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In this guide, we delve into the world of plumbing fixtures. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to update or simply curious about the nitty-gritty of these essential home fixtures, we’ve got you covered. 

DCM Plumbing is the best plumber on the Gold Coast. We are available 24/7 for all your plumbing needs. With over 900 5* Google reviews and 35 years of experience, we are known as the best for a reason. Got a blocked drain? Need help with leak detection? Want to learn how to clear a blocked drainWe can help.

What are fixtures in plumbing?

Plumbing fixtures are devices or components that are connected to a plumbing system to deliver and drain water. They serve various purposes in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, such as providing water for drinking, washing, bathing, and waste disposal. 

The types of plumbing fixtures

The types of plumbing fixtures in your home include:

  1. Taps: These control the flow of water from pipes and are found in sinks, showers, bathtubs, and outdoor spigots
  2. Sinks and basins: These are basins that hold water for washing hands, dishes, and other items. Sinks are commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
  3. Toilets: These fixtures are designed for human waste disposal and are connected to sewer or septic systems.
  4. Bathtubs and showers: These fixtures provide a space for bathing or showering, with bathtubs usually having a built-in or separate faucet, while showers have a shower head connected to a water source.
  5. Bidets: These are used for washing oneself after using the toilet, and they typically have a tap or nozzle for delivering water.
  6. Spigots: These outdoor taps allow for the connection of garden hoses and are used for tasks like watering lawns, washing cars, or filling pools.
  7. Water heaters: Although not a fixture itself, water heaters supply hot water to various plumbing fixtures like taps, showers, and bathtubs.
  8. Traps, drains, and food waste disposers: These are essential components of a plumbing system that help to remove wastewater, dispose of food waste, and prevent sewer gases from entering a building.

These fixtures are typically made from materials such as porcelain, stainless steel, brass, or plastic, and they come in a wide range of styles and designs to suit different needs and preferences.

How to choose plumbing fixtures

When looking at how to choose plumbing fixtures for your home, there are many factors to consider. These factors will help you make informed decisions and ensure that your home’s plumbing system functions efficiently and effectively.

  1. Functionality: Choose fixtures that meet your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you have limited mobility or accessibility concerns, consider installing grab rails, walk-in bathtubs, flick mixer taps or touchless taps.
  2. Quality and durability: Opt for high-quality, durable fixtures that are less likely to wear out, leak, or break over time. Investing in reputable brands and materials can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
  3. Compatibility: Ensure that the new fixtures are compatible with your existing plumbing system. This may involve checking pipe sizes, connections, water pressure requirements, and other specifications.
  4. Style and design: Select fixtures that complement the overall aesthetic of your home, taking into account the style, colour, and finish. Coordinating fixtures throughout your home can create a cohesive look and enhance your home’s appeal.
  5. Energy and water efficiency: Choose fixtures with water-saving features, such as low-flow taps, showerheads, and dual-flush toilets. These can help you conserve water and reduce your utility bills.
  6. Installation: Consider the complexity of installation for the new fixtures. Some updates may require the expertise of a professional plumber, while others can be completed as DIY projects.
  7. Budget: Establish a budget for your plumbing updates and prioritise which fixtures to replace based on factors such as age, condition, and impact on water usage.
  8. Local building codes and regulations: Familiarise yourself with any local building codes or regulations that may apply to your plumbing updates, as these can dictate specific requirements for fixture types, installation, and more.
  9. Warranty and support: Check the warranty provided by the manufacturer for the fixtures you plan to purchase. A good warranty can offer peace of mind and protect your investment in case of defects or issues.

By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions about updating your plumbing fixtures and ensure a successful, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing outcome. 

Contact DCM Plumbing if you’re in doubt

If you’re not sure how to install your new plumbing fixtures, contact us today. We are the Gold Coast’s best plumbers with over 900 5* Google reviews and 35 years of experience and we can help you with all your plumbing maintenance needs.

In this article, we look at how to dispose of cooking oil and other fats properly, why you can’t pour them down the sink, and more. 

Is there anything better than fried foods? Probably not, but disposing of cooking oil properly is a lot less enjoyable… 

While you might’ve heard that you shouldn’t pour oil down the sink, have you ever thought about why you shouldn’t? Well, we are going to show you the why, detail the shocking damage that fat and oil can cause in your pipes and further afield, and demonstrate how to dispose of oil properly. 

DCM Plumbing is the best plumber on the Gold Coast. We are available 24/7 for all your plumbing needs. With over 900 5* Google reviews and 35 years of experience, we are known as the best for a reason. Got a blocked drain? Need help with leak detection? Want to learn how to clear a blocked drain? We can help. 

Can you pour oil down the sink?

Plainly, no, you can’t pour oil down the sink. This is also true for other fats like lard and butter. Pouring fats, oil, and grease down your sink can cause significant damage to your pipes, the sewerage, and even the wider environment. Don’t do it! Let’s look at the why a little more closely now.

Why can’t you put oil down the sink?

  1. It can clog your drains: Fats, oils, and grease thicken and can even solidify when they cool down (especially in the cooler months). When poured down the sink, they can stick to the pipes and accumulate over time, eventually forming blockages. This can lead to slow-draining water, foul odours, and even sewage backups.
  2. Sewer system damage: When fats, oils, and grease build up in the sewer lines, it can cause blockages that affect the entire system, leading to possible overflows and environmental damage. 
  3. Environmental pollution: When blockages in the sewer system cause overflows, untreated sewage can enter waterways, affecting aquatic life and contaminating water sources. Fat, oil, and grease-related pollution can be harmful to the environment and pose health risks to humans and wildlife.

Plumbing damage: Fats, oils, and gas can cause damage to your home’s plumbing system, resulting in costly repairs and potential water damage.

Fatbergs: nightmares lurking in the sewers

Piece Of A Fatberg On Display At The Museum Of London
Image credit: Lord Belbury, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A fatberg is a large, solid mass formed in sewer systems when fats, oils, and grease combine with non-biodegradable items like wet wipes, nappies, sanitary products, and other debris.

Fatbergs can cause serious problems in sewer systems, including blockages, sewage overflows, and damage to infrastructure. They are difficult and expensive to remove, often requiring specialised equipment and manual labour. 

In fact, a fatberg in London made headline news in 2017 as it was so severe that it risked flooding London streets with raw sewage. The fatberg required an entire team of workers in specialised protective suits to dismantle it with shovels, and they described it as being as hard as concrete. The fatberg was over 250 metres long and weighed as much as 19 elephants. This fatberg was so notorious in fact that after dismantling it, part of it was put on display at the Museum of London, a documentary was made about it, and it even inspired a musical.

While it’s easy to have a laugh at some of the more extraordinary stories that fatbergs produce, Water Services Association of Australia estimates that fatbergs cost water utility companies an estimated $15 million a year to clear – that’s serious money. 

Don’t be a part of the problem! Do your part and dispose of fat, oil, and grease responsibly.

How to Dispose of Cooking Oil Properly

Container method: 

  1. Allow the cooking oil to cool: After using the oil, wait for it to cool down to a safe temperature before handling it.
  2. Choose a suitable container: Find a solid, sealable, container that is large enough to hold the oil. Old jars or plastic containers with lids, such as empty detergent or milk bottles, are great options as they help to reuse waste.
  3. Pour the oil into the container: Carefully pour the cooled oil into the container, using a funnel if necessary to avoid spills. If you have used solid fats, allow them to solidify, then scoop them into the container.
  4. Seal the container: Secure the lid tightly to prevent leaks and odours.
  5. Throw the sealed container into your general waste: Ensure the container is sealed before throwing it in the bin, and then simply get rid of it like normal waste. 

If you work at a cafe, bar, or restaurant, there may be an oil recycling service near you. 

Alternative disposal methods

If you don’t have a container to dispose of the oil in, there are other ways to get rid of small amounts of oil. 

To do this, ensure the oil is cooled (and solidified if applicable), then mix it with absorbent materials such as paper towels or cat litter before placing it in a sealed bag and disposing of it in your general waste bin. Note that this method should only be used for small amounts of oil, as larger quantities may cause issues at waste processing facilities.

Add small amounts to your compost

Small amounts of used cooking oil can be added to a compost pile (try and limit yourself to about a cup at a time). If you do choose to add used cooking oil to your compost, make sure to mix it thoroughly with other organic matter, such as yard waste and kitchen scraps, to help prevent clumping and promote even decomposition. Adding too much oil to your compost can slow down the composting process, and too much oil can make your compost start to smell. 

Reuse your cooking oil

You can also filter the cooled oil through a fine mesh strainer or cloth to remove any food particles, and store it in a clean container for future use. Reusing oil is best for oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, and when it hasn’t been used to cook strong-flavoured or heavily seasoned foods. Only reuse once or twice, maximum. 

Contact DCM Plumbing for all your plumbing needs

At DCM Plumbing, we are always here to help with any plumbing concerns, including blocked drains and pipe maintenance. If you experience any issues or need professional advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today.

It’s a fact that most homeowners will experience a burst pipe in their lifetime. There are 6 signs you may have a burst pipe, so before you call out your local Gold Coast plumber to help, check out this handy list we’ve created so you can spot a possible leaking pipe which can also help to minimise the cost of repairs and damage to your home, carry on reading to find out more.

If you have any of the following 6 signs, it’s very likely you have a leaking pipe in or around your property-

6 SIGNS OF BURST PIPE

1 – CHANGE IN WATER PRESSURE FROM THE TAPS

When a water main pipe leaks, it is possible to notice a drop in the water pressure coming through to the taps. This is due to some of the water that would normally come through to the tap, leaking out of the broken pipe.

2 – DAMP OR WET MARKS ON THE WALLS, CEILINGS OR FLOORS

When leaks occur in pipes in the walls, ceilings or floor, there are usually noticeable water staining marks in the area of the leak. Vermin can chew through plastic piping in roofs and walls, causing small leaks that can be tricky to hear and see.

3 – PUDDLES OR BOGGY AREAS AROUND THE GARDEN

Constantly damp or wet areas in around the garden when there hasn’t been any rain recently is another tell tell sign you may have a burst pipe. Also patches of thriving grass when most of the garden is looking a little dry is another good indication that you may have a leak.

4 – BROWN OR SMELLY WATER

If water is discoloured or smelly when it comes out of your taps, it may be a sign of a corroded and possibly leaking pipe in your mains water system.

5 – INCREASE IN WATER BILLS

Have your water usage charges gone up dramatically without any obvious reason, like extra guests or watering of the garden during the drier seasons? If so, this is a good indication that you have a water leak on your property.

6 – CONSTANT DRIPPING OR SOUND OF WATER RUNNING

Have you noticed a new dripping or running water sound that won’t go away? Don’t ignore this one as it could be the sound of damage being caused by water leaking inside the walls of your home.

If you suspect a burst pipe and have checked out the list above, it’s time to call in help from your local trusted Gold Coast plumber, DCM Plumbing on (07) 5576 5305, we are fully licensed and insured and can attend to all emergencies the same day.

Choosing a reputable and trustworthy plumber should be easy but can be a home-owners worst nightmare if they choose a plumber that ends up ripping them off and not doing the job to appropriate expectations.

According to Queensland Energy and Water Ombudsman, between 400 and 700 complaints are made each year, often from customers being charged inflated prices or having poor experiences from plumbers and electricians.

It also doesn’t help customer confidence when we read news stories of some unscrupulous and dodgy businesses operating with bad practices, giving the entire industry a bad name. Last year A Current Affair exposed a Sydney plumber who was investigated because of multiple complaints concerning inflated prices being charged and damage to customer property. The news story shed some much-needed light of what to be aware of when choosing a plumber and what to expect of their services.

plumbers for building work sites gold coast

1 – CHECK THEIR PLUMBING LICENCE

If a plumbing business is licenced, they should have it clearly written on their website, or you can ring and ask them if they are licenced. They should be able to provide their licence number, which means the business has gone through the required standards needed to be legally operating in your region.

2 – THEY ARE A MEMBER OF THE MPAQ

The Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) is the peak industry body representing plumbing contractors throughout Queensland. The peak industry body provides high-quality services and support and ensures plumbers undergo extensive training before receiving certification. If you choose to book a plumber affiliated with MPAQ, you can be assured you’re booking someone knowledgeable and qualified in their field and recognised by an industry-leading organisation.

3 – REFERENCES AND ONLINE REVIEWS

It’s a helpful idea to ask a plumbing company for their references and spend some time researching their online reviews. While their online reviews can be useful, also look into their social media pages and how they interact with their customers, which can also give you an idea of their customer support practices.

4 – HOW LONG THEY’VE BEEN IN BUSINESS

While common sense often tells us – the longer a company has been in business the more reliable it must be – it’s not always the case. Some businesses who overcharge have been in operation a long time, but it’s a good idea to know how long they’ve been around in your local area. Often the longer they’ve been in business, the more people will have known about them and could recommend them.

5 – SHOP AROUND FOR QUOTES

There’s no reason not to shop around, especially if the job you require is a fairly standard one and not an emergency. However, when doing so, make sure you are comparing apples with apples. Some plumbing companies are based on lower prices, and they start at a low hourly rate and then tack on extras with more time required, and others charge higher fees but guarantee the job is done for a set price. So, it’s in your best interests to make sure you ask the right questions as to what the quoted price includes so you can make the best comparisons.

6 – GET A GUARANTEE

Most plumbing businesses will have some guarantee in place but make sure you read the small print and get quotes in writing.

Some questions to ask could be:

  • Do you offer a lifetime warranty on your workmanship?
  • How long are the product warranties?
  • Is there anything you don’t guarantee?
  • Can I have your guarantee in writing?

7 – ASK NEIGHBOURS AND LOCALS FOR A REFERRAL

Plumbers build their businesses on reputations, so it can be a good idea to ask people in your local area to recommend a plumber they have used who they were happy with. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways businesses stay successful year-on-year, so don’t be afraid to ask your neighbour, friends or colleagues for a recommendation.

8 – TEAM PROFILES AND PICTURES

If a company can be transparent in displaying information about who they are, how long they’ve been in business and what qualifications their staff have it’s a good sign they’re not hiding anything. When a company’s website displays information about their team, and a recent team photo, it’s a sign they take pride in who they employ and most likely have less staff turn-over as a result. It’s a great way customers can put a face to the name and feel confident in who they have chosen to work with.

DCM Drainage and Plumbing offers prompt and reliable solutions for residential and commercial customers in the Gold Coast region. If you need an emergency plumber or require some general plumbing assistance for your home or business, give us a call!

The impact of COVID-19 is wide-ranging within the building and construction industry with effects to be inevitably felt within the supply chain and safety of workers.

Many tradies have been hit by the pandemic, and it has changed the habits of a lot of industries. We know that you want to keep socially distanced as much as possible, preventing the spread of the disease, but at the same time, there are occasions when you need to call in help.

According to statistics, Australia has had more than 26000 cases of COVID-19 so far. During this time, hiring the right team of professionals trained in COVID-19 safe practices to keep your plumbing working is extremely important.

COULD I HIRE A TRADIE?

The Australian government has listed tradies as essential service providers, and this means that throughout the different stages of lockdown, you can have tradies enter your home. In Queensland, as we have very few Coronavirus cases, you can call in tradies to carry out any work you wish to have completed, and you are not just limited to emergency work. So if you have a specific problem which requires the assistance of an expert, you can currently call in a tradie to help.

DOES THIS INCLUDE PLUMBERS?

If you have a problem with your water pipes, or with drainage problems, then you need to call in expert plumbers like the team at DCM Plumbing. They are allowed to help homeowners who cannot do DIY jobs, or where only a qualified professional may do the work.

SHOULD I CALL IN A PLUMBER?

Yes! However, there are some factors regarding whether you should call in a plumber to help you with your job. Firstly, if you feel unwell, or have been instructed to self-isolate, then you should try to delay the job as much as possible. Plumbing helps maintain sanitation and safety, which are essential for residents in Queensland.

TAKING CARE OF YOU

When you call in a DCM Plumbing plumber, you should greet them at the door but try to remain at a safe distance to keep up with social distancing. Safety is our number one priority not just on how we conduct our work but also with the tools we use. Good workplace hygiene and cleaning practices are also critical. You can use electronic payment options rather than giving them cash to keep contact to a minimum. Our plumbers will sanitise their hands and equipment before and after completing your work. All of this will help to keep both you and them safe.

NEED AN EMERGENCY PLUMBER?

If you have a plumbing emergency which means that you cannot delay calling in a plumber to your Gold Coast home, then reach out to DCM Plumbing today. You can do this by contacting us online or by calling us on 07-5576-5305 now.

Plumbing problems are always a headache. Some are simple, but some aren’t and can have severe consequences if not attended to promptly. A serious plumbing problem can damage your home or business. In your home, it can damage furniture, floors, and walls, etc. In your business, your goods, and stocks.

That’s not to mention the disruption. Most of us can put a new washer on a leaky tap, but there are plumbing issues that we can’t or really shouldn’t attempt to fix on our own. If you need a plumber on the Gold Coast, it’s best to call in the professionals, like us, at DCM Plumbing & Drainage. Although it is tempting to have a go yourself, there are some problems only a professional plumber can fix.

BURST PIPES

Burst pipes are generally not something a householder or business owner is capable of fixing. Unless you are a qualified plumber yourself, you probably won’t know where to start or even have the proper tools for the job. The location of a burst pipe may be pretty obvious, but you have to get at it and then fix it. A plumber would quickly know the where and how of it.

LEAK DETECTION

Not all water issues are as dramatic as a burst pipe. Sometimes you know you have a leak. All the signs are there: wet floors, damp walls, or puddles, but where is it? What you see is the result of the leak, not the origin. A professional plumber knows how to find leaks. They come prepared with the knowledge and the equipment to detect the source.

DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

Drainage problems are usually easy to spot. Pools of water around your property, toilets backed up, and bad odours are all signs. It’s a blockage of some kind, but again, you have the problem of where exactly is it? It may be something as simple as garden waste blocking a drain, which can easily be cleared away, but what if it is somewhere deep inside your piping system? How can you find it and more importantly, how can you clear it away? You would need to call in a plumber; one that can deal with the problem fast and efficiently.

HOT WATER UNITS

If the source of your problem is coming from your hot water unit, whether it is electrical, gas-fired, or even solar, then you need a plumber. Amateurs can’t tackle these kinds of systems. Only time served, qualified plumbers should attempt to fix a hot water system.

PROFESSIONALS ONLY

Don’t DIY unless you really know what you are doing. Leave it to the professionals. Luckily enough for you, DCM Plumbing & Drainage are the professionals. So if you need a plumber on the Gold Coast don’t hesitate to contact us.

The question of the day: are flushable wipes truly safe to flush? It wasn’t that long ago that the good people of Australia were going crazy over toilet paper along with the rest of the world. The start of Covid-19 saw a time when loo paper was looking rather valuable, while some opted for other wipeable options as shelves emptied.

The problems caused by these, now used, ‘flushable’ products, however, have been going on long before the recent toilet paper panic buys of 2020. Yet, more individuals believe that the labels of such flushable products are correct and are proceeding to flush the actually-non-flushable wipes down the toilet.

First off, even if a product plainly states that it’s ‘flushable’, think twice before endangering your pricey sewage system, as well as, the environment! Secondly, it was back in 2017 that a Water UK report outlined the dangers that flushing wipes bring to sewage systems and the environment. Thirdly, just because the product says ‘flushable’ doesn’t mean it is suitable for every toilet. Every toilet is different, and when applying your common sense, you’ll be able to see that these one-size-fits-all flushable wipes do not fit every toilet type and system and therefore can’t possibly be flushable.

In this blog, we look to prove once again that the only thing that is to be flushed down your toilet is loo paper. Throughout this blog, the professional voice of the plumber is heard in attempts to convince home dwellers never to believe what’s written on a label and rather to save their toilets from problems by sticking to good old fashioned toilet paper. By the end of this blog, you’ll know how safe flushing “flushable” wipes down the drain is for your home sewage system.

CAN I FLUSH THESE WIPES?

According to the Washington Post, the labelling of flushable wipes as “flushable” is not false advertising – you can flush these wipes, but our question is whether you should. Tim Carter (the author), makes an excellent counterpoint regarding this statement. Various objects such as cell phones, golf balls, toys, you name it, are flushed – but, of course, doing this is highly ill-advised.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PROBLEM?

The wipes that we are looking into a little more closely are wipes that are labelled as “flushable” and “septic-safe”. When it comes to marketing, we know to take everything in with a pinch of salt. Even though these wipes do break down eventually, they take a longer amount of time to do this compared to toilet paper. Because the breakdown of this product isn’t as immediate, blockages and clogged pipes occur more frequently as a result. By flushing these wipes, you are putting your home’s plumbing at risk for serious clogs. This increases the likelihood of accumulating some hefty plumbing bills.

EVEN IF THE LABEL PROMISES SAFE FLUSHING, IT’S STILL NOT SAFE

As mentioned, it’s a common strategy for the manufacturers of these products to make it seem like these wipes are super easy to dispose of. However, after these wipes are disposed of in this way, they can get caught up with other items that are in your sewer line at the same time. Other commonly-flushed items that contribute to backups and clogs include toilet cleaning pads, sanitary pads, dental floss, cotton swabs, paper towels and thick toilet paper.

Another reason to not flush wet wipes down the toilet is its biodegradability. Many products that are also flushed down the toilet are done so because they are labelled as ‘biodegradable’. Many consumers don’t investigate it that much but what this means is that the wipe will break down into smaller pieces. The product doesn’t entirely decompose. The consequence of this is the release of millions of microfibers into the surrounding ecosystems and the formation of fatbergs (flushed non-biodegradable solid matter that forms a mass in a sewer system).

To sum up all of the above; even if a product plainly states that it’s ‘flushable’, think twice before endangering your pricey sewage system, as well as, the environment!

For more advice, check-ins and plumbing solutions, contact DCM Plumbing & Drainage today. Stay tuned for more tips, answers, preventative measures and solutions from Gold Coast plumbing experts.

There are many reasons you might need a plumber on the Gold Coast, and when you do, it is best to call the experts here at DCM Plumbing and Drainage.

PLUMBING WE CAN WORK ON

Our expert plumbers can do repairs and service on several parts of your plumbing system. That includes your sinks, tubs, showers and toilets.

That includes general services, such as clearing blocked drains and fixing leaky pipes. We can also diagnose the reason for noisy pipes and get them fixed for you. If you have running toilets, unexplained leaks or overflowing drains or toilets, we can help with that too.

We will detect the problem, determine what’s causing it and help you find a solution!

Installation
If you’re renovating, building a home, or you simply need a new and updated plumbing system, we can help with that too. If you’re building a new home, we can help you design and install the right plumbing system for your needs.

If you’re working on renovations, we can help upgrade and alter your existing system. We can also install bathtubs, showers, sinks and toilets for your renovation or new build.

We also work with water filters and waste disposal units. Installation is a precise job so it’s never a good idea to attempt it on your own unless you are trained and have the right tools for the job.

Hot Water and Gas Fitting
In addition to general plumbing, we can also work on your hot water system and gas systems. That includes the hot water heater and your other gas appliances. DCM Plumbing are experts in diagnosing problems and repairing them, as well as installing new appliances or upgrading the ones you already have.

It’s especially important to avoid trying to work on your gas appliances on your own because this can be very dangerous to your health and safety. It’s best to give us a call if you need service or installation on your gas lines.

No matter your plumbing needs, when you need a plumber on the Gold Coast call us here at DCM Plumbing and Drainage. If you prefer, use our online contact form.

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