Plumbing and gas product guides

5 things to compare when choosing a hot water system

There are five common system types to weigh up: electric storage, gas storage, gas continuous flow, heat pump and solar. Rather than treating any as the default, compare how each one fits your situation.

1. What suits your home. Look at where the system can sit, whether it needs roof or wall space, and how it fits with the existing connections and ventilation at your place.
2. Space and placement. Storage systems need room for a tank, while continuous flow units are more compact. Think about where the unit can live without blocking access or becoming a nuisance.
3. Household size. How many people use hot water at once, and at what times? A large household with overlapping showers has different needs from a small one.
4. Running needs. Consider whether you want hot water on demand, how the system performs across the seasons, and how it copes when several taps are running.
5. Ongoing upkeep. Ask what routine servicing each type expects and whether parts are easy to source locally, so you know what ownership involves.

6 things to check before choosing tapware

1. What the job needs. Match the tapware to the sink, basin or bath it will serve, and check the fittings are compatible with what is already there.
2. Finish and care. Some finishes show water marks and fingerprints more than others. Ask how each finish should be cleaned so it keeps looking right.
3. Operation. Try the handle or lever action in person if you can. You will use it every day, so comfort matters more than looks alone.
4. Water efficiency. Compare flow performance as a feature, and ask what the fittings are designed to do rather than chasing a headline figure.
5. Parts and servicing. Ask whether replacement cartridges and seals are readily available, because tapware eventually needs attention.
6. Installation fit. Confirm the tapware suits your existing plumbing setup before buying, so you are not paying for adaptors or extra work later.

5 signs your hot water system needs a plumber

1. No hot water, or it runs out fast. A sudden change in how much hot water you get is worth investigating rather than working around.
2. Odd noises. Rumbling, knocking or banging from the system can point to a problem that needs a licensed plumber to look at.
3. Leaks or moisture. Any water pooling near the unit, or damp patches around it, should be checked promptly.
4. Discoloured or odd smelling water. Rusty or unusual water from the hot tap is a sign to get the system inspected.
5. Temperature that will not settle. Water that is unpredictably hot or cold can be a safety concern, so have it assessed by a licensed plumber.

4 questions to ask before installing a gas appliance

1. Is the person doing the work licensed? Gas work must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter. Ask to see the licence and confirm what it covers.
2. Is the location suitable? Ask about ventilation, clearances and placement, since gas appliances need the right conditions to run safely.
3. What compliance applies? Ask what certification or approval the installation needs, and who is responsible for providing it once the work is done.
4. What does servicing involve? Find out what routine checks the appliance needs and how to arrange them, so you know what to expect over its life.

5 things to know about stormwater and drains

1. Stormwater and sewerage are different systems. Knowing which drains carry rain runoff and which carry waste helps you report problems to the right people.
2. Keep stormwater drains clear. Leaves, debris and garden waste are common causes of blockages, so regular clearing around your property helps.
3. Watch for slow drainage. Water that drains sluggishly indoors or outdoors is an early warning worth acting on rather than ignoring.
4. Know what not to put down drains. Fats, oils, wipes and similar items cause avoidable blockages in the wastewater system.
5. Call a licensed plumber for blockages and damage. Drain work and repairs should be done by a licensed plumber, not attempted as a weekend job.