Hello, I'm 16 and looking to finish school and start an apprenticeship. Can you offer any advice? Christian - Henley Beach

Hi Christian,

Thank you for your enquiry.

A plumbing apprenticeship is the gateway to what can be a fantastic career.

Firstly you need to evaluate the merits of whether or not you complete your schooling. Whilst completion of year 12 is not essential to gain an apprenticeship it can still be beneficial. Especially with the business/estimating side of plumbing if that interests you.

To gain an apprenticeship there are a few avenues. There are the group training organisations such as TAPS, PEER and the PIA. Or you can seek an apprenticeship direct with an employer. Often the best avenue is to seek out some work experience and ask those around you. You can also make a fantastic impression on your host in the hope they might take you on.

Ken Hall Plumbers offers work experience positions to help kick-start your career in plumbing.

Best of luck.

- Ken

Do you do kitchen repairs? Is painted (not laminated or veneered) chipboard appropriate for use directly above an oven in a kitchen unit or might the exposure to heat and possible condensation from the oven beneath likely to damage the shelf? - Anon - Eastwood

Hello,

Yes we most certainly complete works in the kitchen. We often undertake complete kitchen renovations for clients.

There are very strict rules on the clearances of combustible materials around a gas cooker or ovens.

Without knowing your cooker and application it would be difficult to advise you on your particular installation.

There are means in the code to overcome some of these clearance issues such as protecting the combustible surface with tiles or fire resistant materials.

It would be my recommendation that you have a licensed gas fitter advise you onsite with there being several different rules relating to this in the Australian gas code. We could offer this inspection and subsequent quotation for you at no charge.

- Ken 

Is it mandatory for all mixer taps to be fitted with mini isolation valves? Our new house (circa 2010) does not appear to have any installed? Simon - Clarence Gardens

Hi Simon,

Fantastic question.

There is no specific reference in the Austrian Standards that suggests mini isolations need to be installed.

However...

When not in contradiction of the Australian Standards as plumbers we should refer to the manufacturers recommendations. Most  manufactures recommend isolation valves are installed.

Refer this link for example:

http://www.reece.com.au/products/technical-warranty/192024_Posh%20-%20Solus%20MKI%20Sink%20Mixer.pdf

See installation instructions important point 2.

It is common practice in our business to install these isolation valves as they are recommended by the manufacturer.

- Ken

Hi there, just wondering if you are able to freeze drop water meters? We are having paving done quite soon and would prefer to have the meter dropped so that we don't drive and damage it. It would also provide a neater finish. Daniel - Hillcrest

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for your question.

Unfortunately any works regarding your water meter need to be completed by SA Water. I recommend you contact them and let them know what you require. They will then give you the appropriate direction.

Regards

- Ken

Health reasons are making it difficult to continue with my wood fire. Is it possible to convert it to gas? Tony - Colonel Light Gardens

Hi Tony,

We could certainly help you here.

The first thing you need to check is that you have gas to the property. If you do have gas we can assist in bringing an appropriately sized gas supply to your existing fire place. From here we can help you choose a suitable heater and install this in the the existing fireplace location.

If you do not have gas connected we can help you go through the process of getting a gas meter and connecting gas to your appliance.

We offer free no obligation quotations. It would be great if we could attend your property and provide so more specific advise to your installation. Please contact my office to arrange a convenient appointment time.

- Ken

Hello, We own a 2 story building in Adelaide. We have had a number of roof leaks and think we need a camera to head down the walls to check for the leaks. Is this something you could help with, and if so what would the cost be? Marissa - Adelaide

Hello Marissa,

Thank you for your question.

We could certainly help you here. We have many specialist 'roofers' on our team that are capable of tracking down the smallest of roof leak in a commercial building. Often there can be many contributing factors that can be causing the leak and the leak can quite often occur a considerable distance from the point of entry. The camera would be helpful if you have internal downpipes that may be leaking. Our capabilities extend from basic patching to complete re-roofs if required.

We would certainly like to help you solve this issue. Please contact my office and we will arrange a convenient appointment time.

- Ken

We want to remove an old gas heater from our lounge room. Are you able to help with this? What is the likely cost? Christina - Athelstone

Hi Christina,

Thank you for your question.

We can certainly help you with this. As licensed plumbers, gas fitters and general builders we are licensed to carry out a wide range of works. Removing your gas heater will be no problem what so ever.

We will remove your heater and dispose of it. Isolate the existing gas supply and check your existing gas line for any leaks. We will also issue you with a certificate of compliance upon completion. We could then assist if you were looking to install a new heater in it's place.

This task is usually quite simple and not expensive. Please contact my office to clarify a price specific to your situation. I look forward to visiting your home.

- Ken