Accord Plumbing, your local experts for all your plumbing needs, offer these tips and hints for around the home:

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change a washer 
There are several steps to fixing a dripping tap.

1. Shut off the water supply and carefully remove the tap using a cloth-covered wrench/spanner to avoid scratching the chrome.
2. Using a reseating tool, grind the tap seat till it is clean and smooth.
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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.

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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

1. 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.
2. All new toilets must be dual flush.
3. 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.

1. Check for, and repair, any leaking taps, pipes and hoses. A single leaking tap can waste more than 2000 litres a month.
2. Turn taps off lightly and replace the washers as soon as they begin to leak.
3. Install water-efficient taps and showerheads, or tap aerators.
4. Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth.
5. Choose appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines that use less water, and only wash when you have a full load.
6. Put the plug in the sink when you wash your hands, rather than leaving the tap running.
7. Keep a jug of cold water in the fridge, rather than running the tap till the water is cool.
8. Fill the sink to wash fruit and vegies, rather than leaving the tap running.
9. Put the plug in the sink when you rinse your dishes.
10. 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.

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