Vlog

• Learn one of the reasons why the pilot light keeps going out on an older Rheem Stellar 330
• Watch how we find ways to save our customers some real hard earned $$$
• Check out more of our VLOGs & don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Hot Water Help

Our client in Sorrento whistled because they were unable to re-light their hot water system, which just means no hot water in their house! Top dog Richard is to the rescue but thoroughly investigates the situation first at the property before simply quoting to replace.

Two hot water systems are enough – Three is too much!

He arrived at the house and tried to re-light the pilot.  They have a Rheem Stellar 330 which has a 5-star energy efficient rating, but it is considerably old, 16 years to be exact.  The flames on this one is yellow and that after some time droplets of water formed around the pilot.  As the area gets hotter the tank expands and causes the water to drip faster which will then take out the pilot light again. Before he proposes to just replace the tank, Richard probes a little further, asking questions from the client and a thorough run through the property. He found out that this home had three hot water system (two Rinnai Infinity 26) which is more than what a regular 4 bath house has. Now talk about a little too much.

Finding The Best Solutions

To fix the situation that the client has and what most plumbers would recommend is to better replace the tank.  Easily quote a new Rheem Stellar 330 and install to solve the problem.  But of course, here at Plumbdog, we not only think of resolving the concern, but we want to provide the BEST resolution that is cost-effective and efficient.  Richard advises a temporary set-up where he connected the tank to one of the Rinnai Infinity 26 and see if it will be enough to supply all four wet rooms. If in the next few days, the family is good with this set up then the best option would be is to have one of the Rinnai’s upgraded to a size 32 instead of replacing the tank. Quality over cost!

Quality Advice from the Plumbing Expert

We aren’t just another plumber or gas fitter on the block. We want to make sure to answer all the “Why, when, where and how’s?” before concluding what is the best option to take.  We are the best in the industry and that is why you can trust that our professional staff will always give the best expert advice so you can get your money’s worth.

One of the great things about working a job in Sorrento, Richard gets to complete his paperwork while getting some fresh sea breeze and enjoy the amazing ocean view. One of the small treats that we get for another day’s work here in Plumbdog.

• Sometimes saving a few $$s may end up costing you much more. It often pays for any type of service to call on a real professional to do the job.
• When it comes to Plumbing in Perth, we have all the gear and every idea!
• Check out more of our VLOGs & don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Our video today will takes us to a property in Manning, WA.  Many would really like to save by doing their own DIY plumbing repairs or get plumbers that may seem to give you a good deal.  When in fact they can actually cause a bigger headache in the future and cost more.  Richard was sent out to locate and fix a burst water pipe and what he found out was that the installation was not followed properly.

Detecting Broken Pipes

It’s time to look for the pipes. Plumbdog uses advanced gadgets and tools to make sure that we work fast and efficiently on every call. In this one, Richard used one of our little black box to determine which solenoid is the problem. He attached it to the reticulation control panel and then connected to the number two wire. Solenoid number two starts vibrating, this can be heard as a faint buzzing sound at first since it is underground. He will use that sound to guide him and look for the actual pipes.

Doing what Plumbdogs Do Best, Digging!

Next step is to look for the source, so he goes out on the front lawn and it is a good-sized area, and we would not want to ruin it by randomly digging in areas where we think we can hear the buzzing noise.  Richard once again uses another special gadget to accurately locate where the buzzing is coming from.  He used the retic solenoid finder and was able to uncover the cause of the problem which is solenoid number two. On top of that, he was able to find another solenoid, the master solenoid and the master retic valve.  Seeing everything, the problem was that even when they turned off the reticulation controller it was still live, and it meant that the master solenoid valve had failed. It’s time to fix the problem, the retic will be isolated and have the mains turned back on so that the client can have water back in their home again.

All The Gear & Every Idea

As we can see in the video the property was laid out with below standard pipes, fittings and valves and was even poorly installed.  The solenoids and retic valves were 6 inches deep when they should be above ground. Richard will discuss with the property owners their options regarding the other pipes in their backyard. Getting licensed plumbers like us will give you the best advice, options, and peace of mind that your plumbing will last longer and will be installed based on standards.  No hit or miss when looking for the problem pipes. No-fuss, less mess and in the quickest time possible. Whistle and we will come to the rescue!

• Like for Like Replacements for hot water systems are common jobs for plumbers but there are occasions where we are not allowed to replace and old system at its current location.
• Watch Richard explain as gas fitters in Perth why and some of the rules around the location of where gas hot water systems need to be placed.
• See where the new hot water system has been installed and how it’s reconnected up. You will get a good understanding of what is involved and why sometimes plumbers need to quote for extra works and parts needed even if you’re replacing your hot water system with the exact same model. 

Hot Water System – Straight Swap?

Todays job was originally to replace the a hot water system as a straight swap over.  Top dog Richard arrived at the property and noticed right away that the current system was in an illegal position. As gas fitters, there are specific requirements to adhere to when installing new hot water systems, even if one already exists, and the works of gas fitters are also checked which is a good thing to keep consistency and safety for the industry and our customers.

At this property, there’s only one openable side for the system as opposed to the normal requirement which is two.  It looks like that the system was installed years ago and later on when the owner added an outdoor area it blocked the other openable side.  It is very important that hot water systems are placed in well-ventilated areas. This will ensure that the combustible gases escape safely into the open air and into the atmosphere.  The gases that the system releases have carbon monoxide which is harmful to our bodies.  This gas is colourless, odourless and tasteless so a person would not even know that they are already breathing it until they either pass out or be the cause of death.

Relocating the New Hot Water System

Richard identifies an ideal location for the new hot water system and finds an external wall not too far from the original site which means he will not have a hard time in terms of re-piping.  The new location has two openable sides and he also made sure that the measurements are followed according to the legal standards. This is following 500mm on all sides from corners, wall edges, windows, eaves and the floor.

All The Gear & Every Idea

One visit is all it takes to complete the hot water installation. No need for multiple trips because we made sure that our vans are equipped with high-quality materials, such as pipes, fittings and valves and advanced equipment to make sure that as much as possible our work is “done in one”.  The new system is installed in a new location compliant to the legal standards and safe for the client to use. All in a hot summer’s day work!

• Not all smelly toilets are results of water leaks or blocked drains.
• Watch how our Plumbdog diagnoses and fixes a smelly toilet. 

Our service call this time is from a client who cannot stand the smell any longer of their toilet. It’s been bothering them for a couple of days already and decided to have the experts check their toilet.  Richard gives away some quality plumbing tricks and shows us step by step on how he diagnoses and fixes the problem.

It’s not a blocked drain!

The first thing Richard wanted to check was if the toilet was blocked or not.  By simply flushing it and observing the water level if it rose or if it was draining really slow, he was able to confirm that it was not the source of the problem. Grabbing his torch, he looked around the physical toilet and that’s where he noticed that the rubber pan collar seal is already split and crumbling. He used his screwdriver to verify that it is no longer intact, this is probably due to the age of the seal or moulds that can accelerate the degrading process. This part of the toilet is where the smell is coming from. The toilet pan is the connection to the sewer pipe and the seal prevents any odour. Now that the seal had already perished the smell is coming right through.

Making Your Toilet Great Again

To resolve this Richard used a clear mould- resistance silicone and applied it around the pan collar. Afterwards, he also sprayed it with soapy water to clean the excess silicone off to make it look nice and clean. It is an instant fix for the concern and when it sets it will be airtight and watertight again.  There will be no more sewer smell in the client’s home.  Job well done!

Professionals Plumbers for that Pine Fresh Smell

The troubleshooting in the video may look quite easy but it is always best to call the experts when dealing with these things.  This instance, it was just a broken seal but if it was something else our obedient Plumbdogs have all the gear and every idea on how to handle any plumbing issue.

Give Plumbdog a whistle and we will come!