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