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101 guide to ALL THINGSplumbingWHAT YOU CAN DO YOURSELFWHEN TO CALLTHE PLUMBER

Hi, I’m Ben...www.dreamplumbing.com.au The first thing you’ll know about me is that I am a family man, sobelieve me that I totally get that there are times you want to fixthings around the house yourself. As an experienced plumber it’ssomething I get asked all the time: ‘Not sure if you need to comeout or not. Is there something I can do to fix it?’Sometimes? Yes, you can. Other times? Don’t go near it with a ten-foot plunger. That old saying ‘get an expert to do an expert job’rings true every time. Hey, I wouldn’t get a mechanic to do mydental work. Having said that, there really are a few things you canDIY and my team and I have put together this booklet to explain:What’s legalWhat you can do with step-by-step instructions showing you how andWhat we / other licensed plumbers do and whyIf you need us? DreamPlumbing & Gas offer the lot:from maintenance & plumbingemergencies, drainage andpipe clearing, gas services,quality solar heat pumps,Thermostatic Mixing Valveinstallation + testing, roofplumbing, concrete cuttingand core hole drilling to fullbathroom renovations.Otherwise? Use this 101 guideand happy DIY plumbing! Ben.

First things first: Is it legal?Think beforeyou try to fixthat sinkWhat DIY is even legal?Shower head replacementsIrrigation systems if downstreamfrom a tap, or if it’s an isolating valveChanging tap washersReplacement sanitary drain capsGround level grates - maintenanceand cleaning of the traps on thedrainsDrain clearing with a plunger or drainsnakeWhat’s not?Any work that deals with sewerageAny work that deals with drinkingwaterAny gas work (must be done by aplumber with a gas fitting licenceand must include a gas compliancecertificate)Any work on hot water systemsHey, we love a‘can do’attitude too,but Australianlaw is prettyclear: somethings justshouldn't beattemptedunless you’rea licensedplumber. In fact you’renot legallyallowed.DID YOU KNOW FINES OF $32,000 CAN APPLY IF YOUR DIYWORK IS INDENTIFIED UNDER THE 2018 DRAINAGE ACT? PLUS YOU WON’T BE INSURED IF THERE’S A PROBLEM AND ITCOULD COMPROMISE THE SALE OF YOUR PROPERTY, SO IF IN DOUBT, GIVE US A CALL

DIY: What (and how)to do it yourselfShower head replacements There’s a few reasons why you might want tochange your shower head. Perhaps you wantstronger water pressure, or to save on water orenergy, or maybe you want a nicer looking headthan the rusty old one hanging in yourbathrooms. The good news is that it’s relativelycheap and easy to do. The bad news is, thingscan go very wrong. Let’s start with the step-by-step process:Turn off the water supplyWARNING: WHAT COULD GO WRONG:WE’VE SEEN PLENTY OF PROBLEMS FROM DIY SHOWER HEAD REPLACEMENTS. DON’T USE EXCESSIVE FORCE AS YOU COULD BE MOVING THE THREAD AND PIPES IN THE WALL. WATCH OUT FOR A CLICKING SOUND!REMEMBER, YOU DON’T WANT TO ENDANGER YOUR INSURANCE. IT IS OFTEN SAFER TO CALL A LICENCED PLUMBER FOR THIS JOB.You’ll need a wrench set, a microfibre cloth, a wall shower arm, ashower head and thread seal tape.Get your materials and tools readyYou don’t want any leaking issue so find and turn off the watersupply to the shower.Remove the old shower headUse a shifter to grip the base of the old shower head where it isconnected to the shower arm and turn counterclockwise. It shouldloosen. Unscrew the shower head and remove.Remove the old shower arm and apply threadRemove the old shower arm and cover plate, clean around theshower thread then wrap the thread seal tape clockwise, nice neatand tight so it prevents any future leaks.Install your new shower headMount the new (or remount the old) cover plate then screw on yournew shower arm then shower head, using the shifter to tighten.

DIY: What (and how)to do it yourselfChanging tap washers Sounds simple but so many people put it off -and a dripping tap can really waste water! Thegood news it really IS simple and inexpensivetoo. Here’s what to do:Turn off the water supply andturn on the tap to release anyremaining waterNOTE: IF YOUR TAP IS STILL DRIPPING AFTER YOUCHANGE THE WASHER, IT COULD BE EITHER THATTHE WASHER IS THE WRONG TYPE OR SIZE, OR THATYOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE VALVE SEAT WHICHWILL REQUIRE A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER.Get your spare washer and adjustable spannerready Using your adjustable spanner, turn the tapbody anti-clockwiseRemove the old washer and replace it with anew one.Refit the tap body and tighten it with anadjustable spanner.Irrigation systemsYou can implement irrigation systems as longas they are on a downstream from a tap or anisolating valve. This can be handy for gardenersbut watch out below. Digging can be adangerous business! Keep it above ground.

DIY: What (and how)to do it yourselfSanitary cap replacementand ground level grates -maintenance and cleaningSanitary cap replacement is straightforward butremember, you are only replacing the cap, notattempting any pipe or drainage work. Groundlevel grates need to be cleaned and cared for toensure that you don’t allow blockages to causewater backing up and possible flooding. It’s easyenough to do, as follows:Remove grateNOTE: IF YOU THINK YOUR GRATE MIGHT, OR IT DOESSTART TO OVERFLOW / CAUSES FLOODING, CALL USIMMEDIATELY. LIKELY YOU HAVE BLOCKAGES INYOUR PIPES THAT ONLY A LICENSED PLUMBER CANADDRESS, AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE IMAGE ABOVE.Locate the drain grateRemove debrisReattach the grateA drain grate is a metal or plastic grid and is usually found in themiddle or lower part of your outdoor area or beneath gutters. You should be able to prize away the grate easily enough but iftrust or debris makes the grate stubborn, try using a blast of thehose and a screwdriver to free it.Remove the debris by hand or with a with a hand cultivator.

DIY: What (and how)to do it yourselfDrain clearing with aplunger or drain snakeBlocked drains are very much a plumber’sdomain in most cases, however legally youcan try using a plunger or a drain snake orauger which are simple devices you canpurchase at the hardware store. Be verycareful and do the following:Gently push until you feel theblockageWARNING: EVEN IF YOU HAVE SOME TEMPORARY SUCCESSIN UNCLOGGING YOUR DRAIN THE PROBLEM WILL ALMOSTALWAYS COME BACK AND IT WILL ONLY GROW (ESPECIALLYIF TREE ROOTS ARE THE ISSUE - AND THEY OFTEN ARE).PREVENTION IS CHEAPER THAN CURE!ONLY A LICENSED PLUMBER CAN FIND THE TRUE CAUSE OFTHE BLOCKAGE USING A CCTV DRAIN INSPECTION CAMERA.WE CAN THEN CLEAR THE ISSUE USING PROFESSIONALEXCAVATION AND PLUMBING EQUIPMENT (PICTURED) ANDREPLACE YOUR PIPES IF NECCESSARY. REMEMBER: DON’T GO DIGGING YOURSELF FOR BOTHEXTREME SAFETY AND INSURANCE REASONS. WE ARE HERE TO HELP.Put the drain snake into the drain hole andtwist the handleTurn the snake until you can feel the blockagecome free

General PlumbingLegally, you need a plumber for anywork that deals with sewerage,drinking & hot water and that’s wherea lot of general plumbing workrevolves around. Whether it’s fixing aleaking tap or needing new pipework,burst or blocked pipes and flooding,sewerage seepage or a broken,overflowing gutter, needing your hotwater system fixed or installing a newone, Dream Plumbing can and willcome out - including if it’s anemergence 24/7....but why do I needa plumber for worklike this?Only a licensed plumber knows how to avoid the many dangersinvolved in managing sewerage, drinking water and hot watersystems, let alone flooding. Additionally, digging can be a dangerousundertaking when you don’t know where power lines or pipesactually lay. There’s a reason plumbing involves long accreditationand apprenticeship processes - you need to know your stuff!Nothing is more important than your family and work colleagues'health and safety. Nothing is worth risking that to save a few buckseither, and believe us, it will usually cost a whole lot more, includingfines, insurance risk...the list goes on. Plus, we have the equipmentand we’re fast. The less exposure to sewerage the better, right?What we can doWHEN A PLUMBING EMERGENCY ARISES, IT CANCOME WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSE MAJORDISRUPTION TO YOUR PROPERTY. IT WILL ALSOOFTEN POSE A MAJOR HEALTH AND SAFETYRISK, WHICH IS WHY YOU REALLY DO NEEDSKILLED AND RELIABLE TECHNICIANS.

What we can doGas PlumbingGas can be an economic and highly effective resource in yourhome or business, however messing around with gas can be adangerous hazard in the wrong hands. Legally you need alicensed plumber to handle your gas supply and to install yourappliances. Dream Plumbing & Gas take this responsibility veryseriously and we’ve spent years perfecting our knowledge andskills. Why wait until it’s an emergency? If you have any concernsabout your gas connections, systems or appliances, call us for arepairs or maintenance. Gas is something you don’t want to muckaround with, especially when it comes to looking after the safetyof your family and/or business.GAS UPGRADES / REPLACEMENTTHINKING OF CONVERTING TO OR UPGRADING YOUREXISTING HOT WATER, COOKING AND HEATING TO GAS?DREAM PLUMBING AND GAS ARE EXPERTS IN GAS FITTINGAND UPGRADES. WE CAN DISCUSS A HUGE RANGE OFOPTIONS INCLUDING COSTS, ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORSAND CONNECTION OPTIONS TO MAIN GAS LINES.

What we can doBlocked DrainsBlocked drains are one of thosethings you can really put off, evenwhen the warning signs are allthere that there’s a big problembrewing that won’t be goingaway, i.e. gurgling sounds, risingwater in the toilet, a slowlyemptying sink etc.Fact is, more often or not it’s a treeroot that is causing the problemand it will only grow. Literally. Justlook at some of the stuff we’vepulled out on the right!All water has to go somewhereand the last thing you want is forthe blockage to flood your homeand garden. Blocked drains andexcess rain can lead to some bigproblems, but it won’t be too bigfor us. AS LICENSED PLUMBERS, WE HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENTTO DEAL WITH BLOCKED DRAINS AND PIPES INCLUDINGCCTV DRAINAGE CAMERAS, HIGH PRESSURE JETS,ELECTRIC EELS AND DIGGERS.

What we can doRoofs and GuttersYou know you don’t reallywant to get up on thatroof...and seriously? You reallyshouldn’t. Especially when youconsider that you probablydon’t have the right safetygear, nor do you really knowwhat you’re going to find. Whether your gutters areclogged with debris or evengrowing plants, (no kidding -look at what we found!), or ifthey’re cracked or leaking, wehave the expertise to quicklyand efficiently address theissue. You might need newguttering or flashing, orperhaps your roof is damaged.Even the foundations of yourhouse. Don’t mess aroundwith it. Call us or a licensedplumber and save yourselfboth the hassle and risk ortrying to handle guttersyourself.

3 surprising factsDid you know...Most bathroom renovations involve multiple skillsand tradesmen but at Dream Plumbing & Gas wemanage the entire project ourselves?A dripping tap can add an average of $100 - $450 ayear onto your water bill?Solar hot water heat pumps can save you $800+per year on your bill. Plus we can organise yourrebate!IN SUMMARY, THE 101 OF PLUMBING IS THAT LICENSED PLUMBERSGO THROUGH ALL THEIR TRAINING AND LICENSING PROCESSES FORGOOD REASON. BY ALL MEANS, DIY WHAT YOU CAN BUT WHEN ITCOMES TO SAVING MONEY AND STAYING WITHIN THE LAW /PROTECTING YOUR INSURANCE COVER? MAKE SURE YOU CALL US. NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR SMALL, WE’RE AVAILABLE 24/7 AND WE’LL DO A DREAM JOB, EVERY TIME.