WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON HOUSEHOLD PLUMBING PROBLEM?

There is a lot that could go wrong in your piping system and it can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of a plumbing problem. However, if we had to narrow it down, the most common numbing problem we come across is actually people's hot water units that have stopped working.

The most common household plumbing problem we encounter is people's hot water units that have stopped working. This is usually due to age, lack of maintenance, or a combination of both. If your hot water unit is not heating up, it is probably time for you to call in a professional plumber to take a look. They can run some diagnostics and, if necessary, replace your old hot water unit with a new one to get you back up and running.

There are 4 main types of hot water systems in Aus: electric storage units, gas storage units, solar hot water systems, and instantaneous. Each type of hot water system has its own unique set of benefits so it is important to do your research before making a decision.

The common problem with electrical storage units is that their heating element can become corroded and fail over time. Gas storage units can develop a range of problems, such as gas leaks or pilot lighting issues. Solar hot water systems are great for those living in sunny climates but can be expensive to install and maintain. Instantaneous units are the most energy efficient but can be sensitive to changes in pressure or temperature.

No matter what type of unit you have, it is important to get regular maintenance done on it to ensure that it is working at optimal levels. Otherwise, you may find yourself facing a plumbing emergency!

WHEN DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR A WATER LEAK?

If you own the property, you are responsible for its maintenance of it and this includes any potential water leaks. Generally speaking, if there is a water leak on your property, you will need to pay for it unless the issue was caused by a third-party.

Third-party water leaks can include water mains or pipes that are owned by a third-party, such as your local water board. If these third-party pipes have failed and caused a water leak, you may be able to make an insurance claim to cover some of the costs.

If it is a minor repair, you can usually pay for it out-of-pocket or through your homeowner's insurance. If the damage is more extensive, however, you may need to take out a loan or use credit to cover the bill. No matter what, it is important that you get the leak fixed quickly and effectively to prevent further damage to your property.

Let's say the pipes connected to appliances are damaged, then who is responsible?

If the pipes connected to your appliances are damaged, then you as the homeowner will be responsible for the repair. Depending on the type of appliance, you may need to call in a specialist or an experienced plumber who can assess the issue and determine what needs to be done.

It's important that you get any plumbing issues sorted out quickly as they can lead to costly repairs down the line.

WHO PAYS FOR WATER DAMAGE IN THE APARTMENT BELOW?

If a pipe is leaking in an apartment building, the cost of water damage to the unit below it may be covered by the body corporate or landlord’s insurance. However, if the leak is in a single-family home, then it will be up to you as the homeowner to pay for the repair.

In other cases, it may be the individual apartment owner's insurance that will have to cover the cost of any water damage caused by a pipe leak. Especially if it has affected the apartments below it.

WHAT TO DO IF A PIPE IS LEAKING?

If your pipes are leaking, you should take these steps to prevent further water damage to your property:

1. Isolate the leaky pipe by turning off the main water valve at your home's water meter box. Locate this box at the front of your property.

In Queensland, you'll find these black or green plastic boxes containing the emergency stop button. All you have to do is lift up the lid and turn it off. Sometimes they're a bit hard to turn off, so you might need some help.

2. Call a plumber to fix the problem as soon as possible

3. Turn off the power supply to any appliances that use the leaky pipe or water-related equipment in your home, such as a washing machine or dishwasher.

4. Cover any visible leak with a bucket or bowl to collect the water and prevent it from soaking into your carpet, furniture, walls or floors.

5. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air in to help dry out the space as quickly as possible.

6. If the water is coming from a hot water system, shut off the power supply to it as well.

7. Finally, if there is significant water damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to make a claim.

No matter who is responsible for the cost of a leaking pipe, the most important thing is to take action quickly. If left unattended, a leaking pipe can cause extensive damage to the property, leading to costly repairs. To repair the leak, you may need to call in an experienced plumber who can assess the issue and determine what needs to be done.

In any case, it is important to always stay vigilant and pay attention to any signs of water damage in your home. Taking action quickly can help prevent further damage and save you money in the long run.

At Mitchells Plumbing Brisbane, we are here to help you with any plumbing needs you may have. We are experienced in all areas of plumbing, from small repairs to major emergencies. Contact us today and let us help you get your pipes in order!