Feedback - Anon

Thank you for the recent kind feedback from one of our valued clients:

Hello Ken Hall Plumbers. I hope this is the right place to provide a small amount of feedback. I have used your plumbers for many years now on various occasions and have not yet been disappointed. Very professional service and accurate quotes. A plumber named Kirk or Kurt, new guy he stated, did a recent job and he was a great front for the business. Very friendly, thorough and informative. I hope this feedback is helpful. Sorry I would prefer to keep my business anonymous. 

Just wondering if you fix and replace gas hot water systems? Max Dyason - Vale Park

Hi Max,

Absolutely.

We are able to repair and replace any type of hot water service gas, electric or solar.

We have many options available with flexible payment terms.

We offer a free quotation if you would like us to visit your home.

- Ken

We are looking to renovate our rather sad old bathroom and toilet, are you able to do quotes to include all aspects of the work involved in a complete refit? Alison - Seaton

HI Alison,

Absolutely!

We are licensed general builders and are therefore able to handle your entire bathroom renovation from start to finish.

We offer a no obligation free in home quotation in which we can give you insights in to ideas and the latest trends.

Please contact my office and we will be happy to schedule a quotation for you.

- Ken

I am currently undertaking a pre - voc plumbing course at TAFE SA. The only problem is that I am 24 and going to be looking for an apprenticeship. I have life experience beyond my years, do you take mature age apprentices? John - Eastwood

Hi John,

It is never too late to start a plumbing apprenticeship.

A mature age apprentice can be a fantastic asset to an organisation. We currently employee many mature age apprentices. Life experience is valuable and something that can help you progress quickly with your trade.

The best way to start is to get work experience at as many business' as possible. Lead by example and i'm sure you will find a host employer.

Have you tried PEER, TAPS, PIA group training organisations.

We also employ direct. Contact our office if you would like to schedule work experience.

- Ken

Do you do free quotes? Anon - Parafield Gardens

Hello,

Than you for you enquiry.

We most certainly come out and provide quotations at no charge.

We are able to quote on any Plumbing, Gas fitting, Roofing, Renovation job. No job is too big or small.

We over 30 years in the trade 'Why Trust Anyone Else'

Please contact our office on 8364 5855 if you would like to schedule a quotation.

- Ken

At my water meter is the tap on the mains side of the meter or the house side? Ray Jennison - Torrens Park

Hi Ray,

The water meter is the responsibility of SA Water. If you have any problems with your meter SA Water will repair for you.

I hope this helps. Any further questions please ask.

- Ken

We have had issues with black and green flakes, possibly scale in our hot water pipes. We were advised that it was the burnt heat exchanger in our 15 year old hot water surface, and replacing the unit with a brand new one the scale would eventually flush through. After updating the hot water unit we unfortunately still have the scale issue with flakes still being in our hot water. Unsure where to go from here without having to replace the copper piping. Can you shed any light on what is happening? Grant - Waradale

Hi Grant,

Thank you for your question.

The scale indicates a breakdown of your copper water service. Breakdown is more common in galvanised pipework than copper pipework.

Being copper it would be unusual to see to much coming through. I would need more information on how much is coming through to make a better judgement.

One test I would do is to check whether it is coming through your front garden tap. This will help narrow down where it is coming from. Once you have narrowed down the source we could consider options for rectification which would likely include replacement of the problem section of piping.

It would be worth a site inspection to help resolve an issue such as this.

- Ken

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

I have a relatively new home (built 2002). I suspect I have a cracked shower breach, (I hope I have used the correct term) and as a result I have to constantly change tap washers because of over tightening. The seats have been cleaned etc. Rather than go to great expense in the removal of tiles etc to replace the breach do you have any experinence with the X-Valve. This product is made by Methvens and can be seen at the Word Plumbing info web site. Many Thanks Ray H - Flagstaff Hill

Hi Ray,

Great question.

I'm not familiar with the Methven X Valve however from the website it appears to be similar to a standard spindle with a ball mechanism internal to the spindle instead of a jumper valve.

The X valve is not mentioned at all on the Methven Australian website which may mean that it's yet to have the Australian standards approval.

I also have concern that you mention the breecher is split, regardless of what kind of spindle is installed you will still need to replace the breecher the spindle alone will not fix this issue.

If you would like we could attend and test the breecher for you to see whether or not a new breecher is actually required. There may be other solutions we could investigate for you.

- Ken

Our kitchen sink taps won't stop dripping. We cannot possibly turn them off any tighter. The kids cannot turn them on. We have tried every washer on the market without any success. What do you think is wrong with our taps?? Thanks for you advice. Tina - South Lake WA

Hi Tina,

Thank you for your question.

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. This groove is required to be filed back in what we call re-seating to allow the washer to seal. 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

What can be done about blocked drains? We live in a suburb filled with beautiful gum trees, but our drains keep getting blocked by their roots. What can I do about this? Rebecca - Highbury

Hi Rebecca,

Tree roots can certainly present themselves as one of the biggest plumbing nightmares around the home. Tree roots are very persistent in their search for water especially during the summer months.

There are a variety of ways to deal with the problem depending on how bad the roots have become:

- The most common way of removing tree roots from drains is by the use of a drain cleaning machine. This method involves using a machine that spins a cutter down the drain to basically cut back the roots. Other machines also use a water jet to cut back the roots. This is only a preventative method as like all plants the roots grow back. Typically a drain clean should prevent the problem reoccurring for approximately 12 months however if it is bad tree root penetration it may only last approximately half a year. Many of my clients choose to have preventative drain cleans to ensure the problem doesn't occur when it is inconvenient. For example in the middle of a party on the weekend.

- In your situation if you are after a more permanent repair a camera inspection of the drain can be conducted to determine the extent of damage to the drain caused by the roots. Once the problem area is identified that section of drain can be replaced rather than replacing the entire drain. Once the drain is repaired it is very hard for the tree roots to again break through.

Please call my office on 8364 5855 if you would like to proceed with the above.

- Ken

Can I connect gas to my property? Simone - Brighton

Question:

Hi Ken, I have recently purchased a house in Brighton that does not have gas connected. I would like to eventually change the hotwater service to a gas one and also have a gas heater installed. Can gas be connected to a house?

Answer:

Hi Simone, yes certainly gas can be connected to your house.

The first thing you need to do is call the 'Natural Gas Hotline': 1300 001 001. They will confirm if gas is available on your street and at what pressure.

If gas is available you then need to choose a supplier eg. AGL and arrange for a gas inlet to be fitted.

From here this is where we come in. We can provide the appropriate gas pipework for your needs and arrange the installation of your preferred appliances.

Once this is complete we then provide a Certificate of Compliance allowing the meter to be fitted by your preferred supplier.

There are still rebates available for converting electric to gas hot water. See: http://www.maketheconnection.com.au/sa/home/

Please contact my office if you wish to have a free no obligation quotation.

- Ken

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

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