Vlog

• Join top dog Richard as he sniffs out the blocked drain problem and fixes the issue too.
• Finding and fixing blocked drains is one of our specialist plumbing services and we are no strangers to blocked showers.
• Watch the video and see how we do it!
• Check out more of our VLOGs & don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Blocked Shower Drain

In the video, we were called out to a property in Myaree with a blocked shower drain. Our local Perth Plumber and top dog Richard shows how he efficiently and effectively located the problem area and cleared the blocked shower drain which also affected the water passage in the washroom.

Richard first visited the place and made a thorough investigation regarding where the drain was blocked. He then investigated the layout of the house before opening the threaded access points on waste pipes. He found that the blocked shower waste pipe and found that the main reason for blocking is the build-up of hair and tree roots combined in it.

Hair & Tree Roots

We always say some of the most common causes of blocked drains are tree roots (which you would have seen from our other videos) and hair. At this job we had both. Yummy!

The hair naturally came from normal shower usage but the house also had a tree at the entry of the drain which the combination of tree roots and hair caused this blocked drain issue. After identifying the problem, Richard proceeds to clear, clean and remove all of the debris causing the blockage aided by having the right tools for the job.

It’s one thing to just remove and clear the problem area but having all the gear and every idea, we make sure it’s cleared properly and checked.

Don’t Panic, Give us a Whistle!

People often panic when they witness a blocked shower drain and try to think of quick fixes. More often than not simply pouring a drain cleaner bought at the local hardware store or a homemade DIY solution will not do the trick. As you can see from the video, with the amount of hair buildup along with tree roots causing this blocked shower, a store bought drain unblocking solution will not do the trick.

• When a like for like gas hot water system replacement just isn’t possible 
• The work of gas fitters in Perth are inspected by a third party which is good for the industry and consumer
• Check out more of our VLOGs & don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

When It’s Time To Change a Hot Water System

This video will show how Richard replaces and relocated the gas storage hot water system at a home in Parkwood.   He will be completing the installation and will make sure that it is compliant to the standard regulations of what installed hot water tanks should look like.

Tired Tank

When the client called, their problem was that they didn’t have hot water, the pilot light was out and there was a substantial amount of water leaking from the tank. Richard asked for some photos to make sure his diagnosis will be accurate before making any recommendation. Aside from the fact that the tank is 19 years old, it was missing compliant components such as a gas isolation valve and soak pits for the relief valves.

Options, options, options

After some meticulous investigation, Richard provides 3 quotes for the client. They will choose from a Vulcan 135, a Rheem 135 and a Rheem Stellar 330. The client followed Richard’s recommendation and chose the Rheem Stellar 330. With its advanced technology and given a 5-star energy efficiency, this tank is cost-effective in the long run, not to mention the 10-year warranty that gives the customer assurance that it is definitely built for the long haul.

Aside from getting a new tank, it is Richard’s job to make sure that it will be compliant to the standard regulations.  He talked to the client that the best place to relocate the tank from the alcove corner is to the main wall next to it.  The area will give ample space and clearance for the hot water storage. The client had to move their existing clothesline and will have to opt for a shorter line, or they will have to move it in a different part of the property.

Time to do the Dirty Work

Richard showed how he laid the pipework since he had to replace the old ones as they were as old as the tank. He made sure that the fittings are placed strategically, avoiding the tank so if in any case there are some problems in the future there will be no problems troubleshooting it. The worst thing is having to take out the entire gas system just to fix the fittings. He also laid a big concrete slab where the water heater will sit on.  He also installed a gas isolation valve and the hot and cold relief valves now has soak pits. All installed and ticked the checklist for compliance requirements for a gas storage hot water system.

Whistle and We will Come

Our expert plumbers in Perth install and complete the work as efficiently as possible. We provide solutions that are compliant and cost efficient to our customers whether it’s replacing a new hot water system or giving your existing system the servicing it needs. Give us a whistle and we will come!

• Learn one of the reasons why the pilot light keeps going out on an older Rheem Stellar 330
• Watch how we find ways to save our customers some real hard earned $$$
• Check out more of our VLOGs & don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Hot Water Help

Our client in Sorrento whistled because they were unable to re-light their hot water system, which just means no hot water in their house! Top dog Richard is to the rescue but thoroughly investigates the situation first at the property before simply quoting to replace.

Two hot water systems are enough – Three is too much!

He arrived at the house and tried to re-light the pilot.  They have a Rheem Stellar 330 which has a 5-star energy efficient rating, but it is considerably old, 16 years to be exact.  The flames on this one is yellow and that after some time droplets of water formed around the pilot.  As the area gets hotter the tank expands and causes the water to drip faster which will then take out the pilot light again. Before he proposes to just replace the tank, Richard probes a little further, asking questions from the client and a thorough run through the property. He found out that this home had three hot water system (two Rinnai Infinity 26) which is more than what a regular 4 bath house has. Now talk about a little too much.

Finding The Best Solutions

To fix the situation that the client has and what most plumbers would recommend is to better replace the tank.  Easily quote a new Rheem Stellar 330 and install to solve the problem.  But of course, here at Plumbdog, we not only think of resolving the concern, but we want to provide the BEST resolution that is cost-effective and efficient.  Richard advises a temporary set-up where he connected the tank to one of the Rinnai Infinity 26 and see if it will be enough to supply all four wet rooms. If in the next few days, the family is good with this set up then the best option would be is to have one of the Rinnai’s upgraded to a size 32 instead of replacing the tank. Quality over cost!

Quality Advice from the Plumbing Expert

We aren’t just another plumber or gas fitter on the block. We want to make sure to answer all the “Why, when, where and how’s?” before concluding what is the best option to take.  We are the best in the industry and that is why you can trust that our professional staff will always give the best expert advice so you can get your money’s worth.

One of the great things about working a job in Sorrento, Richard gets to complete his paperwork while getting some fresh sea breeze and enjoy the amazing ocean view. One of the small treats that we get for another day’s work here in Plumbdog.

• Sometimes saving a few $$s may end up costing you much more. It often pays for any type of service to call on a real professional to do the job.
• When it comes to Plumbing in Perth, we have all the gear and every idea!
• Check out more of our VLOGs & don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Our video today will takes us to a property in Manning, WA.  Many would really like to save by doing their own DIY plumbing repairs or get plumbers that may seem to give you a good deal.  When in fact they can actually cause a bigger headache in the future and cost more.  Richard was sent out to locate and fix a burst water pipe and what he found out was that the installation was not followed properly.

Detecting Broken Pipes

It’s time to look for the pipes. Plumbdog uses advanced gadgets and tools to make sure that we work fast and efficiently on every call. In this one, Richard used one of our little black box to determine which solenoid is the problem. He attached it to the reticulation control panel and then connected to the number two wire. Solenoid number two starts vibrating, this can be heard as a faint buzzing sound at first since it is underground. He will use that sound to guide him and look for the actual pipes.

Doing what Plumbdogs Do Best, Digging!

Next step is to look for the source, so he goes out on the front lawn and it is a good-sized area, and we would not want to ruin it by randomly digging in areas where we think we can hear the buzzing noise.  Richard once again uses another special gadget to accurately locate where the buzzing is coming from.  He used the retic solenoid finder and was able to uncover the cause of the problem which is solenoid number two. On top of that, he was able to find another solenoid, the master solenoid and the master retic valve.  Seeing everything, the problem was that even when they turned off the reticulation controller it was still live, and it meant that the master solenoid valve had failed. It’s time to fix the problem, the retic will be isolated and have the mains turned back on so that the client can have water back in their home again.

All The Gear & Every Idea

As we can see in the video the property was laid out with below standard pipes, fittings and valves and was even poorly installed.  The solenoids and retic valves were 6 inches deep when they should be above ground. Richard will discuss with the property owners their options regarding the other pipes in their backyard. Getting licensed plumbers like us will give you the best advice, options, and peace of mind that your plumbing will last longer and will be installed based on standards.  No hit or miss when looking for the problem pipes. No-fuss, less mess and in the quickest time possible. Whistle and we will come to the rescue!