plumbing

6 Effective Ways to Minimize Your Plumbing Costs

Plumbing repairs can occur anytime at your home or business. Although they might be expensive, you need to look for ways to limit the cost. Imagine living in a place with leaking pipes and blocked drains? It can be irritating and can cause property destruction. That’s why having a well-functioning

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HOW TO HANDLE LOW WATER PRESSURE IF YOU HAVE A WELL SYSTEM

These days, the low quality of municipal water supply is no surprise to anyone. Some people complain of debris and dirty water, while others are struggling with water shortages. As a result, most homeowners invest in residential wells. Alongside being an incredible resource, it can supply excellent water with minimal

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Finding And Choosing Right Plumbers In Perth

Finding And Choosing Right Plumbers In Perth Whether you’re facing a plumbing emergency or you are searching for plumbers in Perth for regular plumbing work, you would want to hire the services of a reliable, experienced and reputable company. You shouldn’t choose the first plumber you can find even though

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

plumbing

6 Effective Ways to Minimize Your Plumbing Costs

Plumbing repairs can occur anytime at your home or business. Although they might be expensive, you need to look for ways to limit the cost. Imagine living in a place with leaking pipes and blocked drains? It can be irritating and can cause property destruction. That’s why having a well-functioning plumbing system is essential. It can give you peace of mind knowing that your family members will stay safe and consume clean water. But do you know unexpected plumbing repairs can pop up at an inopportune time? Ignoring the issue is not an option since the repair costs can add up over time. At times you can save money for unexpected plumbing repairs. Unfortunately, a major issue can occur, wiping up all your savings. That’s why you need to implement ways that will minimize plumbing costs. Here are ways to reduce your plumbing: costs Prevent Clogged Drains Clogged drains are major plumbing issues that many homeowners face. Due to the frequent use of bathrooms, kitchen sinks, and bathtubs, you can experience blocked drains more often. Also, heavy rain, debris, and food substances can clog your drain, which can result in health issues and destruction of your property. Dealing with a clogged drain is not easy. It can be costly, especially if the issue is severe. A good way of minimizing the cost of dealing with clogs is to prevent blocked drains. One of the best ways of preventing clogged drains is by being careful about what enters your drains. Things such as soap scum, hair, grease, or food substances are the most significant drains enemies. So, it is necessary to implement preventive measures such as: Ensure That the Plumbing Is Done Right the First Time Having a properly installed plumbing system can save you a lot of money. If you fail to pay attention to the installation process, you might find yourself paying a plumber to fix issues regularly, which can be costly. So, why don’t you save the plumbing repair cost by hiring an expert to perform the installation for you? Although you might feel like implementing the DIY solution, looking for an expert is a good idea. If you want a long-lasting solution, it is good to look for a plumber Chuwar. Looking for CW Service Pros is a good option if you want a long-lasting solution. It is a plumbing company that offers a 5-star service. Choose one with an excellent working history to be sure that you’ll be handing the work to a professional. Look For Affordable and High-Quality Plumbing Fixtures Plumbing pipes and installation can cost you more money. However, purchasing an expensive plumbing fixture doesn’t mean that it will serve you for long. Thanks to the new technology that allows manufacturers to create different models of plumbing fixtures. You can, therefore, compare prices and features to ensure that you choose one that will offer long-lasting service. It is good to understand that installing a plumbing system doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money. There are affordable and high-quality fixtures that will help you save money. All you need is to have an idea of materials that are ideal solutions for today’s world. For instance, you can go for plastic pipes if you are looking for flexible plumbing equipment. These materials are hard to burst when they freeze. But how will you know the best material for your plumbing system? Some experts, such as Parker Plumbing, will help you choose pocket-friendly and high-quality fixtures that will last long. Install High-Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures It can be shocking to open your monthly water bills to find out that it contains a high amount of money. Do you know that reducing water usage can reduce your utility bill and save energy? However, minimizing water usage doesn’t mean that you have to do away with your activities that involve water. Some simple changes can do wonders by reducing the amount you’ll be spending each month. It is good to note that the changes are not designed to affect your everyday life. You can use them to reduce overall water usage. Some water-saving plumbing upgrades include: Attend To Plumbing Issues Immediately Homeowners face plumbing issues at some point. However, some people tend to ignore the problem that is not causing inconveniences. Unfortunately, the problem can become a significant issue and cost you a lot of money and headaches. For instance, a leaking pipe can result in water waste or the destruction of other fixtures in your home. Also, a clogged drain can lead to bursting of pipes. That’s why it is good to fix the minor problems immediately. A good way to solve this is by hiring an experienced plumber who can handle the issue quickly. Experts such as Parker Plumbing has the knowledge and practical experience about plumbing issues. Thus, when choosing a plumber, it is good to choose one that offers professional plumbing services. Consider Professional and Affordable Plumbers Nowadays, many plumbing companies are coming up, making it challenging to know the one that will provide excellent services. But before you choose one to handle your plumbing issues, it is good to understand that knowledge and experience are important factors to consider when selecting a plumber. However, having experience doesn’t mean that the plumber must charge a lot of money. There are professionals such as Parker Plumbing who guarantee excellent and affordable services. Conclusion Dealing with plumbing issues can cost you a lot of money. However, they don’t always have to break your bank. Although DIY remedies can reduce the cost of plumbing repairs, it is good to understand that hiring an expert can help you avoid frequent repairs. Thus, you need to have a professional plumber who you can contact anytime you encounter issues. If you implement these tips, you will reduce the cost of plumbing costs.

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HOW TO HANDLE LOW WATER PRESSURE IF YOU HAVE A WELL SYSTEM

These days, the low quality of municipal water supply is no surprise to anyone. Some people complain of debris and dirty water, while others are struggling with water shortages. As a result, most homeowners invest in residential wells. Alongside being an incredible resource, it can supply excellent water with minimal requirements. You no longer have to get municipal water because wells ensure sufficient water supply without hefty water bills. However, some people fail to acknowledge that water well needs servicing and routine maintenance. Are you using well water for the past few years? Sooner or later, you will encounter various water problems of low pressure, especially if you are not taking care of it. You might come across slow dripping water from showers or leaking faucets due to the water pressure fluctuations. After all, well systems rely on a functioning relationship between the pump, pressure tank, and switch. If anything fails, the entire system faces disruption. If you are experiencing similar problems, let us help you out. Here are a few tips for handling low water pressure if you have a water well system.  Inspect Pressure Regulators Unlike everything else, water pressure needs to be optimal. If it is low, your dishwasher and washing will struggle, whereas your pipes can be at a threat of damage. Thus, regularly test your home’s water pressure and address the low-pressure problem immediately. Firstly, turn off the water supply of the entire house and use a pressure gauge. Remove the hose from your main water line and attach the pressure gauge to test the water flow. If the reading is below 45psi, check the nearby valves. If any valve gets mounted on the water main, consider adjusting or replacing it to avoid disrupting the water supply. If this doesn’t solve the well pressure tank troubleshooting problem, use a pressure booster pump. It provides a permanent solution as it transfers the fluids from the surface level to the top, letting the water pass through pipes. Unclog the Pipes Despite an efficient plumbing system, people complain of low water pressure. But what if the problem is not in your design? Sometimes, pipes and gate valves get clogged with debris, dirt, and waste material, halting the water supply. Therefore, either call plumbers for inspection and unclogging or give a shot to it yourself. Before anything else, determine if the faulty fixtures or sediments are causing the trouble. Once you are sure, locate the pipes with clogs and detach them from the pump. You can use powerful cleaners to remove the deposits and then restore the line thoroughly. However, if the clogging is extreme or the pipe is rusty, replace them with new pipes with a larger diameter. Besides, use a plunger to blast air pressure into the faucet – a perfect solution for local clogs. Service Your Pressure Tank Whether you have a new pressure tank or an old one, routine maintenance is crucial for smooth functioning. Most pressure tanks build up cavitation and sediments that affect the house’s water pressure. Alongside halting supply, it damages the pipes, reducing their efficiency. Therefore, once in six months, plan a small servicing spree for your tank. Start by unplugging the power of the pumping system and turn on the faucets to drain all water. Use cleaning solutions to remove all the sediments and check air pressure. If the pressure is below 2psi, add some more air before you pour the water back. Adequate air pressure ensures the smooth functioning of water well systems. Replace Gate Valves Are you familiar with gate valves? These are the gates inside the pipes that let the fluids pass through. They require little space with the pipe axis to open and restrict the water flow. However, gate valves have metal seats, which can cause leakages. Similarly, it tends to seize up after some time. Thus, if you have an old gate valve – it might be the reason for inadequate water pressure. At times, these valves also get stuck, meaning they won’t open or close. After all, the metal casing is prone to getting rusty, especially when it comes to water contact. Although you can clean these valves and remove all the debris, there is no guarantee that it would work fine. Hence, replace these gate valves every six months if you have excessive usage to close doors for water disruptions.  Low Volume of Aquifer Believe it or not, but some problems of low water pressure are due to the condition of groundwater itself. Every water well system draws water from aquifers and supplies it to the water tank. If there are any underground rock formations, they can affect the groundwater from flowing freely. Although determining groundwater volume is next to impossible, you can always make precise judgments using a pressure pump. If pumping is taking longer than usual, you know where the problem lies. It usually happens when homeowners are withdrawing water for ages. After all, groundwater depletion is a reality that everyone will encounter at some point in time. Are you wondering how to fix it? Either drill the well further into the ground until it reaches particular water well. Otherwise, drill another well at a distant location.  Final Word Every homeowner who owns a well also has a pressure tank to ensure adequate supply, yet faces low water pressure. After all, these are also machines that need regular servicing and repairing. If you encounter low water pressure, visually examine the tank’s condition. If it is rusty from every nook and corner, consider it a sign to get a new one. If your tank is not decades old, check pipes and gate valves to understand the root cause of this problem.

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Finding And Choosing Right Plumbers In Perth

Finding And Choosing Right Plumbers In Perth Whether you’re facing a plumbing emergency or you are searching for plumbers in Perth for regular plumbing work, you would want to hire the services of a reliable, experienced and reputable company. You shouldn’t choose the first plumber you can find even though it seems the easiest thing to do in a plumbing emergency. The thing is anyone can start a plumbing company and start offering their services at a cheaper price just to get a foot in. It’s up to you to do your homework and research to ensure hiring of a reliable and experienced plumber. Here’s what you need to do in order to make the right choice when hiring a plumber. 1. Finding Plumbers There are several sources. Ask your friends and family members for recommendations or ask a neighbour if they have used the services of a plumber in the recent past. Use your favourite search engine or online directory to discover plumbers near your location. Plumbing companies also tend to advertise in local newspapers. Check local newspapers to find plumbing companies. 2. Check Their Licensing Before you think of giving them a call, make sure they are properly licensed. Keep in mind that you might be on the hook for damages in case an unlicensed individual tinkers with the plumbing system and causes problems for you or for your neighbours. So, make sure to check their licensing information. Ideally, this information should be available on their website. If the plumber doesn’t have a website or this information is unavailable there, ask them politely. Experienced Perth Plumbers understand the importance of sharing license information when customers ask for it. 3. Check Their Insurance All licensed and professional plumbing companies maintain proper insurance. It is important to have necessary insurance as without insurance they might be on the hook for damages caused by a person working in their company. However, you should never take their word for it and ask them to share it politely. They should never shy away from providing the required information when you ask them politely. 4. Check their Experience Plumbers are known as tradesmen as they learn most of the things while on the job. There is some theory to learn but most of the plumbing knowledge comes from practical experience. Check the website of the plumbing company to find their experience, especially the experience of the person who will work on your property. If the experience isn’t available on their website, ask them politely about it. Don’t hire a plumber who does not have many years of experience in the industry as plumbing can’t simply be learned from the books. 5. Reviews All plumbers use the same tools and techniques but still, there’s a lot of difference in the level of service performed by different plumbers. This difference in their service levels is reflected in customer reviews online. Fortunately, you can now check reviews from real customers for all kinds of services and a plumbing company is no exception. Use your favourite search engine to discover forums and review websites where users from Perth share information about plumbers in Perth. Go through the reviews and make sure the plumbing company you are considering has mostly positive reviews. Don’t be deterred by a few negative reviews as nobody can keep everyone happy. 6. Pricing Transparency One of the most common problems people have with plumbers is hidden charges. They will quote one price when you call them and describe the plumbing issue but when you get the final invoice, the numbers are completely different. You do not want to work with a company that is not clear on their pricing. If you’re not in a plumbing emergency, ask for estimates from at least 3 different plumbing companies who have years of experience and are known to be reliable, before choosing one. It will help you in getting the best value for your money. Conclusion To summarise, hiring a plumber without proper research is inviting trouble into your home. Follow the above tips and make sure you check their experience, license and insurance before allowing them to work on your property.

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How is the APHC and BREC Partnership Changing the Training Scene of the Plumbing Industry

UK Plumbing Industry Background In the UK, research has suggested that the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning installation industry generates approximately £16 billion in revenue and employs 149,098 individuals among 36,800 businesses. This year the industry is said to grow at a compound annual rate of 0.8%. It’s safe to say that this multibillion-pound sector is a big deal. The APHC and BREC Partnership In 2018, it was reported that the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) and British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC) would join forces to establish a partnership. The purpose of this merger involves developing qualifications, courses, learning materials, and overall raising the standards across the industry. Both the APHC and BPEC are leading entities in the expanding plumber industry, so one year on we’re looking at what innovations this parthership has inspired. Once partnered, one of the first action items both the now joint companies implemented was training programs which included one-day courses on Water Regulations, Legionella Cold Water Risk Assessment & Disinfection, Sanitary & Above Ground Drainage and Wet Room Design & Installation. These subjects are taught by experienced trainers who are considered experts in their field. It seems the partnership has improved the way tuitors are selected for the programs. The reasoning behind this training stems from the fact that the corporate leadership of this collaboration recognizes that the plumbing and heating industry is continually evolving and to keep up one has to be consistently investing. Specifically, investing in the knowledge and abilities of the employees associated with the company. Improvement to teaching standards has benefited both niche courses such as Unvented Cylinder Installation basics and more general training programs like Gas Appliances basics which is an obvious step in the right direction for those who are looking to achieve their Gas Safe card. Furthermore, in addition to technical skills, the executives have made it a point to personally and on a company-wide perspective, keep up with new technology and legislation. This updated pervasive technique of instructing and informing plumbers is set to revolutionize the industry in different ways. To provide incentive, the APHC has offered 100 rewards aimed at companies that apply for and complete the course. Plumbers are no longer discrete entities that are immune to the growing pace of the world. Now,  they are integrated service workers that must be consciously aware of their intercontinental surroundings. How does the APHC and BREC partnership change the training scene of the plumbing industry in the UK The partnership between APHC and BREC is set to positively impact the training scene of the plumbing industry. Together they set to increase industry standards primarily through development qualifications. They want to start from the ground up, slowly building the confidence, expertise, and intellectual stamina of plumbers destined to serve the next generation. In support of their initial mission, the integrated companies established a week called the “Quality Plumber Week” to discuss the pros and cons of introducing a single mandatory plumbing license. The idea that one must have a license to practice is a hot topic amongst industry leaders, and executives understand that. Both companies understand, but they also know that to progress in a forward direction, you must lead the way by first opening a conversation. Conversations allow ideas to flow and dialogue to be expressed between persons who have different perspectives in the future. While the “Quality Plumber Week” is a novice idea that has recently been executed, its importance still reigns as if it was already a trademark event. Training Scene of the Future The future of plumbing has many different facets. On one end, it is more involved with plumbers having to obtain a license, and large companies streamlining the training of these individuals. On the other hand, the future of training also pays homage to the change in times. With information as abundant as ever, plumbers are not exempt from having both casual and textual knowledge. The training offered, since the merger of the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors and British Plumbing Employers Council, has catalyzed change in this concrete facility motivated industry.

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