Copper Theft of Copper Pipes on the Gold Coast

by Gary Mays | Dec 7, 2025 | Whywait Plumbing

🧰 Copper Theft of Your Copper Pipes on the Gold Coast

Copper theft is no longer a distant problem. It is happening in homes, rentals, and building sites across Australia.

When thieves rip out copper pipes, they do not just steal metal. They steal your peace of mind. They leave you with flooded rooms, ruined walls, and that awful, heavy feeling in your stomach.

On the Gold Coast, we have witnessed this too. You walk into a property that should be safe. Instead, every accessible copper pipe has been hacked out. Water has gone everywhere.

The worst we have seen was at The Oasis Shopping Centre, where every bit of 100mm copper pipe for the drains in the underground carparks was cut and removed.

We care about that moment. Our job at Whywait Plumbing is to help you avoid it. And to fix it quickly if it has already happened.

🚨 Why copper theft is getting worse

Copper has always been valuable. Now, high prices and cost-of-living stress make it even more tempting.

Scrap yards pay for copper because it can be recycled repeatedly. Thieves know this. They do not need much skill. Just basic tools and a fast exit.

For copper thieves, it is quick cash.

For you, it is days of repairs, insurance claims, and worry.

💰 Why thieves love your copper pipes

To a thief, copper pipes are perfect. They are long, solid pieces of metal that run throughout your home.

They love copper pipes because:

🪫 They are easy to spot on external walls and under houses.

🧱 They can be cut quickly with simple tools.

💵 Scrap dealers still pay enough to make the risk worthwhile.

🧳 Pipes are light enough to carry to a car or ute.

They do not care that those pipes protect your home from water damage.

They do not care that one cut pipe can flood three floors of units.

You are the one left standing in the mess.

🏚️ Where and how copper pipe theft happens

Copper theft is not just a big industrial problem.

It is personal now when the copper thieves creep into your street.

🏠 1. Vacant and rental properties

Vacant homes and rentals between tenants are prime targets for theft.
Thieves watch online listings and “For Lease” signs.

They look for:

❌”Available now” rental properties.

❌Recently vacated homes are awaiting new tenants.

❌Holiday homes often remain unoccupied for extended periods.

They break in and then:

❌Cut copper pipes in ceilings and walls.

❌Rip out pipework around hot water systems.

❌Remove the exposed pipe near the water meter.

You come back to swollen doors, warped floors, and that damp, mouldy smell.

🚧 2. Construction and renovation sites

New work looks attractive to thieves. They know there will be lots of fresh copper.

On the Gold Coast, we see:

❌New homes with copper risers were stolen before handover.

❌Apartments with exposed pipework stripped overnight.

❌Hot water systems installed one week, gone the next.

Every theft means delays, extra labour, and more materials. If it is your future home, that delay feels very personal.

🚿 3. External plumbing that is easy to reach

Most thieves are lazy. They go for what they can see and reach fast.

Common targets are:

❌Pipes running up walls to solar hot water or heat pumps.

❌Copper between water meters and external walls.

❌Exposed pipes under lowset houses or along carports.

If they can reach it in under a minute, they see it as low risk.

🌏 Why this matters so much on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is home to numerous units, townhouses, and duplexes. A single cut copper pipe can affect multiple homes simultaneously.

Water does not respect unit boundaries. It runs through ceilings, down walls, and into electrical cavities.

That can mean:

💧 Flooded ceilings in several units.

⚡ Electrical risks if water reaches switchboards.

🦠 Mould growth that keeps returning if not dried properly.

You might live nowhere near a building site. Yet the same type of copper theft that darkens street lights can wreck your hallway overnight.

🛡️ How to protect your copper pipes

You cannot control scrap metal prices or national laws. But you can make your home or building a more challenging target.

Here is what we recommend as licensed Gold Coast plumbers who see the aftermath.

🔒 1. Make copper harder to see and touch

Small changes can put thieves off very quickly.

🔧 Box in exposed pipes with lockable metal or fibre-cement covers.

🧱 Use cages around hot water systems and meter pipework.

🧩 Avoid long visible runs of copper when renovating.

If a thief cannot see the pipe, they often keep walking.

💡 2. Improve lighting and visibility

Thieves hate bright light and nosy neighbours.

💡 Install motion-sensor lights near meters and hot water units.

🌳 Trim hedges that hide side paths and under-house access.

👀 Ask neighbours to keep an eye on “tradies” at odd times.

You do not need a fortress. You just need to look less inviting than the property down the road.

🏘️ 3. Secure vacant or in-between properties

If you are a landlord, seller, or strata manager, act early.

🔐 Lock side gates and under-house access points.

🕰️ Use timers on a couple of interior lights.

👣 Ask your agent to check plumbing areas regularly.

🚰 Get your plumber to review exposed pipework before long vacancies.

Inform your plumber if the property will remain unoccupied. We can help reduce easy entry points for thieves.

🧱 4. Plan more innovative pipe layouts during upgrades

Plumbing design can quietly reduce theft risk over time.

Where it suits the job and regulations, we can:

✅Run main pipes through the ceilings instead of exposing them on the walls.

✅Keep external copper runs as short as possible and as high as practical.

✅Use approved plastic pipe for some sections, where safe and compliant.

Every property is different. Good design now can save you thousands later.

🚿 What to do if your copper pipes are stolen

That first moment is horrible. You see water, broken pipes, and your heart sinks.

Take a breath. Then follow a calm, simple plan.

1️⃣ Step one: stop the water if it is safe

✅Turn off the water at the front meter if you can reach it safely.

✅Avoid standing water near power points or appliances.

✅If anything feels unsafe, step back and wait outside.

2️⃣ Step two: call a licensed emergency plumber

You need the damage contained fast. When you call Whywait Plumbing, we will:

🔧 Isolate and cap damaged copper pipes.

🧱 Check ceilings, walls, and floors for hidden leaks.

🔥 Make your hot water system safe or arrange replacement.

📋 Document the damage for your insurer.

We know you are stressed. We explain what we are doing and why, in clear and concise language.

3️⃣ Step three: report and record

🚓 Report the theft to the police and get an event number.

📸 Take photos of the damage, but do not move tools left behind.

📞 Contact your insurer as soon as you can.

This helps police track patterns. It also protects your claim.

🤝 How Whywait Plumbing helps Gold Coast property owners

We also live and work on the Gold Coast. We know these are not just “incidents”.

They are your homes, your investments, your memories.

When copper theft hits, we focus on four things:

🕒 Fast response to stop water and limit damage.

🧰 Smart, durable repairs that make sense long term.

🧭 Clear advice so you can make wise decisions.

🤗 Respect – for your time, your budget, and your stress.

For landlords and body corporates, we can:

Review complexes for exposed copper risks.

✅Provide written reports and photos for committees.

✅ Coordinate access with tenants and agents.

✅ Help plan staged upgrades that fit your sinking fund.

We do not believe in scare tactics. We believe in honest assessment and practical solutions.

✅ Simple checklist: reduce your copper theft risk today

You can start on this today, even before you call us.

🚶 Walk around your property and note every visible copper pipe.

💡 Check lighting near meters, hot water systems, and side access.

🧱 Add covers or cages to easy-reach pipework.

🔐 Lock side gates and secure under-house areas.

🏚️ Tell your plumber and agent if a place will be vacant.

👀 Report suspicious activity around infrastructure or building sites.

If you are on the Gold Coast and feel even slightly unsure, talk to us. Sometimes, a brief walk-through with a plumber can prevent a costly night.

You do not have to live in fear of copper theft. But you do need to be prepared.

We are here to help with both.

📞 Ready to protect your copper pipes?

Copper theft will not wait until it is convenient for you. Thieves move fast. Water damage moves even faster.

If you are on the Gold Coast and worried about exposed copper:

👣 We can walk your property and pinpoint weak spots.

🧰 We repair, redesign, and secure vulnerable pipework.

🚿 We handle emergencies when the pipes are already gone.

You do not need to guess what to do next. You just need one clear step.

📲 Call Whywait Plumbing now on (07) 5580 4311.
or
💻 Request a plumbing inspection online by clicking here

The sooner we see your pipework, the more damage we can prevent.

Make a wise, calm decision today, not after a flood tomorrow.

Frequently asked questions about copper theft and your plumbing

💡 1. How do I know if my copper pipes have been stolen?

You may see cut pipe ends, missing sections, or loose fittings. You may notice that there is no water at the taps or toilets. In some cases, you see flooding, damp ceilings, or wet floors. If something appears to be wrong, turn off the water if it is safe to do so. Then call a licensed plumber immediately.

🧾 2. Will my insurance cover copper theft and water damage?

Many home and landlord policies cover theft and resulting water damage. However, every policy is different. You will usually need: A police event number. Photos of the damage. A plumber's report and repair quote. We can help with detailed plumbing reports for insurers on the Gold Coast.

🔁 3. Can I replace copper pipes with plastic so thieves are not interested?

In some areas, plastic piping is a suitable option. In others, copper is still the best material. It depends on: Water pressure and temperature. Location of pipes. Australian Standards and local regulations. We can assess each section and recommend a safe, compliant mix of materials.

⏱️ 4. How quickly can Whywait Plumbing respond to copper theft?

On the Gold Coast, we treat copper theft like any major leak. It is an emergency. We prioritise: Stopping water flow. Making the area safe. Getting you back to basic services quickly. Please phone us and explain that it is suspected copper theft, and we will triage it urgently.

🚓 5. Should I call the police or the plumber first?

If water is still running, call a plumber first to stop the damage. Water must be controlled quickly. Once the property is safe and the leak is contained, call the police. Then contact your insurer with all the details. If you arrive and suspect thieves are still nearby, stay outside. Call the police straight away before anyone enters.

🏚️ 6. How can landlords protect vacant or between-tenant properties?

Landlords are frequent targets, especially between leases. You can: Arrange a plumbing check before and after each tenancy to ensure optimal functioning. Lock side gates and under-house access. Use cages or covers on exposed pipework.Keep some lights on timers when properties are empty. We work with many Gold Coast landlords and agencies. We can create a simple checklist tailored to your properties.

💸 7. Is it worthwhile to spend money on prevention?

Yes. A small prevention cost often stops a massive repair bill. Compare: A modest spend on covers, lighting, and layout changes. Versus thousands in repairs, excess, and lost rent after theft. Prevention also protects your reputation as a landlord or strata manager. Tenants remember how quickly and calmly issues are handled.

Mature Plumbers Gold Coast | Older Plumbers Helping You Age Well

by Gary Mays | Nov 23, 2025 | Whywait Plumbing

Mature plumbers Gold Coast – why experience protects your independence

Older, experienced plumbers don’t just fix pipes. They quietly protect independence – theirs and yours – every single day.

As we age, independence becomes the thing we fight hardest to keep. Being able to stay in your own home. To make your own decisions. To live your own routine. That’s precisely where mature plumbers, Gold Coast homeowners depend on, come into the picture.

At Whywait Plumbing, we’ve built our business for 49 years with experienced plumbers who still take pride in turning up in uniform and solving problems that others walk away from.

Ageing well is really about control, not candles on a cake

Recent research into ageing across several countries arrived at a simple truth. People age well when they still feel in control of their own lives.

Researchers call this a “sense of agency”. In plain English, it’s that feeling that your choices still matter.

The Singapore chapter of a new multi-region ageing study, led by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and the Intercontinental Alliance for Integrated Care (IAIC), surveyed about 1,000 people aged 55 and above in three age bands – 55–64, 65–74, and 75 and over – backed by in-depth interviews. The Straits Times in Singapore has championed this study in recent articles.

Their findings were clear:

💬 Older adults with a strong sense of agency stayed more connected with others

😊 They reported greater life satisfaction

🧭 They kept doing things that gave each day purpose.

The study also found something sobering. Many people who felt their choices no longer counted were not physically frail, yet they aged badly in other ways:

😔 Motivation dropped away

😶 Confidence slowly shrank

🚪 Relationships and routines quietly fell apart.

Work becomes a big part of this story. The Singapore study found that, for many older adults, work doesn’t simply stop. It changes – becoming more about staying purposeful and giving structure to their days than just about earning money.

That’s exactly what keeps many mature plumbers on the Gold Coast still on the tools. Not because they have to, but because they want to.

Plumbing is a young trade, but older heads keep it safe

On paper, plumbing in Australia is a young trade. The average plumber is in their early thirties.

Real life on the Gold Coast looks very different once you crawl under older houses, climb into hot roof spaces, and start dealing with decades of “creative” renovations.

At Whywait Plumbing, we deliberately build our team around mature plumbers Gold Coast homeowners can trust. Our older plumbers bring:

🧠 Decades of hands-on experience

🧩 Pattern recognition you cannot teach in a classroom

🧘 Calm responses in stressful emergencies

They are not “hanging on” until retirement. They are choosing to stay valuable and independent. That choice keeps their minds sharp and their bodies moving. It also keeps your home safer and your plumbing more reliable.

We talk more about this in our article on

👉 Why mature plumbers deliver smarter plumbing on the Gold Coast

Older clients and older plumbers want the same thing

Many of our most loyal clients are also older homeowners on the Gold Coast. Their goals are simple and powerful. They want to:

🏠 Stay living in their own home

🗽 Keep their dignity and independence

🫶 Maintain genuine relationships, not become “a number”

🛠️ Get practical help that keeps life moving

Plumbing plays a bigger role in that than most people realise.

For older clients, reliable plumbing means:

🚿 Hot water that works without drama

🚽 Toilets, taps and showers that feel safe and easy

🌧️ Roofs, gutters and drains that don’t turn minor leaks into major insurance claims

Because mature plumbers on the Gold Coast are ageing too, they understand this at a deeper level. When an older plumber walks into your home, they see two risks at once:

👀 The technical plumbing fault in front of them

❤️ The human risk of losing independence if the fault is not fixed correctly

So the job is never “just a leak”. It’s part of helping you stay in control of your own life for as long as possible.

How mature plumbers quietly protect your independence at home

Here’s what experienced, mature plumbers really do for you, beyond the obvious tools and parts.

🔍 They see the problem behind the problem
A younger plumber might just replace a burst flexi hose. A mature plumber asks why it burst, what it sits next to, and what else could fail the same way.

🧱 They think long-term, not a quick patch
They’ve already seen what rushed, cheap repairs look like five or ten years down the line. They won’t push you into that trap.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 They explain options in plain language
No jargon. No pressure tactics. Honest explanations so you can make informed decisions at your own pace.

🧯 They prevent crises that force big, painful choices
A failed hot water system or major leak can force older people into sudden moves, big loans or unwanted family dependence. Preventing those disasters is part of the job.

Every time you choose mature plumbers Gold Coast homeowners know and trust, you are really choosing:

✅ Fewer nasty surprises later

✅ Safer, more comfortable living at home

✅ More time before you ever have to think about moving

The hidden danger: when experienced plumbers always say “yes”

There is, of course, a darker side to being the reliable person everyone turns to.

In my blog on

👉 Leadership burnout – the cost of always saying yes as a plumber

I share what happened after decades of saying yes to everyone.

At 70, after almost fifty years of running Whywait Plumbing, I ended up in a hospital bed. Not from one dramatic accident, but from years of:

💤 Broken sleep

💣 Absorbing clients’ and staff stress

📞 Saying “yes” to every request, every favour, every after-hours call

Saying yes feels noble. It feels like leadership.
But left unchecked, it becomes:

❌ Clients are depending on one exhausted older plumber

❌ A business that becomes fragile, built around a single person

❌ A slow leak of health, patience and joy

The Singapore study points to the same danger in gentler language. It notes that older adults who feel they no longer shape their own lives “age more poorly” – even when their bodies are still relatively strong – as motivation, confidence and relationships erode.

So, if we want mature plumbers on the Gold Coast to continue serving you well, we can’t simply pile more calls and pressure onto them. We have to build a different system.

How the Singapore study says we should support older workers

The IAIC / SUSS report doesn’t just describe the problem. It suggests how societies should respond.

It calls for:

🕰️ Phased retirement, not sudden stops
Older workers gradually reduce hours instead of disappearing overnight.

🧑‍🏫 Mentor and advisory roles
Experience is shifted into training, quality control and guidance, not just front-line labour.

🛠️ Hands-on, practical engagement, especially for men
The study notes that men often respond better to roles such as repairing equipment, leading small groups, or supporting operations than to passive “activities.”

🎙️ An “authorship” model, not just participation
Older adults help design programmes and systems. They aren’t just invited to turn up.

These recommendations could have been written with mature plumbers in mind. They describe, almost word for word, how older plumbers thrive, staying active, practical, and involved, while transitioning into more strategic and mentoring roles.

How Whywait keeps plumbers thriving, not burning out

I took my hospital wake-up call very seriously. Today, we design our business to enable all plumbers to work in a way that is healthy and sustainable, aligning closely with the recommendations of the Singapore study.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

📋 Older plumbers help design how we work
They shape our procedures, training and safety standards. They’re not “included” as an afterthought; they are central.

🧑‍🏫 Mentor and advisor roles on real jobs
Mature plumbers ride along on complex jobs, guide apprentices, and check the tough quotes. Their role is strategic, not just physical.

📆 Flexible scheduling and sensible boundaries
We now accept that saying “no” protects health, families and standards. Not every job is a good job.

🛡️ Systems that protect both clients and the team
We build processes so that no one client is dependent on just one plumber. That’s safer for you and kinder to them.

This is how we keep mature plumbers on the Gold Coast in work they love, without repeating the pattern that sent me to the hospital and how we apply, in a small local way, the same principles the IAIC study suggests for ageing well.

Why mature plumbers give better customer service

Customer service is not a script for us. It’s personal.

We explain our approach in detail in:

👉 Customer Service Plumbing Gold Coast – Whywait Plumbing

Mature plumbers naturally fit this approach because they:

🩺 Read the room, not just the leak
They recognise when someone is anxious, frail or overwhelmed and adjust their pace.

📚 Have already seen ten versions of today’s problem
Old copper, brittle PVC, DIY “fixes”, 1980s add-ons – tiny surprises them now.

🧩 Connect the dots quickly
Low pressure, rusty water and odd noises may be three symptoms of one deeper fault. Experience spots that pattern fast.

🧡 Understand that every job affects a family
Most of our older plumbers have ageing parents or are seniors themselves. They know exactly what a safe bathroom and reliable hot water mean on a day-to-day basis.

That’s why we say that choosing mature plumbers on the Gold Coast is not a luxury. It’s a practical decision about safety, comfort and dignity.

Keeping mature plumbers in the trade helps the whole Gold Coast

Supporting older plumbers is not just an internal HR policy for us; it’s a genuine commitment to our employees. It has real benefits for the wider Gold Coast community.

🌏 Keeping vital skills local
If every older plumber retired tomorrow, the region would lose irreplaceable knowledge of older homes, pipes, and regulations.

🧑‍🔧 Training the next generation properly
You cannot rush forty years of experience, but you can pass the best lessons down one apprentice at a time.

🧓 Showing that physical trades can be lifelong careers
Young plumbers seeing older colleagues still working – safely and sensibly – learn that you can stay in the trade without destroying your body or your mind.

🏡 Helping more people age in place
Better plumbing today means fewer emergencies tomorrow. That makes ageing in your own home safer and more realistic.

As SUSS president Professor Tan Tai Yong put it, the challenge of ageing will test every society’s compassion, creativity and courage – but it’s also a chance to build a world where people live with “dignity, connection and purpose”.

On the Gold Coast, we do our small part through the way we support mature plumbers and the clients they serve

Frequently asked questions about mature plumbers on the Gold Coast.

Why does Whywait focus on mature plumbers on the Gold Coast?

We focus on mature plumbers because experience protects your independence. Older plumbers have: ✅ Decades of technical knowledge 🧩 Pattern recognition you cannot teach quickly 🧘 Calm, steady behaviour in stressful emergencies That combination reduces mistakes, repeat visits and nasty surprises later.

Are mature plumbers still physically capable of doing the work?

Yes. We do not send anyone to the site who cannot work safely. To keep mature plumbers fit and effective, we use: 🛠️ Modern press tools and lifting aids 📆 Smarter scheduling, not endless overtime 🧑‍🏫 Roles that blend on-tools work with mentoring If a task ever needs extra muscle, we pair plumbers up.

How does plumbing affect my ability to age in place?

Plumbing either supports or undermines your independence. There is not much middle ground. Good plumbing helps you: 🚿 Shower safely with reliable hot water 🚽 Use toilets and taps without fear of leaks 🏡 Avoid floods, mould and damage that can force a move Mature plumbers think about your future, not just today's quick fix.

What did the Singapore ageing study actually find?

The Singapore University of Social Sciences led an extensive study of people aged 55 and over. Researchers found that older adults age best when they: 🗽 Still feel in control of daily decisions 🫶 Stay connected with family and community 🎯 Keep doing purposeful work or activities Those who lost that sense of control aged more poorly, even when still physically strong. That is why we support older plumbers in continuing to work in healthy and sustainable ways.

Why not just hire younger plumbers instead?

Younger plumbers are vital for the future of the trade. We also employ and train them. But on complex jobs, mature plumbers offer extra value: 🧠 Faster diagnosis, because they have seen similar problems before 💬 Clearer explanations in plain English 🧩 Better long-term planning for ageing clients We build mixed teams where younger plumbers learn directly from experienced ones.

Isn't it risky to rely on older plumbers? What about burnout?

It would be risky to do nothing. We learnt that the hard way. After my own burnout scare, we changed how we work: 🧑‍🏫 Mature plumbers take stronger mentor and advisor roles 📆 We avoid "always say yes" scheduling 🛡️ Systems ensure no client depends on one person only That protects our plumbers and gives you more reliable service.

Will using mature plumbers cost me more?

No automatic premium. Our pricing is transparent and job-based. In many cases, you actually save money because: ✅ Problems are diagnosed and fixed correctly the first time ✅ Long-term risks are spotted before causing damage ✅ We recommend solutions that suit your future needs Cheap, rushed work is almost always more expensive in the long run.

How do I book a mature plumber on the Gold Coast?

Booking is simple. 📞 Call Whywait Plumbing on (07) 5580 4311 🌐 Or complete the contact form on our website Tell us about your home, including your age bracket and any mobility concerns, and we'll match you with the right plumber.

Fluoride in Water Gold Coast | Facts, Safety & Options

by Gary Mays | Nov 15, 2025 | Whywait Plumbing

Fluoride in Gold Coast tap water: facts, safety, science, and your choices

Short answer: Gold Coast drinking water is fluoridated and monitored. The dose is low and set to reduce tooth decay. Many households mainly want better taste and less chlorine smell. The Taqua filter taps handle that neatly. If you want to reduce fluoride levels, you’ll need a reverse osmosis (RO) system or specialised media.

Primary action: See Taqua taps

What fluoride is (and why it's dosed so low)

🧪 Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, soils, oceans, food and tea. Water authorities add it at low concentrations to reduce dental decay.

🦷 In small amounts, it strengthens tooth enamel. At these low levels, community tooth decay rates drop.

📏 In Australia, the evidence base recommends drinking water fluoride around 0.6–1.1 mg/L, well below the health-based ceiling of 1.5 mg/L used by WHO and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Hotter regions use the lower end because people drink more water.

🧠 Why does dose size matter: benefits rise with concentration up to about 2 mg/L, but regulators cap it lower for a safety margin.

The Gold Coast context

🌊 Seqwater operates treatment plants for South-East Queensland; most homes in SEQ receive fluoridated water. Gold Coast’s bulk supply is tested ~400,000 times a year across parameters, with monthly reports.

🏛️ Queensland Health requires daily checks by the supplier and regular reporting to the Department of Health.

📍 If you’re on a rainwater tank or bore in the Hinterland, your situation differs; that’s outside the reticulated network.

What the research and policy say

🦷 Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) supports community water fluoridation as safe and effective for reducing tooth decay when used at recommended levels.

📉 Queensland data keeps showing lower decay rates in fluoridated areas compared with non-fluoridated areas in recent studies. (Queensland is unusual: many councils outside SEQ opt out; the southeast generally fluoridates.)

💰 Fewer costly dental treatments over a lifetime. Early protection for kids when enamel is forming. Support for older adults as gum recession and decay risk increase. Community equity: everyone benefits, not only those who can afford private dentistry.

Potential downsides put in perspective

🧑‍⚕️ At excess levels above guideline values, fluoride can cause dental fluorosis and, at long-term high intakes, other effects.

🧯 Plants use daily checks and alarms to keep levels in range. That’s why the cap is 1.5 mg/L with utilities monitoring daily.

🍵 Total intake includes drinking water and diet (tea is a significant source), plus toothpaste for kids. Dosing at the plant allows room under the daily upper levels for most people.

Myths we hear (and what the evidence says)

Fluoride isn’t natural.”
🌿 It is. Seawater contains fluoride. So do many foods and teas.

“It isn’t monitored.”
🧪 It is. Plants test continuously and sample across the network. Reports are published.

“All filters remove fluoride.”
🚫 No. Most carbon cartridges address chlorine and taste, rather than fluoride.

“Fluoride causes all water taste issues.”
👃 Chlorine drives most smell and taste complaints. That’s fixable with the right filter.

Is fluoridation actually effective?
Yes. NHMRC and recent Queensland studies report significant reductions in tooth decay where fluoridation is used.

Taste and odour: where Taqua taps help

❤️ Many clients want better taste and clarity, not a chemistry overhaul.

👃 Chlorine is the usual culprit for smell and flavour.

💧 Taqua reduces chlorine and fine particles that cloud water.

🧰 The filter is inside the mixer. No bulky housings.

🔁 Cartridge changes are quick and tidy.

If you want to reduce fluoride itself

🖤 Choose reverse osmosis (RO) or specialist media (e.g., activated alumina).

🧱 RO uses a membrane to reject dissolved minerals, including fluoride.

📐 Expect lower flow at the filtered outlet and some wastewater.

🧪 Many people pair RO with a remineralising cartridge for taste.

🔧 RO needs the right pressure, space, waste connection, and regular service.

Not sure yet? We’ll assess your goals, space, and budget, then design a neat setup.

Health notes parents ask us about

🍼 Infant formula: Use normal tap water unless your doctor says otherwise.

🪥 Children’s toothpaste: supervise; pea-sized amount is enough.

🍵 Tea drinkers: tea naturally contains fluoride. Your daily total includes that.

👨‍⚕️ Always follow the advice of your dentist or GP for individual guidance.

Practical home tips that actually help

🚿 Flush the tap briefly if water sits warm in the line.

🧊 Chill a jug in the fridge as the chlorine taste drops when cold.

🧪 Replace cartridges on schedule to avoid musty flavours.

🧰 Clean the aerator; debris at the spout ruins taste and flow.

🏠 On tank or bore water? Test yearly and filter to suit your source.

Installation choices: Taqua vs RO (quick guide)

Taqua filtered mixer (our most popular)

👍 Best for taste, clarity, and convenience.

🧰 No extra housing under the sink.

🔁 Low-effort cartridge changes.

🪙 Lower installation cost than RO.

❗ Does not remove fluoride (by design).

Compact RO system (for fluoride reduction)

🎯 Reduces dissolved minerals, including fluoride.

🧪 Polishes taste for very sensitive drinkers.

🧱 Needs room for housing, tank (if used), and waste line.

🔧 More maintenance than a standard filter.

💧 Slower flow; some water to drain during production.

How we help you decide (our process)

🗺️ We listen first to your taste, health advice, space, and budget requirements.

🔍 We check pressures and the under-sink layout.

📐 We model flow rates and cartridge life for your usage.

🔧 We propose Taqua, RO, or a combo solution.

🧾 We set maintenance costs in writing, so there are no surprises.

Five handy facts to keep in your back pocket

1: 📏 Fluoridation targets are very low and sit below a strict ceiling.

2: 🌡️ Hot climates tend toward the lower end of the range.

3: 🧪 Utilities test at plants and out in the network.

4: 👃 Most taste issues are chlorine—Taqua reduces that.

5: 🔬 For fluoride reduction, RO is the practical home option.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gold Coast tap water fluoridated?

Yes. It is fluoridated and monitored to stay within recommended levels..

Is fluoridated water safe?

At recommended levels, yes. Plants keep a safety margin below the health ceiling.

Do Taqua taps remove fluoride?

No. They improve taste, odour, and clarity. They’re not designed for fluoride removal.

What removes fluoride at home?

Reverse osmosis or specialist media. We’ll size and install a compact system.

Will a filter help with chlorine taste?

Yes, Taqua's cartridge targets chlorine and fine particles that affect flavour.

I’m on tank or bore water. Does this apply?

Your water sits outside the reticulated grid. We can test and tailor filtration.

Backflow Risk Management Gold Coast

by Gary Mays | Nov 8, 2025 | Whywait Plumbing

Backflow risk management on the Gold Coast: more than "just a test"

Annual backflow testing is mandatory. Absolute protection needs a complete risk management programme. Design, testing, records, training, and response plans. A tick-box test won’t keep people safe.

Start here: Annual backflow testing—what it is and why it’s legally required.

Why this matters for your site

❤️ Contamination can enter drinking water during pressure changes.

⚠️ That risks health, downtime, and reputations.

🛡️ Gold Coast owners have legal duties, not suggestions.

🕒 Missed tests lead to penalties and urgent rework.

🤝 We care about people first. Water must stay safe.

Industry context worth reading: Backflow risk management—more than testing and registration

Testing is essential, but it's only one control

🧪 Annual testing confirms performance today.

🧩 It does not design out hazards or train staff.

🏗️ We build a risk management programme around the test.

🔁 Five activity types create layered, reliable defences.

The five activities that make backflow control work

1) Preventive: stop problems before they start

🧭 Identify every cross-connection on your site.

🧰 Select devices for the actual hazard level.

🚧 Use containment at the boundary.

🪜 Add zone or individual protection for internal risks.

🗺️ Document locations with a simple site drawing.

2) Detection: find issues early

🧪 Test each device annually to the standard (AS/NZS 2845.3).

👀 Add routine visual checks between tests.

🔎 Confirm shut-off valves, relief ports, and air gaps.

📋 Keep a repeatable checklist. Avoid surprises.

3) Reactive: act fast when something fails

🚨 Have a backflow incident plan ready.

🔧 Isolate risk, repair or replace, then retest.

📣 Notify the right people and log actions.

🧾 Speed keeps your registration intact.

4) Supportive: keep the system running

🗃️ Maintain a complete device register.

🏷️ Record serials, locations, hazard ratings, and last test dates.

🧱 Hold service kits and critical spares.

⏰ Use reminders so nothing slips.

5) Informative: make people part of the solution

🎓 Run quick toolbox talks with staff and tenants.

🔑 Explain access needs and booking timelines.

👂 Show how to spot tampering, leaks, or damage.

🧾 Set accountability for calls, approvals, and records.

What Queensland and the City of Gold Coast expect

🪪 Devices must be tested every year by an accredited plumber (QBCC backflow endorsement).

📨 Test results must be lodged correctly and on time using Form 9 (Queensland Form 9 PDF).

🌐 Local guidance lives here: City of Gold Coast—Backflow devices.

📘 Broader context from the national code: ABCB backflow prevention report.

Prefer a plain-English explainer? Read: Annual backflow testing—what it is and why it’s legally required.

Common blind spots we fix on Gold Coast sites

🚿 Irrigation and wash-down: pressure swings and chemicals increase hazards.

🍳 Commercial kitchens: hose taps, dishwashers, and carbonators need correct devices.

🏊 Pools and amenities: chemical dosing and top-up lines need protection.

🧪 Workshops and labs: pumps and hose reels often need higher ratings.

🧱 Containment alone may not be enough.

🧠 We design the right mix for each site.

How Whywait delivers a complete programme, not a checkbox

📨 Annual testing and Form 9 lodgement on time, every time.

🗺️ Device register creation or clean-up with accurate mapping.

🧭 Site drawings showing boundary, zone, and outlet devices.

🚨 Emergency response plan and retesting steps.

🔔 Reminders and review cycles so you stay ahead.

It aligns with our explainer and local rules. Link it, bookmark it, share it:
Annual backflow testing—what it is and why it’s legally required

Your 12-month backflow plan

🗂️ 1) Confirm your device registration. Check locations and last test dates.

📅 2) Book annual testing. Use our accredited team.

🛠️ 3) Close gaps fast. Repair or replace, then retest.

🗣️ 4) Run short staff briefings. Cut access delays and tampering.

🔄 5) Review the risk after changes: tenants, fit-outs, or equipment.

🗓️ Six lines on a calendar keep you compliant all year.

Frequently asked questions

Is testing really mandatory?

Yes. Annual testing is required and must be lodged correctly. We manage the booking, testing, and submission for you.

What happens if a device fails testing?

We repair or replace, retest, and update records promptly. That keeps your registration valid and risk-controlled.

Do I need more than a boundary device?

Often, yes. Internal processes raise hazards. Zone or outlet devices protect the places that matter.

Can you fix my messy records?

Yes. We rebuild your register and drawings. We set reminders and a simple audit trail.

Where can I read the legal basics?

Here: Annual backflow testing—what it is and why it's legally required

Leadership Burnout: The Cost of Always Saying Yes as a Plumber

by Gary Mays | Oct 24, 2025 | Whywait Plumbing

🛠️ As I turned 70, I realised that age wasn't slowing me down, but it sharpened my understanding of leadership's actual cost.

After almost fifty years in business and a lifetime in plumbing, I thought I’d mastered stress, endurance, and the art of saying “yes.” I believed experience made me immune to burnout. Little did I know, the actual cost of leadership was yet to be revealed.

But the truth is, no one’s immune. Over the past eight months, my body has quietly taught me that lesson.

👂 The hearing dips.

❤️ The heart feels heavier.

⚡ The energy fades.

🌙 The nights stop being restful.

Waking up two, three, or even five times a night became normal. I told myself it was just age or bad sleep habits. But it wasn’t. It was stress. Not the kind you create, but the kind you absorb from everyone else.

And it all came to a head last week when I turned 70… then this week in a hospital bed.

🛏️ Lying in a hospital bed, dying of boredom, at least gives you time to think.

And I’m very good at thinking. Maybe too good. Perhaps I should have spent more time acting.

But there are positives in everything: the quiet time allowed me to catch up on reading, which I’d been meaning to do, and reflect on what matters in business and life.

🏥 The Wake-Up Call

It wasn’t poor health that put me there. It was accumulated stress.

Months of carrying other people’s problems, trying to protect myself from pressure, and convincing myself I could handle it.

This week, while at Gold Coast Private Hospital, I finally checked my emails. I found a message from a long-time client who was angry that I hadn’t returned their call about their hot water issue.

They were frustrated and rightly so. But lying there, I realised the uncomfortable truth:

❌ I’d built a business where some clients only wanted me.

❌ That’s not leadership.

❌ That’s dependency disguised as dedication.

⚖️ The Price of Leadership

Leadership and ownership look powerful from the outside, but every step forward costs something.

💰 Money – You pay your people before you pay yourself.

⏰ Time – Long hours, early mornings, and sleepless nights.

💪 Comfort – The higher you climb, the heavier the load.

🧠 Control – You lose the right to do everything your way.

💬 Pride – You admit mistakes, ask for help, and swallow your ego.

But what nobody tells you is that stress compounds silently. It hides in your pulse, your sleep, and your patience, until one day, your body forces you to stop.

🚫 "Yes" - The Most Expensive Word in Business

For decades, my philosophy in business was simple:

💬 Say yes to everything, and we’ll figure out how to make it work later.

It felt like the right mindset as it was ambitious, client-focused, and confident. I believed every problem had a solution if we just worked hard enough to find it. And to be fair, that attitude built our reputation for reliability and creativity.

But in hindsight, it was a bad philosophy. That constant “yes” came with hidden costs — not just to the business, but to my health, my energy, and my peace of mind.

It used to drive Michele crazy. She was often the voice of reason, reminding me that just because you can say yes doesn’t mean you should. That balance, that second voice, is something I now realise I miss deeply in my decision-making.

✔️ “Yes” to last-minute jobs.

✔️ “Yes” to after-hours calls without premium pricing.

✔️ “Yes” to bending schedules for “just one more” client.

✔️ “Yes” to covering after-hours schedules for “he’s a good bloke and dedicated” employee.

✔️ “Yes” to covering Christmas and New Year so everyone else can spend time with their family.

It looked like dedication. It felt like pride. It felt like being responsible. But it was actually erosion of time, profit, and health.

Every “yes” drained something; those tiny withdrawals add up over time.

I’ve often said that learning to say no takes a long time in business. But once you master it, it empowers you.

In hindsight, I can see it clearly now:

💬 I said yes far too often when I should have said no.

The truth?

💬 “Yes” is the most expensive word in business.

It doesn’t just cost money.

It costs focus, balance, and sleep.

🧗‍♂️ The Mountaintop Principle

Nobody stands on a mountaintop without leaving the valley.

You sacrifice comfort, ease, and sometimes your peace to climb higher.

But I’d forgotten you can’t climb if you carry everyone else’s gear.

Leadership and ownership aren’t about absorbing your team’s stress or rescuing every client crisis.

It’s about building others up so they can carry their own weight.

Authentic leadership means creating systems that stand when you sit down.

🧱 Boundaries Build Better Businesses

✅ Boundaries are not a sign of caring less, but a strategy to care longer and more effectively.

❌ A business without boundaries burns through its best people.

❌ A leader without boundaries burns through their own health.

Boundaries protect your:

🧩 Standards — Consistency over chaos.

💼 Systems — Predictability over panic.

💙 Sanity — Sustainability over burnout.

Service excellence isn’t about being constantly available.

It’s about being consistently reliable.

👂 The Leadership Skill Nobody Teaches: Listening

We were born with one mouth and two ears for a reason. So use them in proportion.

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about being the most aware.

👥 Listen to your clients – not just their words, but what they really need.

👷 Listen to your team. If you stop long enough, they’ll tell you what’s breaking.

❤️ Listen to your body – it whispers long before it screams.

Those sleepless nights, I shrugged off as “normal”? They weren’t. They were warning signals.

My mind was working overtime because my boundaries weren’t.

Leadership starts with listening to others, systems, and yourself.

😴 What Stress and Sleepless Nights HaveTaught Me

Stress doesn’t shout; it seeps.

It creeps into your hearing, heart rate, sleep, and spirit.

You think you’re managing it.

You tell yourself you’re fine; this is what leadership looks like.

Until one night, you realise you’ve been awake for hours, replaying conversations that shouldn’t even be your burden.

And the cruel truth?

Most of that stress isn’t even yours.

But as leaders, we take it anyway – because we care.

That’s what good leaders do.

Until they learn to stop and say no.

🧭 Remember

There are a few things worth remembering – lessons that have taken me a lifetime to learn, often the hard way.

👨‍🔧 Every person is not your client.
Some people will never fit your philosophy or respect the boundaries of how you operate. Their demands can’t be met because they ignore that we work under Acts of Parliament as plumbers, not personal preference. They ignore the fact that the Fair Work Act governs us.

Plumbing isn’t guesswork; it’s governed by law.

👥 Every potential employee isn’t a good fit.
Some will look great at first glance, full of confidence and good stories. But not all share your standards or your willingness to listen.

I used to tell Gareth when he hired someone new and said how great they were, “Tell me that in six months.”

That’s reality. Some fit; some don’t.

💼 Not every business opportunity is worth chasing.
No matter how attractive it looks, it will eventually hurt you if it doesn’t align with your philosophy or how you treat people.

I learned early that your employees are your number one asset. Treat them with respect – the same way you expect to be treated, and never compromise that for a quick win.

🤝 Not every partnership is built on integrity.
Some alignments with other businesses look perfect on paper but crumble when motives surface. Don’t assume everyone is like you.

The days of handshake deals and a man’s word being his bond are fading fast. Too many people in business operate on the philosophy of “how can I get the upper hand?”

I’ve always believed in giving people the benefit of the doubt – I’ll believe you until you give me a reason not to.

But that philosophy has landed me in trouble more than once.

So remember this:

💙 Please treat everyone respectfully, but never assume they think like you.
💙 Experience will eventually prove who deserves your trust.

💡 The Hard Truth About Growth

You don’t get to keep everything and grow.

You can’t build freedom without surrendering control.

You can’t gain peace without letting go of perfection.

You can’t climb higher without dropping the unnecessary weight.

Leadership demands sacrifice, but it shouldn’t require your health. Remember, to grow your business, you must prioritise balance and self-care. Sacrifice control and trust your people. Sacrifice comfort and hold accountability. Sacrifice pride and ask for help. But never sacrifice your health.

If you want your business to grow:

⚙️ Sacrifice control and trust your people.

🔥 Sacrifice comfort and hold accountability.

🎯 Sacrifice pride and ask for help.

No one builds a lasting business by clinging to what’s easy.

The leaders who refuse to sacrifice stay stuck.

The ones who embrace it go up, learning and growing with each step.

As I was reminded in a hospital bed the day after celebrating my 70th birthday:

“There is no success without sacrifice. You have to give up to go up.”

❤️ Still Passionate After All These Years

In November 2026, I can celebrate five decades, and I still love what I do. I love the craftsmanship, the challenge, and the satisfaction of solving real problems for real people. This enduring passion is what keeps me going, even after facing burnout.

But loving what you do doesn’t mean doing it until you drop.

It means building it so you can keep doing it well, wisely, and with joy.

Because when leadership stops serving your health, it stops serving your business.

And when you finally stop saying “yes” to everything, you create space for what truly matters – clarity, consistency, and a legacy that lasts through every apprentice you trained, every former employee who still calls for advice and every client that became a friend.