VLOGS

Josh from Plumbdog Plumbing heads out to Aubin Grove to track down a mysterious zone 3 irrigation solenoid. While the client already knew where zones 1 and 2 were, zone 3 had remained a complete unknown — until Josh worked his magic.

Using professional solenoid locating equipment, Josh carefully searches the property to pinpoint the underground valve, ensuring future maintenance and repairs are hassle-free.

In This Video

•Setting up solenoid locator equipment
•Using the transmitter and wand to detect underground signals
•Carefully probing the area to find the hidden solenoid
•Confirming the correct solenoid by manually running the stations
•Providing the client with the exact location for future maintenance

Even in tricky setups with interference from nearby domes and scattered valves, Josh demonstrates how modern tools and experience make locating hidden irrigation valves quick and precise.

The Result

Zone 3 solenoid successfully located

Client given exact location for ongoing maintenance

Irrigation system fully mapped and easier to manage

Future irrigation issues prevented

Location: Aubin Grove, WA
Need help with hidden irrigation valves, retic repairs, or solenoid locating? Visit Plumbdog Plumbing

Evan from Plumbdog Plumbing returns to a property in Perth after earlier leak detection traced a hidden water leak to underneath the client’s garage floor slab.

To access the damaged pipe, the team carefully cuts the concrete slab, excavates the area below the floor, and exposes the underground pipework causing the problem.

In This Video

•Leak detection pinpointing a hidden leak under the garage
•Cutting the concrete slab to access the pipework
•Excavating beneath the floor to expose the damaged line
•Finding a snapped polybutylene pipe causing the leak
•Installing a repair section and offsetting the pipe with elbows to reduce future stress
•Re-concreting the slab and restoring the area

Older polybutylene pipes can become brittle over time, particularly when they’re under constant pressure or stress within a concrete slab. By adding an offset during the repair, the new section reduces strain on the pipe and helps prevent future failures.

The Result

Hidden leak under the garage successfully located

Damaged polybutylene pipe removed and repaired

Pipework offset to reduce stress and future cracking

Concrete slab reinstated and area restored

Water supply running leak-free again

If you notice unexplained water usage, damp areas, or pressure loss, a hidden leak under your slab could be the cause.

Location: Perth, WA
Need help with leak detection, burst pipes, or under-slab plumbing repairs? Visit Plumbdog Plumbing

James and Zenn from Plumbdog Plumbing head out to investigate a reticulation system that keeps bursting pipes because the irrigation line is constantly under pressure.

The issue turns out to be a hidden solenoid valve buried underground that isn’t closing properly. Because the valve stays open, the poly pipe remains pressurised all the time, eventually causing weak sections of pipe to burst.

Using a solenoid locator, Zenn tracks down the underground irrigation valve so the team can isolate the problem and restore proper control to the reticulation system.

In This Video

•Using a solenoid locator to track down a hidden irrigation valve
•Investigating why the reticulation line stays under constant pressure
•Installing a new retic valve and master solenoid
•Cutting out and capping an unused irrigation line
•Reinstalling paving and restoring the area after the repair

Once the faulty valve is located, the team caps the old line and installs a new master solenoid and valve so the system only pressurises when it’s supposed to.

The Result

Hidden faulty valve located underground

Unused irrigation line capped off

New master solenoid and retic valve installed

Reticulation system no longer under constant pressure

Burst pipe issue prevented going forward

If your retic pipes keep bursting or your irrigation system stays pressurised, a faulty solenoid valve could be the cause.

Location: Perth, WA
Need help with reticulation leaks, irrigation valves, or plumbing repairs? Visit Plumbdog Plumbing

Rich from Plumbdog Plumbing explains why plumbers don’t recommend using blue toilet cleaning cubes inside your cistern.

Called out to a leaking toilet, Rich opens the cistern to find thick blue residue and debris from cleaning cubes building up inside the system. Over time, this gunk can stop the outlet washer from sealing properly, causing the toilet to constantly leak into the bowl.

In this case, the buildup prevented the rubber outlet washer from sitting flat on the valve seat, allowing water to slowly pass through — a common cause of running toilets.

In This Video

•The hidden damage blue loo cubes can cause inside a cistern
•Why debris stops the outlet washer sealing properly
•Cleaning years of buildup out of the cistern
•Replacing the outlet washer to stop the leak
•Advice for homeowners on avoiding this issue in the future

Sometimes the only fix is removing the buildup, replacing worn parts, and flushing the system until all debris is gone.

The Result

•Cistern cleaned of blue cube residue
•Outlet washer replaced and sealed correctly
•Toilet no longer leaks or runs continuously
•Homeowner given practical advice for future maintenance

If your toilet keeps running or leaking into the bowl, blue loo cubes could be the culprit.

Location: Perth, WA
Need help with a leaking toilet or general plumbing repairs? Visit Plumbdog