Throughout our careers as professional plumbers, we run into a lot of leaks. No doubt about it. Over time, we’ve noticed there are common causes that just keep popping up – and we don’t want to keep this information a secret! Here are the 10 most common water leak causes as identified during our many outings conducting our leak detection services. 

1. Deterioration of Piping

The deterioration of pipework is the most common cause of a water leak. This issue typically manifests as unexpectedly high water bills or unexplained puddles in the yard, as the issue usually happens underground. Regular monitoring of water usage and checking for signs of leaks in less visible areas can help in early detection and prevention of major pipe damage. If you do notice unusually high water bills or unexplained puddles in the yard, you’ll need to contact a plumber immediately. 

2. Burst Flexi Hoses

Flexi hoses are another extremely common cause of a water leak in a home. Usually found under sinks or used for appliances, these can burst unexpectedly. Keep an eye out for things like bulging, cracking, fraying, or corrosion. Regular checks and replacement at any sign of damage is essential. Installing pressure-limiting valves and isolation taps, choosing quality hoses, and shutting off the main supply when away can help prevent flexi hose bursts and subsequent water damage. Make sure to check your flexi hoses! You’ve been warned… 

3. Unruly Water Pressure

Excessively high water pressure can strain pipes, leading to leaks or bursts. If you suspect your water pressure might be high, you can monitor it by purchasing and attaching a pressure gauge to a spigot and taking a reading. If readings consistently exceed 500 kPa (72.5 psi), consider installing a pressure regulator to maintain a safe and consistent water pressure level. We recommend a range of 140-500kPa (20-72.5 psi) 

4. Poor Workmanship

Improperly installed plumbing can result in leaks. It’s crucial to hire qualified and experienced plumbers for any installation or repair work. If poor workmanship is suspected, have the plumbing system evaluated and corrected by a professional. But you can get it right the first time by contacting DCM Plumbing today! 

5. Broken Seals

Seals in appliances and fixtures can wear out over time, causing leaks. Regular checks and replacing broken or worn-out seals can help prevent leaks. For appliances like dishwashers or washing machines, look for puddles or condensation as signs of seal issues. Leaky taps are often the result of a damaged seal! 

6. Tree Roots

Root intrusion into pipes is a common cause of water leaks, particularly in areas with large trees. Regular inspection of the plumbing system and professional removal of invasive roots are essential to address this issue. It’s important to note that tree roots usually affect more than one fixture at the same time, as they can block primary drains so that almost nothing can pass through. Signs of tree roots causing issues include water backing up into a shower or floor grate and leaks around toilet pan seals. 

7. Rapid Temperature Changes

Sudden temperature shifts can cause pipes to expand or contract rapidly, leading to cracks. Insulating pipes, especially in areas prone to temperature fluctuations, can help prevent this issue.

8. Pressure Buildup in Water Heaters

Excessive pressure in water heaters can lead to leaks or cracks. Regularly inspect and maintain water heaters, adjusting settings as necessary, and ensure that safety valves are functioning correctly to prevent pressure buildup.

As professional plumbers with 37+ years of experience, we’ve seen our fair share of blocked sinks. Here are 6 tried and tested methods to unblock your sink yourself today, based on our years of experience!

Method 1: Boiling Water

1. Boil a pot/kettle of water.
2. If you have PVC pipes, let the water cool slightly. 
3. Slowly pour the water directly into the sink drain.
4. If the blockage persists, repeat or try adding dish soap for extra grease-fighting power.

How it works: 

The intense heat of boiling water helps to melt and dislodge common organic blockages like grease and soap scum.

Method 2: Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar

1. Pour a cup of baking soda into the drain.
2. Follow with a cup of white vinegar.
3. Allow the mixture to fizz and work for several minutes.
4. Boil a pot/kettle of water and pour it down the drain to flush out the mixture and any loosened debris.

How it works: 

The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces gas which creates a fizzing action. This helps to break down and loosen blockages in your sink.

Method 3: Caustic Cleaners

1. Carefully read and follow the instructions on the caustic cleaner.
2. Pour the recommended amount into the drain.
3. Leave it for the specified time to break down the blockage.
4. Flush thoroughly with cold water.
5. Avoid using if you have PVC, old, or glued pipes.

Why it works: 

These cleaners contain strong chemicals that dissolve organic materials like hair and food scraps, clearing the blockage. Using these chemicals too often can damage your pipes, so only use this method when strictly necessary. 

Method 4: The Trusty Plunger 

1. Place the plunger over the drain to create a seal.
2. Pump the plunger with short, sharp movements.
3. After several pumps, check if the water drains smoothly.
4. Repeat if necessary, adjusting the seal and pressure.

Why it works

The suction and pressure created by the plunger dislodge blockages by physically moving them along the pipe.

Method 5: The Wire Hanger 

1. Unbend a wire hanger and create a small hook on one end.
2. Gently insert the hook into the drain.
3. Fish around for debris and pull out any blockages.
4. Be careful not to push the blockage further down.

Why it works:

Quite straightforward – the hook on the end of the wire hanger can physically grab and remove debris causing the blockage.

Method 6: Manually Clear Out the U-bend

1. Wear old clothes and rubber gloves, and place towels under the sink with a bucket nearby to catch drips.
2. Locate the U-bend under the sink, slowly unscrew it with a shifter spanner to let water drip into the bucket, then completely remove it.
3. Take it to another sink or outdoors, and clean it thoroughly using a wire coat hanger, warm water, and disinfectant spray.
4. Reconnect the U-bend using the shifter spanner and test for leaks by running water. If there’s a leak, reattach it again.

Why it works: 

Manually clearing the U-bend allows you to physically remove blockages and thoroughly clean the pipe, ensuring the removal of any debris causing the clog.

Step 1: Figure Out What You Like

Starting a bathroom renovation begins with understanding what you like. Explore different designs to understand what resonates with you. Look through magazines, visit showrooms, and scroll through online inspiration platforms, even check out our blog on the types of bathroom fixtures. Pay attention to the styles, colours, and layouts that catch your eye. Are you drawn to modern minimalism, classic elegance, or a bohemian vibe? Do you want a minor reno or do you want to make the whole bathroom a wetroom? Here are some other reasons why figuring out what you like first is so important: 

1. Understanding your preferences early on helps streamline the decision-making process, narrowing down options for easier material and design element selection.
2. Your style preference forms the foundation of all subsequent design decisions, influencing everything from tile selection to fixture choice.
3. Aligning the renovation with your tastes guarantees that the end result is a space where you feel comfortable and relaxed.
4. Knowing your preferred style can assist in budget allocation, as some styles may require a higher budget due to material costs or design complexities.
5. Your style choice, like a wet room, can impact the renovation’s scope, affecting work complexity and duration due to extensive waterproofing and floor modifications.
6. If working with designers or contractors, being able to articulate your preferences clearly ensures a more efficient and satisfactory renovation process.

Once you know what you like, the real planning can begin. 

Step 2: Start Planning

Now, it’s time to start planning. Reflect on what you like about your current bathroom. Does it just need a little refresh, or are you envisioning something entirely different? Sometimes, simple changes like new tiles or fixtures can alter the space enough to not need a full remodel. For layout changes, consider the implications on plumbing for toilets, sinks, and showers. Hiring a draftsperson or architect for detailed plans can be helpful, especially to meet state building regulations and codes, like minimum distances between fixtures. Read more in the QBCC’s home owner’s guide to building and renovating PDF. 

This is also when you should start making a budget. Your budget should look at: 

• Fixtures
• Tiling
• Plumbing 
• Electricals
• Waterproofing

Bathroom renovations vary widely in cost, typically ranging from $5,000 for minor renovations to $35,000 for extensive work. Always include a contingency plan, which should be about 10-20% of your budget, for unforeseen expenses. This planning stage is crucial for a successful, well-budgeted renovation. 

Step 3: Put Together Your A-Team

Assembling the right team is key to turning your bathroom renovation plans into reality. Start by identifying the types of contractors you’ll need – typically a builder, plumber, electrician, tiler, waterproofer, and possibly a painter. Seek recommendations from friends or look at online reviews to find reputable professionals! Verify their credentials, experience, and ensure they are licensed and insured. We have over 1000 5* Google reviews, so if you’re on the Gold Coast you know you can trust us for your bathroom renovations! 

It’s also wise to get multiple quotes to compare services and prices. Discuss your vision and plans in detail with your chosen contractors, ensuring they understand your expectations. Good communication is crucial for a smooth renovation process. Remember, the cheapest option is rarely the best; focus on finding contractors who offer quality, reliability, and fair pricing.

Step 4: Let the Games Begin

Now is when the real work starts – the demolition phase. If you’re planning to keep the existing layout of your bathroom while updating fixtures and surfaces, the demolition can be more selective. However, a full-scale remodel usually requires more extensive work.

This involves removing old fixtures, tiles, and surfaces, along with demolishing any unnecessary walls. For bathrooms with showers, this includes taking out the doors and bathtub. You might opt to store these items for future use. If so, ensure they’re thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent damage from prolonged moisture exposure.

During this phase, your chosen contractors will also ensure to disconnect all electricity alongside ensuring that all water inlets are switched off or capped – for obvious reasons!

Step 5: Rough-In Plumbing 

Rough-in plumbing and electrical installations are the next crucial steps in your bathroom renovation.

For plumbing, the plumber strategically cuts holes in wall studs of timber-framed houses to run pipes, ensuring supply and drainage at needed locations. If using steel frames, pre-made holes typically accommodate plumbing needs. It’s vital that pipes are securely fastened to the frame to prevent ‘water hammer’, which can cause mechanical damage over time.

Electrical rough-ins involve planning for lighting, power points, and any other electrical requirements. Just like plumbing, any substantial alteration to wall studs for electrical wiring must be repaired or reinforced to maintain structural integrity. Electricians carefully plan and mark the locations for fittings to ensure accuracy before the final wall setup.

Both these steps lay the foundational systems of your bathroom, ensuring functionality and compliance with Australian/New Zealand standards.

Step 6: Install Wall and Floor Tiles

With the fixtures in place, the next step is tiling. Expert tilers will transform your space, whether it’s following the existing layout or crafting a new one from scratch. They’ll meticulously measure and plan the layout, using high-quality, durable, and easy-to-maintain tiles suited for the unique demands of a bathroom environment.

Step 7: Install Cabinets and Countertops

The installation of cabinets and countertops is where design meets functionality. Your team will assist in selecting the right materials that balance aesthetics with practicality. Whether you opt for custom-built cabinetry or pre-built units, they will ensure a seamless fit into your bathroom’s design. Countertops are chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance, with stone being a top choice due to its fantastic aesthetic alongside unparalleled durability. Laminate is another popular choice due to its lower price point, but it is less durable than stone.

Step 8: Install Plumbing Fixtures

After demolition, the next step is usually to install new plumbing fixtures: the sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub. Your chosen plumber will run the necessary plumbing lines, which might involve cutting through exterior walls or studs. For non-replacement tubs or showers, your waterproofer will also install a waterproof membrane on walls and floors. 

Step 9: Install Lighting and Accessories

This involves installing lighting fixtures and bathroom accessories. This step is crucial in setting the mood and functionality of your renovated bathroom. From stylish and practical lighting to essential accessories like towel rails and toilet roll holders, each element is carefully selected and installed to complement the overall design. Personal touches like artwork or plants are encouraged to give your bathroom a unique and homely feel.

Step 10: Cleaning and Quality Assurance

Experienced professionals from DCM Plumbing and associated trades will meticulously check each aspect of the renovation, but it’s always wise to test the work yourself!

Ensure that: 

• All plumbing installations, including pipes, fixtures, and connections, are leak-free and function correctly
• All tiles are properly laid and fixtures are correctly installed and aligned
• All electrical installations, such as lighting and power outlets, are safe and operational
• Areas subjected to water exposure are thoroughly waterproofed to prevent future moisture issues
• The quality of finishes, including paint, cabinetry, and accessory fittings, align with your design vision and are free of defects

This final inspection guarantees that your renovated bathroom not only looks great but is also safe, functional, and built to last. Any minor adjustments or corrections identified during this phase should be promptly addressed to ensure your complete satisfaction with the end result.

Step 11: Tidy Up and Call It a Day!

Once the final inspection is complete, the last step is a thorough cleaning to ensure your new bathroom is pristine. While the contractors will do most of the cleaning, there will inevitably be some more to do before your bathroom is sparkling clean and ready to go! 

• Start by clearing out any construction materials and sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust and debris.
• Wipe down all surfaces, including tiles, fixtures, cabinets, and countertops, with appropriate cleaners to remove installation marks.
• Clean and polish all fixtures such as taps, showerheads, and handles.
• Mop the floor, focusing on grout lines and areas around fixtures.
• Make sure all surfaces are dry and safe to use, ensuring a slip-free environment.

And there you have it! 10 steps to an epicly renovated bathroom. Be sure to contact us today if you need a bathroom renovation plumber on the Gold Coast! 

These are some of the most common tap types in the modern home. Instead of two separate taps providing hot and cold water individually, mixer taps blend cold and hot water, providing water at just the right temperature. Often, there is one hot and one cold handle which you turn individually to reach your desired temperature. We will refer to these as dual handle taps. There are also taps with a single handle that provide a smooth gradient for choosing the temperature you want. We will refer to these as single handle taps. Mixer taps are commonly found in both kitchens and bathrooms. Find out more about the types of taps.