by Gary Mays | Jul 30, 2018 | Water Leaks
Wondering why your water bill is so high?
With the Gold Coast City Council recently posting out the quarterly Water and Sewerage Rate Notices we have noticed a spike in the number of calls for leaking water pipes.
A common theme is that the owners have been completely unaware that they have had a hidden water leak and only discovered the problem when they opened their bill, which unfortunately for some, contained a nasty shock.
Pipes Can Leak Without Any Outward Signs
The pure nature of plumbing, with pipes hidden underground or in walls, it often means that pipes can leak with no outward signs, especially in areas with sandy soil. Couple this with the fact that the bills issued in early July are for water consumed between January and April, it is easy to see how charges can accumulate as a pipe could potentially leak undetected for a period of three months between billing cycles.
A pipe could potentially leak undetected for 3 months or more, between water rate billing cycles
How Well Was Your House Constructed
Unfortunately, as a home owner, there is little you can do to prevent leaks from the water meter to the house. Basically it gets down to how well it was installed when the house was built.
In our forty plus years of experience we have found that if a pipe is well protected in a bed of sand there are few problems. However if there are items such as pieces of tiles, small rocks or other building debris then the chances are you will have problems over time and in some instances repeated leaks.
Interesting Fact
An interesting fact is the incidents of water leaks increase when we have cycles of rain followed by dry spells and is likely caused by ground movement allowing any sharp or rough objects adjacent to the pipes to rub against its side with the potential to create a split or hole in the pipe.
Monitor Your Water Usage
As a home owner the most effective way of detecting a concealed leak is to monitor your water usage, this is especially important if you have experienced a previous leak.
Your bill will have a daily average usage calculated for you so by reading the meter you should be able to pick up any increase.
At Whywait Plumbing we recommend reading your water meter monthly.
Set a reminder for the first of each month, however if you have had previous leaks you may wish to do this more frequently.
If you suspect you may have a leak then doing an overnight meter check is a good way to confirm, however it is best to turn the water off to the cisterns in case someone gets up during the night and flushes the toilet and remember not to turn the dishwasher on before going to bed. Not sure how to read your water meter? We tell you exactly what to do! Click here for instructions.
Consider A Leak Detection System
If you would prefer not to have the hassle of monitoring your households water usage then it is worth considering purchasing one of the Leak Detection Systems available on the market. We recommend Aquatrip a programmable Leak Detection System with an automatic shutoff valve.
Aquatrip is easily fitted on your main incoming water pipe, and acts as a Water Safety Trip Switch. It is designed to detect the difference between your normal water use and a leak and will shut off the water if a leak is detected or a tap, hose or appliance is left running.
If you suspect you have a leak or to find out more about the Aquatrip give our office a call to speak with one of our friendly staff.
by Gary Mays | Jul 13, 2018 | Water Saving Tips
With the start of a new financial year we have the inevitable price rises, the cost of water being one of them. Whilst it isn’t a large rise it still impacts the family budget, so now is a good time to review the top ten tips for saving water at home.
Identify and fix water leaks
Dripping taps or toilet cisterns not shutting off after flushing are the most obvious cause of water wastage and should be repaired promptly to minimise waste.
A less obvious problem is a concealed leak either underground or behind a wall. These types of leaks are often not identified until after your water rates arrive which can result in a nasty shock. Here at Whywait Plumbing we recommend monitoring your water use so any increase is picked up quickly and can be investigated further. This is especially important if you have had a previous leak as most local authorities will only allow you to claim relief on your water rates once every three years.
Water saving showers and taps
If you have an older home your fixtures and fittings are likely to use more water than product available today, so when the time comes to replace them compare products for water efficiency.
WELS water efficiency ratings indicate how much water they use – the more stars on the label the less water the product uses, a great way to reduce your in-home water usage.
Another option is to install aerators or flow controllers to existing tapware.
Consider water-efficient appliances
WELS ratings also apply to appliances so compare ratings when shopping for dishwashers and washing machines. All new washing machines must comply with a minimum water efficiency standard, and some dishwasher models on the market today can use as little as half the water of older models and you no longer need to rinse your dishes, in fact with the sensors in today’s machines you get a better wash if the dishes are dirty.
Only run full washing machine loads
Avoid using your washing machine or dishwasher when it’s half full. Only running these appliances when you have a full load not only saves on water but also is more energy efficient. If you must wash before you have a full- load then ensure you adjust the water level settings.
Water efficient toilets
All new toilets come with a half flush water saving option. If your property is not fitted with dual flush toilet cisterns then we would recommend having these installed as they can save thousands of litres of water per year.
Minimise running water
Always turn the tap off when cleaning your teeth and use the plug when shaving and washing vegetables rather than under running water.
Reduce your time in the shower
Encourage the whole family to take shorter showers and turn the shower off when shampooing your hair. A timer is a good way to keep everyone on track.
Catch the cold water
When showering when you first turn the taps on collect the cold water and use it to water plants or even flush the toilet. Just tip it down the pan instead of flushing.
Install a water tank
Collecting and reusing rainwater for watering lawns and gardens is an effective way to reduce water bills.
Get the family involved
Discuss your water saving tips with the family and remember it’s never to soon to teach young children water saving habits. If you teach them when they are young you may avoid the long showers once they become teenagers.
by Gary Mays | Jun 28, 2018 | Plumbing Emergencies
With owning and operating a 24/7 plumbing company answering after hours calls about a plumbing emergency is something we are used to.
In the many plumbing emergency calls we have taken over the years, the two most common reasons for calling after hours are either a burst water pipe causing flooding inside the house or a blocked drain causing waste to back up and spill over, usually outside but on occasions within the home.
Not only are these situations distressing but they have the potential to cause substantial damage to the home in a short period of time. Knowing what to do in a plumbing emergency not only allows the situation to be handled calmly but enables you to quickly make it safe and minimise damage to the property.
Here at Whywait Plumbing we recommend that all adults residing in a household should at a bare minimum know:
- Where the main water isolation valve for the property is located.
- How to turn off the water at the water meter or isolation valve (usually located in a turf box on the property boundary).
- How to turn off the water at the hot water service.
- How to isolate the power to the house at the meter board.
Let’s take a closer look at some plumbing emergencies
Burst Pipes
In our 40 plus years as local Gold Coast plumbers, we have found that burst pipes are likely to cause the most damage to a property especially if they happen at night or when you are away from the property. We have seen a marked increase in the number of these incidences since braided hoses have replaced copper pipes on tapware and toilets.
Our Recommendations
When installing new tapware have isolation valves fitted at the fixture so you can quickly isolate the water should a pipe burst.
Have one of the automatic water shut off device available on the market installed.
Know where and how to turn the water of at the water meter.
Keep a wrench or shifter inside so it is handy should you need to turn the water off in a hurry.
Before going away turn off the water at the meter. If you need to leave the water on for any reason then make sure you turn off the taps to the washing machine, dishwasher, toilet cisterns and any other isolation valves to water filters, fridges or mixer taps.
Tap Won’t Turn Off
A tap that won’t turn off isn’t technically an emergency as in most instances the water can be isolated at the meter and be attended to the next day. If it’s a hot water tap that won’t turn off then it is best to isolate the water at the hot water service so that you still have cold water to the house. It is a common misconception that you can’t leave a tap running because water is expensive but in real terms with the cost of water being $3.90 per thousand litres you would need to use 42,000 litres of water overnight just to cover the fee to call out our plumber after hours.
Our Recommendations
When installing new tapware have isolation valves fitted at the fixture so you can quickly isolate the water at the fixture should a pipe burst.
Know how to turn water off to your hot water service.
Know where and how to turn the water of at the water meter.
Keep a wrench or shifter inside so it is handy should you need to turn the water off in a hurry.
Blocked & Overflowing Drains
In this day and age having fully functioning drains is something we take for granted and so when drains block it is not only inconvenient but interrupts your normal household routine.
If the drains are overflowing outside although unpleasant they are not really causing any harm to the property and is best left to be attended to in daylight. A much more distressing scenario is if they are backing up and overflowing inside which fortunately is much less common. Whilst we are always happy to come out after hours with workplace health and safety regulations we are somewhat restricted as to what equipment we can operate after hours.
Our Recommendations
Know the location on your property of the overflow relief gully to your drainage system.
If the drains are backing up inside check that the grate to the overflow relief gully is not obstructed. Remove the grate if necessary to allow waste to overflow here.
Limit the use of your plumbing.
Do not run the washing machine or dishwasher.
If necessary use the toilet but avoid flushing where possible.
Here at Whywait Plumbing we understand that not everyone wishes to or is able to deal with a plumbing emergency so our Number 1 recommendation is to have our number handy so you can contact us quickly when the need arises.
by Gary Mays | Jun 28, 2018 | City of Gold Coast, Cold Water, Consumer Issues, Gold Coast Plumbing, Gold Coast Water, Leaking Pipes, Plumbers Gold Coast, Queensland Government, Rain Water Tanks, Sustainable Plumbing, Water, Water Filtration, Water Leaks, Whywait Plumbing
Gold Coast council water rates are about to increase again. For both homeowners and business owners, this could be a double whammy when you couple this with the increases in power bills in recent years.
The Increases are likely to continue in coming years even though the City of Gold Coast has not increased its portion of your water bill at all for three years. Bulk water charges for the City of Gold Coast are recommended to increase by the Queensland Competition Authority a further $12 a year for the next two years.
The City of Gold Coast has now finalised the 2018-19 budget. Your Gold Coast council water rates charges will not increase on the retail and distribution component of the water and sewerage charges from the last financial year.
However, the significant portion of your water cost which is Queensland Government’s bulk water price will increase in line with the recommendations by the Queensland Competition Authority. The bulk water price will increase by 2.5% from $2.74 per kilolitre to $2.91 per kilolitre.
Contrary to some urban myths City of Gold Coast no longer owns Hinze Dam and the desalination plant. Gold Coast Water buys the water that you use through your meter from Seqwater owned by the Queensland Government. The price paid for the bulk water is itemised in your water bill.
Essentially the bulk water charges levied by the Queensland Government makes up the bulk of your water bill.
These charges are still reflecting the poor planning from 20 years ago that resulted in the multi-billion dollar water grid construction in 2007-08 which resulted in supply pipes connecting all of South-East Queensland being built. To a large extent, the pipe grid was constructed without dams being built and to lesser extent dams constructed without pipes which also resulted in the construction of the seldom-used Tugun desalination plant.
For 2018-19 your Gold Coast council water rates will increase on 1 July for your water and sewerage which will comprise of the following charges:
- Queensland Government bulk water charge $2.91 per k/L
- City of Gold Coast distribution $1.09 per k/L
- Total water consumption charge $4.00 per k/L
The water and sewerage access charges will remain the same as in previous years being:
- water access charge of $212.08 per year
- sewerage access charge of $724.12 per year.
Currently, water charges are relatively stable, but significant problems are looming. Long term planning is required to address the issues of aging infrastructure and their maintenance costs which will impact Gold Coast council water rates.
Infrastructure Australia in a major report has predicted water bills will go the way of power bills increasing by at least $50 every year. They predict today’s average annual water bill of $1200 will increase to $2500 within 20 years.
The report correctly says we need to start planning now as our dams are relatively full which gives us the rare opportunity of “….clear thinking and long-term planning to meet our future needs.”
As we all know from the water management supply crisis of 2007-09 South East Queensland can be adversely effected quickly with a combination of natural disasters, poor planning and below average rainfall.
Very simply if we don’t start long-term planning now for planning our future water needs the drastic increases in water bills will cripple family and business budgets in the same way power bills are now.
by Gary Mays | Jun 18, 2018 | Hot Water
My Hot Water Service Needs Replacing!
Which Hot Water Service Should I Buy?
Besides renovating your home replacing your hot water service is likely to be one of the major costs your household will face. With the cost of heating hot water ranking second in dollar spend for household electricity costs, Whywait Plumbing believes it is imperative that you are well informed before making any decisions on your new hot water service.
With the plethora of makes and models available, the push for energy efficient solutions and a range of next generation water heaters on the market it is now more important than ever to do your research to ensure you select the best option available for your families hot water needs.
If you have been thinking “which hot water service should I buy?”, Whywait Plumbing will help by explaining the options available in the marketplace.
Electric Hot Water Service
Electric hot water services are the most common form of heating hot water. They consist of a storage tank with an element that is thermostatically controlled. As hot water is drawn off and cold water enters to replace it the element comes on to reheat the water.
Benefits
- Ideally suited for like for like replacement.
- Available in a large range of makes, models and sizes.
- Readily available for same day installation.
- Reasonable up-front cost.
- Suitable for connection to off-peak electricity tariffs.
Limitations
- Higher daily running costs unless connected to off-peal tariffs
- Limited capacity if connected to off-peak tariffs, so you have the possibility of running out of hot water should the demand for hot water exceed the capacity.
Gas Hot Water Service
Gas hot water services come as either the traditional storage tank, which works in a similar way to electric but uses gas rather than electricity as it’s source of energy, or instantaneous gas hot water services which only activate when a hot water tap is turned on. Instantaneous gas hot water services have become more popular than the traditional storage tank due to their superior efficiency. If you do not have reticulated natural gas in your suburb then LPG models are available.
NB: It is imperative that the correct sized unit is installed for your house to ensure adequate delivery of hot water.
Benefits
- Available in a large range of makes, models and sizes.
- Reasonable up-front cost.
- Provide on demand hot water.
- Energy Efficient Solution
Limitations
- LPG running costs can be expensive if hot water demand is high.
- Need to refill gas bottles if running on LPG.
- Whilst natural gas is cheap to run there will also be service fees charged by the energy retailer.
Solar Hot Water Service
Solar hot water services capture and retain heat from the sunlight and transfer this heat to the water stored inside the tank. Solar hot water services are available in both roof mounted and split systems. Roof mounted solar systems have both the tank and solar collectors or panels located on the roof and split systems have the solar collectors or panels on the roof and the tank on the ground with a circulating pump connecting the two. The heart of a solar hot water system is the collectors as they trap the heat and transfer it to storage, so for optimum operation they need to be located on a north facing roof. Solar collectors are available as both flat panel or the more efficient evacuated tube system.
Benefits
- Energy efficient Solution.
- Low to no running costs.
- Available in a range of makes, models and sizes.
- Reduced greenhouse emissions.
- Eligible for government rebate.
Limitations
- Higher up-front cost
- Dependent on sunlight for heating so operation is affected by the weather and may also need to boost electrically during the winter months to ensure an adequate supply of hot water.
- Any hot water used at night will not be reheated until the next day unless the electric booster is on.
- Must still be connected to electricity so will be charged a small service fee by the energy retailer whether you use electricity or not.
- Alters aesthetics of the property.
Heat Pump Hot Water Service
Heat pump hot water units are designed to deliver hot water day or night no matter what the weather conditions. A heat pump unit uses a fan to draw in ambient air which is absorbed by a refrigerant gas. As the warm gaseous refrigerant circulates through the system it passes through a compressor where it’s pressure and temperature rise. The hot refrigerant then passes through a heat exchanger which heats the water. The refrigerant is cycled back into the system, and the hot water is pumped into the storage tank.
Here at Whywait Plumbing we recommend the Sanden “Eco” Hot Water Heat Pump the most energy efficient hot water heat pump currently on the market as certified by the Australian Government Clean Energy Regulator.
Benefits – Sanden Hot Water
- Low running costs proven to use 20% of the electricity costs of electric storage tanks.
- Available in a range of sizes.
- Energy efficient.
- Reduced greenhouse emissions.
- Manufactured for Australian conditions.
- Fast recovery rate.
- Eligible for government rebate.
Limitations
Got more questions?
Whywait Plumbing are more than happy to help. Call us today to speak with one of our friendly staff.
