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Like for Like Hot Water Service Replacement

by Gary Mays | Nov 4, 2019 | Like for Like Hot Water Service Replacement

Like for Like Hot Water Service Replacement Online Pricing Scams

In Queensland, if you see online website prices or are quoted over the phone a price for like for like hot water service replacement for an electric or gas storage tank¹ system, don’t believe one word of it. The prices are a sham designed to scam you into calling them to book in the job.

The Reality is Like For Like Replacements Seldom Exist

The prices quoted above are about right for a like for like installation. The problem is probably only one person in a hundred would qualify for this pricing.

I can 99% guarantee² you will not receive that price for a legally compliant hot water service replacement issued with a QBCC Form 4 compliance certificate.

The pricing and terminology are deliberately deceptive and are a scam. I will categorically state the prices are absolutely bullshit and lies, for most installations.

Going back over ten years ago yes all plumbers undertook like for like hot water service replacement when replacing electric or gas storage hot water tanks. Simply this was legally compliant at the time and accepted industry practice.

What is Like for Like Hot Water Service Replacement?

“Like for like” installation is frequently seen as the basis of website pricing as a starting point for replacing your hot water system. They usually use confusing terminology, stating that the pricing starts from what is a low price for a like for like installation. They then vaguely define like for like as being for replacing the hot water system where it is:

the same type of hot water system as the old hot water system
that the hot water system is being installed in precisely the same location as the old hot water system
that the new hot water system is the same size as the old hot water system
that the new hot water system has the same electrical requirements as the old hot water system

Of course, it’s not explained clearly like I have using sixty-seven words. Instead, they tell all that in one compressed, thirty-four-word sentence.

Naturally, there will be getting out of gaol clauses that are again vague and confusing. These clauses will state that other costs may be incurred because:

you have individual site installation requirements to ensure your like for like hot water service replacement is compliant with all regulations
if you require any additional valves installed that were not in the like for like scope of works
if you request the removal and disposal of the old hot water service
if you require a new concrete slab or support base
if you need any additional piping to be installed
if you require any additional electrical wiring or any electrical work other than disconnecting and reconnecting
any work whatsoever that is required to the existing plumbing, electrical or gas infrastructure to ensure your like for like hot water service replacement is compliant with the council, state or commonwealth regulations
any additional labour or equipment required due to site access conditions

Like for Like is at Best An Estimate of the Installation Cost Only

All of the above are standard requirements on any hot water system replacement to meet the legal requirements of the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 and the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019.

The whole reason all of the above and many more possibilities are excluded from a like for like hot water service replacement offer is to fool you.

Ultimately every existing hot water service installation has individual requirements when installing a replacement hot water service. That is why a website price or a quote over the phone is meaningless.

You can only ever get a correct price for replacing your old, leaking hot water service after a comprehensive site inspection. In the small print on all websites that quote like for like replacements, they almost always state somewhere that pricing may change once their plumber undertakes a site inspection

Why Is A Like for Like Hot Water Service Replacement Non-Compliant?

The photo below is a Dux 50 litre electric hot water service that has been replaced like for like. Except it is utterly non-compliant because:

the hot water pipes are not insulated
the relief valve is not insulated
there is no pressure reduction valve
there is no cold-water expansion valve
there is no tempering valve
as it is an internal installation, there is no hot water tray to contain water leaking from the tank, pipes or valves
there is no automatic shutoff valve to cut off the water should there be a leak
there was no QBCC form 4 given to the property owner

There is no such thing as a like for like installation. There is definitely no such thing as an exemption for a QBCC Form 4 compliance certificate if you are only undertaking a like for like installation.

What is Required to Replace a Leaking Hot Water Service?

If your hot water service is leaking and requires a replacement then in all likelihood it will be at least eight years old and probably much more. I can guarantee the infrastructure regarding valves and overflow drains will not be compliant with the legal requirements that we must now adhere to.

We recently replaced the nine-year-old Siddons heat pump unit in the photo below that was no longer functioning with a CO2 Smart Heat Pump hot water unit. Even though it was only installed nine years ago, it was utterly non-compliant with the current requirements.

Every Hot Water System Replacement Must Be Upgraded to be Compliant With AS/NZS 3500.4:2018

Since 1 July 2019 every hot water service whether its a new installation or a replacement installation must be installed in complete compliance with AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 Plumbing and Drainage Part 4: Heated Water Services.

This standard, along with several other standards, is called into law via the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 and the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019.

The installation of a new or replacement hot water service must comply absolutely with the standard and in particular Section 5 Installation of Water Heaters – General Requirements. The scope of this section states explicitly: This Section sets out general requirements for the installation of water heaters, their location, support, cold water service valves, the vent or drain lines, and the first 2 m of heated water supply piping.

This section sets out exactly how all hot water service installations must be undertaken. Nowhere does it refer to a like for like hot water service replacement.

No professional, reputable plumber will quote you on a like for like installation as they know it does not exist. Companies who market on this basis are engaging in deceptive and misleading marketing to get their foot in your door, so they can then upsell you.

Any plumber who starts telling you that you can get a lower price with a like for like replacement is simply a liar.

Every hot water service replacement must have a Form 4 compliance certificate lodged with the QBCC and the appropriate fee paid. Ultimately this is for your protection as compliantly installed plumbing, and drainage installation is about protecting your health.

Replacing a hot water service does not involve guesswork it’s about merely obeying the law and being compliant with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018. If you have had your hot water service replaced as a like for like replacement you need to report it now to the QBCC as an offence complaint. The plumber who undertook the installation will be required to return and complete the installation in compliance with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 at his cost.

If you are uncertain about your hot water service replacement or need assistance contact us on (07) 5580 4311 and we will give you our opinion on how to proceed.

Like for Like Hot Water Service Replacement is a Con

Footnotes

¹ : Replacing an instantaneous gas hot water unit is frequently like for like as it is a straight disconnection and reconnection to the gas connection and to the water pipes. In most instantaneous units, there is no need to install or replace valves as all management of temperature is undertaken inside the unit.

² : The only time I have seen a compliant like for like replacement is when a faulty hot water service has had to be replaced within the first 12 months after installation and was already fully compliant. This is a genuine like for like replacement under the manufacturers guarantee where the client pays nothing and where everything concerning the plumbing and electrical infrastructure was already compliant.

Emergency Plumber Mermaid Beach

by Gary Mays | Oct 13, 2019 | Bathrooms, Blocked drain, blocked toilet, Consumer Issues, Emergency Plumber, Gold Coast Plumbing, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Emergencies

Repeat clients account for over 70% of the jobs Whywait Plumbing undertake.

Last weekend being the Queens Birthday long weekend coupled with the NRL Grand Final meant one of our loyal clients Kristian was looking forward to a great weekend. The last thing Kristian was anticipating was needing an emergency plumber Mermaid Beach as he drove home from work. Kristian arrived home on Saturday night to gurgling sounds coming from his bathroom. Upon investigation, he found the only toilet in his unit was blocked.

whywait Plumbing is your Emergency Plumber Mermaid Beach

Nathan Parrish of Whywait Plumbing

Even though it was 7.45 pm on a Saturday night, Kristian immediately contacted Whywait Plumbing Gold Coast as he knew the phones would be answered. Kristian was concerned his unit had blocked drains. Kristian confirmed all the details with Whywait Plumbing’s Operations Manager, who was answering the phones.

The Plumbing Technician on call was Nathan, with him being dispatched immediately as Whywait Plumbing offer a 1-hour emergency response.

Arriving at 8.45 pm, Nathan again found the toilet blocked and a high water level in the shower floor waste. As Kristian’s unit has no accessible inspection openings into the sewer drains, it was a possibility that the toilet pan would need removing. Nathan set about testing all the drains in the unit to ascertain the extent of the blockage. Kristian’s home is a small unit in what was once a motel that has been converted into individual home units.

Although the bathroom fixtures had been upgraded, the underlying drainage was the original sewer drainage system. To Kristian’s relief, Nathan found that the blockage was confined to the toilet as the rest of the fixtures were draining correctly.

Using his Rothenberg toilet auger, Nathan was able to guide the auger through the toilet pan without removing it. After patiently operating the auger, Nathan was able to clear the blockage. Flushing the toilet several times to test it indicated that the blockage was cleared.

Nathan cleaned up the bathroom and departed at 9.20 pm leaving behind a relieved Kristian.

Sadly Kristian’s problems were not over. On Sunday night Kristian gathered with a few of his mates at home to watch the NRL Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders. At 5.30 pm Kristian heard the dreaded gurgling sound originating from his bathroom again. Immediately he was on the phone to Whywait Plumbing, and for the second night in a row, Nathan was dispatched to deal with a blocked drain.

Nathan Parrish of Whywait Plumbing the emergency plumber Mermaid Beach

Nathan Parrish inspecting the blocked toilet for Kristian

Arriving at 6.05 pm, Nathan again found the toilet again blocked and a high water level in the shower floor waste. As Kristian’s unit has no accessible inspection openings into the sewer drains, it was a possibility that the toilet pan would need removing this time.

Using an extended auger unit, Nathan set about patiently negotiating it through the toilet pan S bend and down the sewer drain. Kristian watched while Nathan set about dispatching the auger down the drain without damaging the toilet pan. Finally, after 15 minutes of slow progress, Nathan hit the blockage and managed to clear it.

Nathan cleaned up the bathroom again and departed at 6.55 pm leaving behind a relieved Kristian and his mates as they were now able to watch the NRL Grand Final and know they had working drains and best of all a flushing toilet.

Kristian was so impressed with the service from Whywait Plumbing that he gave us a 5-star review on Google and contacted Gary Mays the owner of Whywait Plumbing to commend Nathan’s skills and recommend he be given a pay rise.

If you too are experiencing blocked drains like Kristian and need an emergency plumber Mermaid Beach to attend promptly don’t hesitate to pick up your phone and give us a call on (07) 5580 4311.

How long does a bathroom renovation take?

by Gary Mays | Aug 14, 2019 | bathroom renovation, Bathrooms, City of Gold Coast, Consumer Issues, DIY Plumbing, Gold Coast Plumbing, Insurance, Plumbers, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Maintenance, Plumbing Renovation, Sustainable Plumbing, Whywait Plumbing

Television renovation shows are not reality when it comes to a bathroom renovation. Sadly that’s the benchmark too many people use when they call us to discuss a bathroom renovation. We always know when a client phones and asks “how long does a bathroom renovation take” that they will have unreal expectations. bathroom renovation by Whywait Plumbing

The reality is that a well-planned bathroom renovation will take at least 4-6 weeks. A poorly planned bathroom renovation takes forever and is the most frustrating experience for everyone.

Your bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms to renovate and will need to last you at least ten years. What is hugely fashionable today will not be in two years.

A bathroom renovation is never straightforward and is all about planning, planning and more planning.

Get A Professional Design

There is a multitude of online tools that make designing a bathroom look easy. The reality is that doing your own design can be a false economy.

Getting the floor plan design right from the beginning is your number one priority. I guarantee it will save you money in the long term. A professional bathroom designer will ensure you get what you want. Everyone else involved with the bathroom renovation will be able to give you precise costings based on the design plans.

Remember it’s your bathroom so don’t be intimidated by a bathroom designer. Work with their suggestions and opinions to get the bathroom you want.

Relocating Plumbing is Expensive

bathroom renovation relocation of plumbing by Whywait Plumbing

relocation of plumbing starts with exploration to discover where the drains are hidden in walls

If you have a concrete slab, then relocating water pipes and drains is expensive. If you have a wooden floor and can get under the house, the relocation of your plumbing is much simpler.

In our experience, the unnecessary relocation of drains frequently causes budget blowouts. Utilising your existing plumbing layout will significantly reduce the cost of your bathroom renovation.

Even marginal changes can cause a budget blowout because the plumbing located in the concrete slab can be vastly different once we start exposing it.

As I said, a wooden floor where there is access to the plumbing underneath is a vastly different proposition because all of the plumbing is visible. This gives you much more scope in your bathroom renovation to rearrange the layout of your fixtures.

Draw Up a Specification

a bathroom renovation involves demolishing the existing bathroom by Whywait Plumbing

demolishing your existing bathroom creates a mess very fast

A precise specification of what you want in your bathroom renovation will save everyone a lot of heartache and frustration once work begins.

Project managing your bathroom renovation is not hard providing you have clear floor design plans and precise, unambiguous specifications.

Checklists are a must for your budget peace of mind for the tiler, electrician, plumber, plasterer and painter. This ensures everyone knows what their tasks are and where they stand from the beginning.

If it’s not written down, then you can guarantee you will get a continuous flow of variations that will blow your budget to pieces.

Avoid Reusing Parts of Your Existing Bathroom

The best way to renovate a bathroom is to strip everything back to the bare floor and framework. Keeping parts of your existing bathroom defeats the purpose of having a brand new bathroom.

We frequently see clients keeping the existing ceiling, but it saves very little and is frustrating working around it to install new lighting and extraction fans.

Reusing bathroom fixtures such as the mixer taps or toilet suite or bath save little as it means we have to remove them, clean them up and reinstall them carefully. All you are saving on is the cost of the fixture, which these days is often marginal.

Use Quality Fixtures and Fittings

luxury bathroom renovation by Whywait Plumbing

Opting for cheap no brand plumbing fixtures will lead to future maintenance problems. Frequently if there is no manufacturers brand name visible, then the plumbing fixtures are a poor quality that will not last past a couple of years.

There are plenty of quality taps and toilets that will not squeeze your budget. Avoid fashionable colours in taps as in my opinion chrome never goes out of fashion and always cleans up well.

Investing in good quality custom built vanity cabinets will give you much more value and aid the functionality of the bathroom. Investing in a quality frameless shower screen will again support the functionality of the bathroom.

Planning is the Answer

As I said, previously, the key to a bathroom renovation is about the preparation. A well-planned bathroom renovation with precise specifications ensures that the work requirements are clear and everyone will happily fulfil their obligations.

What is a Plumbing Emergency?

by Gary Mays | Aug 4, 2019 | Bathrooms, Blocked drain, City of Gold Coast, Consumer Issues, DIY Plumbing, Emergency Plumber, emergency plumber Gold Coast, Gold Coast Plumbing, Health Issues, Insurance, Plumbing Emergencies, Whywait Plumbing

It is my experience that many clients mistakenly believe their job is a plumbing emergency. The reality is that most are not and just require routine maintenance unless they are:

putting your or your family’s life at risk
flooding your house

Life-Threatening Plumbing Emergency

Gas Leaks

lraking gas is a plumbing emergency at Whywait Plumbing Leaking gas, whether it’s natural gas or LPG, is dangerous. There are no DIY gas repairs; you must always use a licensed gas fitter.

LPG is highly flammable and being a dense gas; it will sink to your floor and build in intensity. Natural gas is not as combustible as LPG but still dangerous, especially in confined spaces in your home.

If you suspect you can smell gas, then you likely have a gas leak. You need to immediately isolate the gas supply to your home at either the gas meter or at the gas bottles. Once isolated, call us immediately to organise a service call.

While you are waiting for us to arrive at your home ventilate your house by opening doors and windows. Ensure you turn off all your gas appliances and as a precaution your electrical appliances as well. Above all, do not use any naked flames.

Sewage Overflow

overflowing sewage is a plumbing emergency so call Whywait Plumbing now Overflowing sewage from toilets or floor wastes needs to be taken seriously. Raw sewage flowing into your house or outside is hazardous, and the risk of contamination is real.

Drains overflowing inside or outside your home require urgent attention, which is why we have a 1-hour emergency plumbing response for overflowing blocked drains. Blocked drains are a potential health hazard and need to be solved by trained plumbers with the correct equipment.

Don’t be fooled that overflowing sewage is only from your sewer drains. Sewage overflow can originate from outside your property very quickly, primarily if your home is located below other properties or if you live in a highrise apartment.

Don’t try to solve raw sewage lying around your home yourself as mopping it up solves nothing. Raw sewage contains parasites, fungi and bacteria that will soak into your floors and walls.

The photo on the right is where we had raw sewage flowing through a three-story terrace house and had to remove all the carpet and throw it away as can be seen on the lawn. The sewage had penetrated floors and walls which all required which required a combination of structural drying restoration and replacement of gyprock plaster wall linings.

Burst Pipe

a burst flexi hose is a plumbing emergency so call Whywait Plumbing A burst water pipe or flexi hose is now an everyday occurrence for plumbers. This is due to the amount of plastic piping now installed in homes instead of copper pipe.

A burst flexi hose is unfortunately all too common. An average house now has multiple flexi hoses installed under the kitchen sink, under the bathroom vanity basins, under the toilet cistern and the laundry tub. The reality is that every flexi hose connected is potentially a ticking time bomb.

Burst or ruptured plastic hot and cold water reticulation pipes occur for multiple reasons such as age, high pressure, poor installation, accidentally drilling into them, poor quality pipe fittings or faulty workmanship.

A burst pipe can cause damage fast to your furniture, floor coverings, kitchen cabinets, vanity cabinets, walls and floors. You need to turn your water off quickly when you experience a burst with the best place at the isolating valve at your water meter. Once isolated, call us immediately as this is a plumbing emergency.

A burst pipe or flexi hose is not a DIY repair and needs to be done compliantly by a licensed plumber who will ensure that the pipe is repaired with approved WaterMark products in accordance with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018.

Its 99.9% certain that Plumbers don’t have Supermans X-ray Vision

by Gary Mays | Aug 1, 2019 | Plumbing Diagnostic Technology

Plumbing Diagnostic Technology: X-Ray Vision Would Be A Dream Come True

Have you ever heard the one about plumbers getting Superman’s X-ray vision glasses with their license?

No? Well, trust me, neither have we. Contrary to popular belief, plumbing isn’t a superhero movie, and our tools are a tad more realistic.

A delightful fantasy, but let’s be real – in the world of plumbing, our tools and skills are more rooted in reality than in superhero movies.

The Hidden World of Plumbing

Beneath the facades of your homes lies a complex network of plumbing, stealthily nestled within walls, under floors, and deep underground. If only we had the ability to see through these barriers like a superhero from the big screen!

Plumbing infrastructure, mysteriously hidden in walls, floors, and underground, makes up about 90% of our battleground. Imagine how handy Superman’s vision would be to see through physical objects when dealing with these hidden mazes!

The Illusion of the All-Seeing Plumber Using Plumbing Diagnostic Technology

As Plumbers (and our friends, the Electricians) can attest, there’s a common fantasy that we possess some magical X-ray vision. It’s amusing how people consult a doctor multiple times for a health diagnosis but expect a plumber to arrive at their home, diagnose and fix a complex issue in one visit.

How convenient it would be if solving plumbing mysteries was as simple as in a blockbuster superhero movie! But alas, diagnosing complex plumbing issues is a process of elimination that frequently takes more than a single heroic visit.

The Reality of Plumbing Diagnostics Vague Awareness vs. Stark Reality

Most people have a foggy idea that pipes and drains are connected to their homes. This vague awareness becomes a stark reality when something goes wrong – like a sneaky leaking pipe or a rebellious blocked toilet.

Here’s where the “fun” starts. When you call us, we arrive only to see what you see – the problem, not its cause. We start with the same information you have – the visible issue.

This is when our detective work begins, a methodical process of elimination without the aid of any superpowers.

Like detectives, not movie superheroes, we methodically eliminate possible causes, employing experience and expertise over supernatural powers.

Technology to the Rescue (Sort Of) The Limits of Plumbing Tech

While Superman’s X-ray vision remains a dream, we have our own cool gadgets. But let’s be honest – a CCTV drain camera is no match for Superman’s eyes. It’s great until we hit a blocked drain, and all we see is an unhelpful view of murky water.

At Whywait Plumbing, we’re all about investing in plumbing diagnostic technology. We’ve got quite the arsenal. Here at Whywait Plumbing, I believe we have invested wisely in technology over the years and continue to do so. Equipment such as CCTV drain cameras, sonar locators, pipe tracers, gas detectors, leak detection equipment and much more.

Modern plumbing technology borrows heavily from medical technology. This means our tools are ever-evolving but far from the superhero level.

The Future of Plumbing Tech Dreaming of X-ray and Sonar Tools

We’re eagerly awaiting the day when affordable portable X-ray or sonar equipment becomes a reality in plumbing. Imagine being able to see inside your walls, floors, and underground without guesswork.

Until then, we’ll keep dreaming.

The True Power: Experience and Patience

Ultimately, our real power in solving plumbing problems lies in the experience and patience of our professional licensed plumbers. We tackle problems with precision and care, not with capes and dramatic effects.

Sure, the tech is cool, but our team can investigate, assess, and solve your problems that really count – no wall-smashing or floor-jackhammering required until necessary.

While we may not have the flair of movie superheroes, Whywait Plumbing offers practical, effective solutions to your plumbing issues. Our strength lies in our professional expertise and commitment to quality service.

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Like for Like Hot Water Service Replacement

Like for Like Hot Water Service Replacement Online Pricing Scams

The Reality is Like For Like Replacements Seldom Exist

What is Like for Like Hot Water Service Replacement?

the same type of hot water system as the old hot water system

that the hot water system is being installed in precisely the same location as the old hot water system

that the new hot water system is the same size as the old hot water system

that the new hot water system has the same electrical requirements as the old hot water system

you have individual site installation requirements to ensure your like for like hot water service replacement is compliant with all regulations

if you require any additional valves installed that were not in the like for like scope of works

if you request the removal and disposal of the old hot water service

if you require a new concrete slab or support base

if you need any additional piping to be installed

if you require any additional electrical wiring or any electrical work other than disconnecting and reconnecting

any work whatsoever that is required to the existing plumbing, electrical or gas infrastructure to ensure your like for like hot water service replacement is compliant with the council, state or commonwealth regulations

any additional labour or equipment required due to site access conditions