Home plumbing systems suffer from a classic case of out of sight, out of mind … until that cheap hose decides to have a pool party. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Plumbing disasters rarely start with a bang. More often, they’re the result of a slow drip or silent leak hidden where you least expect it.
Getting ahead of a major issue doesn’t necessarily require trade experience or a massive toolbox. It often comes down to knowing where to look for trouble – and how to stop a slow drip turning into a significant insurance claim.
With that in mind, here are a few simple checks designed to keep your household’s water firmly where it belongs.
The best prevention starts with regular checks. Get familiar with your systems and cast an eye over them every so often – it’s a simple habit that could save you thousands in the long run.
Contemporary Plumbing service manager Dom Thornton says don’t just stop under the sink – check in and around the toilet, dishwasher, washing machine, hot water and outdoor taps.
“Water stains, warped wood, mould and bubbling paint could mean a leak in your walls or ceiling,” Dom says.
“Check your backyard, too. Unusually green patches of grass that stay damp or muddy are hints of an issue underground.”
Make sure you know where and how to shut off your water mains and keep the area clear of debris. The last thing you want is to be wrestling with a rusty valve while the bathroom floods.
Water bill suspiciously high? Take a photo of your meter before bed and another first thing in the morning. Don’t use any water overnight. If the numbers move even a fraction, you probably have a leak. Photo: Maxx Yustas.
Plenty of wipes claim to be flushable, but beware! They don’t break down like toilet paper, so they are left to snag on pipe joins and tree roots, creating huge “fatbergs” that cost thousands to clear.
“While cotton-based wipes might go down the toilet successfully, they often don’t get much further,” Dom says.
“Please keep them out of your drains. The same goes for hair, floss, sanitary products and leftover grease or cooking oil.”
Canberra pipes are designed to survive months of summer heat, winter nights well below freezing and persistent thirsty tree roots, but they aren’t immortal.
Any pipes exposed to the outdoors should be properly insulated. Keep an eye on that insulation over time, because weather erosion and general wear can create freeze points that burst your pipes later. Not what you want happening at 2 am.
If your drains are gurgling or slow to clear, it’s often a sign that tree roots have found a way in. A CCTV drain camera inspection every few years is far cheaper than a total pipe relining.
Blocked gutters don’t just flood your yard; they can back up into your eaves and cause internal ceiling damage.
Keep them clear all year round, along with stormwater drains near your front yard or driveway. If they’re blocked during a summer storm, water will back up towards your subfloor faster than you can find a plunger.
Finally, watch those flexi-hoses like a hawk. These $10 parts can cost thousands in flood damage if you aren’t careful. They have a lifespan of about five to 10 years, but in Canberra’s fluctuating temperatures, they can fail sooner.
“Flood payouts are one of the most common insurance claims and far more than you’d think are caused by burst flexi-hoses,” Dom says.
“If you see any rusting, fraying, or bulging, replace them immediately to avoid a catastrophic flood. Keep a record of inspections and maintenance in case you have to file a claim in future.”
For more information visit Contemporary Plumbing.
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