Roots Seek Out Moisture

Trees are living organisms with built-in survival systems and their roots spread much further underground than you would imagine. These roots are constantly seeking out any source of moisture they can find in order to sustain and grow, no matter what they have to break through to find it.

Drains Contain Moisture

As you would imagine, our underground drain pipes contain moisture and condensation. Tree roots usually grow alongside the drain pipe, trying to get to the source of the nutrients. As soon as a drain pipe cracks or breaks open, the tree roots will slowly but surely begin to make their way inside your drain pipes.

Roots Are Strong!

Tree roots are very strong and frustratingly relentless. Even the tiniest crack in your drain pipes can result in roots creeping their way in. Once in the pipes, they will continue to grow and spread which can trap debris such as hair, toilet paper, grease and other solid matter that makes its way through your plumbing, causing blockages. Eventually, the roots will thrive so well from all the nutrients in your pipe that they can block the drain entirely.

Should I Call a Plumber?

You may be tempted to fix this problem yourself, however, in these situations we always advise you call a qualified plumber.

At Richmond Plumbing, we have the experience, knowledge and specialised equipment to treat the problems caused by tree roots on drain pipes and will get your drain unblocked in no time. Contact us today for services in Hawthorn, Richmond, Collingwood, Fitzroy, Abbotsford, South Yarra, Malvern, and Kew.

Never Tip Oil Down the Sink

It may seem like stating the obvious, but believe it or not, many people still haven’t got the memo about not tipping oil and grease down the sink! Oil and grease may be in liquid form right out of the pan while it’s still scalding hot but as soon as it cools down, the fat becomes solid and will stick to the inside of your drain pipes causing blockages.

Invest in a Drain Grate

You’d be surprised how much food waste, hair and other solid particles make their way down the drain, even when you’re being cautious. A drain grate sits in your sink and catches all the debris before it ends up in your drain.

Run Hot Water After Use

You may still experience blockages from oil and fat build up, regardless of whether you’re disposing of it properly. Even the residual grease from our dinner plates can accumulate in our drains so, by running hot water after using your sink, you can help ensure the fat runs all the way through, rather than building up.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is great for cleaning, absorbing odours and cleaning out drain pipes. Throw a handful down your sink if you notice any smells or your sink isn’t draining as quickly as it should be.

Get in Touch

Sometimes all the preventative measures in the world won’t stop drains from becoming blocked and you may need to call a qualified plumber for help. Richmond Plumbing are your local experts, get in touch with us today!

Here are some of the main causes of blocked drains in your toilet.

1. Excessive Use of Toilet Paper

Some toilets, particularly older ones, can only handle so much toilet paper at one time. Using too much can cause the toilet to become blocked and overflow so always ensure you don’t overdo it with the paper. If necessary, simply flush more often!

2. Flushable Wipes

Plumbers have had to deal with an increasing number of blocked toilets in recent years due to the popularity of flushable wipes. This wasn’t an issue we saw 10-15 years ago as flushable wipes are still a relatively new thing, but now, it’s one of the most common! Whilst many wipes claim to be flushable and biodegradable in the same way toilet paper is, often that’s simply not the case. They take much longer to break down than toilet paper and can quickly build up in your drain pipes.

3. Sanitary Items

You’ll often find signs in public toilets that urge people not to flush their sanitary items down the toilet and there is a very good reason for that. Sanitary items are probably the most common causes of blocked drains. They are specifically designed to absorb moisture, causing them to expand so common sense should tell you why they belong in the bin, not down the toilet.

4. Paper Towel

Paper towel is another main cause of blocked toilets. Many new paper towel brands are made not only to be super absorbent but also tough and strong, therefore are much harder to break down.

5. Floss and Hair

Believe it or not, plumbers find a lot of floss in blocked drains. Contrary to popular belief, floss is not biodegradable and will not break down over time. In fact, it causes more problems than you would think due to the way it tangles and wraps around itself and other items. It’s also very harmful to the environment and our sea life. Hair often does the same thing, especially when big balls of it are flushed down the toilet. Hair and floss both belong in the bin!

6. Grease

Any type of grease, oil or fat may be in liquid form when you come up with the bright idea of tipping it down a sink or flushing it down your toilet but rest assured, as soon as it cools down and turns into a hard, sticky solid mass, it will block your drain pipes worse than anything! Even small amounts of grease and oil can stick to the insides of your pipes and gradually build over time until the drain is blocked entirely. Always dispose of oil, fat and grease appropriately!

7. Tree Roots

It’s probably not the first thing you would imagine to be causing a blockage in your toilet, but tree roots are actually a very common cause. Tree roots are not only strong, they are relentless and will keep growing no matter what’s in the way. If your drainage pipes happen to be in their path, rest assured they will likely penetrate the pipes and make their way in eventually.

If you are having issues with a blocked toilet, the qualified plumbers at Richmond Plumbing and Roofing can help. Feel free to get in touch with us today!

A boundary trap is a pipe that runs from your property, all the way to the main sewer line. It’s the last length of pipe that plumbers are allowed to handle before you need to call in a water services provider.

Boundary traps play an important role in sewer networks. They are there to prevent the build-up of harmful sewer gasses which can accumulate within the drains of residential properties and are required by water services providers; however, it is the responsibility of a licensed plumber to determine the ‘boundary trap area’ (usually quite close to the main sewerage line).

Boundary Trap Issues

The increase in the number of subdivisions and redevelopments in residential properties over the last 10 years has resulted in an increase in boundary trap issues. Property owners and developers must ensure they locate any existing boundary traps and inspection points before commencing any works on the land. It’s quite easy to plant a tree or build a structure over a boundary trap without realizing it is even there, and this can cause issues if ever the trap or inspection site needs to be accessed.

Boundary Trap Blockages

It’s not uncommon for boundary traps to become blocked. This is usually due to foreign objects building up in the drain and getting caught at the boundary trap. Sanitary items, nappies, and paper towel are the main culprits. In some cases, CCTV cameras may need to be inserted into the drainage system to inspect the blockage and determine the best course of action.

If you are concerned your boundary trap may be blocked, Richmond Plumbing and Roofing are experts in dealing with these kinds of issues. We come equipped with CCTV cameras to diagnose and resolve any blockages quickly and effectively. Contact us today for more information!

Richmond Plumbing offers comprehensive pre-purchase plumbing inspections to ensure you make the right investment decision.

Water Pressure Test

Pressure testing is a great way to check for any leaks that may not be immediately obvious and works by sectioning off parts of your line to ensure any plumbing issues can be isolated.

CCTV Sewer and Stormwater Drains

Richmond Plumbing has specialized CCTV equipment to check your sewer and stormwater drains for any obstructions you may not be aware of.

Gas Line Testing

Checking the condition of your gas lines is very important, especially when it comes to your safety. Our plumbers will thoroughly test your gas lines to ensure they are in a safe and working condition.

Roof Inspections

Our roof plumbers will assess your roof plumbing, checking your drains, downpipes, and gutters and looking for any leaks that may compromise the structural integrity of your roof.

Leaking Taps

We check for any taps that may be leaking or dripping and ensure there are no ‘quick fixes’ in place for inspections that may cause issues later on.

Hot Water Unit

Our plumbing will check the age and condition of your hot water unit to give you peace of mind that the system is as described.

Appliance Condition

Our expert plumbers will test and assess the condition of your appliances to ensure they are safe and in perfect working order before you make the decision to purchase.

Get in touch with our team of qualified plumbers today for your pre-purchase plumbing inspection!

Here are the four main indicators that your drains may be blocked and that you should have a qualified plumber around to investigate further.

1. Slow Drainage

Often when drain pipes are blocked you will notice water not draining from your sinks and shower as quickly as it should. It should really only take a second or two for water to drain, often in a ‘whirlpool’ type motion; any longer than a couple of seconds indicates a blocked drain.

2. Toilet Overflowing

One of the most annoying results of a blocked drain pipe is an overflowing toilet. Sometimes, when debris accumulates within your pipes, the toilet may clog and overflow when you flush. This is best dealt with by an expert with extensive plumbing knowledge as an overflowing toilet can cause some major hygiene issues.

3. Bad Odour

The accumulation of hair, food or anything solid within your drain will start to cause an odor to come from your kitchen sink, bathroom sink or shower drains. This is an indication that debris is beginning to build up and a warning to get a plumber in to have a look before the problem gets worse.

4. Strange Noises

If you hear any strange noises coming from your drain pipes such as a gurgling sound, it’s a good idea to have your drains checked. This usually means water is struggling to move past whatever is caught within the pipes and indicates a blockage.

If you are concerned about any of these issues, contact the plumbers at Richmond Plumbing today!

Preventative Maintenance Is Key

Having your roof inspected regularly by a qualified roof plumber, is one of the best ways to avoid leaks and other major issues with your roof. Preventative maintenance can save you lots of money in the long run and ensure your roof stays in top condition.

Act at The First Sign of Leaks

Any leaks, no matter how big or small, indicate there is something not quite right with your roof. If you act quickly, even on small leaks that don’t seem like a big problem, you can save yourself thousands and prevent more costly issues from arising in the future.

Leaks Indicate A Bigger Issue

Unfortunately, the signs of a leaking roof are usually just the tip of the iceberg. Once it becomes noticeable to you, this usually means it’s already gone past the stage of preventative maintenance and now requires a qualified plumber for inspection and repairs.

Don’t Risk Your Roofs Structural Integrity

Your roof is one of your homes main structural protections and when leaks occur, they can compromise the structural integrity of the entire home. Water can eat away at the wood and metal components of the roof, causing rust and mold. Avoid major problems that can affect your entire home by keeping on top of any leaks or maintenance.

If you require preventative maintenance for your roof, leak repairs or any other major roof plumbing work, contact the expert roof plumbers at Richmond Plumbing today.

1. Leaks and Flooding

Blocked drains that are left for some time can cause your pipes to crack or burst. This can then result in leaking and flooding, causing major property damage. The biggest problem is that this can occur in places not visible to the eye so it’s important to have a qualified plumber inspect the issue and identify and treat the root of the problem.

2. Unpleasant Smell

An unpleasant smell can quickly permeate throughout your home when drains become blocked. Not only can the smell be off-putting, it can also attract mosquitos and unwanted insects into your home and in your drains.

3. Property Damage

Because leaks and flooding can occur in places you may not be able to see, the structural integrity of your property can become compromised and this can be a major safety issue. Water damage can cause superficial damage, deteriorate the foundations of your house and compromise your wall and roofing structures. It’s important to have these issues seen to by a qualified plumber as soon as possible.

4. Mould, Mildew, and Bacteria

Stagnant water from blocked drains can accumulate causing mold, mildew, and bacteria to form in your drains. Breathing in these particles can be harmful to yours and your family’s health so make sure you get any blockages fixed before this occurs.

Get Your Blocked Drains Fixed Today!

Richmond Plumbing and Roofing are the experts when it comes to diagnosing and fixing your blocked drain pipes before they become and an even bigger issue. Contact us and arrange a written quote today!

Our fully licensed plumbers are experienced in a range of different plumbing services to ensure that you are getting an all-around experience. Whether you have blocked drains, sewer problems, a leaking toilet, dripping taps, gas plumbing or any issues with your roof plumbing, you can count on Richmond Plumbing and Roofing to take care of the lot!

2. Highly Experienced

Having provided plumbing services in Melbourne for over 50 years, Richmond Plumbing and Roofing have gained and incredible reputation for our experience and reliability. We believe in getting the job done right, the first time, and have decades of experience in both commercial and residential plumbing and roofing. Have complete peace of mind that when you call us, you are getting the absolute best quality services.

3. Skilled

Our plumbers are highly trained and skilled in what they do and never cut corners in their work. We believe in passing on the best quality services to our clients and are always available to answer any questions that may arise before, during or after completion of our work. Customer satisfaction is our priority and we strive to ensure that all of our clients receive the highest quality services every time.

4. Local and Trusted

When you use a local, trusted services such as Richmond Plumbing and Roofing, not only are you supporting your local community, you also get peace of mind knowing that we are just around the corner for any follow-up work or concerns you may have.

We Are Just a Phone Call Away!

As you can see, there are many reasons to use Richmond Plumbing and Roofing! So, don’t let those plumbing issues linger any longer, get in touch with our friendly team today for a quality service you can count on.

A Trade Waste Agreement is a legal document which outlines what your business must do to meet trade waste legislation requirements. It is also a means of lowering the impact on the environment from commercial food businesses such as cafes, restaurants, and takeaways shops.

Trade waste is any water thatgoes down the drainthat has been used in a commercial environment for food preparation, cooking, cleaning dishes or cleaning the kitchen area. This wastewater needs to be treated before it enters the sewer system and our waterways. Failure to do so can cause huge environmental impacts.

The Application Process

In Victoria, if you are operating a food-related business you will need to apply for a Trade Waste Agreement (Commercial Trade Waste Consent).

You will need a fully licenced plumber who is experienced in trade waste to install the necessary equipment. Richmond plumbing can help you with this. We service all East Melbourne areas.

In your application you will need to provide:

• The volume in litres of trade waste that you will be disposing of
• The MSDS of product that you use for processing and cleaning in your business
• The number of fixtures that generate wastewater – for example the number of sinks and dishwashers in your premises
• The licensed seating capacity of your business

Maintenance

The grease trap and waste management system will need to be professional maintained and serviced.

At Richmond Plumbing, we can install and maintain a grease trap and adequate draining to ensure that you meet with legislation, that your drains remain clear and that there are no environmental concerns with the way your food business is run.

There are many legal and council requirements to consider when you open a food-related business. For more information on mandatory plumbing installations for food premises, contact us at Richmond Plumbing. We service Richmond, Hawthorn, South Yarra, Kew, Fitzroy and surrounding areas of Richmond.