Call Now

Blog

How do plumbers find leaks in your homes?

October 30, 2021 in Blogs

Water Leaks at Home: What To Do

If you are a homeowner, at some point, you’re likely to experience plumbing issues. A toilet could back up and overflow, or your taps could start dripping. Not all homes have the same plumbing systems making it even harder to pin down what is causing a problem. You might be surprised to know many leaks go undetected because they occur in places that are out of sight. Unless you  inspect your water bill regularly or have a professional inspect your home for water leaks, you could be wasting hundreds of dollars a year. Even the smallest pinhole leak in a pipe can destroy an entire wall, which is why it’s important to keep on top of your plumbing maintenance.

So what do you do when there is a leak you can’t see? That’s where we come in. At JCS Plumbing, our plumbers are leak-detection experts.

Read on to learn more about how plumbers detect leaks in your home.

 

How can you tell you have a water leak?

If a pipe has burst and water is dripping through the walls, you know something is wrong. But if you have a slow leak, it can be harder to spot. Here are some of the signs indicating you have a water leak:

  • Stains on floors, ceiling, and walls
  • Wet spots beneath leaks from the ceiling
  • Visible mould and mildew on walls backing onto showers and baths
  • Strange, musty smells (an indicator of mould or mildew)
  • An increase in your water bill (in usage and cost)
  • Very slight sounds of water running when no one is using water.

 

What causes water leaks?

Water leaks can be caused by many different issues, here are the most common:

  • Overall wear and tear of pipes over time
  • Overgrown tree roots breaking or compromising underground water pipes
  • Animals burrowing or digging into pipes
  • Weather fluctuations
  • Malfunctioning of pipelines
  • Bursting of water pipes

 

Confirming you have a leak

If you notice visible water damage in your home, don’t wait; just give us a call. If you can smell something funny, see an increase in your water bills, or think there’s a leak, further tests may be necessary.

 

Start by running this test

Check the water meter. It should have a leak indicator, which typically looks like a small wheel, or triangle. The leak indicator identifies small amounts of water moving through the pipes of your home. If you’ve successfully turned off everything else using water and yours is still moving, you have a plumbing leak. It’s time to call JCS Plumbers.

 

Other indoor leaks

There are other sources of water damage in your home:

  • Baths and showers: this can happen when waterproof caulking or grout wears thin or cracks, allowing water to get between floor tiles.
  • Appliances: if the water damage is around your dishwasher or washing machine, double-check that the problem doesn’t stem from either the appliance or its connections or drain-outs.
  • Water Heaters: if you notice water pooled around the bottom of your water heater, there’s a leak. The water heater’s pressure-relief valve can also open to release water (and pressure) from the tank.

 

Is the leak coming from a pipe or my roof?

If you have a wet spot on your ceiling, it will likely be either a roof leak or a leaking pipe. Roof leaks are common, especially after bad storms. All you need is a roof tile to shift a little for water to get in and cause problems. If it’s a leaking pipe, you’ll need an experienced plumber to repair or replace the faulty part.

 

Call JCS Plumbing in Perth

Successful leak detection takes intuition and prior knowledge. Our team of experienced plumbers has experience with many types of residential leaks, and they know how to repair a water leak fast.

Water leaks don’t fix themselves, which is why you need a professional team of emergency plumbers to help. For over 15 years in Perth, WA, JCS Plumbing has grown our reputation as honest, friendly, and reliable plumbers – and we are proud of that reputation. Our high-quality, 24-hour plumbing maintenance service means we’re always ready to help, no matter the time or the situation.

Call us today for an obligation-free quote and let us help you find the answer to your gas and water plumbing problems.

gas fitters perth

October 28, 2021 in Blogs

Experts' Advice on What to Do When There's a Gas Leak at Home

For years, Australians have used gas in their households. And while the use of gas is entirely safe, a gas leak poses the threat of explosion or fire occurring, putting lives and houses at risk. Any gas line or pipe can break, crack or leak. Changes in the condition of your gas piping can result from shifting soil, corrosion underground, tree roots growing and compromising, and many other common causes. Sometimes homeowners have no idea there is an issue until it’s too late. But what do you do if you suspect a gas leak in your home?

Read on to learn more about gas leaks from JCS Plumbing’s experienced gas fitters in Perth.

 

Catching a gas leak before it’s too late

You may remember the smell of rotten eggs from high school science class. That sulfurous odour is one of the most common signs of a gas leak. If you can smell it – call a licensed gas fitter immediately. JCS Plumbing’s expert team can assess your gas line and determine the next steps.

Other common signs of gas leaks include:

  • hissing or whistling sounds near the line
  • clouds of dust or white mist near the line
  • Bubbles in your water
  • Dead houseplants
  • Visible damage to your gas line, pipe, or the ground around it

Another sign you may have a slow leak is a higher-than-normal gas bill.

 

Physical Symptoms of a gas leak

If gas has been leaking for a while without being identified, you may experience some of the following symptoms. These are serious, and you shouldn’t ignore them. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue or frequent, heavy drowsiness
  • Headaches
  • Light-headedness
  • Eye or throat irritation
  • Nausea
  • Nosebleeds
  • Ringing in ears
  • Decreased appetite
  • Mood changes or depression
  • Other flu-like symptoms.

If even one person shows symptoms like these, get professional help immediately.

 

Furry friends

Your family pets may display symptoms of a gas leak before you do. If you notice changes in behaviour, disorientation, red or watering eyes, vomiting, lack of appetite, or any other strange symptoms or behaviour, take them straight to the vet, and call an emergency plumber.

 

What to do if you suspect a gas leak?

If you suspect a leak and witness any potential gas leak symptoms, don’t wait.

Take these steps:

  1. Immediately evacuate your home: don’t wait, don’t take any risks. Even a minor leak can lead to potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and explosions.
  2. Stop using all electrical devices: a spark from an electrical device, phone, or light can be enough to ignite even a small gas leak. Don’t touch any electrical devices—even light switches. If something is on, leave it on. If it’s off, leave it off. Leave everything as is and go as turning an electrical item off or on can cause a spark.
  3. Leave your doors open: this can help some of the gas escape and help curb the risk to your home and property.
  4. Call your gas provider and 000: once you’re at a safe distance from your home, call 000 and your gas company. Once they’ve arrived at the scene and made it safe, they’ll inspect your property, your gas line and ensure everything is okay for you to return.
  5. Call JCS Plumbing: once any emergency is over, call JCS Plumbing. Our expert gas fitters in Perth can assess your current gas line and pipes and advise you of the safe, practical next steps. We may recommend preventative measures, such as ongoing regular line maintenance to avoid future gas emergencies.

 

Why choose JCS Plumbing a Gas Fitters in Perth?

Our 15 years of experience have given us a reputation as one of Perth’s most reliable services for your water and gas plumbing needs. Our high-quality, 24-hour plumbing service means we are always ready to help, no matter the time or the situation.

Contact JCS Plumbing and let us perform an expert gas line evaluation. We’ll help curb future leaks and keep your lines running effectively, efficiently, and safely by identifying potential risks. If you are even slightly unsure about whether you have potential gas leaks, don’t take a chance; call us immediately.

Call us today for an obligation-free quote, and we’ll figure out the best way to help you!

plumber

June 24, 2021 in Blogs

Introduction to the Tasks of a Plumber

Plumbing is a dirty job someone else has to do – which in most residential plumbing cases is pretty accurate. But plumbing is much more complex than that, so if you want to know what plumbers actually do, read on.

Read More

gas plumber

June 19, 2021 in Blogs

Do Plumbers Deal with Gas?

The simple answer is yes! While most people think of plumbers, they think of blocked toilets, leaking taps, and broken water lines. Almost every home and commercial property in Perth use gas in some way.

Read More

no hot water

March 18, 2021 in Blogs, DIY Tips

What to do when you have no hot water?

There is nothing worse than standing in the shower, waiting for the hot water that never comes as you slowly accept your cold-showered fate. Although some people swear by daily cold showers, for the rest of us, running out of hot water in the house is nothing but a nuisance.

Read More

backflow testing commercial plumbing in perth

November 2, 2020 in Blogs

What You Should Know about Plumbing Routine: Backflow Testing

It is legally required for businesses in Australia to conduct a backflow test annually, by a licensed plumber. This is because although backflow prevention devices are highly useful, they, like all technology, can fail or may need repairs. In this article, we explore what backflow testing is, and why you should make it part of your plumbing routine.

Read More