Plumbing News & Articles | Whywait Plumbing

Gold Coast plumbers warn on Labor’s $16 B uni-debt cut

by Gary Mays | Jul 24, 2025 | Plumber Costs on the Gold Coast

🚨 The Real Cost of Labor’s 20 % HELP Debt Reduction Bill 2025

📅 24 July 2025 – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor tabled the 20 % HELP Debt Reduction Bill 2025, a headline-grabbing promise to wipe $16 billion from university loans and shower three million graduates with an average $5500.00 gift.

🔔 Gold Coast plumbers are sounding the alarm. Someone will still foot this $16 billion tab—and that “someone” is every rate-paying homeowner and tradesperson in Australia.

🎓 Degrees Up, Trades Down

🧑‍🎓 Billions to universities, zero to trades. Canberra’s cash splash screams that degrees are premium while practical skills are second-class.

🚪 Doors slam on apprenticeships. Teenagers see prestige (and now cash-back) in lecture theatres, so fewer pick up a plunger.

📉 Shrinking workforce. Every apprentice lost today becomes an emergency call-out you can’t book tomorrow.

⏳ Longer wait times, higher fees. Scarcity drives up hourly charges and stretches response windows.

💣 DIY disasters. Desperate homeowners gamble with unlicensed fixes—voiding insurance, flooding homes and risking lives.

💥 Hard Truth for Every Household

🚫 You subsidise six-figure careers. Tax dollars flow to future doctors and lawyers already set for $300 k+ salaries, while trades scrape by.

🚫 Local skills drain. Skilled hands leave or never arrive, exposing the Gold Coast during storms, floods and natural disasters.

🚫 Economic two-tier system. The Bill deepens a class divide where academic letters matter more than keeping the water clean and the lights on.

Bottom line: Anthony Albanese’s 20 % HELP Debt Reduction Bill 2025 doesn’t just raid the Budget—it erodes respect for vocational pathways, empties the plumbing talent pipeline, and drives your future repair bills sky-high. Gold Coast plumbers aren’t buying Labor’s feel-good maths, nor should you.

❓ Training demands we can't ignore

🔧 8,000 hours on-the-job learning before a licence.

📜 Compulsory pass exams test every regulation under the Plumbing & Drainage Act 2018.

🛠 Thousands in tools bought long before full wages arrive.

Yet Labor’s relief excludes these committed professionals.

🔧 The hidden price of becoming a plumber

🔖 Licence application: about $485 up-front.

🔁 Annual renewal: $243 just to stay legal.

🛠 Starter tools: easily $8000 before a full wage arrives.

💼 Apprentice wage: roughly half the adult minimum while rents keep rising.

Labor’s uni debt wipe ignores these real, ongoing costs.

💰 How the debt wipe-out is funded

💸 Borrowed cash. Extra public debt means decades of interest for all taxpayers.

🔧 TAFE left out. Apprentice tuition, tools and licence fees stay full-price.

📊 Lost opportunities. The same $16 B could underwrite tens of thousands of regional apprenticeships instead.

Put bluntly, plumbers bankroll higher-earning careers.

💸 Income reality check

🔧 Plumber: $80 k

📊 Accountant: $87 k

⚖️ Solicitor: $140 k

👩‍⚖️ Barrister: $299 k

🩺 GP doctor: $365 k

The gap is glaring. Doctors and barristers earn over four times a plumber’s pay.

And yet Anthony Albanese and Labor think it’s okay to compensate high-earning professionals.

💬 Why homeowners should worry

🛠 Fewer new plumbers. Young locals chase easier degrees and skip apprenticeships.

⏱ Longer wait times. Fewer hands mean slower emergency responses.

💰 Higher call-out fees. Scarcity drives prices up.

⚠️ DIY risks. Desperate fixes void insurance and flood homes.

🏡 Local economy pain. Tax money flows to elite campuses, not Gold Coast skills.

⏳ What you can do today

Gold Coast plumbers urge Premier David Crisafulli and our city MPs to demand equal debt relief for vocational careers. Fair funding keeps skilled hands here and protects every home.

✅ Book licensed Gold Coast plumbers. Your job funds new apprentices.

🔗 Share this post. Shine a light on the imbalance.

✉️ Email Premier Crisafulli. Ask him to back vocational debt cuts.

🧑‍🎓 Gold Coast Plumbers FAQ HELP Debt, Licensing Costs & Homeowner Impact

❓ Why are Gold Coast plumbers worried about the $16 B HELP debt wipe?

💬 It benefits uni grads, yet offers zero relief for trades. Plumbers still pay full licence, tool and training costs.

❓ Who ultimately pays for the debt wipe?

💬 Government borrows the money. Taxpayers — including plumbers and homeowners — cover interest for decades.

❓ What hidden costs do plumbing apprentices face?

💬 Licence fees, annual QBCC renewals, and starter tools totalling about $8000, all while earning apprentice wages.

❓ How big is the income gap between plumbers and professionals like doctors?

💬 Doctors and barristers earn about four times more. Even accountants usually out-earn licensed plumbers. And yet plumbers are essential to keep the water flowing.

❓ How does the debt wipe affect Gold Coast homeowners?

💬 Fewer new plumbers mean longer wait times, higher call-out fees and more risky DIY plumbing attempts.

❓ What action do Gold Coast residents need to take?

💬 Contact Premier David Crisafulli to demand equal debt relief for vocational careers and always book licensed Gold Coast plumbers.

Toilet Still Smelly After Cleaning? Gold Coast Fix‑It Guide

by Gary Mays | Jul 10, 2025 | bathroom odours

Gleaming porcelain, lingering pong. Here's why - and how to clear the air today

A sparkling toilet pan can still hide deep faults.

CHOICE’s 2024 lab test of more than 30 toilet cleaners found that several bleach gels scored 50 %, only 5 % better than plain tap water at 45 %.

🤔 Coles Ultra Bleach Toilet Gel

🤔 Best Toilet Cleaners

Odours and toilet smells after cleaning are warning signs of gas leaks, blockages, and potential damage. Fixing them early costs less and protects your family’s health.

Five hidden causes of a stinky toilet

🔍 Problem	🤔 Why does it happen	⚡ Fast fix
Dry water seal (P‑ or S‑trap)	A seldom used ensuite lets water evaporate. Gas escapes.	Flush weekly or pour two litres down the bowl.
Partial sewer blockage	Wet wipes, toys or roots slow flow. Gas backs up.	CCTV and water jet‑blast clear the pipe.
Perished rubber pan‑collar	Age, bleach, or a rocking pan split the seal, letting sewer gas leak.	Repair or replace the collar in under an hour.
Biofilm under the rim or inside the cistern	Bacteria feed on residue. Smell returns fast.	Spray Enzyme Wizard, wait ten minutes, scrub.
Blocked roof vent	Debris stops air flow. Gas forced inside.	Clear the vent safely or book a plumber.

Pan‑collar seal – Australia's silent leak

✅ What: The rubber collar joins the pan to a 100 mm waste, and there is no American wax ring here no matter what Google tells you.

✅ Weak spots: Harsh bleach, movement, and age. Small gaps leak sewer gas without water.

✅ Check: Gently rock the pan. If it moves, the collar has failed.

✅ Action: Our plumbers repairs or replaces your pan collars on the same visit.

Bleach vs Enzyme Wizard – CHOICE‑reported results

⚠️ Bleach‑based liquids	✅ Enzyme Wizard Bathroom & Toilet Cleaner
Coles Ultra Bleach Gel scored 50 % in CHOICE tests—barely above water.	Four of CHOICE’s top six bathroom cleaners now carry eco claims, proving green products work.
CHOICE Shonky Award report: Bleach can erode grout and tiles, worsening future mould.	pH‑neutral plant enzymes digest waste without attacking rubber, chrome or grout.
Strong chlorine fumes can trigger asthma.	Low‑odour, family‑friendly, grey‑water and septic safe.
Bleach masks odour, misses biofilm roots.	Enzymes remove the source, so the freshness lasts.

The bottom line: Bleach cleans surfaces but quietly damages your toilet. Enzyme Wizard cleans deeper, lasts longer, and protects parts.

Why We Recommend Enzyme Wizard Bathroom & Toilet Cleaner

🌿 Plant‑powered enzymes break down organic waste, so bad smells vanish instead of being masked.

🛠️ Seal‑friendly – pH‑neutral formula protects rubber pan‑collars, flush valves and chrome.

👃Low odour – safe for asthma and allergy sufferers; no harsh chlorine fumes.

🌏 Septic & grey‑water safe – balances household treatment systems and protects coastal waterways.

🧪 CHOICE‑backed performance – Eco cleaners reach the top tier when the correct dwell time is observed.

⏱️ Fast workflow – spray, wait ten minutes, quick scrub. Our plumbers use it on every odour reset call‑out.

💸 Economical concentrate – one litre of concentrate can be diluted to ten spray bottles, cutting supermarket spend.

Weekly quick‑win checklist to prevent toilet smells after cleaning

🟢 Re‑fill rarely used toilet and floor drains.

🌀 Spray Enzyme Wizard under the rim every Friday.

💨 Run the exhaust fan for fifteen minutes after a shower.

🚮 Flush only toilet paper—bin everything else.

Myths costing Gold Coast homeowners money

🚫 “The bowl looks clean, so the odour isn’t plumbing.” Wrong. Smell often starts inside pipes or vents.

🚫“Bleach fixes everything.” No. CHOICE tests show many bleach gels perform no better than water and can corrode surfaces. All bleach products are masking agents.

🚫 “Air‑freshener blocks are enough.” Never. They mask leaks until damage spreads.

Expanded FAQs toilet smells after cleaning your most‑asked questions answered in plain English

Why does the smell return within a day of cleaning?

🔹 Surface isn't the source. The stench rises from the drain, vent or collar, not the porcelain.
🔹 Bleach bounce‑back. Chlorine kills helpful bacteria in the water seal, so odour‑eating microbes disappear, letting sewer gas take over again.
🔹 Biofilm regrows fast. Bacteria regenerate in as little as 12 hours if the slime isn't digested with enzymes. Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

How long do rubber pan‑collars last?

🔹 Average life: 8–10 years. PVC sewer pipes and pans outlive the collar.
🔹 Early failure signs: pan moves, ammonia smell near tiles, grey stains in grout.
🔹 Biggest killers: bleach, constant pan movement and cheap, thin collars used in DIY installs.

Does Enzyme Wizard disinfect and clean?

🔹 Primary job: break down organic matter so nothing is left for odour‑making bacteria.
🔹 Secondary benefit: less biofilm means fewer germs overall.
🔹 If hospital‑grade kill is required (e.g., a gastro bug in the family), rinse with Enzyme Wizard first, then a mild, non‑chlorine sanitiser.
🔹 CHOICE guidance: Eco cleaners can meet or beat bleach's cleaning score when contact time is observed.

Will simply replacing the toilet stop the smell?

🔹 Not always. A brand‑new pan still uses the old pipe, vent and trap.
🔹 Rule of thumb is that if the vent is blocked or the collar is destroyed, a new toilet inherits the same odour issues.
🔹 Our process: camera inspection + vent test before we ever upsell a pan swap.

What will Whywait charge to fix a smelly toilet?

🔹 Inspection fee: credited against any repair work we carry out.
🔹 Fixed‑price menu: reseat pan‑collar, jet upstream blockage, clear roof vent, enzyme shock‑clean—each has a published price, so no invoice shock.
🔹 Lifetime workmanship warranty on all our pan‑collar reseats and vent clears.

When it's time to call Whywait Plumbing

✅ Odour returns within 24 hours.

✅ The toilet rocks or leaks at the base.

✅ Persistent gurgling or slow flush.

✅ You can’t safely reach the roof vent.

Gold Coast Hot Water Systems 2025: Your No‑Nonsense Guide

by Gary Mays | Jul 1, 2025 | Hot Water

Hot water can swallow 25 % of a home’s energy bill. Pick the wrong heater, and you will bleed cash every day. At Whywait Plumbing, we cut through jargon, show real numbers, and help you act now.

Quick Snapshot: Gold Coast Hot Water Systems 2025

System Type

⚡ Electric storage

🔥 Gas storage

🚿Gas instantaneous

🌬 Heat‑pump

☀️ Solar

Up Front Cost*

$900 ‑ $1800

$1100 ‑ $2400

$1000 ‑ $2200

$2400 ‑ $4000

$3500 ‑ $6500

Annual Run Cost*

$800 – $1000

$650 – $950

$550 – $850

$260 – $500

$100 – $400

Best For.....

Off‑peak power

Natural‑gas streets

Endless hot water

eco minded homes

long term saving

*Average retail prices and energy costs for a four‑person Gold Coast household, sourced from CHOICE 2025 hot‑water review.

The costs above are a guide only from Choice and the up-front costs are not realistic in our opinion for compliance requirements in Queensland.

Why upgrade Gold Coast Hot Water Systems in 2025

📈 State rebate: Up to $1 000 back for solar or heat‑pump units via Queensland’s Climate Smart scheme. Funds run out fast.

💰 Federal STCs: Slash hundreds at purchase. We handle the paperwork.

🔇 New tech: Heat‑pumps today run quieter and use 60 % less power than 2019 units.

⏳ Delay costs you: Every month of old‑tank wastage is money lost forever.

Simple running‑cost calculator

Formula: Annual cost = (Daily energy use × Tariff) × 365

1️⃣ Daily use: 10 kWh (40 L × 0.25 kWh/L)
2️⃣ Tariff: 27 ¢/kWh (Tariff 11)
3️⃣ Annual cost: 10 × 0.27 × 365 ≈ $985.50

Try it: Swap in your unit’s daily kWh or MJ and your exact tariff.

Gold Coast running‑cost example

System

🌬 Heat‑pump on PV

⚡ Electric storage peak

⚡ Electric storage off‑peak

🚿 Gas instant

Annual Energy Use

900 kWh

3500 kWh

3500 kWh @ 9.8c

16 GJ @ $35/GJ

Annual Cost

$0‑$280 (PV solar dependent)

$1085

$343

$560

*Tariff 11 = 31 ¢/kWh, off‑peak = 9.8 ¢/kWh, gas = $35/GJ. Figures are indicative.

Cold‑shower regret — facts you can't ignore

🥶 Cold‑shock kick‑in: Water under 30 °C spikes heart rate and ramps metabolism by 25 %.

🌡 Comfort zone: The sweet‑spot is 37‑38 °C; cooler showers feel uncomfortable for most people.

⚡ Controlled‑load risk: Economy tariff switch‑offs can leave tanks powerless for hours, gifting you an icy wake‑up.

📞 Gold Coast reality: “No hot water” is our #1 winter emergency call – our aim is to fix it the same day because no one should shiver in the shower at 6 am.

System deep dive summary

🌬 Heat‑pump – Works like a reverse fridge. Loves Gold Coast humidity. Pair with PV roof panels for cents per day running costs. With heat pumps you definitely get what you pay for so beware of cheap units.

⚡ Electric storage – Cheapest to install, expensive to run on peak tariff. Off‑peak plus timer helps, but you need a larger tank. Pair with PV roof panels to dramatically reduce daily running costs.

🚿 Gas continuous‑flow – Compact. Hot water never ends. Needs a six‑star model for savings. LPG refills can kill the maths.

🔥 Gas storage – Heats fast. Best to use natural gas if available. Suitable for high shower demand.

☀️ Solar thermal – Black roof tubes warm water for free. A backup electric element boosts heating on cloudy days. If the roof already hosts PV panels, a heat‑pump plus PV wins hands down for running costs.

Five questions to nail the choice

❓ People now and in three years? Plan 50 L per person daily.

❓ Morning or night showers? Tariff timing affects bills.

❓ Have rooftop solar PV? If yes, lean electric or heat‑pump.

❓ Switchboard capacity? Instant electric may need a three‑phase supply.

❓ Outdoor space? Heat‑pumps and gas units vent outside and require space to operate.

Ready to choose?

🛒 Browse our hot‑water systems here. Compare features, sizes and prices in one scroll.

🤔 Still unsure? Call us. In two minutes, we’ll match the perfect unit to your home and budget.

💷 Transparent pricing. Listed costs cover standard external installs (internal for instant electric). Non‑standard or internal storage installs may need extra labour; we tell you upfront.

Incentives you can claim in 2025

🟢 Queensland Climate Smart Energy Savers: $800‑$1 000 back on eligible heat‑pump and solar units.

🟡 Federal STCs: Cut $700‑$1 500 off heat‑pump or solar price at checkout.

🔵 Whywait Plumbing loyalty credit: Book by 30 September for a $150 Taqua water filter tap installation voucher.

We care because we live here too. Let's keep hot water bills fair for every Gold Coast home.

Rebates and paperwork made easy

📝 We do the forms: STC assignment, state rebate claims, council approvals.

🏃 Zero hassle: You relax while we slice the red tape.

Next steps for a long hot shower

☎️ Contact Whywait Plumbing for a hot‑water health check. 🛠 We size your perfect unit and quote same‑day. 🚚 Book an install within 48 hours and enjoy steamy showers without cold shower regret.

Contact us now so you can Stop guessing and Start saving. Contact us now and feel the difference every morning, because no one should shiver in the shower at 6 am.

Deep Dive into the 2025‑26 Gold Coast Water Costs: What to Expect

by Gary Mays | Jun 27, 2025 | Gold Coast Water Pricing

2025‑26 Gold Coast Water Costs

Gold Coast households face new water and sewerage charges from 1 July 2025. The increases are small in dollars but add up across the year.

At Whywait Plumbing, we get it. Rising costs can feel unfair when you’ve already watched every drop. We aim to show the facts, highlight wise choices, and keep money in your pocket.

Snapshot: 2025‑26 Charges

Charge	2025‑26 Price	How it appears on your bill
Water access	$307.00 a year	Daily rate $0.8410
Water usage – City share	$1.463 per kL
Water usage – Bulk share	$3.517 per kL
Total water usage	$4.980 per kL
Sewerage access	$783.00 a year	Daily rate $2.1452
Sewerage volume	$5.502 per kL

Non‑drinking and recycled water prices sit lower but still rose. See the City of Gold Coast for details.

What Has Changed Since 2024‑25?

✅ Water access up $17 (+5.9%).

✅ Water usage up $0.156 per kL (+3.2%).

✅ Sewerage access up $43.68 (+5.9%).

✅ Bulk water cost from the State rose 2.1%.

A household using 180 kL a year now pays about $124 more than last year. That is an extra $31 each quarter.

Why Costs Keep Rising

Infrastructure ages fast on the Coast’s salty soil. Pumps, pipes, and treatment plants need upgrades. Energy prices also climb. The State bulk supply charge is the most significant driver and sits outside Council control.

Growth adds pressure. The city grows by 12,000 residents every year. More people equal bigger networks and more treatment.

🎯 Learn more in our blog on shower leak damage.

How to Read Your Bill

Your bill shows two date ranges. Check which charges apply to each period. Confirm the meter reads. Compare daily usage year on year. A sudden spike often means a leak.

If you are unsure, email us a photo of your bill to service@whywait.com.au. We will explain it line by line for free.

Five Quick Wins to Cut Your 2025‑26 Bill

✅ Fix dripping taps within 48 hours. One drip wastes up to 20,000 L a year.

✅ Install low‑flow shower heads. Savings start from the first shower.

✅ Use the City rebate for smart meters. Set alerts for unusual flow.

✅ Upgrade leaking toilet cisterns. Modern dual‑flush models cut use by half.

Book our Water Efficiency Audit. We find hidden leaks and optimise every fixture.

Example: Typical Family of Four

✅ Annual use: 180 kL (city average).

✅ Water usage: $896.40.

✅ Access fees: $1,090.00 (water + sewer).

✅ Sewer volume*: $743.00 (approx. 135 kL).

✅ Total yearly bill: $2,729.40.

The same home paid $2,605 last year. The jump is less than $2.40 weekly, yet no one likes surprises.

*Sewer volume equals 75% of metered water. The City formula may vary.

Act Now – Don't Let Hidden Leaks Steal Your Cash

Every litre that slips away is money you will never see again. A silent underground leak can add $400 in a single cycle.

Call Whywait Plumbing on (07) 5580 4311 or book online. We respond the same day and provide clear, fixed prices.

We care because we live here too. Let's keep water bills fair for every Gold Coast home.

Black Mould Bathroom Gold Coast – Plumbing Leaks & Mould Health Risks

by Gary Mays | Jun 6, 2025 | mould prevention

🦠 Black Mould in Your Bathroom? Gold Coast Plumbing Problems You Shouldn't Ignore

Is that black patch in your bathroom just grime, or something more sinister?

On the Gold Coast, black mould is more than an eyesore. It’s a symptom of deeper plumbing problems that could wreck your health and home.

From hidden leaks to poor ventilation, your bathroom might be silently breeding a toxic enemy. Don’t brush it off as what you can’t see can hurt you. This blog reveals how to spot the warning signs, fix the causes, and breathe easier, fast.

💨 What's Lurking in Your Bathroom May Be Making You Sick

Black Mould Bathroom Gold Coast isn’t just a cosmetic problem—it’s a health hazard. On the Gold Coast, humid conditions and unnoticed plumbing leaks turn your bathroom into a breeding ground for toxic spores.

A recent article in The Conversation confirms what we see weekly in clients’ homes: black mould, when fed by moisture from leaking pipes or poor ventilation, can lead to severe respiratory distress, skin irritation, and long-term health consequences such as chronic respiratory conditions and compromised immune systems.

📖 Read the full expert explanation here.

😷 What Can Mould Do to Your Health?

Black mould exposure affects people differently, but the risks are real, especially for sensitive individuals.

👃 Sneezing, nasal congestion, and coughing

🫁 Asthma flare-ups or new respiratory symptoms

👶 Greater vulnerability in children and the elderly

🧴 Skin irritation or eczema flare-ups

🧠 Fatigue, headaches, and brain fog

If you’re always sick at home but better when you’re away, mould might silently invade your bathroom air.

🔧 Plumbing Issues That Feed Mould Growth: Address Them Now

Black mould thrives in warm, moist environments, like your bathroom. Often, the cause is hidden plumbing issues.

🚿 Common Problems We Find:

💧 Leaking taps and mixers – slow drips feed damp grout and walls

🌫️ Poor ventilation – no exhaust fan means steam lingers

🧱 Cracked seals – water seeps behind baths, basins, and tiles

🚽 Slow drains or pooling water – humidity spikes rapidly

🔍 Undetected pipe leaks – inside walls or under floors

🎯 Learn more in our blog on shower leak damage.

🧼 How to Prevent Bathroom Mould for Good

Keeping your bathroom mould-free means managing both moisture and plumbing.

🛠️ What You Can Do:

🔧 Fix dripping taps as soon as they start

🌬️ Use exhaust fans during and after every shower Open windows to improve air flow

🧽 Clean tiles and grout weekly with a mould-fighting solution

🪠 Unblock slow drains promptly

💡 Install a humidity sensor or timer on your fan

🔍 Book a professional leak inspection

📘 See our blog: What’s That Smell in My Bathroom?

🚨 Why Mould Is a Plumbing Issue First

Mould is the visible symptom. Plumbing leaks are the root cause.

🛑 No amount of bleach or cleaning will stop it if water keeps seeping into your bathroom’s structure.

🏚️ Left untreated, mould destroys paint, plaster, timber, and your peace of mind. Don’t let it get to this point. Take action now to protect your home and your health.

🔍 Our experienced team inspects your complete bathroom plumbing system, finds hidden leaks, and restores your bathroom’s safety.

With our professional help, you can rest assured that your home is in good hands.

📞 Take Action Now – Don't Let Mould Win

🗣️ “Mould spores don’t wait. If there’s moisture, it’s party time—and your lungs are the dancefloor.”

✅ We locate leaks
✅ Repair failing seals
✅ Unblock drains
✅ Improve ventilation
✅ Stop mould at the source

👉 Book your Black Mould Bathroom Gold Coast plumbing check now
Or call Whywait Plumbing for same-day Gold Coast support. We’re here to help you protect your home.