Australian households lose a considerable amount of water each year due to leaks and faulty plumbing, which leads to higher water bills and unnecessary expenses.
Understanding the most common plumbing problems in your area and knowing how to deal with them can save you time, money, and stress.
This comprehensive guide highlights the five most common plumbing issues faced by Bayside residents and outlines practical techniques to help resolve them.
1. Blocked Drains and Sewers
Blocked drains are the most common complaint in the Bayside suburbs, and it is not hard to see why the issue is so frequent. The combination of tree roots in gardens, ageing terracotta pipes in older properties, and general day-to-day debris creates the ideal conditions for ongoing drainage problems.
Common Causes
Tree roots are a serious concern in the leafy suburbs of Bayside. The moisture inside underground pipes naturally attracts nearby roots, which can creep through even the smallest cracks. As these roots continue to grow, they can eventually create significant obstructions that interfere with the overall drainage system.
Other typical offenders are:
- Hair, soap scum, and toiletries clogging bathroom drains.
- Accumulation of food particles, grease, and oil in kitchen sinks.
- Foreign objects accidentally flushed down toilets.
- Damaged or broken pipe systems in older houses.
DIY Fixes
These DIY methods can be tried for minor blockages:
Plunger Method: Most sink and toilet blockages can be cleared using a standard cup plunger. Ensure a good seal around the drain hole and plunge firmly. Toilets work best with a flange plunger, which is shaped to fit the curved bowl.
Natural Drain Cleaner: Pour half a cup of bicarbonate of soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Leave the mixture for at least 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water. This combination helps break down organic matter without using harsh chemicals that could damage pipes.
Drain Snake: A hand-operated drain snake (also called a plumber’s auger) can remove blockages deep in the pipes. Insert the snake into the drain and rotate the handle to scrape or clear the obstruction.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed plumber immediately if you experience:
- Multiple drains backing up simultaneously, indicating a main sewer line blockage
- Sewage backing up into your home
- Persistent blockages that return after DIY attempts
- Foul odours coming from drains
- Water pooling in your yard near sewer lines
Experiencing recurring drain blockages? Contact Ezy-Plumb’s blocked drain specialists for fast diagnosis and permanent solutions. We service all Bayside suburbs with CCTV inspection and high-pressure water jetting.
2. Dripping Taps and Leaking Fixtures
That constant drip is not only annoying, it also wastes water unnecessarily. A dripping tap can waste a substantial amount of water over time, equivalent to filling a small backyard swimming pool.
Understanding the Problem
Leaking taps are usually caused by worn washers, O-rings, or valve seats within the tap mechanism. The continual flow of water, combined with the gradual wear of these components, increases the likelihood of leaks.
Common Places for Leaks
- Taps on the kitchen and bathroom basins
- Shower mixers and heads
- Outdoor garden taps
- Toilet cisterns, which are not always noticeable until the water bill arrives
DIY Repairs
One of the simplest plumbing jobs is changing a tap washer:
- Switch off the isolation valve or mains.
- Turn on the tap to release any remaining water pressure.
- Remove the tap handle (usually secured under a decorative cap).
- Unscrew the tap bonnet and remove the body.
- Replace the damaged washer at the base of the valve.
- Apply plumber’s grease to the washer and O-ring.
- Reassemble the tap in reverse order.
For mixer taps and more complex fixtures, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as designs can vary significantly.
Preventative Maintenance
You may also extend the lifespan of your taps by:
- Closing taps gently instead of forcing them off, as over-tightening can damage washers.
- Installing tap aerators to reduce water flow pressure.
- Cleaning mineral deposits from aerators and showerheads regularly.
- Replacing washers periodically as part of preventative maintenance.
3. High Water Pressure
Strong water pressure might seem appealing, offering stronger showers and faster-filling sinks. However, excessive pressure can seriously damage your plumbing system, causing premature wear and costly repairs.
Many Melbourne homes experience a wide range of water pressures, with high pressure generally considered anything above safe levels. The topography of Bayside and proximity to pumping stations can result in particularly high pressure in some locations.
Warning Signs:
- Pipes banging or vibrating when taps are turned on or off
- Water hammer (noise when water flow stops)
- Taps or toilets that continue leaking despite repairs
- Shortened lifespan of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers
- Burst appliance hoses
- Tap washers wearing out unusually quickly
- Taps splashing or spitting
The Fix:
Testing Pressure:
Pressure gauges, available at your local hardware store such as Bunnings, can be attached to an outdoor tap to check pressure. Testing at different times of day is recommended, as pressure can fluctuate. Consistently high readings indicate action is needed to protect your plumbing.
Professional Solutions:
Installing a pressure limiting valve (PLV) on the main water supply line is the most effective solution. This device ensures water enters the home at a safe, consistent pressure, even if street pressure fluctuates. A licensed plumber can install a PLV in a few hours. It requires minimal maintenance but should be checked during regular plumbing inspections.
Additional measures may include:
- Replacing pressure-rated fixtures and appliances
- Installing shock arrestors to reduce water hammer
- Replacing old or damaged pipes that have endured high pressure
Concerned about water pressure damage? Get a professional assessment from Ezy-Plumb and protect your plumbing investment with proper pressure regulation.
4. Running Toilets and Cistern Issues
A running toilet may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it is one of the most inefficient plumbing issues a household can experience.
Common Causes:
Most running toilet problems stem from issues within the cistern:
- Worn Flush Valve Seal: The rubber seal on the flush valve can age and start leaking continuously into the bowl, often causing hissing or rippling sounds.
- Faulty Fill Valve: The fill valve controls how much water enters the cistern after each flush. If it malfunctions, water may flow continuously or the cistern may not fill properly.
- Incorrect Float Height: A float set too high causes water to overflow into the tube, while a float set too low may result in weak flushing.
- Mineral Deposits: Buildup on the flush valve seat can prevent a proper seal, allowing water to leak constantly.
DIY Fixes:
The first step in diagnosing a running toilet is a simple test: add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern. If the colour appears in the bowl within a short time, it indicates a leak.
Float Adjustment: For cup-type floats, adjust the screw on the fill valve. For ball floats, gently bend the float arm downward so the water does not overflow the tube.
Flush Valve Seal Replacement: This is an easy repair requiring no special tools. Turn off the water supply, flush the cistern, remove the old flush valve seal and replace it with a new one.
Cleaning the Flush Valve Seat: Turn off the water, empty the cistern, and clean the valve seat with fine sandpaper or an abrasive pad to ensure a proper seal.
Upgrading for Efficiency
When replacing toilet parts, consider upgrading to a dual-flush system if you haven’t already. Dual-flush toilets use less water per flush compared with older single-flush models, helping to conserve water.
Dealing with a continuously running toilet can be frustrating and wasteful. Professional plumbers can provide cost-effective repairs and water-efficient upgrades to cisterns, ensuring your system operates efficiently while reducing water usage.
5. Hot Water System Failures
Running out of hot water can cause significant disruption in any household. Bayside homes feature a variety of systems, from older gas storage units to modern heat pump setups, each with different maintenance requirements and potential points of failure.
Gas Storage Systems:
Conventional units often experience pilot light failures, thermostat faults, and sediment build-up in the tank, which can reduce efficiency and capacity.
Electric Storage Systems: These may suffer from faulty heating elements, thermostat issues, and corroded sacrificial anodes that require periodic replacement.
Continuous Flow (Instantaneous) Systems:
These on-demand systems can encounter sediment in heat exchangers, ignition failures, or flow sensor malfunctions.
Heat Pump Systems:
Highly efficient but requiring regular upkeep, common problems include refrigerant leaks, compressor faults, and blocked air filters.
Basic Troubleshooting
Here’s what you can check before calling a plumber…
No Hot Water at All:
- Check the electricity supply for electric systems, including circuit breakers.
- For gas systems, ensure the gas supply is on and the pilot light is lit.
- Confirm that isolation valves are open.
Insufficient Hot Water:
- Set the thermostat to the recommended safe and effective temperature.
- Ensure there is no cold water mixing through a faulty tempering valve.
Hot water problems can’t wait. Contact Ezy-Plumb for hot water repairs and replacement with upfront pricing and same-day service across Bayside suburbs.
Protecting Your Bayside Home
The unique conditions in Bayside create specific challenges for plumbing systems. Understanding these common issues allows you to manage minor problems early and recognise when professional help is necessary.
Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and expert support ensure the long-term efficiency of your plumbing and protect your property investment. For professional plumbing services in Bayside, contact the team at EzyPlumb for reliable solutions to all your plumbing needs.
