You may have a lot of resolutions for 2019 (or maybe you just like to call them “plans”). But if you don’t mind, we would like to suggest another to squeeze in. Don’t worry, it’s actually one that’s easy to do. All it takes is making a call or using an online form to contact our plumbing team and ask for professional drain cleaning services.
 

But I don’t have a drain clog or slow drain

You ­can call for drain cleaning in the case of an emergency; it’s definitely what you should do if you have a clog that a plunger won’t clear away. But drain cleaning is also a maintenance service—that special “ounce of prevention” that solves drain clogs long before they happen. When you have our professionals handling a full drain cleaning for your house, you can expect drain clogs and slow drains to be rare if not gone completely during the rest of the year.
 

Right now is a great time for drain cleaning

Encouraging you to call for drain cleaning during the start of the year isn’t only because it’s something to get out of the way. The period after the holidays is a time when drains are often in pretty bad shape. They’ve just gone through a few months of company and feasting and plenty more extra work. Build-up from cooking grease, fats, and oils can put the drains in a high-risk category for leaks. Drain cleaning gives the drainpipes a fresh start to the year when they need it the most.
 

Can’t I just use a liquid drain cleaner?

No… because this can actually damage your drainpipes. It’s also highly toxic and not anything you want in your house where it can splash around and cause skin and eye injury. No professional plumber recommends using store-bought drain cleaners in any capacity. Instead, let our plumbers use the finest equipment to provide thorough cleaning without hurting the drains.

When you look at your monthly bills and see how much water your household has been using, do you feel a bit faint, or do you start seeing red? How can we be using this much water? You may be thinking.
Unfortunately, there are many ways a house can waste water and send water bills skyrocketing. Some are bad habits. Others can come from repair troubles or out-of-date fixtures. It’s not difficult to make changes that will get those water bills back under control and benefit the environment as well with water conservation.
We’re going to look at several ways you or your home’s plumbing system are wasting water unnecessarily.

Excessively long showers

You knew this was going to show up on this list, so we put it first to get the suspense out of the way. There’s no such thing as “too many” reminders to lower the amount of time spent in the shower. Keep your shower time to under five minutes, and stress this with other members of your household. Provide timers for the bathrooms to help people keep shower times down.
 

Hidden plumbing leaks

If those usage amounts on your monthly bills are alarmingly high, then it could be a warning you have major hidden plumbing leaks. This is a too-common problem in homes, and the leaks may go for months before found and fixed—and by then, they’ve not only caused expensive water waste, they’ve probably cause building damage. Arrange for our plumbers to do leak detection to discover if this is why your home is using too much water.
 

Old toilets that need upgrades

The new low-flow flush toilet models use around 4.84 litres per flush. A standard toilet can use 7 or 11 litres per flush. Older toilets, such as one that’s been in a home’s bathroom for more than 20 years, may use up to 18 to 22 litres per flush! You can see what a huge difference in water use an old toilet makes. We strongly recommend having low-flow models installed, which can save you thousands of litres annually.
 

Using the toilet as a garbage can

This is a bit of “worst practices” for toilets, but it’s also one that happens too often. The toilet should not be used to discard standard trash and garbage. Those extra flushes add up to water waste, but it also puts the toilet in greater danger of clogging. Don’t flush wipes (no matter if they claim they’re “flushable”) or cat litter.
 

Running the dishwasher half-empty

It’s true that using the dishwasher can conserve water compared to trying to wash all the dishes by hand. But the dishwasher will also become a water waster if it’s run when not full! Make sure each dishwasher load is full, and you can also run it on a gentle cycle (it can get the job done most of the time) to further lower water consumption.

After a toilet is flushed, which sends water from the tank down into the bowl, the tank starts to fill up once again with water coming from the fresh water feed line. Once the water reaches a set level in the tank, as detected by a float, the flow shuts off. You’ll be used to the sound: running water for around a minute or so after the flush.
But if you notice the water is continuing to run, there’s something wrong. You can try flushing the toilet again or jiggling with the handle; often times the problem won’t repeat. But if it does—or if this trouble persists—you have a running toilet that will need to be repaired. A toilet that runs longer than it should is a major water waster.
 

Reasons for a Running Toilet

The big question is in the title of the post, and there are a number of different answers. Most of the time, you’ll require professional bathroom plumbing repairs to fix the problem. Don’t hesitate, since you’ll be wasting water and won’t be able to flush the toilet while the water is running!
Bad flapper: The flapper is the seal on the bottom of the toilet that opens to allow water from the tank to enter the bowl, and then closes over it to stop the flow. If the flapper deteriorates or can’t completely seal because of deposit build-up, water will keep leaving the tank and the water flow from the feed line won’t stop. A bad flapper will need to be replaced.
Broken float ball: The float ball is responsible for shutting off the water flow into the tank when the tank is filled to its pre-set level. If water continues to rise because of a broken float ball, it will go down the overflow tube into the bowl and the flow of water into the tank won’t stop. The float will need either repairs or a replacement.
Refill tube broken: The water entering the feed line comes in through the refill tube, which is poised over the overflow tube. If this tube breaks, it can mean a continuous flow of water.
Worn down gaskets: The gaskets between the tank and the bowl can lose their sealing, and this will allow water to continue to flow from the tank to the bowl. This is often a sign of a toilet that’s getting to old to keep around.

Choosing a Toilet Replacement

We want to consider that last point a bit more. Although a toilet of any age can start to have problems with running continuously, an older toilet is more likely to run into repair issues like this. If your toilet is regularly having to be repaired and is more than 20 years old, we strongly recommend replacing it. This isn’t only to stop repair trouble; it will also save you water.
 

Inspections are a standard in today’s home buying process. However, too many times new homeowners aren’t aware of the existing condition of the plumbing system — and we end up being the bearer of bad news.

Each home has its own set of quirks, but the last thing you want is to commit to a property that’s paired with thousands of dollars in repairs. Having a professional plumber walk you through the home will help you know what to look for and the potential issues you may face.

To ensure you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for, here are eight plumbing inspections to make before finalizing the mortgage on a new home.

1. Water Meter and Valves

Close all the faucets to check if the water meter is turning. If it is, that indicates a leak which could be a serious problem. Next, move on to the values and start with the main valve operation. This is often located by the water meter or where the water line enters the home. When the valve’s shut off, no faucet in the house should have running water.

2. Geyser

Next, you should inspect the geyser for any signs of corrosion. Though this issue is easily solvable, it shouldn’t be overlooked because it can cause serious damage to your system. When inspecting the geyser, look around for mineral deposits, damage to the tank and any other signs the device needs to be replaced.

3. Pipes and Water Pressure

A leaky pipe may seem minor, but it could indicate a much larger issue. Having good water pressure is important (especially for those morning showers) and the size of a home’s water pipes help determine this. Look for larger pipes at the main source, anything smaller than 0.5 inches could restrict flow and cause strain to your system.

4. Faucets and Sinks

Now, check all the existing faucets and sinks around the house. They need to be fully functional with no leaks or drips in sight. Also, be sure to check out the areas underneath sinks and around exposed pipes. You’ll want to open faucets to maximum flow to check that the water drains properly without delay.

5. Toilets

A common plumbing problem we see in new homes is homeowners neglecting to fix a leak at the back of a toilet. This may seem insignificant, but over time, the water will begin to rot the floor. Or, some homeowner may try to hide the problem with sealing — which could make it much worse.

Look for discoloration or warping around the toilet bases then check if the floor moves around the base by applying some weight to your foot. Your toilet shouldn’t move or rock to the side either. If it does, that indicates that the flange isn’t secured.

6. Main Sewer

Sewage problems are smelly and most of all, expensive. Before you purchase, find out the kind of sewage system the home has. And if there’s a septic tank, you should find out its location, how big it is, where the lines run and when it was last serviced.

Inspect the area and keep an eye out for standing water or seepage. If there are a lot of trees, there’s no way of knowing whether or not you might have a root infestation without seeing it with a video camera inspection conducted by a professional plumber.

7. Septic System

If the home uses a septic tank instead of a municipal sewer, you’ll need to check that the entire system is functional. Obviously, standing water and odors aren’t good signs. If you notice clear signs of seepage, it’ll need to be taken care of as soon as possible to avoid potential health hazards.

8. Other Things to Look For

If you’re purchasing an older home, it’s important to keep in mind that some may have lead pipes. It is a known toxin, so you may want to get those replaced (especially if you have children). Though it may not be a deal breaker, you should look into how much it’d cost before you finalize the mortgage.

If you’re unsure about the home’s plumbing issues, we highly recommend hiring a professional plumber to conduct an inspection. Even if they don’t spot any immediate repairs, they can forecast potential issues and provide some estimates to budget for. After all, no one likes being surprised with an unexpected home expense.

Wear and tear on a home is normal. Many weekends all over the country are dedicated to home upkeep and repairs. Fixing broken things in your house comes with home ownership. When your sewer lines need repair, it’s always best to tackle the project now, not later.

The purpose of clearing away sewage waste away from home is to ensure unhealthy microorganisms are cleared from your living space. But, if something should happen and those microorganisms are allowed to linger, you may suffer as a result. There are a few signs to keep an eye out for to determine if you are in need of a sewer repair.

1. Sewage Smell

One of the first big tells of a damaged sewer line is a persistent odor in and around your home. This odor can linger outside your home on a calm day. The nauseating smell may not be noticeable by you at first, but your neighbors may catch wind of it.

2. Soggy Yard

In the summer heat and dry winters, your yard shouldn’t be mushy. If you are finding wet spots in your yard several days or more after a good rain, you may be facing some deeper issues.

A damaged sewer line can leak liquids into the surrounding soil. This can over saturate the earth and cause the water to rise to the surface. If the water is near your sewer or septic systems, it’s a certain sign that you need a sewer repair.

3. Greener Grass

Its normal to want a greener yard. If you are out watering the grass, you may have the envy of the neighborhood.

What if you aren’t watering your grass, but it is still greener on your side? Odds are it's not a benevolent neighbor watering your grass for you.

A damaged sewer line can leak nutrients into the surrounding soil as well as liquids. This acts as hydration and fertilizer for your yard. The downside is that raw sewage can be a health hazard for anyone playing in and around your yard. While the green grass may be nice, the dangers hiding behind a damaged sewer line are real.

4. Slow Drains

How many times have you tried to clean out a clogged drain with drain cleaners, only to have the problem persist? Drain cleaners work well on clogs, but if you aren’t facing a clog, you may have other issues on your hands.

A damaged sewer line can prevent the liquids in your home from clearing the lines. Blockages in the lines can restrict the flow and even be blocked by solids in the system. By repairing the lines, you open up the system to freely flow away from your home, saving you time and drain cleaner.

5. Sewage Backups

One of the worst experiences is coming home from a great weekend away to find the toilets, tubs and sinks drained out onto your floors.

This is a sure sign that there is damage to the sewer system in and around your home. While cleanup is a mess, it is critical to get someone out to repair the damage to the sewer lines to prevent the catastrophe from happening to you again.

6. Mold Problems

Mold can bring with it all sorts of issues for your health and your home. It can cause sickness and persistent allergy-like symptoms. It is unsightly on your walls and floors. Plus, it is difficult to get rid of.

If you are struggling with a mold problem, the cause may lie in your sewer system. If a line is damaged, the particles can be a source of nutrition for the mold in your home, causing it to grow and spread. Tackle the mold at its source.

7. Foundation Cracks

For years your home has stood strong against anything and everything Mother Nature can throw at it. While wind and rain can cause surface level damage, a damaged sewer line can weaken your foundation.

Water leaking from a damaged line can erode away the soil around and under your home. Over time this reduced the support for your home foundation. When this happens, you will start to notice stress fractures on your walls around your door and window frames.

Repairing the foundation isn’t the only solution, You have to get the sewer lines repaired as well, or you will face further problems on top of foundation problems.

8. Persistent Pest Problems

Moles love healthy vegetation and create holes for other vermin to travel in relative safety. Mice and rats can get to your home and cause havoc in your pantry.

Insects too love a buffet, and a damaged sewer line creates a healthy environment for nasty critters to get into your home. If you see an increase in spiders in your home, it is because there is plenty of food for them to catch. Mouse and rat droppings around your home may be a sign that they are in your home too. Do you dare shine a light in the perpetual dark corners of your garage or closets?

Hiring an exterminator is a good first step, but tackling the problem at the source is the only way to ensure that your home is safe from unwanted house guests.

If you are a new homeowner or are just new to the DIYer scene, there is a list of tools that can make your life a lot easier.  Plungers, pliers, duct tape and more, here are the 13 plumbing tools every homeowner should have on hand.

1. Plungers

That's right; you are going to need a couple of plungers.  A flange plunger is the upgraded plunger you use to clear a clogged toilet.  The old school cup plunger is good for less dirty applications like clearing a tub or sink.

2. Hand Auger

Plunger not clearing the clog as well as you want?  There is another solution to get things flowing again. Used on tubs, showers, and drains, the hand auger will grab hair and debris out.  You will need to get a special toilet auger since a hand auger could damage the porcelain.

3. Basin Wrench

If you have a spot that is a bit of a reach?  The long handle on the basin wrench will work on faucets to tighten or loosen those that are back out of the way.

4. Pipe Wrench

A true plumbing staple, the pipe wrench has the heft you need to lock on to pipe fittings.  If you have any exposed pipes you want to maintain a finish on, wrapping the sharp teeth of the wrench with a cloth will help you keep from damaging them.

5. Adjustable Wrench

Used for more than just plumbing, the adjustable wrench will tighten down on any nut or bolt you have in your home to get the quick jobs done.  Most tool sets have multiple sizes, giving you a range of options for any project you might have.

6. Strap Wrench

A strap wrench is a great way to get around damaging the surface of a pipe like a pipe wrench, especially for those projects that don't deal with high-pressure water.  Wrap the strap around the pipe or fixture, tighten and twist!

7. Pliers

There are many different types of pliers out there, and every one of them can help with plumbing.  If you have a pair of needle nose pliers, though, you will find they work well on smaller fittings.  Plus, they have the added benefit of clearing hair out of a shower or tub drain without getting the hand auger out.

8. Hacksaw

For the extreme do-It-yourselfer, the hacksaw will cut through PVC pipe like a hot knife through butter, and with some effort and a blade change, through your metal pipes as well. 

9. Thread Tape

This one is a must have for anyone.  Teflon thread tape is typically supplied with new plumbing fixtures, but it can be handy if you make any alterations.  The thin white tape should be wrapped on the male end of the threads in a clockwise fashion to ensure a tight seal.

10. Duct Tape

Any DIYer needs to have a roll or two of duct tape on hand.  A good, quality roll can really help you keep things together in a pinch.  NASA included it in every Apollo mission, and it helped keep the crew of Apollo 13 alive.  While it may not help you construct a makeshift air scrubber, it could keep a leak from becoming a flood until you can get things properly fixed.

11. Plumbers Putty

If you have a low-pressure situation, plumbers’ putty is an easy to apply alternative to a roll of duct tape.  Just slap it on to create a great water-resistant seal.

12. Silicone Gun and Silicone

For more permanent watertight solutions, a silicone gun loaded with silicone can be your best friend. Wrapping the cut tip with a piece of duct tape can help keep the contents ready to use later on.

13. Emergency Toilet Paper

The most important plumbing tool used in every home, the bad thing is it can run out at the most inopportune time.  Take the stress away by keeping a special stash of emergency TP hidden away.

When it comes to plumbing, we believe that experience, skill and certification are vital areas, that’s why Ag Group Plumbing only employ highly trained professionals.
However, some basic knowledge can at least help you identify some of the more common and basic problems that you may encounter, which is always useful if you’re trying to describe the problem to a professional or think that you have the skill level to attempt a repair yourself.
 

Any type of leak

It may sound obvious, but if you have water leaking out of your pipework, you should get it looked at sooner rather than later. You would be surprised at just how many people ‘leave it for another day’ and then wonder why they have come home to a flooded house one day. Pipework very rarely ‘just leaks’, usually something has changed to create that. Get it checked!
 

Leaky Faucet

This is probably one of the most common problems that you’re likely to encounter. As well as being annoying, the accumulated waste water actually works out to many gallons when left. Most people’s first reaction is to try and turn the faucet even harder, not only can this actually damage the faucet, but in older style faucets that use traditional rubber washers, you could easily make that leak worse.
 

Toilets

There can be a few common problems with toilets, it could be lacking in flushing power or just clogged!
Of course, if your toilet is clogged, you’ll reach for your plunger before reaching for the phone, but severe and frequent clogs and most other toilet problems need professional help.
 
If you need a professional plumber to diagnose, fix or repair any type of plumbing problem, talk to our professional team at Ag Group Plumbing today, we will always give you unbiased and expert advice. Contact us online or call us today.

Keeping a home running in peak condition is no easy job. There are a number of things that have to be done in order for a home to stay repair free. The mark of any good homeowner is knowing when they should call in a professional to help them out. Any repairs that arise with a plumbing system are best left to an experienced professional. Among the most common problems that a homeowner will have to deal with regarding their plumbing is noisy pipes. Fixing these pipes will take both experience and hard work.
 

Banging or Rattling Pipes

One of the most common problems that a person will face with their plumbing pipes is a banging or rattling. When a large amount of water is flowing through the pipes, they may begin to move a bit and make noise as they do so. By having a professional anchor the pipes to the wall, the homeowner will be able to reduce this occurrence from happening. The longer that the homeowner allows this type of issues to occur, the more damage they will ultimately have to deal with.

Squeaking Hot Water Pipes

Another very common issues that a homeowner may face with their plumbing is having squeaking hot water pipes. The main reason why the pipes will squeak is due to the fact that the heating pipe will expand and cause friction with the mounts on the pipe. By getting a professional to replace or loosen the clamps, the homeowner will be able to reduce this type of problem. Taking the time to find the right plumbing professionals will help the homeowner to reduce the amount of money they have to spend.
 
The team at Ag Plumbing can get the noisy pipes in a home fixed in no time.

Disposing of cooking grease is a concern common to anyone who spends time in the kitchen. Grease is a natural by-product of cooking many foods and can make your kitchen messy if not disposed of quickly. Many people grew up seeing their parents simply pour grease in drain and so never thought to do anything differently. The technicians at Ag Group Plumbing have seen all kinds of plumbing problems result from incorrect grease disposal. Take it from us, there are better ways to get rid of grease.

How Grease Causes Problems

Part of the problem with grease is its natural stickiness. It has a tendency to clump together even when heated. When cool, grease forms a solid lump that resists breaking down. Even though it is liquid when you pour grease in drain, it will solidify quickly.
Water does not easily wash grease away. Oil and water do not mix on their own, so simply running the faucet to flush the grease away is not adequate. Small deposits of stuck grease will attract other oily substances poured down the sink, which will gradually accumulate until the drain flow is interrupted. This accumulation can also cause a bad smell.

Correcting This Problem

There are a few ways that you can prevent this problem from happening:

• Drain grease off into a waste container and allow it to solidify before depositing it in standard garbage.
• Wipe grease up with paper towels or paper napkins.
• Use a drain cleaning product formulated to disintegrate grease.
• Install a grease trap to collect accidental grease accumulation.

If Serious Attention Is Required

Restaurants and other high-volume kitchens have to treat grease accumulation as a serious problem. Even residential kitchens can find themselves facing a serious blockage as a result of grease in drain. If you have concerns about drain cleaning, contact Ag Group Plumbing.

The DIY movement has really gained popularity in SA during the last few years. Are you a proud DIYer? Many people love researching DIY projects and getting their hands dirty while attempting to accomplish tasks they might not have dared to do in the past. But when it comes to plumbing, there are numerous projects that could be absolutely disastrous when not done properly. Anytime you’re in doubt, it’s best to call in an actual plumber to be on the safe side. No doubt about these tasks, though—these plumbing tasks that are definitely best left up to the professionals.
 

Drain Work

Replacing, repairing, and clearing drains is a perfect example of when an expert plumber is needed because these tasks require special training and equipment. The vast majority of store-bought augers (also known as drain snakes) are too short to efficiently unclog a drain, and if used improperly they can cause serious damage to pipes. Using conventional drain-unclogging products is okay for very simple drain clogging issues, but if you have to use it more than a couple of times, it’s best to just call a plumber to take care of the problem.
 

Water Main Line

If you’re having issues with the water main line, don’t try to fiddle with it yourself. Only plumbers have the adequate equipment to shut off the water from the main line. You don’t want to risk flooding your home!
 

Pipe Work

Plumbers are pipe experts, so anytime pipes need to be installed, replaced, or repaired, be sure to call a knowledgeable, experienced plumber. Many seasoned plumbers can tell if a pipe has sprung a leak simply by the sound it makes when tapped. Amazing! That’s the kind of know-how that can’t be gleaned from google or YouTube, no matter how many handyman videos you watch.
 

Pressure Valves

Is the water pressure in your shower or kitchen faucet too weak or strong? Don’t be tempted to try and fix it yourself. Pressure balance issues and installations of new pressure valves need to be handled by actual plumbers. Save time and stress by calling in the experts.
 

Electrical Wiring

Anytime electricity is involved, whether you’re rewiring or just trying to work around some wires for another project, it’s best to call a professional in. You don’t want to risk being electrocuted! Especially if there are electrical wires and water near each other, the potential hazards are too intense. Don’t be cheap, just call a plumber—your life could depend on it!
 

Still Not Sure?

When in doubt, always call Ag Group Plumbing today.

It’s an absolute nightmare scenario: it’s 30+ degrees outside, everyone’s air conditioning is blasting, even the dog refuses to go outside, and the kids are in their rooms playing video games until it cools off later in the day. A pipe bursts in the bathroom, but no one notices until it starts to smell and there’s a big wet spot on the floor. Uh-oh… better call Ag Plumbing and Electrical Group, quick. Pause the video game, give the kids a snack, and send them over to the neighbour’s house. Thankfully AG Plumbing Service has fast service, so it doesn’t take long for them to diagnose and fix the problem at a reasonable price.

Avoid Future Pipe Problems

Even though the crisis was taken care of relatively quickly, many homeowners would prefer not having to deal with emergencies in the first place. Our expert plumbers have years and years of experience so they put their knowledge to use by reviewing every single pipe in your home and checking for any leaks. Not only do we have the best plumbers, we also use the most up-to-date modern technology to detect leaks and other potential structural problems in your plumbing system. Save yourself a whole lot of stress by calling us to perform a thorough check of your home before an emergency arises.
 

Emergency Service

But if you don’t take this advice and have your plumbing checked now, it’s never too late to call us. We have emergency service available 24/7—we would never leave you hanging with a plumbing crisis! Just give us a call and one of our 5 service trucks will be right on over to help you, day or night. There is no emergency too big or small for us—no matter what the issue, whether it be a burst pipe, slab leak, plugged toilet or drain, or any other plumbing issue, we’ll be there to help you out with a smile on our faces.

When your plumbing system works well you conserve not only precious water, but energy and money, too. Even the slowest of slow drips can waste up to 12 litres of water a month – or 144 litres a year! In order to keep your plumbing system in good working order it’s a good idea to hire a plumber to do a camera inspection of your pipes.  This allows your plumber to access otherwise hard-to-reach areas without disrupting your home or your family’s lifestyle.

CCTV Inspections Prevent Costly Repairs

You wouldn’t think it, but even small leaks in a home plumbing system can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. If a leak occurs in a water line underneath your home, it can threaten your home’s structural integrity. Leaks can be caused by any of the following: collapsed pipes, blockages, corrosion, invasive tree roots, breaks caused by shifting soil. If a CCTV inspection is not conducted, the plumber has to use a lot of guesswork to locate a problem and therefore cannot give a true estimate for the work required. CCTV inspections give plumbers a more accurate estimate of the damage incurred and thus, the repair work required.

CCTV Inspections Assess Your Plumbing System Properly

If you’re buying/selling a home, a CCTV inspection is a vital part of a thorough home inspection, giving potential buyers a thorough evaluation of what’s going on below deck. The fibre-optic camera can save the video as a permanent record of the conditions of the plumbing system as they currently stand.

CCTV Inspections Allow for Faster and More Effective Solutions

Dropped a ring, a bracelet or something else equally valuable? A CCTV inspection allows for the speedy search and rescue of your treasured trinkets. When not looking for gold and other valuable objects, CCTV inspections can also quickly find blockages and determine whether or not it is something that can be dissolved with a quick drain cleaning or whether further repairing is required.

South Africa is a very hot country. Have you ever woken up at 4 am after eating a salty meal the night before and your mouth is so dry that you can’t swallow? That’s roughly how hot South Africa is. Yet, when you wake up there is always clean, cool water in the tap to ease your parched suffering. That is something too many of us take for granted.
Here are some tips on simple ways you can cut back on water use in your home and around the garden.

Water Saving Tips around the House

Taps and Showers

Even just gradual drips from your taps can waste up to 20,000 litres each year, so make sure you get any leaking taps fixed. Water-saving shower heads and tap aerators can also make a massive difference, cutting the amount of water used by more than 50% – this is especially good if you also limit your showers to around four minutes.

Drinking Water

If there is a decent amount of rainfall in your area, installing a water tank can reduce the amount of council water you need to use. This can save you money as well as make your home more water-efficient. Another good tip is to have a bottle of tap water in the fridge during summer. Running the tap long enough for the water to turn cold is very wasteful.

Flush Smarter

If your house has an older toilet without water-saving features, consider hiring a plumber to replace it with a newer model. If that’s too expensive, you can eco-hack your toilet by adding a brick or some small stones to the cistern – this will effectively decrease the volume of water used with each flush.

Don’t Wash in Bits and Pieces

Only use your dishwasher and washing machine with full loads to optimise water usage, or change the settings to suit the load.

Check for Hidden Leaks

Much of your plumbing is hidden from view. This means there can be leaks, big or small, that you don’t know are there. Book regular maintenance plumbing and inspections to ensure hidden leaks are caught and fixed before they waste too much water.

Don’t Over-Water Your Lawn or Garden

If you have a lawn, don’t over-water it. Watering your garden less will actually encourage it to grow deeper roots, making it healthier in the long term and increasing your lawn’s ability to access water underground. Keep your grass a little longer in the summer, as well. The shade from the taller grass will reduce evaporation.
Research the plants in your garden, as well. Don’t water plants more than you need to. Another good gardening tip is to push aside any mulch and test the soil with your finger – if it’s moist under the surface you don’t really need to water.

Get in Touch

For help getting your home water-smart, get in touch with AG Group Plumbing.

Blocked drains can usually be attributed to one of the following: foreign objects or debris, broken pipes, incorrect pipe installation, water flow issues, or heavy rains or storms.
They’re not as rare as you’d think – blocked drains are one of the most common reasons that plumbers get called out to a home. Blocked drains tend to occur at some stage in most homes and businesses, and need to be attended to immediately by an experienced plumber before the condition worsens.

Blocked Drains: What causes them?

We’ve serviced a great number of blocked drains, and over the years you notice patterns and trends emerge for the kinds of situations that lead to certain types of plumbing problems. For example, blocked drains can usually be attributed to one of the following: foreign objects or debris, broken pipes, incorrect pipe installation, water flow issues, or heavy rains or storms.
Foreign objects or debris: When you pour fats and soaps down the sink they are likely to be in a liquid state, though they often won’t stay this way as they make their way through your piping system. As they cool, they’ll solidify – and in the process, collect other materials such as food and hair. This prevents water from flowing freely, causing blocked drains. These aren’t limited to kitchen and bathroom sinks, though: blocked drains can also be caused by foreign objects (other than toilet paper) being flushed down the toilet, such as sanitary napkins or nappies.

Broken pipes: A blocked drain can be caused by a pipe break that obstructs the normal flow of water and leads to the pipe collapsing and blocking the drain. Pipe breaks tend to be attributed to poor installation, age and obstructive tree roots. In the case of an underground pipe breakage, repairs to the pipe can be lengthy and disruptive, depending on how difficult it is for the plumber to access the problem area. If you have underground pipes on your property, consider pipe relining technology to avoid having a pipe break in the future.

Incorrect pipe installation: With the rise in DIY repairs and renovations comes a rise in poorly installed plumbing and drainage pipes, which may lead to pipes becoming misaligned or collapsing completely, causing blocked drains. Note: DIY plumbing without a license is illegal in New South Wales. It can be more expensive and time-consuming to incorrectly install a pipe, have it break then hire a plumber to fix it for you, so skip the heartache and just get your local plumber to install and maintain your pipes from the start.

Water flow issues: Another issue with DIY plumbing is that often, incorrectly installed pipes will have inadequate falls to ensure adequate water flow. This will cause blocked drains, as particles and debris build up in the falls of the pipes.
Heavy rains or storms: Blocked drains may occur as a result of a heavy storm or prolonged downpour, due to leaves, dirt and other debris building up and blocking pipes. During extended periods of wet weather this can become an issue, as outdoor drains are generally not designed to handle consistently large volumes of water. Thus, it important to handle outdoor drain blockages as soon as possible, as they can cause flooding and damage to your property if they’re left unrepaired for too long.
 
 
 
What are the signs of a blocked drain?
While leaky taps are easily spotted, other plumbing issues may arise without you being able to detect them by sight or sound.
The following issues that may lead to blocked drains are easily detectable without needing to call a plumber:

• Pipe corrosion
• Tree root penetration
• Leaking joints
• Misaligned joints
• Broken pipes
• Voids in pipes
• Punctures in pipes

To see if one of the above issues has occurred, look for the following signs or test your plumbing with the following tests:

Standing water: If there are puddles of water around where the sewer pipe from your home meets with the city’s sewer system. If there are any soft spots around the yard in the vicinity of the sewer pipe and there hasn’t been a rain in a few days that may also be another indication of a break.

Smells like sewage: If it smells like sewage, it probably is sewage – coming out of a broken pipe.

Sitting around: If water is coming back into your tub or shower or you find that water isn’t draining from your sinks, this is another sign your pipes are blocked. Listen for the sounds of drains gurgling or observe if there are bubbles coming up in your toilet – these are additional signs of clogged pipes.

Flush it: If you find that the water bowl of your toilet does not fill to its original state after flushing it, that is a sign of a sewer pipe blockage.
 

 Blocked Drains: How do I prevent them?

While a blocked drain isn’t the end of the world – or even the end of your sink – it does put the pipes out of commission until the blockage is removed. This can be avoided by following a few simple steps to your current cleaning schedule.
Weekly Drain Maintenance: Once a week, flush your drain out by firstly boiling a large pot of water.  Pour one half of the pot down the drain. Wait 5 minutes and pour the rest down the drain. This will get any residue and build-up off the sides of your pipes.
Monthly Drain Maintenance: Use an enzymatic cleaner once a month. Using this, or another enzyme cleaner, once a month will clean out your pipes of heavier build-up not taken out by your weekly clean, will kill any lingering bacteria, help maintain your drain and keep odors out as well.

Drains With Disposals: If you have a drain with a disposal unit attached then you need to make sure you clean the blades. The easiest way to do this is by running orange/lemon peels and ice cubes and orange peels through it. This will knock of any residue on your disposal units’ blades. The peels also act to remove any odors and freshen up the disposal drain. Make sure to slice the peels into small pieces, because large peels could jam the disposal.
Seasonal Drain Maintenance: For a heavy duty clean you should flush the drain with baking soda and vinegar no more than 2-3 times a year. After allowing it to sit for a bit run hot water down the drain.
For assistance with a blocked drain, call the team at AG Group Plumbing.

There’s more to plumbing than fixing leaky taps and unblocking toilets. It’s one of Western civilisations oldest professions and, as such, has a lot of history behind it! Here are a few of our favourite plumbing facts we’ve found along the way…
 
1. After saying that he would become a plumber if he had to do it all again, Albert Einstein was named an honorary member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union.
2.  Copper piping, which is the #1 material used for plumbing work in today’s world, is the same material that the Egyptians used to lay their own pipe around 3000 years ago!
3.  A portion of a water plumbing system was discovered in the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt, showing that the evidence of indoor plumbing in palaces may date back to 2500 B.C.E.
4.  Toilet flushing accounts for up to 38% of all water consumption in a typical household.
5.  While searching through the tomb of a king of the Western Han Dynasty in China (206 BC to 24 AD), archaeologists discovered a 2,000-year-old “toilet”. It was decked out with running water and a stone seat with a comfortable armrest. It may just be the earliest known water-closet in the whole world.
6.The Earth has somewhere in the neighbourhood of 1,260,000,000,000,000,000,000 litres of water on the planet. Roughly 98% of our water’s in the oceans of the world, and therefore is unusable for drinking because of the salt content. That means only around 2% of the planet’s water is fresh, but 1.6% of that water is locked up in ice caps and glaciers. Another 0.36% is found in very deep, underground sources – meaning only about 0.036% of the planet’s total water supply is found in lakes and rivers (our main supplies of drinking water)!
7.  Black Sabbath frontman, reality TV star and bat-biting rockstar Ozzy Osbourne was a plumber’s apprentice before he claimed the title of Godfather of Heavy Metal.
8.  Ever wondered how they came up with the word “plumber”? It dates all the way back to the Roman Empire, where pipes were originally made from lead, or “plumbum” in Latin. People who worked with lead were called Plumbarius, which was eventually shortened to the word we use today.
9.The Japanese, famous for inventing everything you probably didn’t really need, have invented urinals with voice-activated flushing mechanisms. The urinals respond to several commands, including “fire.”
10. he man credited with inventing the flushable toilet was Sir John Harington of Kelston, England in 1596, hence the American nickname for it, “the john.”

One of the worst signs of a potential plumbing nightmare is a wet or dark spot on your walls, floor or even your roof, this is an indication that you have a plumbing problem. While there are a few different causes like a damaged roof or during the warmer months a high level of humidity, one of the main reasons for wet spots is usually due to a water leak in your pipes.
While some leaks happen in easy to reach areas like under your bathroom or kitchen sink, other leaks can start in the pipes inside the walls of your home. Hiding deep behind the walls or above you in the ceiling these issues can go unseen for a long time, you might notice water leaking from the roof or coming from your wall, but sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the location of the leak without opening up the wall or by knowing exactly where the pipes are situated within your walls.

Signs you have a water leak inside your walls

Other than the obvious water dripping from the source, there are a few signs you can look out for to judge if could have an internal leak like; peeling paint or wallpaper on your walls, ceiling or walls that are stained or warped, a musty smell or mould. If you see any of these issues arise in your home, it might be time to turn to your local plumber.
There are a few signs you can look out for to judge if could have an internal leak like; peeling paint or wallpaper on your walls.
Leaks could be causing potential damage to gyprock or in some severe cases there may be structural damage. Another issue you will find not just concerning your home could be your health. Mould thrives in dark and moist areas like the ones in your walls or under your floors and a leaking pipe is the perfect home for mould to set up residence, but the health implications it can have on your family is serious and a wet spot will quickly form mould.
Call us here at AG Group Plumbing if you have the suspicion that you have a leak within your walls, call our team of professionals at AG Group Plumbing specialise in water leak detection and can help with your plumbing repair.

Running a food service kitchen or a restaurant is not only about managing your workforce and getting gastronomic treats to your guests. You will also have to handle the uglier side of the business – dealing with grease trap odours. Grease trap odour is one of the banes that you’d encounter when you have huge amounts of oil from the deep-fryer and grease in the waste-water. Once you pour it down the drain, it passes through a plumbing device called a grease trap which intercepts fats, oil, and grease before flowing to the sewerage system.
Although grease traps are integral in preventing sewer blockages and spillage of untreated sewer water in surrounding areas it can also pose one of the most common problems of restaurant operations – grease trap odours. What is causing these odours and what are the possible adverse effects if left untreated? What are the possible solutions that can effective eradicate the nauseating smell? Here are some essential bits of information that will help you understand the problem of grease trap odours and how you can properly manage it.

Cause and Consequences

Aside from the production of a rancid smell during the slow anaerobic digestion process of used fats, oils, and grease, the primary cause of grease trap odour is the decomposition of organic wastes that goes through the system. In the process of diverting FOGs, some food particles and organic solids are trapped in the grease interceptor, eventually settling to the bottom of the tank. When these solids are broken down by microorganisms, they emit toxic wastes such as sulfuric gases and hydrogen sulphide. The sulfuric gases account for the “rotten” smell produced but the worse thing is, the interaction of hydrogen sulphide and water can produce a strong acid that will attack the steel and concrete composition of the tank. Aside from being utterly unsanitary, can you imagine the dire consequences of a brown grease spillage to your health and business?  It is, thus, of utmost importance to act immediate. Do not wait for the problem to escalate into a total “rot out.”

Solutions

When you have a grease tank odour issue, you have to exercise due diligence in finding the most appropriate solution. It is a fact that not all treatments are created equal. While some solutions can dissipate the smell and treat the brown grease, some can adversely interact with the chemical components of the scum and damage your tank even more. Make a keen assessment on the source of the problem and engage the services of plumbing experts who can get the job done in no time. Typical strategies employed by professionals include pumping the trap out, cleaning the walls with a high pressure washing, and the use of all natural odour control products. Whatever may be the course of action you’d take, make sure that you are going for solution that gives you the best value for your money while eradicating the problem completely.

Grease Trap Cleaning Services

Grease trap cleaning isn’t difficult, but it is highly inconvenient, time-consuming, and will require the disposal of a great deal of grease. For these reasons and many more, we are plumbing professionals that can provide grease trap cleaning in a timely and more convenient manner, giving you a break from the dirty work and allowing you to go on with business as usual. Many restaurants, cafés, and cafeterias, as well as other types of businesses often need grease trap cleaning services in order to ensure that their grease traps are functioning at top level all the time. Getting professional grease trap cleaning regularly will ensure that your equipment lasts as long as possible with high functionality.

Importance of a Clean Grease Trap

A grease trap is used to do just what the name entails: trap excess grease. For this reason, there is a great deal of importance when it comes to ensuring that the trap is cleaned out appropriately on a regular basis. Leaving a grease trap unmaintained can quickly cause health code violations in businesses, not to mention cause a great deal of mess and less efficient use of the actual grease trap. There is a great need for a cleaned grease trap when it comes to making great tasting food and keeping the area clean and sanitary.

Frequency of Cleaning

Depending on the use of the grease trap and the amount of grease that builds up within the trap, there should be adequate frequency in cleaning by a licensed, professional plumbing service. For instance, for everyday heavy use, you should really seek out a weekly or bi-weekly cleaning of the grease trap to ensure that it stays well maintained at all times. You don’t want to let it build up as it will become increasingly difficult to remove, thus most likely cost a bit more for the heavier grease build up. For moderate or lesser use, you could seek out monthly cleaning, or just getting grease trap cleaning when it is necessary.

When to Clean the Grease Trap

When the grease has begun to build up on the grease trap and is no longer working as efficiently, it is time to get grease trap cleaning. Losing the function of the grease trap could cause the frying within the restaurant or other institution to be halted until it has been properly cleaned. There are also many health codes that must be complied with, which does concern appropriate grease trap cleaning as well.

Grease trap cleaning is essential if you have frequent use of grease frying and want a fully functional business or fryer in any location. If you seek out professional grease trap cleaning services, you can quickly get the work done without having to go through the process of cleaning and disposing - let our plumbing service do that for you. That way, you can easily go about your day and enjoy the cleanliness of your grease trap until the next scheduled cleaning. An appropriate schedule should be put in place to ensure that the grease trap always stays clean and never builds up, affecting its function. Give our team at AG Group Plumbing for premium quality grease trap cleaning services.