8 Things to Consider When Remodelling A Kitchen

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The kitchen has to be all things at once — from a social hub to a cooking space and, for some — even a makeshift office. So, when the time comes to remodeling a kitchen, it’s important that you think about every last detail, to ensure that the end result looks great and functions perfectly, too.

However, even though kitchens are one of the most commonly remodelled rooms in any house, there are still plenty of things that people often get wrong. With it being particularly expensive to redo your kitchen from top to bottom, we figured we’d round up some top tips, to help you get it just right.

1. Start with a schedule 

Remodelling a kitchen is a lengthy process, and there are a lot of factors to consider. So, you’ll need to plan your renovation and plan it well. You don’t want to find yourself at a crucial point without the materials you need or the right tradespeople booked in. 

Assure the success of your project with a schedule that takes into account your overall goals and timeline. A good plan will help you stick to your budget better, too. 

2. Incorporate what you need

Function has to take precedence in a kitchen. For one thing, the room is home to a number of large appliances, so you’ll have to factor those into your design. 

You’ll also need adequate storage and food prep space, as well as space for people to gather. How you incorporate these necessary elements is entirely up to you.

3. Think about layout

Layout is crucial in any renovation, but particularly when you’re doing a room as important as the kitchen. 

So, once you’ve figured out what you need, you can start properly mapping your layout, by measuring the space and thinking about what will fit and where. This will give you an insight into what the end result will be, so you have something to work towards.

4. Style as well as substance 

Even though functionality should be your primary concern, the look of your kitchen is also key. 

For an attractive space that has everything you need, be on the lookout for cabinets, flooring, and homeware that will work hard and look great together. You should, for example, choose flooring that works well with the style of your new kitchen and won’t stain or scuff easily. 

5. Find the perfect cabinets 

Cabinets will play a leading role in just about any kitchen. Not only do you need them for your food and crockery, they also give you your all-important countertops. 

If you have sloping floors or leaning walls, then you’ll need to make sure you scribe and trim your cabinets, so that they fit perfectly when installed. Fail to think about these things, and you could end up with uneven countertops.

6. Update your plumbing 

Overhauling the design of your kitchen offers ample opportunity to make updates behind the scenes. Say your plumbing is old or problematic. Why not tear the whole thing out and start afresh?

With new technologies, you can say goodbye to leaky sinks and inefficient plumbing systems. It’s also possible to make your water consumption an awful lot greener, with the help of a specialist.   

7. Get the lighting right

You could go from prepping dinner in the kitchen in the afternoon to having a glass of wine around the island that evening. Resultantly, a well-lit kitchen is a happy kitchen.

With the right lighting layers, including task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting, you can make the space either practical or atmospheric, as and when you need it. And, don’t forget to place your lights appropriately. There’s no point having bright spotlights if they cast a shadow over the countertops. 

8. Don’t forget the details

One last thing to remember is that the devil is in the detail. In a space that has to work so hard from morning till night, it’s pretty much impossible to over-plan. 

Everything from the spacing of the appliances to the placement of your tiles is important. You could end up with an overcrowded room, or too little tile for the wall, or ill-fitting fixtures if you don’t take into account every little thing. If you need a hand with installing your new kitchen, then get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today!

A Landlord’s Guide To Plumbing Maintenance

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Plumbing maintenance is a legal responsibility for rental property owners to keep their property in a good working condition for their tenants. While your tenants do have a significant role to play as well, ultimately it falls to you to look after and fix issues with things like plumbing.

Why should I keep on top of plumbing maintenance?

For one thing, carrying out proper plumbing maintenance helps to ensure that a rental home’s utilities always run as they should. This will help to prevent tenants from calling you up with regular grievances and save you money on repairs, too.

It’s also important to note that issues with plumbing can cause damage to a property, which could make it unsafe. As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring that any property you rent out is in line with national health and safety laws.

How do I keep on top of plumbing maintenance?

Staying on top of plumbing maintenance means checking regularly to make sure everything works as it should. If you don’t want water bills to run high or damp to affect the walls of your property, then there are several essential jobs you will need to do. These include:

  • Testing the water pressure
  • Clearing slow drains
  • Checking for sink and garbage disposal leaks
  • Inspecting visible pipes
  • Examining toilet tanks

It’s also important to have the right plumbing products to complete high-quality maintenance checks. Do this before your tenants move into the property to avoid any major problems during their lease, such as burst pipes and flooding.

Is the landlord responsible for all plumbing maintenance?

While it is important to do routine checks, you the landlord won’t be responsible for all plumbing maintenance in your rental property. In fact, any issues that occur as a result of a tenant’s own actions do not need to be sorted by you. This might include a toilet that has been blocked with non-flushable items or hair that has built up in a drain.

Any other issues that you think your tenant should be responsible for will have to be set out in the tenancy agreement. If they’re not, then fixing them will fall to you.

When that happens, tenants should inform the landlord of the problems as soon as they arise. The sooner the problem is reported, the sooner it can be acted upon. And, when it comes to plumbing issues, acting fast is important. 

How to maintain plumbing in a rental property?

Maintaining the plumbing of a property isn’t a one-time thing. As mentioned above, you are advised to carry out maintenance checks before the start of any new lease, so as to ensure that everything is in good condition prior to the tenancy.

However, if your plumbing is known to be problematic for whatever reason, you might want to think about doing regular plumbing maintenance during a tenancy, too. Whether you’ve found that pipes tend to get blocked with leaves after autumn or your sprinkler systems malfunction during the summer, it’s always a good idea to pre-empt any issues and schedule additional maintenance time.  

If you come across issues that need to be fixed, it is advised that you contact a plumber, unless you have adequate plumbing know-how and experience. After all, you want any repairs to last as long as possible, which a trained plumber will know how to do.  

How to avoid plumbing issues in your rental property?

To avoid major plumbing issues in your rental property and save yourself time, it’s important that you carry out your duty as a landlord by ensuring maintenance checks are done thoroughly and regularly. However, it’s not all down to you.

Once the tenant moves into the property, they take on shared responsibility for maintaining the home and its utilities. So, if you want to be sure that your tenants hold up their end of the bargain, you can outline their responsibilities in the tenancy agreement. Let them know that you expect them to deal with any damages that they cause, and advise them to clear drains and filters regularly.

Other things you can do to properly maintain a rental property’s plumbing include investing in high-quality plumbing products and insurance. If you need a hand with plumbing for your rental property, then get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today!

A Guide To Open Plan Living In Your Home

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In the world of home design, the open plan concept is king. A design trend that has not lost any of its popularity in recent years, homeowners seem to love the idea of open plan living for just about any room in the house, but primarily the communal living spaces.

When implemented correctly, an open plan redesign enhances the enjoyment of the building itself and your lifestyle within it. But the fun that might come with knocking down walls to achieve that coveted open plan is definitely something to consider deeply before committing to the renovation, especially if you are planning on revamping the house you’ve already been living in.

Open plan in existing houses

So, you have been thinking about that lovely open plan concept for a while now, and the house you are living in just doesn’t have space and open communication you have been dreaming about. Luckily, you don’t have to put those open-plan concepts and Pinterest boards away! The first step is to determine what you want from an open-plan house.

Do you want your communal spaces to connect better and have each room flow easier into the next? What about natural light, and the views from windows? Can you open up a part of your house to let in more sunshine, altering the atmosphere and potentially saving on electric bills? 

Or perhaps you’ve always wanted a dining area that connects smoothly to your garden—all these considerations and more are the first places to start. Try to narrow down what you want from this open plan concept.

What do you need to know about open plan houses?

While any house can typically be renovated to change the way it is set up, some types of homes are easier to open up than others. You can always hire a builder or architect to work on your plans, and they will be able to tell you definitively what is possible in your specific space. But here are some types of homes that can be more suited to open concept renovations:

  • Barn or industrial space conversions typically lend themselves well to being opened up, given their original intention to be a large open space already.
  • Victorian semis or terraces can be amenable to open concept renovations, especially if their interior is a more simple and stark design. The fewer walls the better!
  • Add-ons or extensions onto your home to create that open feel is also a great way to achieve an open plan without disturbing the bones of your house too much.

How to know if open living is right for you?

Open plan housing tends to be a brighter, more friendly-feeling space. Communication is not hindered by labyrinths of walls and corners, and any occupants of the area can usually see and converse easily across relatively large spaces. 

Open plans also give a very modern feel to the abode, rather than a more antiquated separation of each room into its own individual sector. Largely an aesthetic choice over industrial, open plan concepts can lead to sunnier, more enjoyable spaces for the entire family to take advantage of.

Open plan living areas for all

Because open-plan concepts tend to be for the communal area of the house, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are an essential part of any renovation project. Open plan design ideas make your kitchen, living, and dining rooms into the heart of the home, where people gather and relax. Open floor plans are so popular because they allow for individual activities and social togetherness to coexist!

What next?

If you are committed to the idea of turning your house into an open plan, that is just the beginning. To get you started, here are some great resources for your open design:

  • Information on removing internal walls is crucial to a renovation.
  • Kitchen remodel ideas are a great source to begin narrowing down your ideal kitchen.
  • How to easily install a new kitchen sink drain.
  • Design secrets for creating your successful open-plan design.

Your next steps should be to contact contractors, plumbing companies, and gas/electrical fitters for any further information they can give you. It may look like an extensive task, but the end result will be something you and your family can enjoy for years to come. If you need help with plumbing, then get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today!

Interior Design Tips For A New Kitchen This Year

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Starting a new year means a lot of different things for different people. Whether that’s starting a new job, starting a new relationship, moving to a new town, whatever the case may be, there has never been a better year to begin something new. 

For others, that ‘new’ thing may be a brand new kitchen! If that is you, congratulations, you’ve come to the right place for kitchen renovation ideas. Here are five of the best kitchen renovation ideas for the new year for those that are interested in becoming an interior designer or as a mechanism that “adds value” to your property or rental. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Replace your plumbing 

If you’ve recently moved into an old house, chances are that you’re looking to do some kitchen renovations. Or, perhaps you’ve bought a brand new house and are left with a blank canvas upon which to paint your kitchen vision. Either way, this presents a unique opportunity to re-do or begin a new fully-plumbed kitchen, utilizing the latest technology and tossing convention aside for ecologically-friendly, new ways of doing things. 

Say you’re fixing a leaky tap in the old kitchen and decide to just tear the whole thing out, baby out with the bathwater and all that. Then you’ll need to hire a specialist green plumber to help you figure out how to ‘greenify’ your existing plumbing, or install a whole new environmentally-friendly setup. 

One of the best things you can do right away is to install low-flow faucets in your kitchen. This will reduce your water consumption anywhere from 30-50% per year. 

2. Update the lighting 

Another way to save money in the kitchen is by updating your lighting. Say you’re operating with old, inefficient bulbs, or don’t have much natural light. Well, if you have the budget for it, put in another window or several (if you’re starting from scratch), let natural light be your friend in the kitchen. Nobody likes a dark and dingy kitchen space. 

Alternatively, if additional windows aren’t an option, consider motion-detection lights, or change your incandescent light bulbs for something like a compact fluorescent light, which is far more environmentally friendly. 

3. New cabinets 

Perhaps nobody told you, but the stock cabinets that came with your kitchen space look terrible. They’re in need of an upgrade and 2021 is the year to do that. Whether you’re looking for a wood finish or something a bit more dark and moody (perhaps good if you’ve got plenty of light or windows to let light in), replacing your kitchen cabinetry will get your new kitchen off to a great start. 

4. Sinks, sinks, and more sinks 

While there is such a thing as too many sinks, it really is fashionable and perhaps even necessary nowadays to have more than one sink. Something to go along with your new low-flow faucet setup should be multiple sinks. 

Perhaps one for storing dishes and one for washing them, including a drying rack of some sort. If you want to give back to the earth, even more, consider installing a garburator or a garbage disposal unit to grind up your organic ingredients and create compost for the garden. 

5. Bring back the wallpaper 

Yes, that’s so 1970s. But hey, the 70s were cool! One other decorative option rather than your traditional painted walls would be to reconstitute the old trend of home wallpapers by putting some of it in your kitchen. If your kitchen’s theme is bright white, consider adding something that compliments it nicely such as a light blue or even bright blue wallpaper. 

Wallpaper might seem like something straight out of the 1970s, but nevertheless, putting it back into your kitchen is a far cheaper option than painting the whole thing white, which is yet another trend.

How To Renovate Your Kitchen On A Budget

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Making your old kitchen new again can be a challenge. There are so many considerations to make and things to take into account. If you don’t necessarily have the money to spend on brand new things, it can make this task that much more difficult. But that’s where this handy five-step guide comes in. We’ll give you some tips on making your money go farther in a new kitchen space. 

Paint your old kitchen cabinets 

Painting your kitchen is a relatively inexpensive way to breathe new life into it. Those old wooden kitchen cabinets that haven’t been touched in 30 years since you bought them new? Give them a new look with some white paint, if that’s the look you’re going for. Or, re-varnish and stain them, if you’d like to maintain the wood facade. Rather than spending a thousand or more on brand new kitchen cabinetry, simply paint the ones you already have.

Consider which color scheme you want to go with before you start. Brighter colors will obviously brighten the space up and make it seem larger and bigger than it did before. Darker colors will minimize the space and focus the attention. The latter option works well if you have a centerpiece in the kitchen, like an island.

If you’re looking to mix and match, navy blue and white are a good combination for upper and lower cabinets. Or, if you’re looking for a solid color, white and grey are good options. 

Reimagine your benchtops 

Benchtops are the sort of thing that goes in when the kitchen is installed, then doesn’t get looked at again for 10 years. All kinds of things get spilled on them, hit into them, break on top of them, and yet nobody gives them a second thought. 

Well, if you’re on a budget, a great way to save money would be to simply repair your benchtops, rather than replacing them. What about a small-cost repair to your stonework or marble benchtop? If they’re not in need of repair, then perhaps a fresh coat of paint would work well, if the benchtops are made of suitable material. There’s plenty you can do, even a quick clean and re-arranging of appliances that sit atop them will do wonders for them. 

Pay attention to detail 

Small things often make a big difference in a space like a kitchen. If you want to save money, you have to pay attention to the small things and see what can be replaced at a low cost to give your kitchen a new look. Whether that’s replacing the door handles on cupboard doors to something a bit more modern, or perhaps replacing the light fixtures in certain areas to offer a new look. Regardless of how you choose to do it, the smaller details are where a good kitchen comes together and how you can best save money. 

Putting up new shelves 

This can be a relatively inexpensive way to free up some wall space for something else, replacing a small cabinet, for example, with an open shelf. This can be done by mounting brackets to the wall and securing wooden shelving, which can usually be found cheaply at any discount furniture or in your local hardware store’s clearance section. While the materials aren’t likely to be free, shelving in this fashion is a heck of a lot cheaper than putting up new cabinets. 

Fix your own plumbing 

Instead of playing a plumber to come in and do this work for you, you can easily fix your own leaky faucets. You’ll just need some plumber’s tape and some patience. Simply unscrew the leaky faucet head, take out the o-rings and washers (check your o-rings for corrosion as this is most likely to be the source of your leak), clean them over and clean the inserts where they came out of, then replace the fixings in reverse order. If you need a hand installing your kitchen sink, then get in touch with Tap This Plumbing today!

How Green Plumbing Is Revolutionizing Plumbing

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2021 could be the year that you save money and save the planet all at once, by transitioning your indoor (and outdoor) plumbing to ‘green’ plumbing. Green plumbing is the practice of replacing your older, inefficient, and wasteful plumbing with more efficient systems. 

The steps towards a greener plumbing setup can be as simple or as complicated as you like, they can be as simple as changing a shower head or faucet system, or going the whole hog and completely revamping your indoor plumbing from the bathroom to the kitchen. Here are some ways that you’ll save money this year if you go green with your plumbing system.

Hire a green plumber to do the work for you

It is definitely possible to accomplish some of the changes to ‘greenify’ your plumbing by yourself. But, for those seeking the best possible results, you should hire a green plumber to do the work for you. 

Green plumbers are trained in all things green plumbing, from simply giving you advice on how best to revamp your existing plumbing, right the way through to the installation of new piping in your home. If you know that you want to go green with your plumbing, but you’re not sure where to start, look into green plumbers in your area and get a consultation.

Installing ‘green’ water faucets in the bathroom

Without revamping your entire plumbing system, there are simpler steps you can take to decrease your water consumption and save money in the long-run. One of these steps is to install a low-flow faucet in the bathroom, which is the room where most of your water usage comes from. 

You can also replicate this in your kitchen sink, but the bathroom is where you’ll see the most benefit. Just by installing a low-flow faucet, you’ll save an average of 700 gallons of water per year, or use roughly 30% less water. Cutting your water bills down by 30% is a huge saving over time.

Installing a low-flow showerhead

Another way that you can save money in the bathroom specifically is to install a low-flow showerhead. These showerheads restrict the flow of water through the system, saving up to 2900 gallons of water every year. Installing these showerheads cut your water consumption by roughly 40% annually. 

Low-flow doesn’t necessarily mean low-pressure. One common misconception with low-flow showerheads is that the lower the flow, the less constant pressure you’ll experience. That is simply false. Earlier iterations of low-flow shower systems did indeed reduce the water pressure, however, the latest green technology means that this is no longer the case.

Use energy-retaining piping

This suggestion is geared towards those who are set on hiring a professional to do this work for them. If you are looking at seriously revamping your entire plumbing infrastructure with the help of a professional, then one of the best ways that you can greenify your plumbing is to completely swap out your existing old-tech piping for something that is more environmentally friendly and less wasteful in terms of energy retention. 

For example, consider swapping out your copper piping for PVC piping. PVC piping is made of recycled plastic and can itself be recycled. Copper pipes freeze easier than PVC piping, and polyethylene pipes dramatically reduce due to being thicker than most copper piping.

Your other option is a cheap way to do-it-yourself is to simply insulate your pipes. No matter whether or not you live in a cold climate, pipe insulation will prevent unnecessary energy loss as the water travels through your pipes.

Rethink heating your water

Traditional water heaters expend a tremendous amount of energy during the initial ‘heating phase’ before the hot water reaches your taps. It may seem instantaneous, but the energy required is enormous. 

You should rethink how you heat your water. There are many other ways to do so that aren’t so energy-sapping, for example, the installation of tankless water heaters. Alternatively, you could use the power of the sun to heat your water, replacing the traditional water heater usage by anywhere from 50 to 90%.

DIY Guide: 4 Simple Steps To Fix A Leaking Tap

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If your tap is leaking slowly and you are looking for a quick and fairly easy DIY job, you might be able to get your tap back to tip-top shape without the need to call in a plumber. By following a few simple steps, you can save some money and get your tap back to normal quickly. 

If you have a screwdriver, rubber seals, O ring replacement, and some silicone on hand, you can get your taps back in great condition in no time at all. 

How to fix your leaking tap yourself 

First, you should determine the location of the leak, is it up near the handle or is it under the sink in the supply tube, you might need to check the stop valve as well to get an idea of exactly where the issue is located. 

Step 1: Turn off the water at the wall and remove the tap handle 

Before you start any work on your taps or plumbing you should always turn off the water to make sure you don’t get sprayed with water once you start your DIY. To remove the handle, you just need to figure out if there is a small screw that needs to be removed or if you have to use an Allen key or wrench. You will be able to figure this out at a glance. Once you have done this, it is time to replace the washers or discs for the tap.

Step 2: Take off washers and O rings 

For taps that have washers and O rings, now is the time to replace the parts with other washers or O rings. The easiest way to do this is to take the washers from your tap to your local hardware to ensure you are choosing an exact fit. If your tap has cartridges, you can take these to your hardware store and get them replaced to fix onto the taps in the following steps. 

Step 3: Clean in and around the inside of the taps 

Once everything is in parts, it is a great time to have a quick clean of the parts and add some silicone to the inside of the tap to ensure it is in good condition.  You can use a toothbrush to do this or some clean, dry wipes. 

Step 4: Add everything back together in reverse 

Now it is time to add everything back together to make sure your tap is in perfect order. Once you have re-assembled everything, you will need to turn the water back on and test everything is running well.

It is super important to ensure you source the right parts for your leaking taps, and while it might seem like you are running around the hardware store to find these small bits and pieces, it is essential that you get the right materials so that the tap works well. 

Final remarks

Many taps have their own repair kit which you can purchase from plumbing providers to get all of the parts and pieces in one handy pack, otherwise, suppliers such as Bunnings will have extensive plumbing accessories and parts available for most mainstream plumbing and tap brand. 

If you find that the steps didn’t end up solving your leaking tap issue, it is important to get in an experienced and licensed plumber to assist with the work. No matter the size of the job, a plumber has the experience and background to help with any problem and if you don’t feel confident doing the DIY plumbing yourself, you should call in someone to ensure the works get done properly and without delay. Get in touch with Tap This Plumbing if you need a hand with a plumbing emergency or for your general plumbing needs.

Why Choosing Quality Plumbing Products Is Essential For Repairs

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It’s all too easy to take things like running water and a flushing toilet for granted. When something goes wrong, however, minor plumbing issues can quickly become more than an annoyance, and you’ll need to call a licensed plumber for help. 

Regardless of whether you’re a plumber or a property owner, and undertaking repairs or upgrades, one of the things to prioritise in any plumbing job is using quality products. Resorting to cheaper, inferior parts and products might save you a bit of money upfront, but there are many reasons to use higher quality parts and components. 

Here are a few of the many reasons for investing in higher quality products for your plumbing system.

Common plumbing repairs

The water systems in your houses or business premises operate without your active attention for much of the time, but when something goes wrong, it can be disruptive and even become damaging to the property. 

Some of the most common plumbing repairs on the schedule include minor leaks from gas and water lines, running or blocked toilets, clogged drains, dripping faucets, burst pipes, damaged valves, and changes in water pressure.

Why quality products are essential?

Plumbers are also often called upon for emergencies to replace damaged, worn bathroom fixtures and taps. Other, bigger plumbing jobs can include replacing hot water systems, shower bases, bathtubs, and sinks. Using quality plumbing products can assist with:

Preventing water damage 

Plumbing systems deliver vital utility. If they are poorly maintained, it can do a lot of damage to the property through incidents like water leaks and flooding. Using quality plumbing and drainage products can minimise the risk of these unwanted events, as higher quality parts and components tend to last longer and are less prone to mechanical failure. 

Improve hygiene and good health 

With quality products, your plumbing system is better placed to handle clean water and wastewater properly at every stage. From entry to disposal, your system can ensure the best hygiene as well as public health and safety outcomes.

Reduce costs

Quality plumbing products are more durable and tend to be built to higher manufacturing standards. Over the longer term, this can save consumers on repair and maintenance costs, simply by avoiding inferior products that are quick to fail. It can also save plumbers on obligatory call-outs and lost customers when products fail within warranty or guaranteed performance periods. 

Easier installation

Inferior plumbing products might be harder and more time consuming to install. This wastes time for both consumers and plumbing professionals and can result in higher labour costs.

Longevity and performance 

The higher the quality of the product, the more efficiently it’s likely to function for a longer period of time, which leads to happier, more satisfied customers. 

General damage prevention 

Using higher quality parts could make your plumbing system more efficient and less prone to damage overall. For example, a poor quality water valve can damage a hot water tank, which means you’ll need more repairs.

Liability 

Property owners and others in charge of sites could be liable for water damage and other issues — including accidents — arising from this damage. For example, water damage could increase the risk of electrocution for your site visitors. Similarly, plumbers could be liable in some way if they don’t use certified, quality products, and this causes loss or damage. 

Warranty

High-quality parts could come with better warranty terms and conditions, which in turn can save both plumbers and consumers more time and money on repairs and maintenance.

Sourcing parts

Using inferior products could make it harder to service and repair plumbing components in the future. For example, if you install a poor-quality toilet and need to replace the tank or another component in the future, you might find it hard to source the replacement parts because the brand has gone out of business. You might need to do a complete system replacement instead of just replacing the damaged part. 

How to check the quality of plumbing products?

In Australia, a WaterMark Certificate is a good way to check whether a drainage or plumbing product is safe, durable, and quality. The scheme is regulated by the Australian government through the Australian Building Codes Board. It includes rigorous testing, certification, and annual auditing processes. 

The schedule of products is extensive, with everything from sanitary pumps to plumbing valves. The scheme is mandatory for certain products, however not all plumbing and drainage products that are required to have WaterMark certification do have it. So where possible, consumers and plumbers should insist on using only products with the certification.

Quality plumbing products are key

Choosing inexpensive, uncertified plumbing products can be tempting if you’re trying to save money, but it could end up costing you more eventually. For both plumbers and consumers, the risks include more repair, maintenance, and replacement costs. 

The higher quality the product, the more time you’ll save on delays, repairs, and repeat work. Customers will be more satisfied with your service, and you could be more likely to win repeat business.

So for consumers, looking out for the WaterMark Certificate is a simple way to find quality plumbing products. In addition, property owners can speak to their plumber for recommendations on the best products for their plumbing job.

Should A Landlord Or Tenant Be Responsible For Blocked Drains?

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Say you’ve recently rented a property and everything seems to be in working order. One day, however, you notice that your drain is blocked and causing you some issues.

The first thing that comes to mind would be to call your landlord. During the call, your landlord tells you that the responsibility doesn’t fall on them, but on you instead. Could this be possible? 

Figuring out who’s responsible for a blocked drain can be a real struggle, especially if your rental agreement doesn’t explicitly state these kinds of issues or tell you who should be fixing what issue.

If you’re feeling frustrated from your blocked drain, don’t fret, the below will provide you a clearer picture of when it’s your landlord’s responsibility, and when you should be calling a professional plumber to rectify the issue.

When are blocked drains a landlord’s responsibility?  

Before you move into the rental, your landlord is obligated to ensure that the space is in pristine condition. This doesn’t just refer to the overall cleanliness of the space, it also refers to the plumbing and drainage system.

Once you’ve moved in, the landlord still needs to be in the picture, and be responsible for ensuring that the premises are in a state of ‘reasonable’ repair – once again, this refers to all plumbing systems and fixtures situated on the property.

If the matter is urgent, check if any of these issues are listed on the initial tenancy agreement. If there are particular repairs listed there then it’s the landlord’s responsibility to pay for those.

Even if it’s not listed, it’s most likely that these urgent repairs will still fall under the landlord’s care. Some examples of urgent issues would include things like the bursting of pipes, flooding, and serious leakages. 

If such an issue were to occur, you should contact your landlord immediately and let them know.

Flooding for one can ruin furniture, décor, and supplies – especially if not remedied quickly. Your landlord should then contact an expert that’ll be able to adequately handle a plumbing emergency. 

When are blocked drains a tenant’s responsibility? 

Similar to the landlord, you should make sure the property is in good condition before signing the agreement and moving in.

While a landlord may be responsible for any significant maintenance that’s required on the property, you’re obligated to take care of any minor household updates.

If you or your guests cause any damage to the property, it’s your responsibility to pay for the damages.

In the case of a blocked drain, it’d be your obligation to pay for the repairs if you were intentionally shoving large pieces of food down the waste disposal – even if you knew it was going to eventually cause a clog.  

When should the landlord pay for a blocked drain? 

As mentioned earlier, it’s highly dependent on the contract. However, a landlord would automatically be held responsible if the issue was caused by negligence.

An example would be your landlord not properly inspecting the space or checking if there were any plumbing issues before renting it out to you. 

For the landlord to pay for the fix, it must also be proven that you’re not responsible for the damage, and it was the landlord’s negligence that caused the blocked drain. 

Summing up

While blocked drains generally aren’t difficult to rectify, it could easily escalate into a bigger issue. If you choose to fix it on your own, it’s best to keep open communication with your landlord and let them know that you had to deal with a blocked drain issue.

Keeping the channels of communication open will help with establishing a relationship of trust between both parties. In an ideal situation, you’d want to be able to communicate with your landlord openly.

The last thing you’d want is for any issue to escalate into a conflict or a dispute between you and the landlord. If this were to happen, things could get messy, and you might need to involve an independent third party to help with mediating the issue.

Request an EstimateCall us for an estimate on 0403 654 870 or complete the following form.

    
Get an Estimate

Request an Estimate

Call us for a quote on 0403 654 870 or complete the following form.

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