Like any established seaside town, Narooma is no stranger to plumbing problems – ranging from blocked drains and toilets to leaking pipes. In this blog post, we outline common plumbing issues found in Narooma and neighbouring towns, such as Dalmeny, Kianga, Tilba and Tuross Head.
Sand in Drains
Sand is the pesky companion of many coastal residents. It’s not only irritating, but bad for plumbing infrastructure too. Over time, sand has a tendency to accumulate in shower and external drains – leading to serious blockages. Although sand build-up can affect any drain, it’s more likely to occur if the plumbing infrastructure is older and made from metal.
Friendly Tip: after visiting the beach, brush off any sand before you shower. Alternatively, use a garden hose (away from external drains) to wash off any sand.
Corroded Pipes
Corrosion (in a plumbing sense) occurs when a metal pipe or fitting undergoes oxidisation as a result of constant water exposure (wet environment). In a coastal town like Narooma, corrosion is made worse by sea spray and salty air, which accelerates the oxidation process. Although many newer homes feature plastic (PVC, ABS) plumbing infrastructure, many older homes in Narooma still have metal pipes.
Friendly Tip: if you notice that your water is discoloured (usually green), tastes metallic or smells odd, you should call a plumbing professional in Narooma.
Blocked Drains and Toilets
A blocked drain or toilet is one of the more common plumbing problems encountered in Narooma. A blockage is usually caused by an accumulation of household waste and/or organic debris. In properties with established gardens, tree roots are sometimes to blame. A Narooma plumber with the right equipment – electric eel, high-pressure cleaner, pipe inspection camera and sonde – can deal with a blockage fairly quickly.
Friendly Tip: never flush facial tissues down the toilet, or dispose of cooking fats / oils down a kitchen sink.
Leaking Taps and Pipes
Over time, most plumbing infrastructure in Narooma will succumb to general wear and tear – resulting in leaks and the occasional pipe rupture. Leaking taps, pipes and fittings should be dealt with quickly to save water and reduce the likelihood of more expensive repairs later on. Given that some leaks are not highly visible (eg. pipes behind a wall), property owners should always investigate damp spots, mould and low water pressure.
Friendly Tip: keep an eye on your water bills. An unexpected spike on a water bill could indicate a “hidden” leak.
Gas Leaks
Gas leaks are potentially lethal. If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound or start to feel drowsy, you should switch off your gas appliances, extinguish any naked flames, evacuate all occupants and turn off the gas supply immediately. You should only use a mobile phone (to call a gas plumber) from outside the property. A qualified gas plumber in Narooma will have access to a gas leak detector and a manometer (to check gas pressure).
Friendly Tip: choose a plumbing professional in Narooma that’s experienced with gas.
Faulty Hot Water Systems
Hot water systems (both gas and electric) should be serviced every few years (at a minimum). If they’re not serviced regularly, key components (such as power supplies, thermostats and heating elements) are more likely to fail. Many people only call a plumber when their hot water system breaks down completely; however, it’s better to act on the early warning signs (discoloured water, strange noises, fluctuating water pressure and temperature).
Friendly Tip: examine your hot tank water on a regular basis to check for signs of leaking and rust (typically greenish in colour).
To discuss any plumbing problem you might have in Narooma, Dalmeny, Kianga, Tilba or Tuross Head, please call Stephen on 0493 240 042. Far South Plumbing is a full-service Narooma plumber that’s fully insured and licensed (333534C) in NSW.
