Plumbing News & Articles | Whywait Plumbing

No, Plumbers Aren’t Scammers: Why Free Quotes Don’t Tell The Whole Story

by Gary Mays | Aug 15, 2022 | free quotes

Free quotes are not worth the risk

Hello there, plumbing enthusiasts and sceptics alike! Welcome to Whywait Plumbing, the company that doesn’t wait to deliver first-class plumbing services to your doorstep. Today, we want to talk about a common misconception that some people have about our industry: the idea that plumbers should provide free quotes on demand.

While we understand the appeal of free things, we also know the value of our time and expertise. So, in this post, we’ll explain why we don’t do free quotes and why you shouldn’t expect us to do so. And we’ll do it in an informative and entertaining way because we believe that humour and authority can go hand in hand. So, let’s dive in!

“Free Plumbing Quotes”: The elusive mythical creature of the plumbing world

First, let’s clarify what we mean by “free quotes”. A free quote is a rough estimate of how much a plumbing job might cost based on a brief description of the issue and some general rates. Some people assume that plumbers should be able to give them free quotes over the phone or email without ever seeing the problem in person or doing any diagnostics. Unfortunately, this assumption is flawed for several reasons.

No matter how experienced, a professional plumber cannot provide legitimate plumbing quotes over the phone. The only way to diagnose a plumbing problem is through an on-site investigation.

Stand out from the crowd by saying No to Free Plumbing Quotes and Yes to Quality Workmanship

For starters, plumbing is not a one-size-fits-all kind of service. Every plumbing problem is unique, and every solution requires a tailored approach. What works for one blocked drain may not work for another, and what looks like a simple blockage may actually be a sign of a more significant issue. Without inspecting the problem firsthand, a plumber can only make educated guesses about what the job entails and how long it might take. And as we all know, guesses can be wrong.

Secondly, plumbing is not a static industry. Prices, materials, and techniques can vary depending on multiple factors, such as location, weather, availability, and complexity. As a result, what might have been a fair price for a similar job last year may not be the same today.

Plumbers risk overcharging or undercharging for their services by providing free plumbing quotes. This can lead to dissatisfied clients and lost profits. Moreover, providing free quotes can also attract price shoppers and tyre-kickers, who are not necessarily interested in hiring a plumber but rather in comparing prices between competitors. We don’t want to waste our time on non-committal inquiries, and we don’t want to waste yours.

From a business perspective, free quotes don’t add up

Plumbing is a skilled trade that requires education, training, experience, and equipment. Our plumbers have invested time and money in becoming licensed, insured, and qualified to handle multiple plumbing issues. They are not hobbyists, amateurs, or volunteers. They are professionals who take pride in their work and expect to be compensated fairly for their time and skills. By providing free quotes, plumbers devalue their expertise and make it seem like anyone can do what they do. We don’t want to undermine our profession, and we don’t like to encourage others to do so.

Now, we know that some people might still insist that we should provide free quotes because “that’s how other plumbers do it”, “that’s what customers expect”, or “that’s the only way to get new business”. But we respectfully disagree.

“Genuine Free Plumbing Quotes”: A mythical creature like a Yowie, except they’re not as much fun and just as rare in plumbing

We believe that providing accurate, fair, and transparent quotes is more important than giving free quotes. We believe that building trust, communication, and relationships with our clients is more critical than providing instant gratification. We believe educating our clients about plumbing issues, prevention, and maintenance is more important than just fixing the symptoms. And we think having a sense of humour is more important than being too serious or stiff.

So, to sum it up: we don’t do free quotes because we care.

The Future of Flushable Products: A Comprehensive New Standard AS/NZS 5328:2022 Flushable Products

by Gary Mays | Jul 16, 2022 | AS/NZS 5328:2022 Flushable Products, Blocked drain, blocked toilet, blocked toilet drain, can you flush condoms down a toilet, Consumer Issues, flushing condoms, flushing tampons, Gold Coast plumbers, gurgling drains, Health Issues, how does a toilet block, Leaking Pipes, Plumbing Legislation, Plumbing Maintenance, Septic Tanks, sewer odour, Tree roots in drains, tree roots in sewer drains

New Flushable Products Standard: A Win for Whywait Plumbing and Our Customers Introduction

Here at Whywait Plumbing, we have long advocated for clear guidelines around using and labelling flushable products. But unfortunately, we’ve seen far too many instances of blockages, overflowing drains, and the ensuing damage to properties and infrastructure due to the misuse of such products.

So from our perspective, sharing the recent news about releasing the new Flushable Products Standard is positive. After all, We’ve done media interviews on this, plus written countless blogs and newsletter articles:

The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) has released the new Flushable Products Standard (PAS 2845.1:2022), which provides manufacturers and consumers with clear guidance on the proper use and disposal of flushable products. In this blog post, we’ll explore the critical aspects of this new Standard and discuss how it aligns with Whywait Plumbing’s long-held beliefs on the issue.

The Importance of the Flushable Products Standard

Addressing the Drain Blockage Problem

Whywait Plumbing has been advocating for these changes mainly because of the immense problem of drain blockages caused by flushing inappropriate items down the toilet. According to the WSAA, approximately 75% of sewer blockages are caused by flushing non-flushable items, costing millions of dollars annually to rectify.

This has led to environmental issues and costly repairs for homeowners and local water authorities. The new Flushable Products Standard aims to reduce the incidence of blockages and save money for everyone involved, making it a welcome development for plumbers and homeowners alike.

Clear Guidelines for Manufacturers

One of the critical aspects of the new Standard is the provision of clear guidelines for manufacturers of flushable products. This includes stringent testing requirements to ensure that only genuinely flushable products can be marketed as such. The Standard also mandates clear labelling, helping consumers make informed choices about what they flush down their toilets.

This means that manufacturers will now have to adhere to these guidelines, ensuring that their products meet the criteria to be deemed flushable. This will help reduce the number of inappropriate items being flushed, leading to fewer blockages and plumbing problems.

How Will The Symbol Be Displayed

The symbols for packaging indicating that a product has passed the criteria in the Standard and is safe for flushing can vary. However, they are typically simple, easily recognisable icons that convey the message. For example, for products that are safe to flush, the symbol might consist of a toilet with a checkmark, signifying that the item can be flushed without causing harm to the plumbing system or the environment.

Conversely, if a product is unsuitable for flushing, the symbol might depict a toilet with a crossed-out circle, indicating that the item should not be flushed. This “do not flush” symbol is crucial for products with a high potential to be flushed, as it helps inform customers about the appropriate disposal method.

In both cases, the symbol should be prominently visible on the on-shelf package, unobscured by packaging seals or folds, ensuring that consumers can quickly identify whether the product is flushable. Again, the goal is to provide consumers with clear, easily understood information, helping them make responsible choices for their plumbing systems and the environment.

How Does A Product Qualify to Be Flushable?

To qualify for the new Flushable Products Standard and display the flushable logo, products must undergo a series of tests and meet specific criteria outlined in the Standard. These tests ensure the product is safe for flushing and will not harm the plumbing system or the environment. Here are the seven steps a product must pass to qualify:

Clears the toilet and household drain line: The product must pass through the toilet and the household drain line without causing blockages or damage to the plumbing system.
Doesn’t foul household sewage pumps: The product must not clog or interfere with the proper functioning of household sewage pumps.
Disintegrates quickly to prevent sewer blockages: The product must break down rapidly once it enters the sewer system to ensure that it does not cause blockages or damage to the sewer infrastructure.
Doesn’t foul council sewer water utility pumps: The product must not cause any problems or blockages in municipal water utility pumps, ensuring that the more extensive sewage treatment system remains functional.
Settles out in a sewage plant: The product must settle out in a sewage treatment plant, allowing it to be correctly processed and treated without causing issues in the sewage plant.
Biodegrades: The product must be able to biodegrade naturally, ensuring that it does not contribute to environmental pollution or harm aquatic life.
Doesn’t contain plastics (via an attestation): Manufacturers must attest that their product does not contain any plastics, helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our waterways and sewer systems.

By meeting these requirements, a product can qualify for the Flushable Products Standard and display the flushable logo on its packaging. This provides consumers with clear information about the product’s suitability for flushing, helping them make responsible choices for their plumbing systems and the environment.

flushable products standard testing requirements

How the Flushable Products Standard Aligns with Whywait Plumbing’s Beliefs

Prioritising the Health of Our Waterways and Infrastructure

At Whywait Plumbing, we have always believed in maintaining the health of our waterways and infrastructure. The new Flushable Products Standard is a significant step in this direction. It will help prevent the clogging of our sewer systems and the pollution of our waterways with non-flushable waste.

By ensuring that only genuinely flushable products can be marketed as such, we can collectively reduce the strain on our water infrastructure and preserve the environment for future generations.

Empowering Consumers with Accurate Information

Another critical aspect of the Flushable Products Standard that aligns with our beliefs is the focus on providing consumers with accurate information about the products they use. With precise labelling requirements, consumers will be better informed about which items are safe to flush and which should be disposed of in other ways.

This empowers individuals to make better choices for their homes and the environment, helping to reduce the number of blockages and plumbing issues caused by flushing inappropriate items.

A Positive Step for the Plumbing Industry and the Environment

The release of the Flushable Products Standard (PAS 2845.1:2022) is a significant milestone in the fight against drain blockages and the associated environmental and financial costs. By providing clear guidelines for manufacturers and empowering consumers with accurate information, this Standard will help to reduce the number of blockages caused by non-flushable items.

As a long-time advocate for these changes, Whywait Plumbing is delighted to see this progress. It remains committed to promoting responsible flushing practices and educating our customers about the importance of these new guidelines. We believe this Standard will positively impact the plumbing industry, the environment, and the overall health of our water infrastructure.

Our Commitment to Client Education

At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that many of our customers may not be aware of the new Flushable Products Standard and the implications it has for their daily lives. As a result, we are dedicated to educating our customers about the importance of following these guidelines and how they can help prevent blockages and protect the environment.

We will update our website, social media channels, and other educational materials to reflect the latest information on flushable products and the new Standard. Additionally, our team of skilled plumbers will be available to advise and answer any questions our customers may have regarding the proper use and disposal of flushable products.

Future Developments and Ongoing Advocacy

While releasing the Flushable Products Standard is a significant achievement, we at Whywait Plumbing believe there is always room for improvement and further progress. Therefore, we will continue to advocate for stricter guidelines, increased public awareness, and ongoing research into developing truly flushable products that do not harm our waterways and infrastructure.

We will also remain vigilant in monitoring the implementation and enforcement of the new Standard, ensuring that manufacturers comply with the guidelines and that consumers have access to accurate and up-to-date information. We aim to be crucial in driving positive change within the plumbing industry and beyond by staying active in this space.

Tips for Preventing Drain Blockages

While the Flushable Products Standard is a significant step in the right direction, everyone needs to play their part in preventing drain blockages. Here are some practical tips for ensuring your plumbing system stays in top shape:

Only flush the “Three P’s”: Always remember that the only items that should be flushed down the toilet are pee, poo, and toilet paper. Everything else, including wet wipes, facial tissues, and sanitary products, should be disposed of in the trash.

Dispose of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) responsibly: FOG can solidify in your pipes and cause blockages. Instead of pouring them down the sink, collect them in a container and dispose of them in the trash once cooled.

Install drain screens: Placing a drain screen over your sink, shower, and bathtub drains can help catch hair, soap scum, and other debris, preventing them from entering your pipes and causing blockages.

Schedule regular plumbing maintenance: Having a professional plumber inspect and clean your plumbing system regularly can help identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems.

Whywait Plumbing: Your Partner in Responsible Plumbing Practices

As a company that has long advocated for responsible plumbing practices and the proper use of flushable products, Whywait Plumbing is proud to support the implementation of the new Flushable Products Standard. We believe this Standard will decrease drain blockages, benefiting homeowners and the environment.

If you have any questions about the new Standard or need assistance with your plumbing system, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Whywait Plumbing. Our experienced professionals are always here to help you with your plumbing needs, ensuring your home’s plumbing system remains in top condition.

FOR EXPERT PLUMBING SOLUTIONS CALL (07) 5580 4311 FOR EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL PLUMBERS

Preventing mould growth is the best way to protect your health and your home

by Gary Mays | Jul 2, 2022 | bathroom mould

Do you have mould around your tiles?

Do you have mould around the tiles or walls in your bathroom or kitchen? If you do, you are not alone, as it is a common problem, particularly in bathrooms and South East Queensland kitchens due to our sub-tropical climate. Like most problems, prevention is vital and preventing mould is often very simple.

Mould is a type of fungus that can grow on a variety of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and floors. It is commonly found in damp or humid environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Mould can cause a variety of health problems, including allergies, respiratory issues, and infections.

Mould loves wet areas

Because your bathroom and especially the shower area are the wettest areas in your home, it is not uncommon to see mould growing in the grouting and silicon sealants. Mould loves the perfect atmosphere of your bathroom as it creates the ideal conditions for mould growth in the cracks and gaps in the tiling. Consequently, mould grows behind and through the grout joints on the tiles. As seen in the photo above, mould loves getting in behind the silicon seal on the internal corners, whether on the wall or the floor.

The most common area to find mould is in your shower, where it is nourished by your body oils, shampoo and soap residue left behind every time the shower is used.

Poor air circulation actively assists mould growth as the warmth and moisture created in the enclosed area of a shower offer ideal conditions for mould growth in the dark places of the shower around the internal corners and the shower floor drain. Poor air circulation is quickly resolved by installing a good-quality bathroom extraction fan above the shower that turns on automatically to remove all of the steam and water particles while you are using the shower, actively preventing mould growth.

What do you do if you suspect that you have mould in your bathroom or kitchen?

If you suspect that you have mould in your bathroom or kitchen, it’s essential to take action to address the problem. Here are a few steps you can take to identify, remove and preventing mould:

Look for signs of mould: Mould can appear as black, brown, or green spots on surfaces. It may also have a musty or unpleasant smell.
Identify the source of the moisture: Mould needs moisture to grow, so it’s essential to determine the source of the moisture in your bathroom or kitchen. This could be a leaky pipe, a humid environment, or poor ventilation.
Repair the source of the moisture: Once you have identified the source of the moisture, it’s essential to fix the problem to prevent further mould growth. This may involve repairing a leaky pipe, installing a dehumidifier, or improving ventilation.
Clean and disinfect the affected area: Be sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, to avoid inhaling mould spores.
Dry the area thoroughly: After cleaning the mould, it’s essential to dry the area thoroughly to prevent new mould growth. Use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.

Whywait recommends using enzymes on mould

If you are suffering from mould growth in your bathroom and kitchen, then Whywait Plumbing recommends removing it before permanent stains are created. To not only prevent but also treat mould, we use what nature uses, which is enzymes rather than corrosive chemicals. Enzymes are a natural part of our world and play an essential role in everyday life. They are found in every living organism, and without enzymes, life is impossible. Enzymes are catalysts – not living organisms.

The success Whywait Plumbing has enjoyed with utilising our enzyme products is incredible, with every problem we have used exceeding our expectations and our client’s expectations. Enzyme products are a guaranteed supply of plant-based enzymes and enzyme products that, by their very nature, eliminate odours and organic matter, from blood stains to cleaning carpets and countertops, removing wallpaper, and even being used as a high-quality cleaner/degreaser.

For preventing mould and treating bathroom mould in the bathroom or the kitchen, we utilise a kitchen and bathroom mould and mildew spray, which is a spray and wipe product that is suitable for all surfaces in a bathroom or kitchen, whether they are Formica or stone bench tops, tiles, glass, timber or stainless steel as it will not only attack existing mould but prevent mould developing.

If you have surface mould in areas such as tiles grout, we spray the affected area whilst cleaning the area with a stiff brush. Once we have finished brushing the site, we leave it for 5 minutes, then rinse it with clean water. If you have heavy mould infiltration, applying a couple of extra times may be necessary to eradicate the mould.

Frequently we will find mould behind the silicon sealant on the internal corners in tile areas which will require more thorough work. First, we will need to use a utility knife such as a Stanley knife to scrape off all of the silicon and ensure you use a blade to scrape the remnants of silicon clear off the tiles. Once all of the silicon has been removed, we spray the mould as above until it has all disappeared. Once the mould has gone, we clean the area and dry it thoroughly with a hot air dryer to ensure no moisture is trapped in the open joint. Finally, we will need to apply a good quality mould-resistant silicon to the joint, specifically designed for high moisture areas.

Preventing mould growth reoccurring

Once we have removed the kitchen or bathroom mould, you need to ensure that you remove the chemical cleaners and bleaches from your cleaning regime and use our enzyme products in your bathroom and kitchen to prevent mould from reoccurring and ensure you have a positive prevention program in place in your home that contains no harmful phosphates or caustic chemicals.

Suppose the mould problem is extensive or we cannot locate the moisture source. In that case, it may be necessary to undertake a more thorough investigation, especially if you observe mould reappearing after a few days of our initial removal. In that case, you may have problems with leaking pipes or fittings that require a thorough investigation by us to ensure you are not damaging internal frames and wall linings. If you have leaking pipes or fittings behind the wall, then the mould is only a symptom of a bigger problem; ignoring it will not make it disappear.

Preventing mould growth in the first place is the best way to protect your health and your home. Be sure to regularly check for signs of mould and address any moisture issues promptly.

If you have any doubts about mould, contact Whywait Plumbing for advice on dealing with mould in your bathroom and kitchen.

Can I install a bidet seat or douche hand spray to my toilet?

by Gary Mays | Jun 11, 2022 | bidet seats

DIY Bidet Seat and Douche Hand Spray Installations Are Illegal and Non-Compliant

Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the infamous toilet paper shortages, we are getting asked about installing bidet seats or douche hand sprayers. Many of these enquiries eventuate from sponsored posts on Facebook promoting the DIY installation of bidet seats. The photo above perfectly illustrates a DIY bidet seat installation we recently encountered in a client’s home.

We commonly come across these DIY bidet installations in clients’ homes. Unfortunately, we are then placed in the invidious position of informing them that this is an illegal installation that requires disconnecting as it has no WaterMark approval and is not compliant, as required by the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018.

Unfortunately, we are only the messenger, but immediately, too many people believe we are wrong. This occurs as the online company they purchased the bidet seat from told them they could install it themselves.

Illegal DIY Installations Can Effect Your Home Insurance Cover

Imagine how we feel when explaining to a disgruntled client that their DIY bidet installation is not legally compliant. Then explain that if it fails and floods their home causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage, their insurance company will null and void insurance protection.

Despite what Facebook posts say, very few legal DIY plumbing installations exist. Your insurance policy requires a licenced plumber to undertake all plumbing work with all plumbing fixtures installed with the necessary WaterMark approval.

Avoid Online Retailers, and Only a Licensed Plumber Can Install a Bidet Seat or Douche Hand Spray

Bidets, bidet seats and douche hand spray bidets are popular with the elderly and people with disabilities. Correctly installed, they afford their users self-care toileting which aids their independence, plus they are much more hygienic than toilet paper.

If you are looking into bidet seats or a douche hand spray, only purchase them from reputable Australian suppliers. Avoid online retailers with no prominent Australian location and not displaying a WaterMark approval.

No matter what, you must use a licensed plumber to install the bidet seat or douche hand spray to ensure there is no risk of backflow. A backflow situation can risk your family and neighbours consuming sewerage-contaminated drinking water.

A legally compliant installation by a licensed plumber required lodgement of Form 9 with the local council and lodgement and payment of fees for Form 4 with the Queensland Government QBCC. You should always get a copy of both forms to prove to your insurer that it is a compliant installation.

Legally Installed Bidet Seat or Douche Hand Spray Offer Benefits in Terms of Hygiene and Independence for the Elderly and People With Disabilities

Remember, if you install a bidet seat or a douche hand spray, you need to do the following:

Purchase a WaterMark-approved product
Only use a licensed plumber to install your bidet products
All installations require high-hazard backflow prevention

Compliance with these requirements will ensure the safety and well-being of your family, protect your home from potential risks, and maintain insurance coverage.

A bidet seat should not be confused with a bidet. A proper bidet must go through an entire approval process by council plumbing inspectors.

Like everything in life, you only get what you pay for, so we recommend you stay away from online retailers, especially on Facebook.

The adage applies when finding cheap DIY bidet seats or douche hand spray hoses. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Avoiding Bathroom Renovation Regret

by Gary Mays | Mar 22, 2022 | bathroom renovation, bathroom renovation regret, Bathrooms, Consumer Issues, DIY Plumbing, Plumbers, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Maintenance

Renovation is not entertainment

Renovation shows such as The Block, House Rules, Selling Houses Australia, and Grand Designs command high television ratings in Australia. However, while they are generally good television, they are not factual in what goes into the renovation of a house and, in particular, bathrooms.

Television renovation shows have been correctly described as dazzling, high-resolution, high-fructose renovation eye candy. This is due to the more critical but unfortunately mundane areas of bathroom renovation not being easily translated into making excellent television programming, so they are, at best, skimped over and are generally completely ignored.

Bathroom renovation can improve your homes value

Updating a bathroom can be an exciting and rewarding project, but it can also be a source of regret if not done correctly. Planning every detail is critical for avoiding bathroom renovation regret and ensuring that your new bathroom meets your needs and hopefully exceeds your expectations.

Every real estate industry expert will confirm that a bathroom renovation will improve your home’s value and lifestyle. However, a stylish and affordable bathroom renovation is a matter of being methodical in your planning, especially if you are renovating for yourself. Above all, do not be fooled by what you see on television renovation shows, as there is a substantial difference between what you see on television shows and what is involved. Unfortunately, this is often when bathroom renovation regret steps in.

As a rule, the bathrooms are small rooms in homes over ten years old compared to homes built in the last few years. This makes older bathrooms more challenging to renovate as they are sophisticated and compact spaces. This can result in compromises, but be aware that shortcuts causing mistakes and defective work in a bathroom can cause significant problems in the future and be very costly to rectify.

Do your planning first to avoid bathroom renovation regret

After 45 years in business, Whywait Plumbing has undertaken numerous bathroom renovations, and we frequently see bathroom renovation regret creep in halfway through a project. The best advice we can give you is to go slowly and plan thoroughly whether you are undertaking a complete renovation or just a makeover. It would help if you avoided the mistakes we see repeated over and over again, all of which should be reasonably obvious, and that is:

Plan ahead: Before starting any renovation work, it’s essential to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Consider your budget, your lifestyle, and your personal taste. Make sure you know exactly what you want before starting the renovation process.
Choose the right contractors: Choosing reputable and experienced contractors is crucial. Make sure to read reviews and ask for references. Look for contractors who will take the time to understand your needs and provide you with a detailed estimate.
Be realistic about your budget: Bathroom renovations can be costly, so it’s important to be realistic about what you can afford. Prioritize the most important elements of your renovation and be prepared to make compromises.
Consider the layout: Make sure your new bathroom layout is functional and easy to use. Think about the flow of the room, and make sure there is enough storage space and the fixtures are placed in logical locations.
Don’t neglect the details: The little things matter, too. Ensure that the finishes, such as the tile, countertops, and fixtures, are high-quality and installed correctly.
Keep future resale in mind: While you want to design your bathroom to suit your personal taste and needs, it’s also essential to keep in mind that you may sell your home in the future. So, consider what may appeal to potential buyers and make your bathroom renovation as versatile as possible.

Managing a bathroom renovation

A bathroom renovation or makeover can be project managed in two ways, requiring you to do all the above. Managing the project yourself is simply a matter of being organised and knowing what you want.

Hiring a builder to project manage your bathroom still requires that you are organised and understand what you wish to do, but it saves you the burden of dealing with specialist trades.

No matter which route you choose, ensure you hire skilled and talented specialist trades, as inevitably, they will dictate how smoothly the bathroom renovation runs and the quality of the finished product.

One pitfall of using many so-called builders to project manage is that they are no longer a tradesman in their own right but have undertaken courses to gain a BSA builders licence. In our experience, the specialist trades they subcontract your bathroom renovation to are not hired because they are the best to undertake the job but are the cheapest companies the builder can obtain to maximise his profit.

How to choose specialist trades for your bathroom renovation

When choosing the specialist trades to undertake your bathroom renovation, you should always:

Check that they have a compliant contractors license
check that they have public liability insurance of at least $10 million and can supply you with a certificate of currency
check that they have a WorkCover insurance policy and can provide you with a certificate of currency
check their references, as many of the so-called online references are of dubious quality
write a specification of the work you wish them to perform so that when you receive the quotes, you are comparing like for like and if getting multiple quotes, this is critical so that you are setting benchmarks
Be cautious about quotes that seem too high or too low because, as always, the devil is in the fine print or lack thereof
check before you sign anything to ensure that quotes include all the most minor details and are compliant not only with your specifications but local laws and Australian standards and that it consists of the brands and models of fittings you specified and not a substitute

There is a limit to DIY in a bathroom renovation

Despite what you see on television programmes, there is a limit to what can be achieved by DIY, especially in areas such as plumbing and electrical, which are two of the foremost specialists you will require in a bathroom renovation.

While doing some work for yourself is a wise way to save money, you also need to understand that many legal restrictions are in place for a good reason. DIY in regulated trades is a recipe for disaster, with the possibility of insurance coverage being denied if something goes wrong.

No matter what you get told by well-meaning shop assistants in Bunnings, always use qualified and licensed tradesmen for regulated work such as pest control, electrical, plumbing, gasfitting, and waterproofing. Therefore, part of your initial planning is to know which aspects of the bathroom renovation must be undertaken by experienced, specialist and licensed trades companies.

You will only get what you pay for

The old saying about only getting what you pay for has never been so true, especially regarding plumbing products. Buying cheap or non-standard fittings is an easy trap to fall into with the proliferation of outlets selling plumbing materials, accessories, fixtures and even tools. Purchasing the bargain that is frequently an unbranded toilet or tap that looks the same as the one you saw in a shop elsewhere can quickly become the product from hell that will cost you much more in the long run.

If you’re buying the fixtures and fittings for the bathroom renovation yourself, ensure that everything you buy conforms to the relevant Australian Standards. As a rule of thumb, be careful about who you buy from online outlets as, in our experience, many of the products they sell are brand-name fakes and claim to comply with Australian standards when in reality, they don’t.

A bathroom renovation is expensive and needs to last for at least ten years, so avoid being too trendy or bold because what is exceptionally fashionable now, and you can be sure will unfashionable in 10 years when you want to sell your home.

Avoid a bold colour and design if it is a permanent feature, such as the tiles, vanity, or toilet. In the permanent features, always aim for a neutral understatement that will last the passage of time. Painted walls can be bold and fashionable as long as they can be repainted. Otherwise, bright colours and designs should be left to the removable decorative features you put in after you renovate the bathroom.

Stick to your plans once you begin

You need to know precisely what you want before beginning your bathroom renovation, within reason. Then, once you have planned your bathroom, commit to it because it will cost you a fortune if you change your mind once work begins. For example, changing your mind about a bath or shower size can cost a small fortune in moving walls and pipes.

It’s not that hard to turn your bathroom into an oasis of peace and tranquillity without breaking the bank as long as you plan and are organised. Just remember your bathroom renovation is not a television programme. If you treat a bathroom renovation like you see on The Block, I guarantee you will suffer from bathroom renovation regret.

Whywait Plumbing has been involved in numerous bathroom renovations. We have over 45 years of experience and a team of expert plumbers and tradesmen dedicated to creating beautiful and functional bathrooms. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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Next Entries »

Free quotes are not worth the risk

“Free Plumbing Quotes”: The elusive mythical creature of the plumbing world

Stand out from the crowd by saying No to Free Plumbing Quotes and Yes to Quality Workmanship

From a business perspective, free quotes don’t add up

“Genuine Free Plumbing Quotes”: A mythical creature like a Yowie, except they’re not as much fun and just as rare in plumbing

New Flushable Products Standard: A Win for Whywait Plumbing and Our Customers Introduction

The Importance of the Flushable Products Standard

Addressing the Drain Blockage Problem

Clear Guidelines for Manufacturers

How Will The Symbol Be Displayed

How Does A Product Qualify to Be Flushable?

How the Flushable Products Standard Aligns with Whywait Plumbing’s Beliefs

Prioritising the Health of Our Waterways and Infrastructure

Empowering Consumers with Accurate Information

A Positive Step for the Plumbing Industry and the Environment

Our Commitment to Client Education

Future Developments and Ongoing Advocacy

Tips for Preventing Drain Blockages

Whywait Plumbing: Your Partner in Responsible Plumbing Practices

Do you have mould around your tiles?

Mould loves wet areas

What do you do if you suspect that you have mould in your bathroom or kitchen?

Whywait recommends using enzymes on mould

Preventing mould growth reoccurring

DIY Bidet Seat and Douche Hand Spray Installations Are Illegal and Non-Compliant

Illegal DIY Installations Can Effect Your Home Insurance Cover

Avoid Online Retailers, and Only a Licensed Plumber Can Install a Bidet Seat or Douche Hand Spray

Legally Installed Bidet Seat or Douche Hand Spray Offer Benefits in Terms of Hygiene and Independence for the Elderly and People With Disabilities

Renovation is not entertainment

Bathroom renovation can improve your homes value

Do your planning first to avoid bathroom renovation regret

Plan ahead: Before starting any renovation work, it’s essential to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Consider your budget, your lifestyle, and your personal taste. Make sure you know exactly what you want before starting the renovation process.

Choose the right contractors: Choosing reputable and experienced contractors is crucial. Make sure to read reviews and ask for references. Look for contractors who will take the time to understand your needs and provide you with a detailed estimate.

Be realistic about your budget: Bathroom renovations can be costly, so it’s important to be realistic about what you can afford. Prioritize the most important elements of your renovation and be prepared to make compromises.

Consider the layout: Make sure your new bathroom layout is functional and easy to use. Think about the flow of the room, and make sure there is enough storage space and the fixtures are placed in logical locations.

Don’t neglect the details: The little things matter, too. Ensure that the finishes, such as the tile, countertops, and fixtures, are high-quality and installed correctly.

Keep future resale in mind: While you want to design your bathroom to suit your personal taste and needs, it’s also essential to keep in mind that you may sell your home in the future. So, consider what may appeal to potential buyers and make your bathroom renovation as versatile as possible.

Managing a bathroom renovation

How to choose specialist trades for your bathroom renovation

Check that they have a compliant contractors license

check that they have public liability insurance of at least $10 million and can supply you with a certificate of currency

check that they have a WorkCover insurance policy and can provide you with a certificate of currency

check their references, as many of the so-called online references are of dubious quality

write a specification of the work you wish them to perform so that when you receive the quotes, you are comparing like for like and if getting multiple quotes, this is critical so that you are setting benchmarks

Be cautious about quotes that seem too high or too low because, as always, the devil is in the fine print or lack thereof

check before you sign anything to ensure that quotes include all the most minor details and are compliant not only with your specifications but local laws and Australian standards and that it consists of the brands and models of fittings you specified and not a substitute

There is a limit to DIY in a bathroom renovation

You will only get what you pay for

Stick to your plans once you begin

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