Hints & Tips – Proven Plumbing & Gas Services PTY LTD

Holiday Season Plumbing Tips!

Proven Plumbing and Gas — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 03:31:37 +0000

The festive season is here! Christmas brings joy, family gatherings, and a whole lot of cheer, but it can also bring a set of challenges for your plumbing and gas systems! At Proven Plumbing and Gas, we want to ensure your home stays stress-free during the holidays. Here are some tips and advice to keep your plumbing and gas systems running smoothly this Christmas.

1. Prepare for Extra Guests

If you’re hosting family and friends this Christmas, your plumbing will likely be working overtime. More people mean more showers, more toilet flushes, and more dishes to wash. Here’s how you can prepare:

Check for leaks: Inspect your taps, showerheads, and toilets for any drips or leaks BEFORE your guests arrive.
Clear your drains: Avoid holiday clogs by ensuring your drains are free of buildup.
Hot Water System check-up: Make sure your hot water system is in good working order so everyone can enjoy warm showers. Is your hot water tank big enough to handle the extra showers? If not, no drama – call us!

2. Be Mindful of Your Kitchen Sink

Christmas feasts are wonderful, but the cleanup can be tough on your kitchen pipes! To prevent problems:

Dispose of food scraps properly: Avoid putting fats, oils, or grease down the drain—they can solidify and cause blockages. This is definitely a common occurrence we see around this time of year.
Use a sink strainer: Make sure you use a sink strainer to catch the food scraps that didn’t make the bin before they go down your drain!
Run the dishwasher at off-peak times: If you’re using hot water for showers, space out your dishwasher use to avoid overloading your hot water system.

3. Avoid a Gas Emergency

If you’re cooking up a storm or using gas heating during Christmas, ensure your gas appliances are safe and efficient:

Check for gas leaks: A faint gas smell or hissing sound can indicate a leak. If you suspect one, turn off the gas at the source and call us immediately.
Service your gas appliances: Ensure your stove, oven, and heater are in good working condition before the holiday rush. Call us and let us do a quick check for you.
Ventilation is key: Proper ventilation is essential when using gas appliances to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Keep the house open and your range hood on!

4. Prepare for Outdoor Activities

If you’re cooking outside on the BBBQ this Christmas, make sure you inspect your gas BBQ for leaks or loose connections.

5. Know Who to Call in an Emergency

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, plumbing or gas issues can arise. Save our number now, so you’re prepared in case of an emergency!

Proven Plumbing and Gas offers fast, reliable service and open for Emergency works all Christmas holiday 24/7.

Why Choose Proven Plumbing and Gas This Christmas?

Licensed and experienced professionals
Fast response times
Comprehensive plumbing and gas services

Don’t let plumbing or gas problems dampen your holiday spirit! Whether it’s a clogged drain, a leaky tap, or a gas appliance issue, we’re here to help.

(07) 3130 0927 Call us today and enjoy a worry-free Christmas season!

Prepare for Storm Season

Proven Plumbing and Gas — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:41:00 +0000

As storm season approaches, South East Queensland homeowners know what to expect—heavy rains, high winds, hail, and the potential for flash flooding. Most homes will have storm kits set up with torches and radios, but one thing that we often find is missing off the checklist is the importance of keeping stormwater drains clear and functional. At Proven Plumbing and Gas, we understand that blocked drains are more than just an inconvenience; they can lead to serious and costly damage to your home when storm season arrives.

It is essential to get your stormwater drains in top shape before the first drops fall this summer. Here is why:

1. Avoid Expensive Water Damage

Blocked stormwater drains prevent rainwater from flowing away from your home efficiently, which can lead to flooding in your back or front yard, driveway, or even inside your house! This kind of water damage is not only expensive to repair but can also cause long-term structural issues.

2. Look After Your Health

Stagnant water can create slippery surfaces, especially on pathways and driveways. It also becomes a breeding ground for mozzies and bacteria. Blocked stormwater drains can lead to pools of water forming around your home, posing health risks and making your property less safe for family and visitors.

3. Protect Your Landscaping

A sudden overflow of water can erode soil, wash away plants, and destroy landscaping that you spent a lot of time and money getting how you want it. By keeping stormwater drains clear, you can prevent this damage and maintain the appearance and value of your property.

What Causes Blocked Stormwater Drains?

Stormwater drains can become blocked over time due to:

Leaves, dirt, and debris buildup in the drains
Tree roots invading pipes looking for water sources
Broken or collapsed pipes from age or ground movement
Improper disposal of rubbish down outside drains

Each of these issues can restrict water flow, leading to back-ups and, eventually, flooding.

Proactive Maintenance Tips For Your Drain

To minimise risks, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some simple steps homeowners can take:

Clean gutters and downpipes regularly, especially in areas prone to leaf buildup, like under trees.
Clear visible debris from stormwater grates to prevent entry into the drain system and allow water to flow through.
Schedule a professional inspection if you notice slow draining or gurgling noises—both are signs of a potential blockage. Get onto it early!
Trim trees near drainage systems to reduce the risk of root intrusions. Remove any trees that you can visibly see are moving toward your pipes!

How Can A Plumber Help?

At Proven Plumbing and Gas Services, we have over 10 years experience and the tools to handle all kinds of blockages—from simple debris clearing to complex root invasions in stormwater pipes. Our equipment saves you time and money! We offer:

High-pressure water jetting to clear stubborn blockages
CCTV drain inspections to identify the exact location and cause of the issue
Preventative maintenance plans to keep your stormwater system clear year-round

Be Storm-Ready—Book Your Drain Check Today!

Don’t wait until the rains arrive to start thinking about your stormwater drains. Preparing now means you can head into storm season with peace of mind, knowing your home is ready to handle whatever nature brings.

PROVEN PLUMBING & GAS SERVICES

Gas Stove Safety: What To Look Out For

Proven Plumbing and Gas — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 01:29:41 +0000

When was the last time you checked the flame on your gas stove? Most of us don’t give it much thought, but the colour of your stove flame can reveal critical information about its safety and efficiency. Here’s why you should pay close attention.

Blue Flames = Good News

A crisp, steady blue flame indicates your gas is burning efficiently and safely. This means the gas and oxygen mix is just right, and the temperature of the flame is optimal—ranging between 1500°C and 1700°C. In this case, you can cook with confidence, knowing everything is functioning as it should.

Orange or Red Flame = A Problem

If you see an orange or red flame, it’s time to investigate. This flame colour suggests:

Higher Oxygen Levels in Gas Mix:
The gas you’re using may have an excess of oxygen, causing a lower flame temperature of around 900°C to 1200°C. This results in:

Higher gas consumption.
Less efficient cooking.

Insufficient Oxygen for Combustion:
A lack of oxygen in the room can cause the flame to turn orange. However, this is not just a minor inconvenience—it can lead to incomplete combustion, which produces carbon monoxide – This toxic gas is odourless and deadly.

Why an Orange Flame Requires Immediate Attention

It often indicates an underlying problem, such as:

Your stove burning propane with natural gas orifices.
Incorrect orifice sizes being used, which impacts how gas is released and mixed with air.

An orange flame is not something you can “fix” by simply opening a window. Natural gas and propane require different orifice sizes due to their specific combustion properties. Using the wrong setup can lead to inefficiencies and safety risks.

What Should You Do?

If your gas stove shows an orange flame:

Stop using it immediately.
Contact a licensed gas fitter like us to inspect and adjust your stove. A trained professional will:
- Ensure the correct orifices are in place.
- Address any issues with gas flow or air intake.

Let Us Keep You Safe

At Proven Plumbing and Gas, we specialise in ensuring your gas appliances are safe, efficient, and compliant with Australian standards. Don’t take risks with your home and family—schedule a gas appliance inspection today.

Contact Jake and the team for expert advice and reliable service.

Remember: Your gas flame is more than just a source of heat—it’s a signal of safety. Don’t ignore it!

PROVEN PLUMBING AND GAS SERVICES

Is Your Hot Water Safe?

Proven Plumbing and Gas — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 05:42:05 +0000

Do you know how to keep your family safe with your Hot Water System? Setting your water heater at the right temperature not only helps reduce the risk of burns to your family but also protects from harmful bacteria like Legionella, which can thrive in water that’s too cool. Here’s everything you need to know about hot water and the ideal temperature for your home.

1. Regulations in Australia

In Australia, government regulations set specific standards for hot water systems to ensure both safety and efficiency:

At the tap: Hot water must be delivered at a temperature no greater than 50°C to prevent scalding. This regulation is especially important for households with children or the elderly, who are more vulnerable to burns.
In storage: To prevent the growth of bacteria like Legionella, your hot water storage system must heat water to at least 60°C. Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious respiratory illness, so maintaining this temperature is crucial for health and safety.

2. Why 50°C at the Tap?

Scalding from hot water can occur in just seconds, especially at higher temperatures. For instance, water at 60°C can cause third-degree burns in under five seconds. By law, new installations of hot water systems must include a tempering valve. This device mixes hot and cold water to ensure the temperature at your tap never exceeds the safe limit of 50°C. Do you have a tempering valve in your home?

3. Maintaining 60°C in Storage for Bacteria Prevention

While 50°C is the ideal temperature for taps, your hot water storage must remain at 60°C or higher. This is because bacteria like Legionella can thrive in lukewarm water, particularly in storage tanks or pipes where water can sit for extended periods. By keeping your storage temperature at 60°C or above, you reduce the risk of bacterial growth and safeguard your family’s health. Some other bacterias that could lurk are Pseudomonas, Mycobaterium avium, E. Coli, Aeromonas or Klebsiella Pneumoniae.

4. Energy Efficiency and Your Water Heater

It is a balance for your hot water system. While you want to ensure water is hot enough to prevent bacterial growth, unnecessarily high temperatures can increase your energy consumption. Upgrading to a more energy-efficient water heater or installing a thermostatic mixing valve can also help keep your energy costs down while ensuring your family stays safe.

5. Hot Water System Maintenance Tips

To keep your hot water system running efficiently, regular maintenance is key. Here are a few tips to consider:

Annual servicing: Have your hot water system inspected by a licensed plumber at least once a year to ensure it’s operating at the correct temperatures and without faults.
Check your tempering valve: Make sure your tempering valve is functioning properly. This device is essential for regulating the temperature at your taps and preventing scalding.
Flush your tank: Regularly flushing your hot water storage tank can help remove sediment buildup, which can impact both water quality and the efficiency of your system.

6. When to Call a Professional

If your hot water system isn’t maintaining the correct temperatures or if you notice unusual smells, noises, or fluctuating water pressure, it’s time to call Proven Plumbing & Gas Services. Ready for an upgrade? Proven Plumbing & Gas are licensed and experienced at hot water installations – whether gas, solar or electric. Proven Plumbing & Gas can help ensure your home’s hot water system is safe, efficient, and compliant with Australian regulations.

PROVEN PLUMBING & GAS SERVICES