Category Archives: Blog

Why do hot water systems often break down in winter?

Canberra’s sub-zero winter mornings cause many pipes and tank liners to freeze, expand and split. Splitting also occurs when pipes and tank liners revert back to their original shape (once the day warms up). Not surprisingly, older pipes and tank liners (that have lost their strength) are more likely to split; in other words, the cold weather exacerbates existing weaknesses.

What are the signs of a faulty hot water system?

There are a number of signs that indicate your hot water system might need professional attention:-

• Your water tank or piping leaks (probable signs of a split or rust).
• There’s rust-coloured water around the base of your water tank.
• There’s a distinct lack of water pressure when you turn on a hot water tap.
• Cold water flows from your hot water taps.
• Your hot water doesn’t last very long (or runs out very quickly).
• The pilot light on your gas hot water system has stopped working.
• Your hot water is discoloured (typically rust-coloured).
• There’s a strong smell of gas coming from your gas hot water system.
• Your water tank makes strange noises.

What should I do if my water tank starts to leak serious amounts of water?

You should turn off your water mains tap straight away, then call a Canberra plumber. The water mains tap is usually located at the front of your property (next to the water meter).

Why do so many outdoor hot water tanks rust at the base?

Many older outdoor hot water tanks are situated directly on concrete slabs – meaning that rainwater gets under them and sits there. Nowadays, hot water tanks are generally placed on a “pizza tray” to provide a 5mm drainage / air gap between the tank and concrete slab. A “pizza tray” is simply an elevated plastic tray with holes in it.

Does Kennedy Plumbing & Gas fix both gas and electric hot water systems?

Yes. We conduct both gas and electric hot water system repairs in Canberra. Our experienced plumbers repair the following system types: continuous flow gas hot water systems; gas storage hot water systems; electric storage hot water systems, and heat pump hot water systems.

As an experienced hot water plumber in Canberra, Kennedy Plumbing & Gas is certified to repair tempering valves (keeps maximum water temperature to 50°C) and replace DUO valves / pressure limiting valves. These are plumbing components that tend to fail over time.

If your hot water system requires an electrician, Kennedy Plumbing & Gas can take care of this too. We work with a number of quality electricians in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Common electrical problems include a faulty power supply, heating element, thermostat or electronic ignition (on gas systems).

What is a sewer line?

A sewer line is the main underground pipe that carries sewage from your home to the edge of your property. All household fixtures that produce wastewater – such as toilets, sinks, hand basins, showers and laundry tubs – are connected to the sewer line. External overflow drains are also a feature of many sewer lines.

What is a sewer tie?

A sewer tie is the sewerage infrastructure (piping) that runs from the edge of a private property to the street sewerage connection. In other words, the sewer tie runs across public land (typically a nature strip). In Canberra, responsibility for repairing or unblocking a sewer tie lies with Icon Water.*

* Pending approval, Kennedy Plumbing & Gas is authorised to work on behalf of Icon Water to repair or unblock sewer ties.

What are the signs of a blocked sewer line or tie?

There are a number of signs that indicate your sewerage system could be blocked:-

• Water banks up in your toilet bowl and drains slowly (after flushing).
• The water in your toilet bubbles or makes a gurgling sound when hand basins and showers are used.
• The water level in your toilet rises after using the washing machine.
• Sewage starts coming up through some of your internal drains (typically bath or shower).
• A sewage smell emanates from one or more of your other plumbing fixtures: baths, showers, sinks, hand basins and laundry tubs.
• Pipes make loud or odd noises following the disposal of sewage or wastewater.
• The Overflow Relief Gully (ORG) starts to overflow with sewage (an ORG is an external overflow drain that’s found close to your home).

A blocked sewer line / tie requires a plumber specialising in blocked drains (preferably with local  Canberra experience) to diagnose and pinpoint the problem. As a local plumber specialising in blocked drains, the team at Kennedy Plumbing & Gas can help you fix a blocked sewer line / tie in Canberra.

What is a stormwater system?

A stormwater system is an interconnected series of pipes, drains and gutters that’s designed to remove excess rainwater from your property. A good stormwater system captures the rain runoff from your roof, driveway, paths and paved areas.

What is a stormwater tie?

A stormwater tie is the connection that runs from the edge of your property to the stormwater main in the street. A stormwater tie runs across public land (usually a nature strip), and is the sole responsibility of Roads ACT – a local government body. If there’s a problem with the stormwater tie, you don’t have to pay to fix it.*

* Pending approval, Kennedy Plumbing & Gas is authorised to work on behalf of Roads ACT to repair or unblock stormwater ties.

What are the signs of a blocked stormwater drain, pipe or tie?

There are a number of signs that indicate your stormwater system requires unblocking:-

• Water flows over your roof guttering during a rain event.
• The immediate area surrounding your home floods after heavy rainfall.
• An unpleasant smell emanates from your roof guttering (stagnant water often smells like rotten eggs).
• The slot drains or stormwater pits on your property overflow.
• Your internal ceilings have water damage (this could also indicate a roof problem).

Blocked stormwater drains, pipes and ties require a Canberra plumber that specialises in drainage issues. Kennedy Plumbing & Gas is highly experienced when it comes to blocked drainage systems in Canberra.

What are the causes of a blocked stormwater drain, pipe or tie?

The common causes of a blocked stormwater drain, pipe or tie are as follows:-

• Roof gutters and downpipes are cluttered with debris (usually leaves and silt) – urgent clearing is required.
• Slot drains and stormwater pits around your home (or in your garden) become clogged with grass, leaves, silt, bark and mulch.
• Physical deterioration of stormwater pipes (common in older homes and suburbs).
• Tree root damage to stormwater pipes (common in homes with mature gardens).

If you don’t clear your gutters and drains regularly, there’s a good chance your stormwater system will eventually become blocked.

Who’s responsible for a blocked stormwater drain, pipe or tie in Canberra?

All stormwater issues on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Blocked or damaged stormwater ties are the responsibility of Roads ACT.

How do I arrange for stormwater drain, pipe or tie repairs?

You need to contact a local stormwater plumber who understands how to fix blocked stormwater drains, pipes and ties in Canberra. Ideally, the plumber you select should have experience dealing with Roads ACT, especially if your problem involves a stormwater tie.

What equipment is required to repair a blocked stormwater drain, pipe or tie?

A Canberra plumber specialising in stormwater issues should at least possess a pipe camera, sonde and electric eel. More established plumbers in Canberra, such as Kennedy Plumbing & Gas, are likely to possess a mini excavator as well.