Tips on working with plumbers

When installing a BioSeptic system or a Sydney Water Tank you will often need to source a plumber. It is vital to find a plumber that is highly-skilled, professional and adheres to strict legislated Australian standards and has appropriate insurance.

Here are some helpful hints on helping you to select and work with a plumber:

  1. Always use a licensed plumber
    1. Licensed plumbers can legally carry out plumbing and drainage work. It is illegal for anyone who is unlicensed to carry out any plumbing work.
  2. Ask your plumber for identification
    1. Make sure you site their license card, which will have photo identification, a license number, the plumber’s name and an expiry date.
    2. Make sure that the type of work you are hiring them to do it ticked on their card.
  3. Request a compliance certificate
    1. A compliance certificate will help to protect you against any defective work by licensed plumbers. It is your right as a consumer to see this certificate.
  4. Ask about your manufacturer’s warranty conditions
    1. A number of appliance manufacturers necessitate that a licensed plumber install them. If this does not occur, then the warranty and insurance could be jeopardised.
  5. Get a written quote before starting work
    1. Always ask for a written quote for the total cost and a detailed description of the work to be undertaken.
  6. Make sure the work is insured
    1. To be issued with a plumbing license, every licensed plumber must be covered by insurance. Without a license, you bear the cost of any repairs.
  7. If you are not happy with the work done – speak up
    1. If you are dissatisfied with the work carried out, it is recommended that you:
      1. Contact the tradesperson, giving them the opportunity to rectify any problems
      2. If this does not resolve the issue, contact the plumbers licensing board
      3. If this process does not settle the issue, then a formal complaint can be lodged with the NSW Department of Fair Trading

Plumbers who comply with the above basic requirements mean your installation for either your BioSeptic system or Sydney Water Tank will be smooth and error free. It also means that a properly installed system will comply with all council requirements for installation, maintenance, service and operation.

 

Sources:

The Plumbing Industry Commission: http://www.pic.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/1.061806_Top_ten_tips_for_using_a_licensed_plumber_PMc.doc

The Building Commission WA

http://www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au/docs/consumers/uselicensedplumberbrochure.pdf

Our top suggestions in utilising your rainwater tank

Having a rainwater tank installed in your home allows you to utilise harvested rainwater in your home and garden. To ensure you take full advantage of this free water supply, there are a number of things for you to consider, helping you make sure you are getting the most from your water system.

Make sure you are utilising the water in your rainwater tank in as many ways as you can. It makes sense to use this free water supply for these functions rather than paying for town water! Here are our top suggestions:

  • Watering your garden and lawn – water from your rainwater tank is better for your garden and lawn because it is chemically untreated and completely natural. During warm weather, it is best to water your garden and lawn in the morning or evening.
  • Washing your car – rainwater is softer than mains water so you need less detergents when washing your car.
  • Filling your swimming pool, spas, ornamental ponds or water features.
  • Connect your tank to your toilets and laundry, so tank water is used to flush toilets and wash your clothes, rather than mains water.

Your rainwater tank will generally require little maintenance; however there are a few things you can do to help gain the best benefit from your rainwater system:

  1. Regularly clear gutters and roof catchment – keeping them free of debris such as leaves , twigs and vermin
  2. Remove tree branches overhanging on your roof
  3. Check any protective mesh regularly and replace them if damaged – to prevent algae from forming and mosquitoes breeding
  4. Ensure that overflows from air conditioners or hot water systems don’t discharge into the overflow area of your rainwater tank
  5. Tanks should be examined for accumulation of sludge at least every 2-3 years

By ensuring your rainwater tank is properly maintained, you will be able to utilise this free natural resource around your home. By doing this, you are not only saving money but you are also helping to preserve the environment.

Read More:

Tips to help you determine what size rainwater tank you need

 

Are you looking for Galvanised RHS?

Are you a plumber and looking for Galvanised RHS?

Well look no further, we stock and sell galvanised RHS right here at Sydney Water Tanks.

Our high quality, hot dipped galvanised RHS are suitable for council crossovers to connect a stormwater system to the kerb gutter. Like all our products here at Sydney Water Tanks, we guarantee quality. Our Galvanised RHS and have been certified to AS39996.2006, so you know you will be walking away with a product that meets our high standards.

The dimensions are: 200 x 100 x 4mm, length 5.8m.

We have stock ready now for pick up or delivery. Contact us today on 1800 041 111 to find out more.

 

Building a Sustainable Home – key areas to discuss with your builder and architect

When building your new home, consider building sustainably. There are however, several things to think about when building a sustainable home and must be considered during the design phase with your builder or architect.

 

Grand Design Australia identified 6 key areas that can be discussed with your builder or architect to help build a sustainable home:

 

1. Location – What is the position of your home? Discuss privacy, views and your home’s access to the sun.

2. Floor Plan – Is your floor plan the best fit for the block and is it designed to make the most of your home’s access to sun?

3. Heating and Cooling – Consider the size of your household and ongoing running costs when making decisions about the type of hot water system to use (Solar often pays for itself with time). Do you have gas or electric? Can good design features reduce your reliance on heating and cooling appliances? What appliances can you use that are energy efficient?

4. Fittings and Appliances – Does your home make the best use of natural light? What are your lighting requirements? Chart the ongoing running costs of using energy saving globes such as LED. Think about your major energy using appliances in the home – the energy star rating of your fridge, the water star rating of your washing machine and so on.

5. Colours and Finishes – some flooring is more sustainable than others, some paints and varnishes are less toxic and lower in emissions. You can also choose building materials that are either more natural or lower in emissions.

6. Outdoor Living – Don’t forget about your garden when building a new sustainable home! The plan of your outdoor area can help to control the amount of sun your home gets in winter and shade in summer, which in turn can affect your energy usage. Installing a rainwater tank and using native plants can help to save water. You might also consider a grey water system so that you can re-use your waste water.

 

Building a sustainable home includes installing a rainwater tank that efficiently manages water use around your new home.  A Sydney Water Tank combined with Sydney Water Tanks’ Rain Switch ensures maximum efficiency of rainwater storage and use in your home. The Rain Switch intelligently controls the water supply from the rainwater tank and town water system to your new home. By building a sustainable home, you’re helping the environment and your wallet by saving money through the reduced household energy and water bills. For more information on Rainwater Tanks, visit our website or share this article with someone you know who may be thinking of building a new home – they’ll thank you for it!

Source: Lifestyle.com.au  

Read More:

What BASIX requirements are there for new homes?