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All across Australia, homeowners are dealing with the aftermath of poorly installed plumbing. Whether it’s the product of an amateur job or a professional service which just isn’t up to scratch, it is important to respond quickly to problems with residential pipework.
At O’Shea Plumbing, we see low-quality installations all the time and they can cause a lot of damage if not repaired in the right way. It is why we’re trying to help homeowners recognise the signs of bad pipework and take practical steps to fix it.
Keep reading to learn about the most common plumbing mishaps and why they might be playing havoc with your house.
Multi-Layer Gas Pipes
One of the more pressing problems is the widespread installation of multi-layer gas pipes without protective covers. Over the last decade, thousands of homes and apartments (particularly in New South Wales and Victoria) have been built with plastic and aluminium components. However, it is only in the last few years that experts have noticed their vulnerability to UV light.
These yellow gas pipes function safely if they are protected with a UV resistant cover, but many homes do not have this. Once the core starts to break down, the risk of leaks and fires is substantially increased, so the problem requires a fast solution. If you suspect that you have an unprotected gas pipe, get in touch with our team right away and arrange repairs.
Incompatible Components
Another issue which is common to gas fittings is undersized components.
If pipes are not compatible or too small to function at peak capacity, your home is going to run at a low level of efficiency. The connected gas appliances will underperform and you may end up paying more for less when it comes to your monthly bills. Read our article on water pressure problems to find out more.
At O’Shea Plumbing, we are committed to using only the finest quality tools and resources. We’ll never install vulnerable components without protection. In fact, our plumbers use copper tubing and fittings because the material does not break down when exposed to sunlight. Plus, our gas installations are always sized correctly and provide the right burner pressure.
Overtightened Fittings
You might think that the more you tighten a gas fitting, the safer it will be, but this is not the case. Overtightening taps is actually quite dangerous because it encourages a large amount of pressure to build up within the pipes. If there’s no breathing room, the threads may become stripped and start leaking water. Check out our guide to common plumbing problems to learn how to spot a leaky pipe.
It is just one of the reasons why you should always hire a professional to carry out gas and water work around your home. In most of Australia, it is a legal requirement. You are not allowed to tackle extensive plumbing work on your own. You must let a qualified expert do the job so that safety standards are maintained throughout.
Poor Care and Maintenance
It is worth pointing out that homeowners are responsible for the upkeep of their pipework and plumbing fixtures. You have a right to expect the highest level of quality from an installation, but all components are subject to wear and tear. To keep them in tip-top condition, carry out regular visual inspections and check for signs of corrosion.
If you spot any developing problems, call O’Shea Plumbing and we will send a technician out for repairs. Careful maintenance doesn’t have to be about hard work. If you’re reasonably vigilant, keep a weather eye on your plumbing, and never misuse it (throwing debris down sinks or drains), it should live a long and happy life.