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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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