just ask Ken

My shower taps continue to drip even after I have changed the washers. Do I need new tapware? What is the cost? Marie - Magill

2012-01-19T10:29:00.003+10:30

Hi Marie,

Unfortunately just changing your tap washers is often not enough to stop your taps from leaking.

A full tap ware service includes re-seating the tap seats, changing the O-rings and fibre washers and lubricating the spindles. I suspect in your case that your taps may require re-seating. When taps are leaking this is often due to water passing the tap washer. This passing of water can create a groove in the tap seat. Once there is a groove in the tap seat water will continue to pass through this groove even when a new washer is installed. Water can also leak from the O-ring on the spindle or from the fibre washer.

There are many guides online if you wish to give this a try yourself however it is recommended this work is carried out by a licensed plumber.

- Ken

I am 18 years old and have just completed school. I am looking to become a plumber. Do you offer work experience? Jack - Ingle Farm

2012-01-19T10:19:00.002+10:30

Hi Jack,

Congratulations on wanting to join a fantastic and rewarding industry. The plumbing industry is full of opportunities.

Work experience is a fantastic way to start to get in to the industry. It also puts you in a lot better position to try and obtain an apprentiship. We certainly offer work experience and are always flooded with applications. If you would like to apply to complete some work experience please send you resume to service@kenhallplumbers.com.au

- Ken

Can you please provide us some advise on our building inspection? Michele - Redwood Park

2011-12-19T11:11:00.002+10:30

Enquiry: Hi Ken, we are looking at purchasing a property in Redwood Park. However at the building inspection the water meter was turning over even though the taps were off and not dripping. We would like to get a leak detection inspection on the house. It's A 3 bedroom home. We want to see if there is a leak and if so if its under the slab or its easily fixed. Hope to hear from you soon Michele

Answer:
Hi Michele,

It is fantastic that you have had a building inspection done. So important especially when purchasing older homes for the exact reason above. It does sound as if you may have a leaking water main unless some other fixtures are leaking on the property such as a toilet cistern? Best approach would be for us to come and pressure test your water service. From there is a leak is found we can then test individual sections of pipework to locate the leak. Weather it's under the slab or outside it is definitely something we could easily fix for you. Burst water mains are a very common problem. Please contact our office if you wish for us to provide this inspection for you.

- Ken

Hi Ken, Do you offer a seniors discount? We are looking at having rain water connected to our house. Alistair - St Agnes

2011-12-19T11:00:00.002+10:30

Hi Alistair,

Yes we most certainly offer a seniors discount.

Connecting rain water to your house is a fantastic way to reduce your water bills as well as doing the right thing by the environment. Typically your rain water tank can be connected to your toilet and Laundry. Unfortunately SA Water rebates no longer apply however for the connection to your home however there are still rebates available for the tank itself. Please follow link below.

http://www.sawater.com.au/SAWater/YourHome/SaveWaterInYourHome/rebates_rainwatertanks.htm

It would be beneficial for us to come and provide you with a free home inspection and quotation to complete these works for you. Please contact our office to arrange a suitable appointment time.

- Ken

My taps won't stop dripping. How much water will I be wasting if I don't get them serviced immediately? Mark - Burnside

2011-11-16T13:44:00.003+10:30

Hi Mark,

A dripping tap can waste more than 2,000 litres of water a month. That's 24,000 litres a year! It is therefore very important to get your leaking taps repaired immediately!

To repair your leaking taps may be as simple as changing a washer. My team could do this for you at any time. Please contact my office to arrange a time if you would like us to repair this problem for you.

Another tap tip: Turn taps off firmly, but avoid excessive force that may damage the tap washer and cause the tap to leak.

- Ken

Do you quote on new builds for plumbing and gas fitting? - Naomi, Golden Grove

2011-09-01T09:07:00.002+09:30

Hi Naomi,

We specialize in all areas of the trade from the most basic of tap service through to complete commercial and residential projects.

Our team has specialist tradesman in all areas including new builds.

Our team of estimators would be happy to take a look at any project you may need assistance with. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss your project further

- Ken

Do you renovate bathrooms? Ashwin - Brooklyn Park

2011-07-12T10:25:00.002+09:30

Hi Ashwin,

Thank you for your enquiry.

We certainly do renovate bathrooms; in-fact we can renovate any wet area including your laundry.

We are licensed general builders as well as plumbers and are therefore fully qualified to carry out renovation works.

We can handle the whole renovation process from the plumbing to tiling, decorating and assistance with selection of fixtures.

If you would like to see some examples of our work please let me know and i would be happy to publish some photos.

We are able to renovate bathrooms big and small with exceptional quality.

We re able to quote your renovation free of charge

- Ken

I am overseas and my hot water service has burst. Can you please quote to replace? John - Kingswood

2011-05-23T14:30:00.002+09:30

Hi John,

Thankyou for your enquiry.

We can most certainly attend your home and replace your hot water service whilst you are away. Our plumbers have full police clearance and are of the highest standard.

To be able to quote accurately we need to ask you for some more details about your hot water service such as type and location.

Please contact my office and I will be happy to assist.

- Ken

Do you take on apprenticeships? If so do you have to apply through TAPS or apply direct to you? Bradley - Wynn Vale

2011-05-17T13:44:00.002+09:30

Hi Bradley,

Exciting news that you are considering a career in plumbing.

We most certainly take on apprentices in great numbers every year. It is exciting to see a person grow over the years in to a successful tradesman.

There are a number of ways to secure your apprenticeship:

Option 1 is to seek an apprenticeship direct through a host employer e.g. Ken Hall Plumbers. Send me your resume and I will be happy to take a look at it.

Option 2 is to seek an apprenticeship through a group training organisation such as TAPS, PEER or the PIA. These organisations will then find you a host employer. This is becoming the more popular method for host employers such as us.

I recommend you contact any of the above to try and arrange your apprenticeship. Best of luck in what will prove to be a very exciting and fulfilling career.

- Ken

I saw a variety of taps, mixers and shower heads online from USA. Will they fit the pipes in Adelaide? Andrew - Lockleys

2011-05-10T13:41:00.002+09:30

Hi Andrew,

Unfortunately we cannot install these products. As licensed plumbers in Australia we are required to install products with the official Australian WaterMark and WELS rating.

More information explaining the regulations can be found here:

http://www.waterrating.gov.au/watermark.html

If you need help to find the best available products for the Austrlaian market please feel free to give me a call.

- Ken

I would like to install a bidet seat. Do you have experience in this? Is there anything we should look out for? - Dee, Maylands

2011-05-05T14:49:00.003+09:30

Hi Dee,

Yes we most certainly can help you out here.

You will need to make sure that the bidet seat you choose does have an Australian watermark, meaning its approved to be installed in Australia. We have seen imported seats in the past which don't have the watermark stamp.

Make sure the seat you choose has an inbuilt backflow device this will make the seat relatively easy to install providing that your existing toilet suite has an exposed cistern tap.

Some of the more upmarket seats also require the installation of a power point.

Before you purchase a seat run it by us and we can check if it is suitable or not

- Ken

I have gas running to my house and would like to install a gas cooktop. What is the best way to do this? How much will it cost? Phil - Hove

2011-04-18T14:17:00.003+09:30

Hi Phil,

Good question. We have requests to install gas cook tops regularly. Many people are not aware that plumbers are also gas fitters.

There are many points to consider when installing a cook top:

1) What is the mega joule rating of the cook top you require to have installed? This is important in determining:
A) If your existing gas service is the correct size to service your new appliance
B) The pipe sizing required to connect your appliance to your service.
Most cook tops have a small mega joule rating so I would expect your existing gas service could handle the addition of this appliance.

2) When considering cost it is first important to determine the type of cook top you require. We can supply a range of cook tops to suit any budget. You must also determine how you need the gas to be supplied to the unit. For example through cupboards, concealed in a wall cavity, chased in to a brick wall?

We would be more than happy to attend your home for a no obligation free quote to provide an insight in to the best way to get the job done for you.

You require a qualified plumber to complete this installation to test your gas service upon completion and issue a certificate of compliance.

- Ken

Can you fit another grate on top of my current drain in the bath and shower?The current grates cannot be removed without breaking.Kat-Athol Park

2011-03-21T13:17:00.003+10:30

Hi Kat,

There are chrome inserts available which fit over the existing grates which negate the need to remove the existing grate.

They are just sealed into position and a relatively inexpensive to install.

- Ken

Our plumber has installed a HWS with garden hose and fittings. Do you think this will be a problem? Michael-Colonel Light Gardens

2011-03-21T13:07:00.002+10:30

Hi Michael,

Sounds like you might have a problem here. There are different grades of poly piping and fittings some being suitable for mains water others only suitable for irrigation. I can only assume that you are referring to the black poly piping as garden hose. There will be an Australian approved watermark stamped on the side of the mains pressure poly pipe, Any poly that doesn't have the water mark stamp is not approved for mains pressure and should be removed.

I would be very concerned if a plumber has used garden hose and fittings for mains water. If this is the case you would be wanting to have this upgraded immediately or risk a serious water leak if it were to burst. If you would like to have the installation inspected we would be more than happy to do so. Please contact my office and we will happily schedule an appointment

- Ken

Are you able to remove old gas heaters and all associated pipework outside the house?How much will this cost? Justin-Para Hills

2011-03-02T12:08:00.002+10:30

Hi Justin,

We are licensed plumbers and gas fitters so we can complete this task no troubles at all. We are able to disconnect the unused appliance and all associated pipework. We then test the gas service and provide a certificate of compliance so you know there are no leaks on your system. We can also quote for a new unit should come winter you feel the need. We will remove your old heater and dump it for you.

It is a good idea to disconnect old unused gas appliances or atleast have them serviced before you intend to use them as they can pose serious health risks if not operating correctly through the release of carbon monoxide.

Please contact our office if you would like to arrange a prompt appointment.

Ken

Bathroom Renovations

2011-02-22T15:25:00.004+10:30

Question: We are looking to renovate our tiny bathroom but not scrimp on quality fitting and bathware. Would an estimator be willing to come to Nairne to quote on a job like this? Do you handle the whole job i.e tiling, exhaust fans etc? Libby - Nairne

Answer: Hi Libby,
We are able to service all metro areas and country surrounds. We would be more than willing to attend your home and provide our recommendations and pricing. As a matter of fact we actually have plumbers who live in the Nairne and Mt Barker area. We are able to provide a complete bathroom solution from start to finish on time and on budget. We can also help with recommending some top quality fixtures for you. Please contact our office on 8364 5855 for a free no obligation quote.

I am looking at renovating my bathroom. How much is the average renovation and does Ken Hall Plumbers carry out this type of work? Matt - Unley

2011-02-15T13:21:00.003+10:30

Hi Matt,

Absolutely we carry out this type of work. In fact we have a department dedicated solely to providing the highest quality of renovations.

Our renovations can range from very small through to extensive renovations of $50k+

If you are considering renovating your bathroom ensure you contact our office and have one of our estimators have a look at it for you. I think you will be very happy with what we can offer in this area with over 27 years experience

- Ken

I am planning to open a restaurant,I have no idea about budget for plumbing,can you give me a guideline for 40 sitting restaurant kitchen?Kim-Adelaide

2011-02-15T13:18:00.002+10:30

It's very difficult to give you a costing for these works being an open restaurant is there a drain and water connection provided?

SA Water will also require the installation of a grease arrestor size to be determined on a submission of a tradewaste application.

Are you intending to cook and heat your hot water with gas or electricity?

Jobs of this nature can vary greatly. We are fully equipped to complete these works and our team of estimators would be happy to sit down with you to determine the best plan of attack.

Feel free to give me a call to discuss further

- Ken

I have bought a new automatic washing machine and the waterhammer is dreadful. How do I stop it? Royce - Hackam West

2011-02-15T13:15:00.002+10:30

A water hammer on a washing machine is created by the quick closing of the washing machine solenoid valve.

Pipework and fixtures can be damaged if the water hammer is not controlled.

Water hammers can be caused by a range of faults, ranging from loose pipework in the walls or ceiling, higher than recommended water pressures, loose or worn jumper valves.

On occasions even after remedying all of the above you still may need to install a hammer suppression device on your washing machine tapware.

If you would like assistance with the above please feel free to give me a call.

- Ken

Im looking for a plumbing apprentiship. Do you often take on apprentiships? Michael Glenelg

2010-11-23T16:22:00.002+10:30

Hi Michael,

We are always looking for young people to join our growing team. it is crucial that we support the industry through training new plumbers. We therefore take on a number of apprentices per year. If you would like us to consider you please send through your resume to our office

- Ken

I have instaled 3 r/water tanks&wish to plumb them into my house.The mains water is on the other side of the house.Will this be a problem.Ross Mitcham

2010-11-23T16:16:00.006+10:30

If you are looking at supplying your internal fixtures with rain water then Yes you would need to connect into mains water supply. One thing to consider with the possibility of longer lengths of pipework is that your pump needs to be sized correctly to deliver suitable flow rates. You will also need to install either a Auto or manual changeover device which needs to be in an accessible location should you run out of rainwater. SA Water also require a dual check valve be installed to protect the mains supply from contamination. We can organise all of the following for you if you would like. Please phone our office and contact me if you require any further info

- Ken

I have a gas hot water system.Is it normal for it to drip from the outlet when not heating? Gayle, Blackwood

2010-10-19T11:40:00.003+10:30

Hi Gayle,

Fantastic question. It is normal for water to drip out of what is called the relief line when you hot water service is heating. When water is heated it expands and will vent out of what is called a pressure relief valve. A general rule of thumb is one litre for every 50 litres of water heated.

If this process is occuring even when your hot water system is not heating then i suspect you have a problem with your relief valve. Unfortunately these cannot be serviced meaning replacement will be required. This is a simple task for our tradesmen. Please contact our office and we will arrange for a convenient time to attend and repair this problem for you.

- Ken

I am interested in starting a plumbing apprenticeship and was wondering if Ken Hall plumbing takes on apprentices? Damir, Renown Park

2010-10-19T09:08:00.002+10:30

Hi Damir,

Yes, we are always looking for new people to join our growing and dynamic team. It is very important that we support the industry through apprentiships. Follow the links through the careers section on our website.

- Ken.

Things to look out for when buying a new home - Darren, Redwood Park

2010-08-20T15:13:00.002+09:30

Question:
I'm looking at buying a home built in the seventies with a lot of large gumtrees. What would be involved to replace the sewage pipes if required and is this usually an expensive job?. I am concerned I could be faced with expensive repair costs. Do you offer inspections? Darren - Redwood Park

Answer:
A house built in the seventies is more likely to have earthenware drains than PVC it wasn't until the eighties that PVC became the more commonly used product.

Earthenware drains are more prone to tree root entries which may require regular drain cleaning to maintain.

Should such issues arise I would suggest a camera inspection of the drain to identify the problem area's.

A total drain replacement can become a costly repair depending on accessibility, however limiting the replacement to the affected area's can be a more cost effective option.

Ken Hall plumbers can offer you a camera inspection and give you a detailed report on the condition of the drain at a reasonable price.

- Ken

If i have a HWS replaced do i have to have the temp turned down like a new house or can i still have a high temp for the kitchen etc- Peter - Firle

2010-07-28T15:09:00.003+09:30

Hi Peter,

Where an existing hot water service is replaced there is no mandatory requirement to install a tempering valve, unless there was a tempering valve previously fitted or the hot water service has been replaced with a Solar unit. However I would always advise that it would be wise to install a tempering valve to prevent the risk of scalding.

- Ken

Un-happy with my Solar Hot Water Service - Peter, Morphett vale

2010-06-28T15:10:00.004+09:30

Question:
Approximately 12 months ago we had installed a 300ltr Chromogen Solar water heater on the roof and whilst the hot weather was here ample hot water.We now find during the winter,even on sunny days,there is insufficient hot water at the end of the day for one person to shower even if we use only one third of the tanks capacity.

Is this normal and if so,can the temperature be boosted at anytime during the day.

We are particularly disappointed with the system.

Answer:
Solar units rely on the boost element during the winter months as there is not enough heat generated from the sun. A rough guide to determine the solar gain on a two panel solar system is double the day time ambient temperature. e.g. An 20 degree day time temperature will on average generate a full tank of 40 degree C the boost element will then heat the water overnight up to the temperature set on the thermostat approx 65-70 degrees C, due to the placement of the element on solar units you would only ever heat half a tank. For this reason the tank manufacturers always recommend installing a larger capacity tank. I believe the most cost effective method to repair would be to contact your electrician to see if they could provide you a day/ night switch or boost button. In times of heavy demand you could put the element onto a day rate. It is important however to remember to put the switch back to night rate to avoid paying the higher rates a boost button would revert back to the cheaper night rates once your thermostat is up to temperature.

- Ken

How much to replace a 130l gas outdoor heater?I currently have a Rheem that has lasted 10 yrs so would be looking at replacing that- Patrick -Lockleys

2010-05-07T15:51:00.002+09:30

Hi Patrick,

There are a variety of options for replacement with Rheem being one of the better options. Please call our office and we can give an estimation over the phone or have one of our plumbers attend for a no obligation free quotation.

- Ken

Help, Our shower still is leaking. I replaced the washers, rings on boths taps and even grinded the seats and still drips.At wits end. Gary -Northgate

2010-05-07T15:06:00.001+09:30

I feel your pain Gary. Majority of the time a reseat, o'ring and washer change will solve a leaking tap problem. After a reseat there should be no blemishes on the brass and it should look shiny and clean.

After a reseat you also need to make sure that there are no brass filings left in the tap body, any filings caught under the jumper valve "tap washer" will allow water to pass.The tap body always should be flushed with water before re-installing the spindle and jumper valve. An old plastic drink bottle with a pull up nozzle sprayed into the tap body will normally clear the debris left after a reseat.

Worse case scenario is a fine crack in the brass seat, this will allow water to pass and cannot be solved with a reseat or jumper valve replacement , a breecher replacement is the only method of repair if this is the issue.

If in doubt give us a call and we can have this fixed for you in about half an hour.

- Ken

HELP!!! - Peter - West Lakes

2010-05-07T14:58:00.002+09:30

Question - Morning ,

I am contacting your company in the hope you would be able to help me or be able to put me in contact with the suitable person within your company that would be able to forward their advice and a price to resolve a plumbing problem I have in my home.

Just after 3 years of moving into my property I have had to continually replace tap washers for the hot water tap in my shower due to a leaking tap. As you would understand this would become annoying (from the dripping noise) as it is adjoining my bedroom and frustrating (to have to change washers periodically). I have been in the property from new now nearly 5 years.

I finally succumbed and called a plumber in the rare chance they could fix the problem and I would stop wasting time, money and water. The plumber suggested reseating the breaching piece of the shower so the washer would sit flush on the housing. I agreed and advised to do the work. During the works the plumber summoned me to visually inspect a problem with the breaching piece. The plumber indicated a major problem in the housing. A slot/notch/groove in the seating of the housing, and according to the plumber the slot/notch/groove was caused by continual leaking of the tap ( which makes no sense to me) was the cause of the leak. I was given information, and estimates, so firstly I would like a second opinion from a professional company as yours did the leaking tap or water cause the notch in the housing, and secondly a price and solution to fix the problem. Hope to hear from you soon.

Answer -

The advice given to you by your plumber appears correct. A groove will occur if a tap is left dripping for a period of time. A groove is caused by water passing between a worn or split jumper valve (tap washer) and brass seat, overtime the water will cut a groove in the brass. A reseat of the tap seat on most occasions will remove this groove and stop that annoying leaking tap, however if left to long a groove will become to deep and require complete replacement of the breecher. This is not a problem for us to repair. For a price on this repair please call our office.

- Ken

Keeping the shower at the right temparature - Diane - Paralowie

2010-04-30T15:58:00.004+09:30

Question - My Parents have a gravity fed electric hot water service. We need to get the shower to be mixed so the water stays the right temperature. Can we do this or do we need to get a new solar system? We are with SA water. No-one seems to be able to explain this to me. Diane - Paralowie

Answer-
Adjustingthe taps to achieve a constant temperature in the shower can prove difficult with gravity fed hot water services. This is a common fault we often get asked to look at. There are ways to overcome this problem ranging from the simple installation of a flow restrictor, the installation of a booster pump to the total replacement of the hws to a mains pressure unit. It may just be a case of simply installing a flow restrictor in the cold tap. This reduces the flow of water on the cold side to almost equal that of the hot side which makes it easier to adjust the shower. A hot water booster pump can be installed on the outlet of the hot water service creating a similar effect on the hot side by increasing the hot water flow. A mains pressure installation would guarantee equal flow rates on both sides making the shower easier to adjust. Either a solar or heat pump unit would be ideal for this replacement. One of our technicians would be happy to take a look at this for you.

- Ken

We have a gas space heater that is about 6 years old. Should i have it serviced before winter? Jenny - West Lakes

2010-02-12T11:39:00.002+10:30

Hi Jenny,

Great question...

It is essential that all gas appliances are maintained in a safe condition to prevent yourself from injury. As a matter of fact, in the United Kingdom you are required to conduct an annual service inspection by law. This also ensures a longer life for your appliance, and it preforms as it is designed. For this reason Ken Hall Plumbers strongly recommend you have a service done before using the appliance for the first time coming in to winter.

We conduct the following checks to ensure your appliance is safe to be operated:
- Visually inspect appliance
- Consduct gas tightness test
- Check the flame picture
- Check combustion to ensure the heater is not producing carbon monoxide which is potentially harmful
- Check all fluing
- Clean and remove all dust from fan and filters
- Check heat exchanger for cracks
- Adjust all and report for correct operation.

Give me a call and we will organsie one of our friendly gas technicians to carry out this full pre winter service for you.

- Ken

Blocked Drains. We have tried much plunging, draino, root rid with some effect but keeps coming back to haunt us! What next? Matt - Daw Park

2010-02-04T12:56:00.002+10:30

Hi Matt,

Whilst the methods above can help temporarily clear your blocked drain they are not the best long term solution. By using one of our new drain cleaning machines we are able to cut the roots out of your drain giving you more time before they grow back again. Blocked drains are often worse in summer as tress go in search of water. Contact our office and our friendly staff will provide a booking time to get the problem sorted for you once and for all. We gaurantee they will not block again for a minimum of 3 months or we will re-attend under warranty.

- Ken

Im getting a verandah and downpipes istalled, does my paving need to be removed to connect to a storm water drain - Asim, Mawson Lakes

2010-02-04T12:49:00.002+10:30

Hi Asim,

Whilst you are not legally required to connect your downpipes to a stormwater drain this is preffered to prevent water pooling around your home. If there is an existing storwater pipe in the area it should be easy to connect in to. Ken Hall Plumbers are able to complete this task with relative ease and can quote a price before works go ahead.

- Ken

Are there rebates still available for solar hot water? Kim - Burnside

2009-11-19T11:55:00.002+10:30

Hi Kim,

Yes there are still rebates available for the installation of energy effecient hot water services. In fact there has never been a better time to upgrade to a hot water service which will not only benefit the environment but also your power bill! There are a variety of installations which qualify for different rebates but as a general rule rebates are below. I recommend we come to your property for a free no obligation quote to tailor a system to your needs.

Federal Rebate - Solar $1600 - Heat Pump $1000
Recs - Currently @ 27 per rec. therefore a heat pump for example would qualify for $729
State - $500 for concession card holders
Green Energy - $250 - exclusive to Ken Hall Plumbers

Energy efficient hot water services can reduce your electricity bill by up to $700 per year. As always feel free to call me for further information.
- Ken

My taps are currently dripping. How much water will i be wasting if i don't get them serviced immediately? Will - Tusmore

2009-08-26T14:03:00.005+09:30

This is a very good question. A lot of people think a dripping tap does not waste much water as only such a small amount is dripping out. This is incorrect. A single tap which drips a very small amount once every 10 seconds will lose up to 315L per year. This equates to around one or two baths full. So if you have a dripping tap it is really worth fixing, especially if it dripping quickly. This is a relatively simple service which equates to a big saving for the environment.