camera in the drains below the ground, we have a way to find where the camera using our NaviTrack.

Check out the video to see it in action!

Every Idea – Knowledge and Experience

Darius is one of our top dogs and has every idea when it comes to plumbing. He locates the camera in the garden bed and digs (it’s what Plumbdogs do best) and exposes the septic tank lid. What you might not realise from the video which Darius hinted to was that the dodgy repair job to the tank which was possibly caused during construction of the garden bed.

GIVE US A WHISTLE!

Next time you have trouble detecting a septic tank or if you have any plumbing issues, come straight to the pedigree in the field. If you’re in the Greater Perth area and need of a reliable Perth Plumber, give us a whistle!

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, like and subscribe to stay up to date with our latest videos and if you’re in the greater Perth area give us a whistle!

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• This is a perfect example of a job not well done. Watch the video to see how what was a dodgy and probably cheap fix has ended up creating more water leaks.
• Using illegal and or incorrect parts for the job simply creates more problems in the future and costs the customer more.
• If this job was done correctly the first time, we wouldn’t have had to sniff out the problem area and fix the problem again.
• This is why we say we have All The Gear and Every Idea! We get the job done properly to save our customers time and money. 

We were called out to this property because of a water leak.  Our client called in asking for help in fixing a burst water pipe and off Richard goes to their property.  Using our advanced water leak detection equipment to locate where the problem is Richard pinpoints the water leak underneath the concrete steps in the laundry.  He uncovers the area and lo and behold, it showed a badly repaired previous leak!

How to Repair and How NOT to Repair – that is the question

Upon closer inspection, Richard saw that dodgy brothers did some dodgy work on the previous leak.  They used an illegal flexi hose connector, and this had probably caused a secondary leak on the copper tee. The proper way to get this fixed is by using 15mm copper pipes and pull an offset by using tube benders. This way the connection is sturdy and definitely will last longer.  He also replaces a section of the pipes from the copper tee because of the second leak.  Instead of connecting another fitting on the copper tee, the best way is to weld the copper pipes making it look nice and clean. It may seem that we are getting a good deal with these dodgy brothers but in the long run, we are in for a bigger headache because they do not follow the legal and standard requirements when fixing water leaks.

Do it Proper, Do it Copper

We are definitely not the only ones in this business. But we are very proud to say that what sets us apart is the quality of workmanship that we give on every single call may it be a big or small job. We make sure that work is completed with the highest integrity in mind and do not go for shortcuts.  No flexi hoses if the best is to lay out new copper pipes. We want to make sure that our clients get the best and their money’s worth. We know the value of time and we want to make sure that we have all the gear to get the job done quickly, efficiently and get the job done right.

So, if you do not want another headache for your burst water pipes, give us a whistle and we will come!

• It’s fun for our Plumbdogs to get our paws dirty and dig things up but we need to be safe and know what other services lead into the property.
• Watch as Richard shares some knowledge that any good plumber should know when taking on a job like this.
• Learn how you can check your pipes for a gas leak using this simple method with simple materials you should have at home.
• Check out more of our VLOGs & don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Another day for our top dog Richard as he headed off to Wilson, WA for a water leak detection job.  There was already an initial visit to the property, and he was able to identify where the burst water pipe and fixed it with a temporary repair.  Two to three weeks later he comes back to complete the work, and that is to lay new supply pipes.  This would mean he would have to dig around and that is why he brought an excavator for the job.  Part of what he needed to do was to locate all the other supply services such as the water, electricity, and gas supply. On one side of the property, Richard would have to manually dig through this small corner area where the gas meter is. Armed with his good old shovel he uncovered the Atco gas main line. However, while digging he was able to notice something that was not supposed to be in the picture, he smells gas. From a burst water pipe, we have now a suspected gas leak too!

Licensed Plumber and gasfitter. . . All rolled into one

Plumber’s hat OFF and now gasfitter’s hat ON! Since Richard was able to expose the gas pipes he will now investigate where the leak is coming from.  He was able to uncover an old rusty galvanized pipe connected to a pretty new yellow PVC pipe.  It is quite simple on how to find a pipe leak; all we need is some soapy water. Mix regular dishwashing detergent with water and place them in a spray container. After making the mixture, spray it on the pipe then wait and observe.  He saw that bubbles started to form on the rusty part of the galv pipe and he could even hear a faint hissing sound, thus confirming the leak.  Bubbles forming in an area is an indication of leak and this needs to be reported.

Gas leak = Alarm bells

Before he continues any further with his digging, he will need to report the gas leak to ATCO gas by calling their helpline so they can dispatch a technician onsite. Due to the nature of the problem, it will be deemed as an emergency and will need to be dealt ASAP, within the next hour or so. Important reminder: any gas leak should be reported right away to a gasfitter or the supplier.

The work done by the previous technician was not a great job job. Instead of extending the new pipe up until the rusty galvanized pipe they just had it cut up to a certain portion.  The leak would have been avoided if they replaced the entire line.

We have all the gear and every idea and that’s why we believe we are the best maintenance plumbing experts in Perth. Licensed plumbers and Gasfitters, give us a whistle!

• Plumbdog can you help me!?!? I think I have a water leak…
• High water bills are a classic clue to a water leak but some leaks are bigger than others
• Water leak detection is one of our specialties. We’re happy to get our paws dirty digging!
• We also have all the gear and every idea. Advanced leak detection equipment helps us efficiently detect the problem area. 
• Check out more of our VLOGs & don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

You will see in this video how one of our licensed plumbers’ top dog Richard was able to examine, probe, and resolve what our client believed to be a water leak issue.

Help! . . . Plumbdog To The Rescue

Richard was sent to inspect and check a commercial property line in Bibra Lake due to the enormous water bill that they have just received.  Instead of the usual $800 it skyrocketed to $8,000!  You can already imagine the shock that they got when they saw that huge amount on the bill, which is 10 times the regular amount that they pay for. Without even doing an inspection, this is one of the classic signs of a water leak and quite a large leak it seems. They were right to give us a call as water leak detection is our specialty where we will find and fix the problem.

Sniffing Out The Problem

First things first, to validate the problem Richard checked the water meter. Upon inspection, he saw that it spun like a disoriented clock so he proceeded to investigate where the leak may be coming from. He does a thorough inspection of the property and used our advanced water leak detection equipment to have an efficient and accurate result.

Eureka! It’s Time to Dig

Richard then finds that nasty leak in no time with our innovative leak detection equipment.  It was under a tree and 2 metres below the ground, the leak came from a hole in a 20-mm copper water service. The pipeline was also next to a copper fire main, so our top dog expert had to be incredibly careful in fixing this one.

Richard, with high precision, cut the pipe with the big hole and a new section was put in place. The surrounding copper near the hole was in poor condition and we want the pipe to be longer-lasting. Instead of replacing the small portion that is affected, he replaced about a metre to make sure it will be more solid.

Because Plumbdogs ROC! (Resolve in One Call)

After spending a day on Richard’s makeshift beach, he tested everything and made sure that the pipes no longer have any leaks. No more worrisome water bill for our client.

He proceeds to create a leak-loss report that only licensed plumbers are authorized to make. He will send it to the Water Corporation on behalf of the client and they will compute how much credit they can get. All in a day’s work!

If in the future you have any problem with your water or pipeline, drains and gas line, just whistle and we will ROC “Resolved in One Call”