Should I DIY When it Comes to Plumbing?

There are some plumbing jobs home owners can do, but in Australia regulations are very strict when it comes to plumbing. A licensed Brisbane plumber and gasfitter must carry out all installations and major repairs. Check with the water-supply authority in your area to find out what do-it-yourself plumbing jobs you can safely undertake at home.

Some things you can do:

Leaking pipes

- Determine the location of the leak – any pipe or connections between pipes either to a tap or to drainage are potential sources of leakage. Any soggy areas of ground or unexplained rises in your water bill may indicate broken or cracked pipes. Call a qualified Brisbane plumber.

- Be vigilant and trace leaks. A little seepage of water can cause major problems further down the track, especially when it comes to fine cracks, as they’re difficult to see at first.

- Locate the origin of the leak. If there a major leak, turn off the water at the mains. If you live in a house, the water meter will probably be near your front boundary. If you live in a unit, apartment or townhouse complex, the mains tap may be inside. If this is the case, call a qualified Brisbane plumber.

Dripping taps

When a tap drips, turning it off tighter will only make the problem worse. You may wish to try changing the tap washers. You may wish to follow these simple steps.

- Shut the water off at the mains. If you live in a house, the water meter will probably be near your front boundary. If you live in a unit, apartment or townhouse complex, the mains tap may be inside. Turn on a tap to check that the water has stopped running. If the water hasn’t stopped running, call a qualified Brisbane plumber.

- Once the mains water has been shut off, undo the main nut on the leaking tap using a shifter.

- There are three washers to replace. These are: the large-body washer (usually red or orange), the O-ring on the spindle (use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove it), and the tap washer, which should simply drop out of the spindle. We recommend using hydro seal washers.

- Lubricate the spindle with vaseline, then reassemble the unit.

- Once the tap is reassembled, partially open it and turn the mains back on. If your tap is still leaking it means the seat is probably pitted and it will have to be reground. If you encounter any problems, call a call a licensed Brisbane plumber.

Leaking toilets

We recommend you call your Qmate plumber for any problems associated with toilets.