Seven Plumbing Emergency Myths That Cost Sydney Homeowners Money

The internet contains lots of plumbing tips from folks who otherwise would have no concept of a wrench. Some of it is relatively safe. Of course, some of it is actually harmful. Let’s dive into seven myths we hear from Sydney homeowners along with the reality of each of these myths.

You typically “Googled it” when a situation like a plumbing issue arises at an inconvenient time. The internet, helpful as it can be, will present you with some very useful information, and some complete bullshit, in one article. Below are 7 myths that we hear every day on callout that will cost you money, time and/or both.

Myth 1: Chemical Drain Cleaners Fix Blocked Drains

The reality: Chemical drain cleaners are the least useful thing on the shelf of any supermarket. They consist of caustic chemicals, commonly sodium hydroxide or sulphuric acid, which produce hot water within the pipe that solubilises the organic stuff. Theoretically they do dissolve the clog. In fact they corrode old pipes, cause damage to rubber seals, weaken joints and present a chemical danger to the plumber who opens the next pipe.

Chemical cleaners are particularly effective in helping to create the blockages when there is terracotta or earthenware pipe or old ceramic pipe, as found in many homes in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. You pour the chemical in there, it melts the grease but it also dissolves away the mortar between the sections of pipe and next month the roots are coming through the melted grease that much quicker.

Call in a plumber if there is a clog with a drain jetting machine. Boiling water is safer than chemicals and is approximately as effective as chemicals for minor grease buildup if draining slowly. Do NOT put chemicals down the drains.

Myth 2: A Running Toilet Is an Emergency

The facts: A toilet that keeps running – the water cycling through the cistern without pause – is not an emergency, it’s simply a problem with the inlet valve or flush seal on the toilet. Does not save water and will be reflected on the water bill, but will not ruin a home in one night. If you are only cutting the water at the isolation tap behind the toilet, turn it clockwise and then call a plumber during his working hours. It is a repair costing $150-$250 and is not worth an after-hours call-out.

The exception is when the toilet overflows and won’t shut off–that is something completely different. If the toilet overflows and you can’t stop the water, that’s an emergency, as you have sewage on the floor of your bathroom. But some cistern is constantly recirculating water? Monday morning job.

Myth 3: You Should Wait for the Insurance Assessor Before Fixing Anything

The reality: Insurance companies are going to expect you to take reasonable measures to minimize damage. That means to call the plumber immediately, cut the water off and start drying the water damage. If you don’t get a water damage assessment after three days, or if you leave the water there, the insurance firm may incur damage minimisation costs and hence lessen the payout amount.

Fix the pipe. Dry the area. Take pictures and retain the plumber’s record. It is not necessary for the assessor to observe the water moving to make an assessment – they can just see it later.

Myth 4: All Plumbers Can Do Gas Work

The facts: Gas fitting is a separate licence to general plumbing in NSW. It’s possible that your qualified tap and drain unblocker is not qualified to do gas tapping, gas appliance repair or gas leak repairs. When faced with such a situation, you should seek the services of a gas fitting licensed plumber, and you should demand this.

When people have had gas work done they need to have a compliance certificate issued. If he or she fails to give one, the work might not be legal and your insurance policy might not apply to incidences.

Myth 5: A Small Leak Can Wait Indefinitely

The reality: Leaks are dynamic and won’t remain a small leak. It’s a well-worn one. The drip today will become a seep tomorrow and turn into a stream next week. The leaking pipe, valve or fitting is actually leaking, corroding, eroding or not tightened. The leak will worsen, it’s just a matter of when.

More importantly, moisture absorption is occurring in the vicinity of the leak. Timber framing swells. Plasterboard softens. Mould starts to grow in the wall cavity in 48 hours to 72 hours of persistent moisture and mould decontamination is much more costly than the plumbing repair can be required to prevent it.

A small leak is not an after hours emergency, but this week will be the time to see about it. Prevent it from becoming a problem for the next month.

Myth 6: Turning the Water On and Off Resets the Problem

The reality: We’ve gotten to the point where we are called out by homeowners who have tried turning the water on and off to see if the leak stopped. It didn’t stop. It never stops. Switching the water off prevents the water from running. Switch it back on; the pressure returns to the same failure point. Leak will restart at its previous point.

In case of emergency, turn off the water and not turn it back on until the plumber has fixed the issue. Each time it is turned on “just to check”, it further welts the damaged site and prolongs the drying process.

Myth 7: The Cheapest Emergency Plumber Is the Best Choice

The real truth: If you are like me, at 2am when you have water all over the ground, you call whoever has the lowest price. However, the lowest emergency plumbing company may take a few shortcuts that you cannot notice: deployment of low-grade materials, failing to pressure test and inspect the plumbing after a repair, neglecting to camera inspect a drain after cleaning, and not inspecting any surrounding fittings that might be on the verge of failure.

The outcome is that the problem is solved in the short-term but the root cause continues. You call again after 6 months. It was repeated six months later! The lowest cost per call-out makes for the highest cost for a series of call-outs!

Hire a licensed plumber who will quote you a specific price before beginning repairs, use quality parts, test repairs or repairs to the pressure, and provide a written report. That report is worth gold to your claim through your insurance company, your strata records and your peace of mind.

The highest cost plumbing myth is that emergencies just happen and there’s nothing to be done about them. Most can. Get new flexi hoses installed. Check your gas connections. Don’t flush wet wipes. Have your hot water anode inspected. Don’t allow drains to become plugged. Five simple actions. These savings are measured in thousands of dollars! Zero myths required.