Accord Plumbing, your local experts
for all your plumbing needs, offer these tips and hints for around the
home:
Important: Please read disclaimer
change
a washer
There are several steps to fixing a dripping tap.
- Shut off the water supply and
carefully remove the tap using a cloth-covered wrench/spanner to avoid
scratching the chrome.
- Using a reseating tool, grind
the tap seat till it is clean and smooth.
- Turn the water back on,
briefly, to flush out any filings from the grinding. For this step,
reinsert the spindle of the tap without a washer
- Next you need to service the
spindle. It comes in two parts. Using your hands twist the central
section out to separate the spindle into its two parts. Remove the
black rubber O-ring. Using paper, clean the spindle and then put in a
new O-ring. (Some spindles have two O-rings.) Grease the spindle with a
generous dollop of tap grease
- Put the spindle back in (make
sure the hot and cold buttons are on the correct taps), replace the
washer on the tap body and turn the water supply back on. Test the tap.
If you’re satisfied with your job, it’s now time to clean up. Use paper
to clean up the grease.
Important: Please read disclaimer
FIX A LEAKING TOILET
To follow these instructions you need to know the parts of the toilet.
The cistern is the part of the toilet that holds the water before you
flush. It has an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The inlet valve
allows water to flow into the cistern and the outlet valve is connected
to the button that you push to flush the toilet to allow the water to
flow into the bowl.
Water
keeps running
If water keeps running into your cistern, chances are you have a faulty
inlet valve. You’ll need to shut off the water at the isolating point
below the toilet. Disconnect the water supply from the base of the
inlet valve. Replace the valve. Reconnect the water supply.
Water
dripping on the floor
If you have this problem, you might have a worn out flush cone or seals
that need replacing.
Accord Plumbing
can diagnose and fix the problem call 1300 734 180 or call your local
number.
Flush
button not working
If the flush button isn’t working you have a faulty outlet valve. There
are many types of outlet valve. The best to use is one that has a
central overflow into the bowl. Be careful trying to get the button
off, you don’t want to break the cistern.
Some simple rules when repairing toilets
- Check the cistern for cracks.
If the cistern is cracked it needs to be replaced. Cracked porcelain or
plastic is very sharp and can be very dangerous.
- All new toilets must be dual
flush.
- Always choose parts that are
suitable for the brand of toilet you are servicing. Parts are not
interchangeable.
Important: Please read disclaimer
WATER
SAVING TIPS
Saving water is good for the environment and for the household budget.
Here are some simple suggestions for how you can save water around the
home.
- Check for, and repair, any
leaking taps, pipes and hoses. A single leaking tap can waste more than
2000 litres a month.
- Turn taps off lightly and
replace the washers as soon as they begin to leak.
- Install water-efficient taps
and showerheads, or tap aerators.
- Turn off the tap when you
brush your teeth.
- Choose appliances such as
dishwashers and washing machines that use less water, and only wash
when you have a full load.
- Put the plug in the sink when
you wash your hands, rather than leaving the tap running.
- Keep a jug of cold water in
the fridge, rather than running the tap till the water is cool.
- Fill the sink to wash fruit
and vegies, rather than leaving the tap running.
- Put the plug in the sink when
you rinse your dishes.
- Instead of boiling
vegetables, cook them in a microwave or steamer.
Disclaimer - please read
DOUBLE THE LIFE OF
YOUR HOT WATER TANK
If you’re seeing rust in your hot water your tank’s sacrificial anode
may have corroded away and your tank is starting to rust away.
A sacrificial anode is a metal rod that is placed in your hot water
tank to prevent the tank from rusting. The anode creates a galvanic
cell where the metal of the anode (usually magnesium or zinc) corrodes
more quickly than the steel of the tank. When the anode has been eaten
away the tank will rust quickly. You should check the anode
periodically – do it on the same date each year to make it easy to
remember! Replacing a worn anode will extend the life of your tank.
Regularly checking and replacing your hot water tank’s sacrificial
anode will double or even triple the life of your tank, AND prevent
costly damage from a ruptured tank.
The anode is typically screwed into the top of the tank or it may be
built into a special fitting. Accord Plumbing can check your
sacrificial anode and put in a new one if needed.
Important: Please read disclaimer
Disclaimer
Please note: A resident can change his or her own tap washers
and undertake other plumbing maintenance lawfully. But be sure that you
know what you're doing for the following reason. If water leakage
results in an insurance claim, the claim may be rejected if the work
has not been carried out by a licensed plumber. Under no circumstances
should you do this type of work for a friend; if a flood or resultant
water damage occurs, you are not insured.
All plumbing work should be carried out by a licensed person. The tips
in this section are user maintenance tips only. Accord Plumbing accepts
no responsibility for any resultant damage or injury sustained by an
individual attempting to perform any tasks mentioned in this section.
If in doubt, please contract a professional; check that they are both
licensed and insured.

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SYDNEY
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Broadway
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Sydney
CBD
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The Rocks
Ultimo
Waterloo |
EASTERN
SUBURBS PLUMBERS
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Alexandria
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