Vlog

You will need:

• 1 clogged toilet (works best when someone has been overzealous with the toilet paper)
• A generous amount of surfactant (anything that get sudsy, Like Dishwashing liquid, or shampoo)
• Hot (but not boiling as this will crack the toilet bowl) water
• A bucket or a basin to transport water to toilet

Steps:

1. Flush the toilet but not too much so it does not overflow, get your bottle of shampoo/ soap and squirt a generous amount into the bowl.
2. Follow that with a bucket of very hot water from the hot tap (not boiling).
   Fill the toilet full but not overflowing.
3. Leave the toilet for twenty minutes to soak.
4. Hopefully after a few minutes the water level will have lowered. (The hot water and Soap mix helps break down the paper) if this does not work the first time, flush it, and then add more hot water and soap.
5. Leave it soak for ten minutes, and then come back to it, and try flush it.
6. Flush it one or maybe two more time to make sure the blockage is clear.

If it does not go down after the second time, try and use a plunger. If not, give us a call!

• Check your toilet and identify if it is not working properly. Signs that it could have a problem include random phantom flushes or constant flow of water into the tank.
• Check the floor and the back of the toilet to ensure any flushed out water is going out completely and not leaking from the pipes.
• Check if your toilet fills up immediately after flushing. If it doesn’t this could be a sign of a damaged valve or toilet parts inside the tank. Check and replace them if needed.
• Cleaners, no matter what kind they are, can contain chlorine or other chemicals that can lead to damage to the working parts of your toilet. Check them out for bends, brittleness or cracks. Replace as needed.
• The old grandmas trick of putting a brick in the tank still works in some tank systems. This will help you save some money on water use during the holidays, but newer systems contain a half and full flush button which is designed to do the same thing as nannas brick

These are just a few tips to prepare and keep your toilet leak free in the holidays and all year round. Contact us for all your plumbing needs!

We know how distressed some of our customers are when they call with a water leak. Calling a professional plumber is often the first thing that many homeowners think to do when experiencing problems with the plumbing network within their home. Whilst that is often the best course of action, there are occasions where you may be able to fix the problem yourself. We put together this little guide so that you can do a quick water leak detection check around which might save you some frustration and water wastage. There may even be an easy fix to a small water leak.

• Blocked Pipes and Drains

Blocked pipework is one of the most common causes of water leaks in your property. Months’ worth of hair, oil, grease and grime can quickly build up to create a blockage that prevents your sinks and basins from draining as they should.

Locate the source of the leak to ensure that the pipework nearby isn’t clogged and is causing an increase in pressure within the system. Going forward, be sure to keep your drains clear to prevent any further problems.

• Excessive Water Pressure

High water pressure is often characterised by a ‘banging’ sound when you operate a tap. What you will notice is that water is trying to flow out from your tap too quickly and will also be trying to find an outlet elsewhere in your plumbing system.

The installation of an anti-hammer valve will rectify this problem, but we also suggest reducing your hot and cold water pressure to prevent any further problems.

• Worn Seals

Every water-based appliance or fixture is fitted with a seal to prevent the leakage of water. If the seals on your washing machine, refrigerator, sink or toilet are worn, they may be allowing water to pass this important barrier.

The installation of new door seals for your appliances and new seals around your basins and toilet may rectify the problem.

• Faulty Pressure Relief Valves

Another common cause for water leaks is the presence of a faulty pressure relief valve (PRV). If this is the cause of your problem, locate your valve and lift the lever several times which should clear the blockage.

If at this point the leak stops, you have solved your problem. If it doesn’t or your valve is old and hasn’t been operated in a while, we suggest calling us instead to replace the valve entirely.

• Broken, Worn or Loose Washers and O-Rings

Every pipework joint is fitted with a washer and O-ring which is designed to create a tight seal and prevent leakages. Occasionally, these ancillaries break or become dislodged which can result in a leak.

Try tightening the joint which should move the washer back into place and stop the leak. If this doesn’t work, we suggest replacing the worn or broken item with a suitable replacement.

Plumbdog: Plumbers Perth – Providing Plumbing Services across Perth

If you are still experiencing a water leak within your home, call us today so that we can schedule a plumber to attend your property. Plumbdog are your leak detection specialists. Whistle And We Will Come! You can reach us at 1300 884 146 or drop us a message.