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A shower is just one example. Technically, any hot water fixture can suffer from this. You might get hot water instantly on one end of the home, but at the other end, it seems broken.

The issue typically lies in the pipe size and how far the hot water travels. The greater the distance from the heater to the fixture, the more time and heat loss occurs. Even your local climate can influence how quickly water loses its heat.

When hot water systems suffer from poor pressure, it really amplifies the problem. The good news? We usually find a way to fix or greatly improve the issue.

Probably not. Vitreous ceramic cisterns usually have suitable genuine and generic parts to repair them. If it’s a plastic cistern and the fix requires more than changing inlet and outlet rubbers, replacing the unit might be cheaper. We always evaluate the age, brand, and design of your cistern and suite so you’re fully informed when making a decision. 

At The Pied Plumber, we understand that knowing how to lower your water bills in Sydney will go a long way to helping families manage their budgets within challenging climates. Never fear! There are ways that you can reduce your water bills, whether this be installing water-efficient appliances and fixtures or by ensuring that leaks are isolated and fixed promptly. These actions will not only help you save money on your water bills but assist in conserving water, we can all help save our dams during drought seasons. Five strategies for saving money on your water bills in Sydney

1. Check your toilet for leaks: Add a few drops of food colouring into the cistern and wait for 30 minutes. If the cistern is leaking into the pan, you will see the coloured water in the bowl.
2. Install a dual flush cistern: This can save you up to 5 litres of water every time you flush the toilet, which can add up to thousands of litres per year.
3. Check fixture flow rates: Our family plumbers will check the flow rates of your shower heads, bath, vanity, kitchen and laundry taps and install water restrictors, which reduce the flow rates to save you money.
4. Repair leaking taps: One or more dripping taps can add up to a lot of wasted water and higher than expected bills. So whether these are indoors or outdoors, the prompt repair of leaking taps is essential to conserving water and saving money on your water bills in Sydney.
5. Hidden underground leaks: Often, the first time you realise that you have an insidious underground water leak is when you receive an abnormally high water bill. However, leaks from underground mains water pipes can be challenging to locate, which is why our electronic line locating equipment comes in handy. Our family plumbers will quickly and efficiently find the source of your underground water leak and repair the pipes, helping you to save money on your water bills in Sydney.

Lower your water bills with a water leak claim form When you have a concealed water leak underground and have promptly acted to fix the problem, you can claim credit for the additional water charges from the council. As licensed family plumbers in Sydney, we will issue you with a water leak claim form, which you submit to Sydney Water once we have repaired your water leak helping you lower your water bill in Sydney following a hidden leak. We’re here if you need us: 1300 13 80 80

Short answer; check your cleaner packaging before use. Anything bleach-based, when used inside your cistern, can chemically deteriorate internal rubbers and valve parts. If your cistern cleaner is bright blue in particular – this voids most manufacture warranties of cistern components. A quick tip from the boss: If you’re one to use cleaners inside the toilet rim, look into dissolvable stick-on products rather than hanging manifolds. You’d be surprised how many call-outs Plumbers obtain from foreign objects caught down the dunny when flushed. Some can involve fairly significant works to retrieve. Just remember – bleach for the pan, not your cistern! We’re always happy for a chat if you’re experiencing any issues. 1300 13 80 80

Unsatisfactorily low water pressure may be reasonably simple to diagnose in certain situations. Below is a check-list of possible triggers, from the more popular to the uncommon supplementary causes of low water pressure:

• Your meter tap washer is broken and thus disallowing optimal flow through the meter assembly.
• You have a pressure limiting or reduction device fitted to the meter outlet, which may require replacement.
• Sydney Water has reduced the street pressure supply to prolong outdated and weakened mains pipes from breaking.
• Your fixture tap outlets have become clogged with debris—this is a common problem, particularly after a split in a street main, causing fixture tap outlets to become blocked. This is a common problem, particularly after a break in a road main.
• Your water supply lines are undersized for the number of fixtures you now have around your property. Particularly when homes have been renovated and fixture numbers have doubled without updating water supplies to accommodate the increased flow rates necessary to operate the dwelling
• You have a below ground leak on the property; depending on the severity of the leak, this may impact your working pressures to fixtures.
• You perhaps have a hidden pressure-reducing device fitted somewhere on the property. A full house inspection is often necessary to source these.

The key concern here is: Don’t wait for your next water bill to arrive. Check that your water meter isn’t ticking over constantly, and if concerned – we’re a call away.

Fortunately, you’re not alone—this prevalent problem in Sydney households is, most of the time, due to either hot water cylinder rust or cast-iron pipe supply issues. (if in older properties) Open your taps independently to check whether the discolouration occurrence is on both hot and cold sides. If your issue is predominantly from the hot side – your hot water heater is asking for a check-up. Are you finding this on both sides? It’s a likely supply issue. Discolouration can range from a slight cloudy white tinge to black, brown and orange water supplies. To check, simply fill a clear cup sample and focus notably on the bottom for sedimentation. On occasion, even a Sydney Water street mains break can affect surrounding property supply, so in the meantime, continue using your plumbing and, after a day or two – if the problem persists, have this looked over. Otherwise, give us a call! We would be more than happy to help. 1300 13 80 80

The maximum and most ideal house pressure range is 500KPA. This is achieved throughout most of Sydney; however, some areas have been known to exceed this immensely. Furthermore, in these particular locations, we’ll often find problem issues that rarely occur elsewhere. High-pressure notably reduces lifespan and increases wear in pipes and valves. Water hammering concerns are prevalent in these scenarios, and generally, water use in high-pressure homes is far greater than their optimal pressure counterparts. Unfortunately, Sydney Water does not guarantee a maximum supply pressure, leaving the sole discretion of the consumer to protect their property. As plumbers, we can easily perform a pressure test and, if necessary, install a water meter pressure-limiting device to safeguard your home.

The maximum and most ideal house pressure range is 500KPA. This is achieved throughout most of Sydney; however, some areas have been known to exceed this immensely. Furthermore, in these particular locations, we’ll often find problem issues that rarely occur elsewhere. High-pressure notably reduces lifespan and increases wear in pipes and valves. Water hammering concerns are prevalent in these scenarios, and generally, water use in high-pressure homes is far greater than their optimal pressure counterparts. Unfortunately, Sydney Water does not guarantee a maximum supply pressure, leaving the sole discretion of the consumer to protect their property. As plumbers, we can easily perform a pressure test and, if necessary, install a water meter pressure-limiting device to safeguard your home.

• Water hammering or odd audible noise emanating from plumbing fixtures can commonly cause burst pipes and property damage if left unattended. It may seem insignificant but certainly, a worthy idea to check for peace of mind.
• Water damage outside shower screens, bubbling paint along walls and adjacent rooms, dampness or discolouration around ceilings along with off stagnant odour around plumbing areas. Avoid an insurance claim, have this checked.
• Higher than usual water bills is a relatively standard method of establishing whether you have an issue. If you’re unable to identify the cause of the billing discrepancy – It might be worth having your house inspected for leaks.
• Gurgling and varying water levels in toilets, floor wastes, and outdoor drains are a giveaway sign that you have a sewer blockage. This is the time to have your plumbing assessed to prevent overflowing drains.
• Hot water no longer producing a reasonable tempered supply; A plethora of causes may result in this scenario – All of which should be appropriately assessed by a licenced plumber.
• The sudden drop in your outside garden grassed area? This might sound like a sinkhole or something out worldly, although it is usually a result of drainage breaks underground.

Broken sewer lines are the usual culprit as there’s a regular supply of waste passing through these pipes, which can draw in the surrounding ground as waste matter passes. These issues should adequately be assessed even if your grass has never been greener! Since our establishment in 1995 – You’ve had it, we’ve seen it.

For the most part – It’s not a secret language. This refers to sets of rules outlined by countries, states and regions worldwide with the objective of providing safe method, practice and installation of plumbing materials and systems fit for public health and safety. We operate within the guidelines of the Australian Sydney region, which is primarily governed by the AS/NZ 3500 standard and NSW code of practice. So if you overhear a plumber saying, “That’s not to standard!” – It’s probably good news that he or she knows the rules which must be carried out.

Take it from the owner of the Pied Plumber—a pet hate of agreeing to a price and then the hidden surprise afterwards. Since 1995 – We have never surcharged a VISA or MASTERCARD expense back to our customers. We will, however, continue to charge 1.5% on AMEX.

 Yes—pipe size truly does matter. The original pipe sizing in your home may have only met minimum standards. With extensions or additions, your required flow rates may have doubled, resulting in pressure drops in your water or gas supply. Often, these issues stem from poor plumbing design. Whether it’s adjusting a gas regulator or assessing pipes post-meter, The Pied Plumber will inspect and offer practical solutions tailored to your needs.

 We’re proud to say – NO! The Pied Plumber is a family-owned business, and truthfully, that’s exactly how we prefer it! 

Fortunately, you’re not alone—this prevalent problem in Sydney households is, most of the time, due to either hot water cylinder rust or cast-iron pipe supply issues. (if in older properties) Open your taps independently to check whether the discolouration occurrence is on both hot and cold sides. If your issue is predominantly from the hot side – your hot water heater is asking for a check-up. Are you finding this on both sides? It’s a likely supply issue. Discolouration can range from a slight cloudy white tinge to black, brown and orange water supplies. To check, simply fill a clear cup sample and focus notably on the bottom for sedimentation. On occasion, even a Sydney Water street mains break can affect surrounding property supply, so in the meantime, continue using your plumbing and, after a day or two – if the problem persists, have this looked over. Otherwise, give us a call! We would be more than happy to help. 1300 13 80 80

This flimsy piece of paper is documentation usually found with your house sale contracts, which can significantly assist in locating the position of below-ground sewer pipework. In essence, it’s a vague outline of your outdoor sewer service and, in most cases outdated, however, it does have relevance during scenarios where a Plumber is unable to locate essential final sewer points, as oftentimes these are buried underground in older dwellings. It also gives further knowledge on the whereabouts of mains infrastructure. It is always a good idea to have this document on hand ready before a plumber arrives. If unobtainable, visit the Sydney Water website and purchase a downloadable copy.

 Our regular business hours are Monday through to Friday, 7am – 3pm. This excludes Public holidays and long weekends. However, we understand that not all plumbing issues arise between these times. If urgent, we offer after-hours, same day service if necessary. The Pied plumber is always happy to help!