Do plumbers fix leaking showers?
Leaking showers are one of the most common problems plumbers are called about.
The phone call starts with “I have a leaking shower and I need your help”.
This statement is usually followed by the plumber asking the question “Is it leaking through the tiles or is it dripping from the shower rose? Or is it a leaking pipe?”
This is followed by the plumber saying, “Because, if it is leaking through the tiles, it is a waterproofing problem, and plumbers generally do not fix waterproofing.” Then followed by, “if it is dripping from the rose or it is a leaking pipe, it is a plumber’s job to fix it.” If the caller says that they are unsure whether it is a leaking pipe or waterproofing, then a plumber should attend and undertake a pressure test.
The pressure test will determine whether there is a leaking pipe in the wall or whether the water proofing has failed. If the leaking shower is actually a leaking pipe, the plumber can fix it. If it is the waterproofing, then the plumber should recommend a specialist water-proofer such as Megasealed.
If you have a leaking shower, we may be able to help. You can give us a call on 0448 844 911
How do I know if there is asbestos in my bathroom or laundry?
The answer is, you can never be sure. Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye and can be found in the most unlikely of places.
The date the house was built or renovated is almost irrelevant, as builders and plumbers may have had left over supplies of sheeting and pipe insulation which contained asbestos which they used well after the date that asbestos manufacturing or installation was banned. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that there was a phase out period that likely extended into the 2000’s.
It is guaranteed that if you have a solid brick house that was built before the early to mid 1990’s, you will have asbestos lagging and insulation between the water pipes in the walls and the brick work. This type of insulation or lagging is the most dangerous as it contains loose asbestos fibres. This insulation or lagging is white or light grey in colour and will break up when you touch it.
You will also find asbestos in the wall sheets of bathrooms and laundries in houses which were built before 1988 and possibly the early 2000’s.
I tell the plumbers who work for me, ”If you are unsure if the wall sheeting contains asbestos, then it is not worth the risk to you or the home owner and it is time to call in an asbestos removalist company”.
I also tell my plumbers and homeowners, “If you are removing render from the walls of a bathroom, laundry or kitchen and you come across a soft white or grey substance, stop what you are doing immediately. It is time to call an asbestos removalist company”.
If you are in Canberra and you are unsure whether you have asbestos containing material
we recommend that you call Klaus from Classic Solutions Phone: 0412 001 256
What should I do if my drains clog up?
Unblocking blocked and clogged drains are a large part of our daily workload. We find that there are many causes of blocked drains. These can be tree roots, hair, overuse of toilet paper, kitty litter, grease from kitchen sinks, wet wipes and female sanitary products. Small blockages in drains can turn into big problems fast so attend to these matters promptly.
The first thing is to stop using water inside your house. Don’t flush toilets, don’t use sinks, baths or basins. You should turn off washing machines and dishwashers.
If the blockage is internal and is hair, grease or toilet paper you may be able to clear it yourself with a plunger or small hand operated drain cleaning cable. We do not recommend Draino as this can solidify in drains and add to the problem.
If the drain is overflowing outside, it is likely to be more severe in a section of drain that a plunger or small drain cleaning machine will have no effect upon. Therefore, it is likely that you will need the help of a licenced plumber who has an electric eel or drain jetting machine. Most plumbers can attend on the day you call, and some will attend within the hour if it is an emergency.
If you live in or around Canberra and you have blocked drains that you cannot clear yourself, we can help today.