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