Plumber

Gas leaks can be extremely serious, particularly if the leak is near heat sources or open flames. As certified gas plumbers, we take gas safety very seriously. That’s why we are dedicating this post to educating you about the do’s and don’ts of a gas leak.

Do: Eliminate heat sources

If it is safe to do so, turn off all your gas and electrical appliances, including any gas pilot lights. Turn off your gas supply at your gas meter or gas cylinder and extinguish all naked flames. Do not under any circumstances smoke.

Do: Get out of the house as soon as possible

Don’t waste time inside making calls or turning off lights. Just get you and your family out of the house as soon as possible and make any necessary calls on your mobile once you are a safe distance from the house.

Do: Call the appropriate services

If you smell gas, call a certified gas plumber as soon as possible, but if you can see or hear gas, then call the fire and emergency services immediately. Wait a safe distance away from your house while help arrives.

Don’t: Smoke

Do not smoke under any circumstances.

Don’t: Attempt to find the source of the leak

When it comes to finding gas leaks, it’s best to leave it to a licenced gas plumber. Gas leaks are commonly found in the connections between appliances (stoves, dryers, water heaters, furnaces etc.) to the interior piping of your house. Any attempt to move or connect an appliance can worsen the leak and increase your danger.

Don’t: Operate electrical equipment

Any electrical source has the potential to spark and cause a gas fire. Don’t switch any lights on or off and do not be tempted to use a flashlight or even make a call on your landline.

Looking for a gas plumber on the Gold Coast?

Charlie the Plumber specialises in gas plumbing for commercial, residential and industrial residences across the Gold Coast. With a 12-month workmanship guarantee on all our gas plumbing, we do it once and we do it right!

So, you’ve got some spare time on your hands and you’re considering a bit of DIY around the home. While this make seem like a good idea at first, when it comes to plumbing, you might want to think twice. The installation and maintenance of all plumbing work should only be carried out by a certified plumber. Here are some reasons why:

Permanent solutions

While DIY plumbing work may work in the short term, these quick fixes usually don’t last long. By patching a plumbing problem rather than fixing it, you will end up spending unnecessary time and money on a problem that you could have solved in one go. If you want the job done right the first time, it’s essential that you enlist the help of a professional plumber.

Extensive training

Professional plumbers undergo extensive training that makes them competent in all areas of plumbing. A qualified plumber is equipped with the tools and knowledge to resolve plumbing issues without damaging your property and disrupting your household. By hiring a professional plumber, you can be sure that your issue will be fixed quickly and without a fuss.

Insurance Cover

Every licenced plumber in Australia is covered by insurance. This means that if something goes wrong with the plumbing work, your home and contents will be protected, and you won’t be forced to fork out any unnecessary costs.

Need some plumbing work done? Contact a professional plumber?

Established in 1978, the Charlie the Plumber brand has become a trusted name in plumbing on the Gold Coast. If you need some plumbing work done around the home, then contact Charlie the Plumber today. Our team of qualified plumbers will use the latest technology and industry knowledge to ensure your plumbing withstands the test of time.

When you’re thinking about pre-purchase property inspections you think about building and pest inspections, but have you ever considered a plumbing inspection? You may be surprised to hear that over 90% of Gold Coast homes have one or more problems with their plumbing.
A plumbing inspection is not covered in a regular building and pest inspection, meaning your home could clear its pre-purchase property inspection while still having dodgy plumbing. So, if you’re buying a new home, here are some reasons you should call in a plumber for a pre-purchase plumbing inspection.

Irregular water pressure

When it comes to water pressure, it’s all about balance. Too little and you will be facing a very sad shower. Too much and the integrity of your pipes could be compromised.

Irregular water temperature

Water temperature, just like pressure, needs to be balanced. The water in your hot water system should be, by Australian law, no less than 60 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the water is perfect for storing, but is too hot to use directly. This is where tempering valves come in. Your home should be equipped with appropriate tempering valves to keep you and your family safe.

Leaking taps or toilets

Leaking taps or toilets are one of the most common issues in residences across the Gold Coast. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, if left unrepaired, these leaks can waste thousands of litres of water and cost you hundreds on your water bills.

Poor gutter and downpipe conditions

The condition of your gutters and downpipes are essential to maintaining dry roof. Over the years, leaf debris and other foreign objects can settle in your gutters, blocking your gutters and downpipes. Eventually this can cause leaks in your walls or roofs.

CCTV inspections of Underground Pipework

CCTV inspections of the sewer and stormwater drainage systems are one of the most important areas to be inspected. Damage found in these areas can be one of the most expensive and inconvenient areas for an issue to remain.

Our highly skilled pre-purchase inspection plumber(s) can also use our CCTV equipment to visually inspect your stormwater drains and sewer drains to check for any blockages, breaks or obstructions located underground and out of site

Pressure test of the water service pipework (new sub heading)

Undetected and underground water leaks need to be found ASAP. It is not uncommon for water service pipework to be leaking below ground with no evidence of a leak at the surface – until you receive an excessive water bill that is.

Charlie the Plumber can carry out a simple pressure test on the water service pipe work to determine if you have any hidden water service leaks located underground or in wall cavities.

Depending on the location of the leaking pipework – these repairs can be intrusive and expensive – its better to know what lies beneath before your new property becomes unconditional.

Need a pre-purchase property inspection? Contact Charlie the Plumber today

At Charlie the Plumber, we specialise in pre-purchase property inspections for plumbing. Our experienced team will thoroughly examine all the plumbing in your potential home and provide you with a detailed, easy-to-read inspection report before you buy! Contact ustoday to book your certified inspection.

At Charlie the Plumber, we locate and fix leaks every day. So today we thought we’d tell you a little bit more about the different leak detection methods used in the plumbing industry and how they can be used to detect leaks in your home.

Acoustic Listening Technology

Factors such as water pressure, soil type and depth, surface cover and pipe construction, a leak will alter the frequency and volume of a leak’s sound. With acoustic listening technology, a plumber can trace the sounds of the leak and pinpoint the leak by finding where the sound is the loudest.

CCTV Camera Inspections

CCTV Camera Inspections are becoming very popular as they allow a plumber to inspect inside pipe systems without having to dig up pipes or cut through concrete. During this method, a plumber inserts a CCTV camera into your drain and pushes it through the pipework . This provides a visual of where the leak may be occurring and what may be causing it.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging equipment allows a plumber to measure and detect the changes in surface temperature that are not visible to the naked eye. By identifying surface temperature changes a plumber can pinpoint leaks under concrete slabs, in walls, ceilings and behind tiled surfaces.

Need a leak detection specialist on the Gold Coast?

Charlie the Plumber specialises in leak detection for residential, commercial and industrial properties across the Gold Coast. We offer a range of leak dedication services, including CCTV camera inspections and other non-destructive methods. So, if you need help finding a leak, contact us today.

After a nice, refreshing shower you turn the taps off and wait for the water to drain…but it doesn’t! It just sits there, slowing draining, or worse still, not draining at all. The cause? Blocked drains.

There are many different causes of blocked drains that affect households all over the Gold Coast. If you are struggling with slow draining toilets, floor drains, sinks, baths or showers, keep reading as we reveal the top 5 causes of blocked drains.

Plants and Tree Roots

Waste pipes and drains provide an ongoing source of water to support the growth of trees and plants. As a result, tree roots often find their way into pipe systems, cracking pipes and causing blocked drains. To make matters worse, leaf litter and plant debris can also find its way down outdoor drains and into your pipes, adding to blockages.

Hair

A build up body hair and body oils can build up in your drains. If you don’t properly maintain your pipes, this excess hair prevents water from passing freely, causing slow draining water and eventually overflowing drains.

Grease and Fat

Many people pour leftover oil and fat from cooking down their kitchen sink. While you may think it will drain away like water, fat and oil actually sticks to the inside of pipes, building up overtime and causing significant blockages.

Toiletries

While toilet paper is designed to be flushed down the loo, little else is. Many people have got into the habit of disposing toiletries down the drain. Nappies, baby wipes and sanitary items are commonly flushed down the toilet. These items absorb large amounts of water and expand and can easily block drains.

Foreign Objects

You’d be surprised at what people flush down their toilets or dump down their sinks. From children’s toys, to food waste, you name it, a plumber has found it in someone’s drains. Whether it’s intentional or not, if too many of these items end up down your drains they will block up fast.

Got blocked drains? You need Charlie the Plumber

If you’re looking for an experienced plumber on the Gold Coast, contact Charlie the Plumber today. Whether you suspect a build up of hair or a few too many flushed baby wipes, the team at Charlie the Plumber have seen it all!

Leaking hot water system

Water heater leaks can stem from a range of different causes, from something as simple as a loose valve, to a much more complex and costly issue, such as a corroded tank. To determine the cause of your hot water system leak, turn off the gas or electricity to the water heater and then turn off the water supply. Dry as much of the water on and around the tank as possible, then look for the location of the leak.

The most leak prone areas include: the cold water inlet valve, the heater drain valve, the T&P relief valve, as well as the tank itself (if it has corroded). If you can’t locate the leak or aren’t confident navigating your hot water system, it’s best to call in a professional plumber.

Hot water system tripping the circuit breaker

The three main elements that cause your water heater to trip the circuit breaker are: water leak into the electrical components, a bad heating element or thermostat and wiring problems . If you encounter this problem, turn off your hot water system and contact a plumber immediately.

Need a Gold Coast plumber this winter?

Contact Charlie the Plumber today! Our dedicated team are experienced with all manner of hot water systems. We will assess the condition of your water heater to ensure it stays in great condition throughout the winter months.