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No Hot Water? Start Here Before calling a plumber, there are a few quick checks worth doing. Work through these first — they resolve the problem more often than you'd think. Gas Hot Water Systems — Check These First Check whether other gas appliances are working. If your stove and heater work but the hot water doesn't, the issue is specific to the hot water system. Check the pilot light if your system has one — older units have a standing pilot that can blow out. Modern systems have electronic ignition that should light automatically but may display a fault code if it can't ignite. Note the fault code and check your manual. Also check that the gas isolation valve on the unit (usually a lever near the unit itself) is fully open. Electric Hot Water Systems — Check These First Check your switchboard. Electric hot water systems are often on a dedicated circuit breaker or controlled by an off-peak relay timer. Find the circuit labelled "hot water" on your switchboard and check it hasn't tripped. Reset if required. If it trips again, the element or thermostat has likely failed and a plumber is needed. Also check the power isolation switch on the wall near the hot water unit. Continuous Flow (Instantaneous) Systems — Check These First Continuous flow systems require a minimum flow rate to activate. Check that your hot water tap is fully open. In winter, cold supply water temperatures drop significantly — if your unit is set to 50°C and supply water is 8°C, the system has to work harder and may not reach temperature at low flow. Turn up the hot water temperature setting slightly if this happens in cold weather. When to Call a Plumber Call ATC Plumbing if the checks above don't resolve the problem, if there's water leaking from the unit, if the water is discoloured or smells, if the pressure relief valve is weeping or running, or if your system is more than 10 years old and not recovering properly. Same-day hot water service across Melbourne's south-east. Call 1300 282 758 — 24/7 for emergencies. Related reading: opening your hot water relief (PTR) valve

Are rainwater tanks making a comeback? Absolutely! With water conservation becoming increasingly vital, homeowners and businesses alike are rediscovering the numerous benefits of installing rainwater tanks. Whether you're looking to reduce your water bills, maintain lush gardens, or contribute positively to the environment, rainwater tanks offer a practical and cost-effective solution. Benefits of Installing Rainwater Tanks in Residential and Commercial Applications Irrigation and Hand Watering Rainwater tanks are ideal for residential and commercial irrigation purposes. By collecting and storing rainwater, you can ensure your gardens remain vibrant even during water restrictions. Rainwater is naturally softer and free from chlorine and fluoride, making it perfect for hand watering plants, lawns, and gardens. As an experienced irrigation plumber in Melbourne eastern suburbs, we at Around the Clock Plumbing have seen firsthand how rainwater systems significantly improve garden health while reducing reliance on municipal water supplies. Savings on Water Consumption One of the most compelling reasons to install a rainwater tank is the significant reduction in water consumption. When connected to a toilet cistern or laundry system, rainwater tanks can lead to substantial savings. Studies show that households using rainwater tanks for toilets and laundry can save approximately 21% of their total household water demand annually—equating to around 38,000 litres per household each year. This translates into considerable financial savings over the lifespan of the tank. Commercial Applications Rainwater harvesting isn't just beneficial for residential properties; commercial buildings can also reap substantial advantages. Businesses using rainwater for irrigation, toilet flushing, and other non-potable applications can significantly lower their operating costs. Additionally, by reducing stormwater runoff, commercial properties help mitigate local flooding risks and ease pressure on municipal stormwater infrastructure. Environmental Impact Installing a rainwater tank reduces stormwater runoff into local drainage systems, decreasing flood risks and protecting our waterways from pollution caused by excessive runoff. Rainwater harvesting also helps preserve local ecosystems by reducing soil erosion and maintaining healthier rivers and creeks. By capturing rain at its source, we collectively contribute to a more sustainable future. Government Incentives & Property Value In Victoria and other Australian states, installing a rainwater tank may qualify you for government rebates or incentives. These incentives make the initial investment even more affordable. Furthermore, having a rainwater harvesting system installed can boost your property's market value as buyers increasingly seek environmentally friendly features when purchasing homes or commercial properties. Versatility & Independence Modern rainwater tanks come in various sizes and designs suitable for any property type—from compact urban homes to sprawling commercial facilities. They offer independence from centralised water systems, providing peace of mind during droughts or water restrictions. Moreover, harvested rainwater is typically softer and free from chemical additives like chlorine or fluoride—ideal for gardening or cleaning tasks. Call to Action Are you ready to experience the benefits of installing a rainwater tank at your home or business? Around the Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd specialises in residential and commercial plumbing Melbourne—from blocked drains Melbourne to advanced CIPP pipe relining solutions, hot water plumber Melbourne, Melbourne emergency plumber & more. Our expert team provides tailored advice on the best rainwater harvesting systems suited to your needs. Call Around the Clock Plumbing today for a free assessment and quote—let our experienced plumbers help you make an informed decision about installing a rainwater tank. Take advantage of our professional expertise as Melbourne's trusted irrigation plumbers and start saving money while contributing positively to our environment today!

Are you tired of high water bills and a garden that never seems to thrive despite your best efforts? A site-specific irrigation system installed by a professional irrigation plumber in Melbourne could be the solution you've been looking for. At Around the Clock Plumbing, we specialise in designing and installing tailored irrigation systems that not only enhance your garden's health and appearance but also significantly reduce water usage and save you money. What is a Site-Specific Irrigation System? A site-specific irrigation system, also known as smart irrigation or precision irrigation, is designed to deliver water precisely where it's needed, exactly when it's needed. Unlike traditional sprinkler systems that waste water through evaporation, runoff, and overspray, a tailored irrigation solution ensures your plants receive optimal hydration without excessive waste. How Does it Work? Site-specific irrigation systems use advanced technology to monitor various environmental factors such as soil moisture levels, weather conditions, plant types, and landscape layout. By adjusting watering schedules based on real-time data from sensors that measure soil moisture levels, weather patterns, and plant requirements, these intelligent systems provide optimal watering tailored specifically to your garden's unique needs. Benefits of Installing a Site-Specific Irrigation System Save Money on Water Bills Did you know that switching to a drip or smart irrigation system can reduce your water usage by up to 50% compared to traditional sprinklers? By eliminating unnecessary watering and targeting only areas where plants actually require moisture, you significantly cut down on wasted water—leading directly to lower utility costs. Healthier Plants & Beautiful Gardens Overwatering is one of the leading causes of unhealthy gardens. Precision irrigation prevents overwatering by delivering water directly to plant roots at optimal intervals. This promotes deeper root growth, stronger plants, and reduces the risk of fungal diseases caused by excess moisture. Environmentally Friendly Reducing your water consumption isn't just good for your wallet—it's great for the environment too. Site-specific irrigation systems minimize runoff and deep percolation, protecting local waterways from nutrient pollution and preserving precious water resources during Melbourne's dry periods. Reduced Maintenance & Labour Automated smart irrigation controllers eliminate the hassle of manual watering. You can control your system remotely via smartphone apps, saving considerable time spent manually watering your garden. Additionally, these systems can detect leaks early, helping you avoid costly repairs and wasted water. Compliance with Local Regulations Melbourne homeowners often face strict local regulations regarding watering schedules. Smart irrigation controllers automatically adjust watering times based on local guidelines and weather conditions—ensuring compliance while keeping your garden lush and healthy. Why Choose an Expert Irrigation Plumber in Melbourne? Installing a sophisticated site-specific irrigation system requires expertise. As experienced irrigation plumbers in Melbourne, Around the Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd understands the unique soil types, climate conditions, and gardening challenges in our region. Our professional team designs custom solutions tailored specifically to your property—ensuring maximum efficiency and performance. With over 20 years of plumbing experience in Melbourne, Around the Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd specialises in domestic and commercial plumbing maintenance—including advanced site-specific irrigation installation. Don't let outdated irrigation methods drain your wallet or damage your garden. Call Around the Clock Plumbing today for a free assessment and quote—your trusted local irrigation plumber in Melbourne!

Advanced Leak Detection — Finding Leaks Without the Guesswork Traditional leak detection involved digging until you found the pipe. ATC Plumbing uses non-invasive technologies that pinpoint leaks precisely — minimising excavation, disruption, and cost. Acoustic Leak Detection Pressurised water leaking from a pipe produces a distinctive sound signature as it escapes into surrounding soil. Acoustic detection equipment amplifies and analyses this sound through a sensor placed on the ground surface above the pipe. Trained operators can pinpoint the leak location within centimetres — enabling targeted excavation rather than broad trenching. This technology works effectively on water supply pipes, including those under driveways, slabs, and established gardens. Pressure Testing Pressure testing isolates individual sections of pipe and measures pressure decay over time. A pipe that loses pressure when isolated has a breach in that section. This is particularly useful for pool and spa pipe systems, irrigation systems, and properties where the leak location is unknown. Pressure testing identifies which section of pipe is failing before any excavation begins. CCTV Camera Inspection For drain and sewer pipe leaks, a CCTV camera fed through the pipe can visually identify the exact location of cracks, joint failures, and pipe breaches. Combined with acoustic detection for supply pipes, CCTV inspection provides a comprehensive view of underground pipe condition without unnecessary digging. Gas Leak Detection ATC Plumbing's licensed gas fitters use calibrated gas detection equipment to identify leaks in underground and concealed gas lines. Gas leak detection requires a licensed gas fitter — it's not a DIY job. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the property and call the emergency line first, then call ATC Plumbing. For non-emergency gas leak assessment, call 1300 282 758. Related reading: water leak detection in older homes · pre-purchase plumbing inspections

How to Unblock a Toilet — DIY Steps Before Calling a Plumber A blocked toilet is stressful but often fixable with the right approach. Here's how to attempt it yourself before calling for help — and how to know when you've reached the limit of what DIY can do. Step 1 — Stop the Water If the toilet bowl is full and about to overflow, don't flush again. Instead, find the isolation valve behind or beneath the cistern and turn it clockwise to stop the water supply. This prevents an overflow while you work on the blockage. Step 2 — Use a Plunger A toilet plunger (with a flange — the extending rubber lip at the bottom) is the right tool, not a flat cup plunger. Place the plunger firmly over the toilet outlet to create a seal. Push down slowly and firmly, then pull up sharply — you're trying to create pressure both ways to dislodge the blockage. Repeat 10–15 times. If water starts to drain, flush carefully to confirm the blockage has cleared. Step 3 — Hot Water and Dish Soap If plunging doesn't work, try pouring a few squirts of dish soap into the bowl, followed by a bucket of hot (not boiling — boiling water can crack ceramic) water from about waist height. The soap lubricates the blockage and the water pressure helps shift it. Wait a few minutes and try plunging again. When to Stop and Call a Plumber Stop DIY attempts and call a plumber if: the blockage doesn't clear after several attempts; other drains in the house are also slow or backing up (this suggests a main sewer blockage, not just a toilet blockage); there's sewage backing up into other fixtures; or you suspect something solid and non-biodegradable is lodged in the drain. ATC Plumbing provides same-day blocked toilet and drain service across Melbourne's south-east. Call 1300 282 758. Related reading: the complete guide to blocked drains · why a drain keeps blocking · DIY: unblock a drain before calling a plumber

How to Unblock Your Drain at Home — Before Calling a Plumber Not every blocked drain needs a plumber. Here are the methods that actually work for common household blockages — in order from simplest to most involved. Method 1 — Remove the Physical Blockage For bathroom drains, the most common blockage is a hair and soap scum ball sitting in or just below the drain cover. Remove the drain cover (usually a simple lift-off or unscrew), and use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a bent wire coat hanger to pull out the built-up debris. Unpleasant but effective. Running hot water after clearing confirms flow has been restored. Method 2 — Boiling Water For kitchen sink blockages caused by grease and soap residue, boiling water poured directly down the drain can melt and shift the build-up. Pour in stages — allow the water to work for a minute between pours. Effective for mild grease blockages, less effective for solid blockages or root intrusion. Note: don't use boiling water in a porcelain sink or toilet — it can cause cracking. Method 3 — Baking Soda and Vinegar Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and wait 30 minutes — the chemical reaction helps break down organic build-up. Flush with hot water. This works well for slow drains caused by soap scum and light grease build-up. It's less effective for solid blockages. Method 4 — Plunger A plunger creates alternating pressure in the drain that can dislodge blockages. Make sure there's enough water in the sink or toilet bowl to cover the plunger cup. Maintain a firm seal and use a series of firm, rapid plunges. For sinks, block the overflow outlet (usually under the rim) with a cloth before plunging to maximise pressure. When to Call a Plumber If the drain is completely blocked and DIY methods haven't worked, if the same drain keeps blocking despite clearing, if multiple drains are slow simultaneously (suggesting a main sewer blockage), or if you hear gurgling from other drains when you flush — it's time for a professional. ATC Plumbing provides same-day blocked drain service. Call 1300 282 758. Related reading: the complete guide to blocked drains · why a drain keeps blocking · how to plunge a blocked toilet