Plumbing News & Articles | Whywait Plumbing

Stay Safe and Warm: The Hidden Dangers of Lowering Your Hot Water Temperature

by Gary Mays | Apr 7, 2023 | Hot Water Temperature

Cold Weather Affects Your Hot Water Temperature Increasing Energy Consumption

Your hot water temperature in the shower increases as winter approaches and temperatures drop. Your hot water use increases proportionately to how cold the weather is. As a result, You will find yourself using hot water more frequently.

The surge in electricity and gas costs, driven by government policies on climate change, is adversely affecting household budgets. While conserving energy and reducing electric and gas utility bills is always a priority, being aware of the potential health risks associated with lowering your hot water temperature is essential.

Are you aware that the temperature of your hot water may significantly impact your health?

A recent article published by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) highlights the dangers of reducing the temperature of the hot water in your home. The report confirms what plumbers are well aware of and that lowering the temperature can create the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease.

The Hidden Dangers of Legionella Bacteria

Lowering the temperature of your hot water system can create the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease—a severe form of pneumonia that can be life-threatening.

Legionella bacteria thrive in water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, so setting your water temperature too low might inadvertently promote their growth.

Lowering the temperature of your hot water storage system can create the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease—a severe form of pneumonia that can be life-threatening.

Legionella bacteria thrive in temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, so setting your temperature too low might inadvertently promote their growth.

The Safe and Recommended Water Temperature

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) recommends maintaining a hot water temperature of at least 60°C to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria. This temperature effectively kills any bacteria present in the water.

Consider installing a tempering valve if you don’t already have one to avoid scalding risks. A tempering valve mixes cold water with hot water, reducing the temperature to a safe 50°C for household use. This ensures the safety and comfort of your family members, particularly young children and older adults who are more vulnerable to scalding.

Balancing Energy Efficiency and Safety

At Whywait Plumbing, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. So here are our three key recommendations to prevent Legionella growth in your hot water system:

Maintain a water temperature between 60°C and 65°C. Keeping your hot water system within this range will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria while ensuring your water is safe to use.
Schedule regular maintenance for your hot water system. This includes annual testing and certification of your tempering or thermostatic mixing valve, flushing the tank, and inspecting the temperature and pressure relief valve. Routine maintenance promotes optimal performance and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
Install a tempering valve if you don’t have one. A tempering valve mixes cold water with hot water, delivering water at a safe temperature (usually around 50°C) to your taps and fixtures. This prevents scalding while maintaining the necessary temperature within the hot water system to kill harmful bacteria.

We understand many homeowners want to save energy and reduce their electric and gas utility bills by lowering their water temperature. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between energy efficiency and the safety of your household. By maintaining a temperature of at least 60°C, you can effectively prevent the growth of harmful bacteria while still conserving energy.

Leave It to the Professionals

If you’re uncertain about the appropriate temperature setting for your hot water system or believe there might be a problem with your tempering valve, refrain from attempting any adjustments yourself. Unlicensed individuals tampering with hot water thermostat settings or tempering valve settings is illegal and not a DIY task, regardless of what someone at Bunnings might suggest. In addition, interfering with plumbing, electrical, or gas systems can put you and your family at risk and potentially void your insurance policies.

Our experienced team at Whywait Plumbing is ready to help you with all your hot water system needs, from inspections to maintenance and repairs, ensuring that your system operates safely and efficiently.

Health Comes First: Understanding the Significance of Water Temperature

It’s essential to be aware of the risks associated with lowering the temperature settings in your hot water system. Maintaining a temperature of at least 60°C can prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria, protecting your family from potential health hazards.

Don’t hesitate to contact Whywait Plumbing for expert advice and assistance in keeping your home safe and comfortable this winter.

Gary Mays from Whywait Plumbing on hot water temperature

The Hidden Dangers of Toilet Flushing: What You Need to Know

by Gary Mays | Mar 31, 2023 | blocked toilet

Toilet Flushing No-No’s: A Plea from Your Toilet

For maintenance plumbing companies, this topic is dear to our hearts and your drains. The things you should never, ever flush down the toilet. If your toilet could talk, it would beg you not to flush these items. But since it can’t, we’ll do the talking for it!

The Not-So-Flushable Wipes

Baby wipes and cleaning wipes may say “flushable,” but trust us, they’re not. Wipes are like that one friend who overstays their welcome – they don’t break down as toilet paper does. The result? A clogged-up mess that will have you calling us in a panic. They always belong in the rubbish bin.

Nappies and Sanitary Products: A Horror Story

Nappies and sanitary products, we all get it, it’s an instinct to want to flush these away, but these items are about as welcome in your drains as a chainsaw-wielding clown. They swell up and cause blockages, so spare your toilet the horror and toss them in the rubbish bin instead.

Cotton Buds and Dental Floss: Undercover Agents of Chaos

Cotton buds and dental floss are ultimately deadly in your drains. These small, innocent-looking items are like undercover agents of chaos. They tangle and trap other debris, building up massive pipe-clogging gangs. Save your plumbing system (and your sanity) by disposing of these villains in the rubbish.

Cooking Grease, Fat and Food Scraps Your Toilet’s Worst Enemy

Cooking grease, fat, and food scraps is a huge no-no. The only thing your toilet wants to eat is toilet paper. Anything else, especially grease and food scraps, will leave it feeling bloated and sluggish – not to mention the havoc it wreaks on your drains. If you want a food waste disposal unit, install one in your kitchen sink. So show your toilet some love by keeping its diet clean and simple.

Medications: A Nasty Cocktail for Your Water Supply

Sure, it seems logical to flush expired pills, but when you do, you’re giving your local water supply a nasty cocktail of chemicals. So instead, be a good neighbour and dispose of medications at designated drop-off points.

Goldfish: The Environmental Impact

We know it’s a classic funeral-at-sea scenario, but trust us, your toilet is not the gateway to a better life for your fishy friend. Flushing fish can introduce diseases and invasive species to local waterways, so please, let Nemo rest in peace in a more environmentally friendly way.

Treat Your Toilet Kindly

The next time you’re tempted to flush something other than toilet paper, remember that your toilet is a delicate soul with a sensitive stomach. So treat it kindly, and it will return the favour by not turning your bathroom into a scene from a horror movie.

Follow the Three Ps: Pee, Poop, and (Toilet) Paper

So, there you have it! The unwritten (well, now written) rules of toilet flushing are brought to you by the friendly plumbers at Whywait Plumbing. So, save your drains, your plumber, and your credit card balance by only flushing the three Ps: pee, poop, and (toilet) paper. And if you find yourself in a plumbing pickle, don’t hesitate to call us – we’re always here to save the day (or your drains, at least).

CALL (07) 5580 4311 FAST BLOCKED TOILET SERVICE

Why Your TMV or Tempering Valve Is Crucial for Hot Water Safety

by Gary Mays | Mar 25, 2023 | Hot water tempering valve

Why Do I Need A TMV or Tempering Valve?

Every week, our clients ask us why we must install a TMV or tempering valve to their hot water system. The simple and straightforward answer is that the law mandates it. However, we would like to emphasise that the underlying reason is the safety of the occupants.

A TMV or tempering valve is an essential safety feature that reduces the risk of scalding. This is especially important in storage-type gas, electric, solar, and heat pump systems where the water is stored at high temperatures, typically between 60°C and 75°C. Understanding that a severe hot water burn can occur in just one second when the water is delivered at 60°C or higher is crucial. Hot water burns like fire because of the following reasons:

At 60°C, a severe burn can happen in 1 second.

At 55°C, a severe burn would take 10 seconds.

At 50°C, a severe burn would occur after 5 minutes.

Therefore, it is clear that a TMV or tempering valve is essential in preventing scalding accidents, especially for children, older adults, and people with disabilities who may be more vulnerable to hot water burns. Therefore, installing a TMV or tempering valve is not only complying with the law but also a responsible action towards ensuring the safety of your household or building occupants.

What is a TMV or Thermostatic Mixing Valve?

A TMV or thermostatic mixing valve is a device responsible for mixing hot and cold water together to provide hot water delivery at a consistent temperature. The TMV achieves this by accurately regulating the temperature of the water delivered to your tap.

When we install your TMV, we set the temperature to deliver hot water at a consistent temperature of either 45°C or 50°C, depending on the specific application. For example, in aged care or childcare facilities, the temperature is set at 45°C, while in all other bathrooms, the temperature is set at 50°C.

In common areas for aged care or childcare, a TMV is mandatory to ensure the occupants’ safety. TMVs are very accurate and responsive to fluctuations in incoming water temperatures, maintaining the temperature to within 1°C of the temperature that it was set at during installation.

The temperature regulation accuracy in a TMV is achieved through a thermally sensitive element that expands and contracts in response to the temperature fluctuations of the incoming hot and cold water. This expansion and contraction control the temperature by adjusting the amount of cold water that mixes with the hot water.

In addition to accurately regulating water temperature, a TMV has an added safety feature that shuts down if cold water flows become too low, preventing hot water at temperatures of 60°C or higher from being delivered. This provides an additional layer of safety, ensuring that the water delivered to your tap is always at a safe and consistent temperature.

why we are required to install a TMV or tempering valve

This photo illustrates a TMV installed in a duplex unit to regulate all hot water from the Rinnai instantaneous gas hot water unit at 45°C where the occupant is in a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis

What is a Tempering Valve?

Like a TMV, a tempering valve’s primary function is to mix hot and cold water to provide a consistent water temperature at your tap.

A tempering valve is a simple three-way valve that is temperature actuated to mix hot and cold water. Most tempering valves come preset at 50°C, and during installation, we test them by measuring the temperature of the water from your hot taps in the bathroom.

Tempering valves are commonly used in residential homes as a one-off valve for the hot water service. Compared to a TMV, a tempering valve is slower to respond to temperature fluctuations and will deliver water to within 3°C of the temperature it was set at during installation.

While a tempering valve may not provide the same level of accuracy and responsiveness as a TMV, it is still an effective and essential safety feature in preventing scalding accidents. By providing a consistent water temperature, a tempering valve helps ensure that hot water delivered to your tap is at a safe and comfortable temperature.

Call Whywait Plumbing to install a TMV or tempering valve

This photo illustrates that the handyman who illegally installed this hot water system did at least attempt to install a tempering valve; however, it is non-compliant as it has been connected with flexihoses which ultimately burst and required Whywait Plumbing to completely repipe the system and lodge a Form 4 compliance certificate.

Which Hot Water Safety Valve do you Require?

The Plumbing Code of Australia in AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 provides specific guidelines for water temperature control in various settings. For example, section 1.11 of the code outlines that to prevent the growth of legionella bacteria, water should be stored at a temperature of no less than 60°C. Furthermore, for specific settings such as healthcare, aged care, early childhood, schools, and nursing homes, heated water should not exceed 45°C for the aged, sick, children, or people with disabilities. For all other situations, heated water should not exceed 50°C.

As plumbing professionals, we are obligated to comply with the requirements outlined in AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 when installing temperature control devices. While a TMV may be more expensive to install initially compared to a tempering valve, it has a longer lifespan and is more accessible for servicing and replacing working parts. On the other hand, a tempering valve is typically replaced when it stops working, as it is not easy to service or replace parts.

In Queensland, any work performed on a TMV or tempering valve is reportable to the QBCC, and a compliant Form 4 must be submitted. We recommend that you always demand a copy of your Form 4 for your protection. It’s essential to ensure that any work performed on your hot water system complies with the necessary standards and guidelines to maintain the safety and comfort of the occupants.

The Paramount Importance of Safe Hot Water

In the complex realm of plumbing and water systems, it’s easy to overlook the subtle components that play a monumental role in our safety. The TMV or Tempering Valve stands as a silent sentinel, diligently working to ensure that our hot water usage is safe, preventing potential scalds and burns.

As we’ve unravelled throughout this discussion, these valves aren’t just a luxury but a necessity for every household. They bridge the gap between comfort and safety. In a world where the unexpected can happen in the blink of an eye, having a reliable TMV in place offers more than just regulated hot water – it provides peace of mind.

Ensure your hot water system is equipped with a functioning TMV or tempering valve and embrace the assurance of safety it provides.

Why wait? Experienced Gold Coast Plumbers have expertise, skills and knowledge

by Gary Mays | Mar 18, 2023 | Gold Coast plumbers

DIY plumbing is no match for real Gold Coast Plumbers with experience, skills, knowledge and expertise

Plumbing issues are never easy to deal with, but the temptation to handle them yourself and get all the materials you need from Bunnings can be intense. After all, why pay a professional when you can save money by fixing the problem on your own?

However, when it comes to plumbing, taking the DIY route can often lead to more significant issues and expenses in the long run.

That’s why hiring real Gold Coast plumbers with the necessary experience, skills, knowledge, and expertise is crucial to getting the job done right the first time.

An expert plumber’s experience and knowledge is the key to tackling plumbing problems

There’s no substitute for experience and knowledge when it comes to plumbing problems. Expert Gold Coast plumbers who are experienced plumbers bring a wealth of practical know-how to the job, with years of experience tackling multiple issues. Whether it’s a leaking tap, a blocked drain, no hot water or a burst pipe, an experienced plumber has the skills and expertise to assess the problem quickly and provide an effective and efficient solution.

Not only does an experienced plumber possess the technical know-how to solve plumbing problems, but they also bring a deep understanding of the broader issues at play. This can include everything from City of Gold Coast plumbing requirements and regulations to environmental concerns and best practices for maintaining plumbing systems over the long term.

By relying on an experienced plumber, clients can feel confident that their plumbing problems will be addressed in a way that solves the immediate issue and considers their long-term needs and goals.

Ask any real Gold Coast plumbers how incomplete or inaccurate DIY plumbing solutions from Bunnings or Google for plumbing problems can backfire

While the internet can provide a wealth of information on a range of topics, including DIY plumbing solutions, it is essential to exercise caution when relying on Google. Of course, the nice man at Bunnings may listen attentively and sell you various solutions. Still, they are a hardware supermarket, not a licenced plumber who visually inspects your problem.

Incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to costly mistakes and even potentially dangerous situations when it comes to plumbing problems. In addition, it’s important to remember that plumbing systems are complex, and what may seem like a simple fix can require a deeper level of understanding and experience to resolve correctly.

Don’t disrespect a plumber’s expertise and experience by haggling about their prices

It’s an unfortunate occupational hazard for plumbing businesses that a business you’ve worked for resorts to dishonesty to avoid paying its tax invoice for the work undertaken. Thankfully, a recent experience with a dental practice is generally the exception, not the rule. In this case, the dental practice in question attempted to spin a web of lies to justify their non-payment. It’s frustrating for everyone involved, but it’s important to remember that such behaviour is disrespectful and unprofessional.

Can you imagine the repercussions and reaction if you attempted to withhold payment from the dentist under the pretext of discrediting their expertise and accusing them of incompetence and grossly overcharging?

It’s common for some clients to attempt to negotiate a lower price for our services. Still, there’s a difference between negotiating in good faith and trying to manipulate the situation through dishonesty.

When a business such as a dental practice attempts to beat a plumber’s price down deceitfully, they disrespect the experience and expertise that the plumber brings to the job. It’s important to remember that a plumber’s price is not just for the service they provide but for the years of training and knowledge they bring to the table. Disrespecting their price is disrespecting their value as a professional plumber.

A Plumber's Perspective: A Conversation with a Client on Solving Plumbing Issues and The Ulimate Cost of The Work

G’day mate, now that you’ve looked at everything on my existing hottie, how much for replacing it with a new one?

Well, it’ll cost you $5230, mate.

What? That’s too much! That’s a bloody fortune! Can’t you do it cheaper?

I understand, but this is a big job. So we’re not just slapping a band-aid on it. We’re fixing it properly.

Fair enough, but I reckon it’s a simple job. I’ve Googled it, and all the experts consider $2000 up to $3000 as a fair price. So how about $2500?

I appreciate your opinion, mate, but unfortunately, I can’t do it for that little. I would be better off staying in bed than coming here to work at a loss. Unlike all your Google experts, I’ve eyeballed what is required to properly replace your hot water system and comply with the Plumbing and Drainage Act. But I have a proposition for you. For $1500, I can teach you how to do it yourself.

Teach me? I don’t even know where to start! I work with my brain, not my hands, I’m a financial planner, so I’m not exactly a tradie, mate.

No worries, mate. For $1500, I’ll teach you everything you need to know. It’ll be like a DIY Bunnings sausage sizzle. Plus, you’ll get the knowledge and experience to do it yourself next time.

Alright, I’m game. What do I need to do?

First, you’ll need tools like a pressing tool, battery drill, half-inch benders, screwdrivers and shifters, PPE, a trolley to move the gear around the house and a few other hand tools.

Crikey! I don’t have any of those.

No problem, mate. I can rent them to you for another $1300. So you’re still saving $2430 in the end.

Cool, I’m in, then. Sounds like a good deal. When can we start?

I’m available on Saturdays.

Saturday? But I have plans on Saturdays! It’s my weekend…my day off to spend with the family.

I’m sorry, mate. Saturdays are my teaching days for teaching Bunnings weekend warriors. And if you’re doing it yourself, you’ll need to get up early and get the gear we need for the job from Tradelink at 6.30, so we can start by 9.

That’s a bit rough, mate. Saturday is usually my sleep in morning. Can’t we get the gear from Bunnings?

Sorry mate, if we’re going to fix this correctly, you need suitable quality materials from an actual plumbers merchant.

I don’t have any free Saturdays coming up. Can’t we do it on a weekday?

No. As I said, Saturday is my only free day to teach you. Also, you’ll need a truck to transport the gear.

A truck? I don’t have a truck! I have a Tesla!

It looks like you’ll have to rent one. And the gear is pretty heavy to lift, so you will need some of your mates to come over to help you load and unload the truck.

I really don’t think I can ask my friends, they’re all professionals, not manual labourers, to do that. Can’t we do it on a weekday, and I’ll hire some guys off Airtasker?

I’m afraid not, mate. I’ve got other jobs during the week. However, I have good news for you! You can hire me to do it on a weekday if you’d like.

Really? That sounds like a better idea. But how much will that cost?

Well, it’ll cost you $5230, just like I said at the beginning.

C’mon mate, that’s too expensive! All the experts on Google agree.

I understand, mate. But you’re not just paying for a job. You’re paying for the knowledge, experience, equipment, tools, time, employees and family sacrifices I bring.

I guess you’re right. You know what? I’ve been thinking. It probably is better for you to do the job. It’s better to pay you to do the job right and not have to go through all that hassle.

Sensible decision, mate. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, mate. When you hire us, you’re not just paying for the job. You’re paying for our experience, expertise and everything we bring to the table with the tools in the back of the ute.

Some advice to plumbers reading this blog – “As a Gold Coast plumber, you know your worth. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise – you’re worth every cent. After all, you’re the professional expert here – you know the costs to keep your business running smoothly. So value your services appropriately and do not undersell yourself as a professional licenced plumber.”

Mutual respect and professionalism are essential for every successful business relationship

As a Gold Coast plumber and business owner with 46 years of experience, I’ve seen first-hand how negative stereotypes can affect people in different professions, trades, and occupations. As a result, I believe in treating everyone as I expect to be treated and in giving people the benefit of the doubt until they give me a reason not to trust them.

Sadly, it’s all too common to hear someone say, “I’m just a…”, which sends a subliminal message that their work is of lesser value. But every occupation requires unique skills and expertise, and it’s essential to avoid making generalisations or assumptions about any profession based on these stereotypes.

One thing that bothers me is how certain professions are viewed as less prestigious or essential than others. This can lead to unfair judgments and undervaluation of people in those occupations. To build a positive business-to-client relationship and create a culture of mutual respect, we must actively listen to each other, communicate effectively, and find common ground to create a solution that is beneficial to everyone. By doing so, we can break down barriers and work together towards a more inclusive and collaborative business relationship.

We must also recognise how negative stereotypes can affect people in different professions, trades, and occupations. Therefore, it’s essential to treat everyone with respect and professionalism, regardless of their job title or position. Doing so can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.

A true Gold Coast plumber stands as a beacon of quality and trustworthiness

As we wrap up this exploration into the hallmarks of a genuine Gold Coast plumber, we cannot overemphasise the importance of expertise, skills, experience, and knowledge in this field.

As you navigate the often complex waters of plumbing issues and maintenance, remember that a true Gold Coast plumber stands as a beacon of quality and trustworthiness. They embody a rich blend of technical proficiency and a deep understanding of the local nuances, committed to delivering not just solutions but peace of mind.

In a realm where precision and reliability are non-negotiable, settling for anything less than experienced Gold Coast plumbers is not an option. Stay informed, choose wisely, and safeguard your home’s plumbing integrity with a professional who bears the genuine mark of excellence and reliability.

Wastewater management is every ones responsibility aiding sustainability

by Gary Mays | Jan 25, 2023 | City of Gold Coast, Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Insurance, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Maintenance, wastewater management, Water Filtration

Do you know what happens to your water when you flush the toilet?

At Whywait Plumbing, we know how important it is to take care of our wastewater. Wastewater is any water used in homes or businesses that needs to be cleaned before it can be safely released into the environment. If not appropriately managed, wastewater can pollute our water sources, harm wildlife and affect our health. That’s why we want to help our clients understand the best ways to handle their wastewater.

First, it’s essential to know that there are different types of wastewater. Household wastewater comes from everyday activities like showering, washing dishes and doing laundry. Industrial wastewater is created by restaurants, mechanics workshops, bakeries, supermarkets, butcher shops, factories and can have different chemicals and pollutants. Both types of wastewater need to be cleaned before they are let into the environment. Most of the time, this cleaning happens at a wastewater treatment plant. These plants use a combination of physical, chemical and biological methods to remove pollutants and bacteria from the water.

Households produce an average of 300 litres of wastewater per person per day. Despite popular misconceptions, ninety-nine per cent of this wastewater is just water. The other one per cent is contaminated wastewater. Wastewater is a vital resource and will be released to our land, waterways and the ocean as recycled water after treatment.

What is wastewater?

At Whywait Plumbing, we ensure that our customer’s wastewater management treatment systems are working correctly. This includes regular maintenance and repairs for septic tanks, treatment plants, grease traps, house drain sewer systems, and installing new systems when needed. If you live in the City of Gold Coast, then you are connected to the council sewage system unless you live in a rural area.

It’s also important to try and reduce the number of pollutants that get into the wastewater system in the first place. This means being careful about what we put down the drain or toilet, such as grease, oil and chemicals.

Another essential aspect of wastewater management is appropriately disposing of greywater. Greywater is water that has been used for things like laundry or showering but does not have fecal matter in it. Greywater can often be reused for watering gardens or flushing toilets, which helps us save our freshwater resources.

Stormwater is also wastewater being the runoff that flows from roofs, parks, gardens, roads, paths and gutters into stormwater drains after rain in urban areas. Stormwater flows untreated directly to local creeks, streams or rivers, eventually flowing into the ocean. As a result, most stormwater receives no treatment. However, this is changing in new subdivisions and commercial sites with stormwater treatment to remove vegetation debris, human litter, sand, and gravel using bioretention basins and gross pollutant traps.

What are On-site Sewerage Facilities?

At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that not everyone has access to the same sewerage infrastructure provided by the council. That’s why we want to explain what On-site Sewerage Facilities (OSSF) are and how they can help keep your property and the environment safe. Traditionally these have been called septic tanks.

OSSF’s are systems that treat and dispose of the sewerage generated on your property within your property boundaries. These systems include septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems, passive wastewater treatment systems and composting toilets. These types of systems are typically required in areas that are not serviced by council sewerage infrastructure.

It’s important to note that well-maintained OSSF can help protect public health and safety and reduce the risk of environmental harm with contaminated water flowing into creeks and streams. So, if you have an OSSF on your property, it is essential to keep it well-maintained to ensure it continues to work effectively.

If you have questions or concerns about your On-site Sewerage Facilities, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Whywait Plumbing. We’re always happy to help!

How is wastewater treated in a sewage treatment facility?

At Whywait Plumbing, we want to ensure you understand how sewage is treated before it is released into the environment and, ultimately, into the ocean. On the Gold Coast, there are four wastewater management treatment plants at Pimpama, Coombabah, Merrimac and Elanora, which process your wastewater in four stages:

In the first stage, primary treatment, they remove large objects and debris from the sewage. They do this by passing the sewage through screens to catch anything that shouldn’t be there, like plastic or other trash. They also use grit traps to remove smaller particles like sand. After that, they let the sewage sit in tanks so that any remaining solids can settle to the bottom and be removed. Finally, they also skim off any grease or scum that floats to the top.
Next, they use microorganisms to break down and remove any remaining dissolved wastes and small particles. This is called the secondary stage treatment. Finally, they add microorganisms to the sewage that eat away any remaining pollutants.
In the third stage, nutrient removal, they remove nitrogen and phosphorus from the sewage. These nutrients can cause problems in our waterways, like algal blooms.
Finally, they disinfect the sewage to ensure it’s safe to release back into the environment as recycled water for golf courses and parks or ocean discharge. They do this by adding chemicals or using ultraviolet light to kill any remaining disease-causing microorganisms. They may also let the sewage sit in the ponds for several weeks, allowing the microorganisms to die off naturally before releasing it.

We hope this helps you understand the sewage treatment process and how it keeps our waterways clean and safe!

How can you help?

At Whywait Plumbing, we educate our clients on wastewater management and provide the necessary services to manage their wastewater seriously.

There are multiple ways you can help that are simple everyday tasks:

never connect stormwater drains to any part of your house sewer drains
never put substances such as petrol, oil, solvents, pesticides or herbicides into sewer or stormwater drains
compost all kitchen food scraps
use natural cleaning products that are phosphate and bleach free

wastewater management creates a clean environment for drinking water

Ultimately we are all individually responsible for sustainable wastewater management to keep our water sources and the environment clean and safe for future generations by working together.

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