get the lowdown on the plumbing trade
& home maintenance here.. need answers?
just ask ken

Friday, March 30, 2012

Hi Ken, is it expensive to install new tap ware/shower heads and toilet? - Amelia, Brighton

Hi Amelia,

Thank you for your question.

Changing tap ware etc. can be a great way to refresh your wet area at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation.

The cost of such a task is greatly determined by the quality of fixtures you select. Prices of tap ware for example can range from tens of dollars at your hardware store to up to hundreds of dollars at designer bathroom outlets. Labour wise it is not a very time consuming task.

Our tradesman are able to advise from site the most suitable tap ware to suit your budget and home. If you wish we can provide a quotation free of charge to supply and install the fixtures you require. If you wish to do this please contact my office on 8364 5855

A good website to take a look at the various fixture designs is:
http://www.reece.com.au/bathrooms

- Ken

Friday, March 16, 2012

I have a dripping cistern tap. How much do you charge for a call of this nature? Sharon - Stonyfell

Hi Sharon,

Cistern taps are a very common call-out for our business.

More often than not the easiest way to repair these is to supply and install a new one. Cistern taps range in quality from around $10-$20 dollars and can usually be changed over within the first 15 minutes. Total cost of this job is therefore very low in comparison to some other plumbing issues. I would estimate $100 at the most.

If you would like to arrange a convenient appointment time please give me a call

- Ken

Thursday, March 15, 2012

We have problems with our evaporative air conditioner. Are you able to repair this or do we need an air-con technician? Joel - Hyde Park

Hi Joel,

Great Question.

We certainly can assist in the servicing of evaporative air conditioners.

The most common problems with evaporative air conditioners come from leaks. There is a ball float which controls the amount of water in the reservoir. If this is faulty the reservoir can overflow causing a leak. The surrounding area is also prone to roof leaks. If you have water around your air-conditioner it is usually one of these 2 things.

Regular servicing of you unit is essential for the most efficient operation. In particular the pads of the unit should be cleaned regularly. The unit should also be drained and isolated during winter time and checked over before using in the summer time.

To discuss the specific requirements of your job please contact my office. We would be more than happy to help

- Ken

Thursday, January 19, 2012

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

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

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

Monday, December 19, 2011

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

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

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