Do You Know How to Prevent the 7 Most Common Plumbing Problems?

There’s nothing worse than walking into your bathroom and hearing a faint drip… or worse, seeing water on the floor. Most people ignore it until it’s too late. In this post, we’ll break down the most common plumbing problems you might be facing—and how to stop them before they become an expensive nightmare.

Clogged Drains: Causes & DIY Fixes

Let’s call it like it is. Your drains cop a lot. Over time, this gunk builds up:

• Hair – It tangles, binds, and creates disgusting hair-nests that block your shower drain like a plug.

• Grease – Especially in the kitchen. You pour hot oil down thinking it’ll just slide through... but it cools, solidifies, and grabs onto everything else like a fat magnet.

• Soap Scum – You think you’re cleaning yourself, but that residue is clinging to your pipes like it pays rent.

• Food Chunks – Little scraps sneak past the strainer and slowly choke your sink.

• Random Crap – Kids’ toys, cotton buds, “flushable” wipes (yeah, don’t fall for that marketing).

  
  

DIY Fixes That Can Save You a Callout Fee

Before you crack and call in a plumber (we’re happy to help, but still), try these DIY moves:

1. The Boiling Water Blitz

Get the kettle screaming, then pour it straight down the drain in stages. Melts grease. Shifts light clogs. Costs nothing.

2. Bicarb & Vinegar Bomb

Half a cup of bicarb. Half a cup of white vinegar. Pour 'em down the drain. Watch the fizz. Wait 10-15 mins. Flush it with hot water.

3. Plunger Power

Good old-fashioned muscle. Fill the sink or shower base with enough water to cover the plunger. Plunge like your life depends on it. You’ll feel it when it breaks through.

4. The Coat Hanger Grab

If it’s a hairy situation (literally), straighten a wire coat hanger and create a hook at the end. Get in there. Pull the gunk out.

If none of that works? Don’t keep guessing.

A clog can be a warning sign of something nastier lurking deeper in the pipes — like tree roots, collapsed drains or years of grease buildup.

That’s when you call the professionals.

We’ll come in, sort it fast, and save you from a full-blown plumbing meltdown.

📞 Need help unclogging a stubborn drain? Call 4Shaw Plumbing and we’ll handle the dirty work so you don’t have to.

Leaky taps: How much water (and money) it wastes monthly

Hear that tap dripping? Might not sound like much now—but give it a month and it’s guzzled more water than a camel at happy hour. A slow-dripping tap can waste over 11,000 litres a year. That’s enough to fill a backyard pool or keep your veggie patch soaked all summer.

And yeah, your water bill cops it too. Depending on your rates, that innocent little drip could be slugging you an extra 30 to 80 bucks a month. Over a year? You’re flushing hundreds down the drain—literally—without even realising it.

So what causes it? Usually it's a worn-out washer, a dodgy valve seat, or just a bit of lime scale or gunk building up inside. Happens over time—especially in older homes or if you’re on hard water. The good news? It’s usually a quick fix if you jump on it early.

Here’s how to stop it before it starts:

• Don’t crank the tap too tight when you turn it off—just firm enough to stop the water.

• Keep an eye on your taps every few months for sneaky drips or signs of rust.

• If you’re in a hard water area, think about getting a filter or softener to slow down the build-up.

• And when in doubt? Get a plumber in before it turns into a full-blown drama.

  
  

Bottom line—don’t let a drip turn into a disaster. You’ll save water, cash, and the headache of bigger repairs down the track. 📞 Give 4Shaw Plumbing a buzz and we’ll get it sorted

Running Toilets: What’s Going On & How to Stop the Constant Flush Noise

You hear it. Middle of the night. No one’s in the bathroom... but the toilet’s still hissing like a snake in a bad mood.

Here’s what usually causes it:

• Worn-out flapper valve – This little rubber part seals the flush valve. If it’s warped, cracked or misaligned? Water leaks into the bowl nonstop.

• Float set too high – The float controls the water level. If it’s too high, the tank keeps overflowing into the overflow tube.

• Loose or broken fill valve – If the fill valve’s faulty, it doesn’t shut off when it should.

• Chain too short or tangled – If the chain connected to the flush handle is too tight or caught, the flapper doesn’t close properly.

  
  

How to Prevent a Running Toilet (Before It Hits Your Wallet)

Here’s how you stay one step ahead of a toilet that thinks it’s a waterfall:

1. Listen Daily

Make it a habit. If you hear your toilet refilling minutes after a flush — or randomly throughout the day — you’ve got a leak starting.

2. Check the Flapper Every 6 Months

Open the cistern. Take a look. If that flapper looks warped, gummy, or crusty — replace it. They’re cheap and easy to swap.

3. Adjust the Float

Make sure your float (the ball or cup thingy) isn’t set so high that water spills into the overflow pipe. Most have a screw or clip to adjust.

4. Use the Food Colouring Trick

Drop a few drops of food colouring into your tank — wait 10-15 minutes without flushing. If the colour appears in the bowl? You’ve got a silent leak.

If you're not keen on poking around inside your cistern, or if you've tried the above and the toilet's still acting possessed...

📞 Give 4Shaw Plumbing a buzz and we’ll get it sorted

Burst Pipes: What Causes Them & How to Dodge a Plumbing Disaster

A burst pipe isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a full-blown home disaster. One that can wreck floors, walls, furniture, and cost thousands if you don’t act fast.

Pipes don’t just explode out of nowhere. There’s usually been a warning — or three — before things go sideways.

Here’s what usually sets them off:

• Old, corroded pipes – If your home’s 20+ years old and never had a plumbing check, those metal pipes might be rusting from the inside out.

• Freezing temps – Yes, even in Aussie winters. In places like the hills, country towns, or southern states — water can freeze in pipes, expand, and split 'em wide open.

• Tree root invasions – Roots find even the tiniest crack and slowly pry pipes apart like a crowbar over time.

• High water pressure – Too much pressure, too long, and eventually something’s gotta give.

• Physical damage – Renovating? Hammer slipped? Drill went too far into the wall? Say hello to your copper friend.

  
  

  How to Prevent Burst Pipes (and Avoid the Chaos)

  Prevention is cheaper than a new ceiling and weeks of insurance calls.

  Here’s how to prevent them:

  1. Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve Is

  The second a pipe bursts, you’ve got seconds — not minutes — to shut the water off. Know where the main valve is right now, not when water’s already hitting your electricals.

  2. Insulate Exposed Pipes

  Got pipes running through the garage, under the house, or in a cold laundry? Wrap them. Foam insulation sleeves are cheap, easy to install, and save you from frozen disasters.

  3. Get Your Pipes Checked Every Few Years

  You get your car serviced. Same deal with your plumbing. A licensed plumber can spot corrosion, pressure issues, or stress points before they explode.

  4. Watch for Warning Signs

  Discoloured water, weird smells, loud banging in the pipes (“water hammer”), or low water pressure? Don’t ignore it.

In Case of Emergency...

If a pipe ever does burst:

1. Turn off the water immediately

2. Kill the electricity to the area if it’s nearby

3. Call a licensed plumber — fast

4. Mop what you can and start damage control

📞 Need a pipe inspection or emergency repair? Call 4Shaw Plumbing — we’ll sort it fast and clean so you can get back to life.

Hot Water System Failure: Why It Happens & How to Keep the Heat On

A busted hot water unit can mean no showers, no dishes, no clothes washing — and if you’re on gas, maybe no stove either. Not exactly ideal.

What Causes Hot Water Systems to Fail?

These things don’t just die overnight. There are red flags. And if you catch ‘em early, you can save yourself a whole lot of money and stress.

Here’s what usually goes wrong:

• Age – Most systems last around 8–12 years. After that, it’s living on borrowed time.

• Sediment build-up – Aussie water, especially in rural areas, can be full of minerals. Over time, they settle in the tank and cook your system from the inside.

• Faulty thermostat or heating element – If these parts go, you’re either getting lukewarm soup or full-body frostbite.

• Rust & corrosion – Especially in steel tanks. Once rust starts, leaks are just around the corner.

• Leaky valves or connections – Small drips can turn into full system failures if ignored.

How to Prevent Hot Water System Breakdowns

Want to keep your showers hot and your plumber off speed dial? Here’s how to keep your system running smooth:

1. Flush Your Tank Annually

Once a year, drain your system to clear out sediment. Less gunk = longer life. If you don’t know how? We’ll do it for you.

2. Check the Anode Rod

This rod protects your tank from rust. Over time, it corrodes instead of your tank — but once it’s gone, your system’s next. Replace every 4–5 years.

3. Test the Pressure Relief Valve

Lift the lever. Water should come out, then stop when you close it. If it doesn’t? That’s a fault waiting to happen.

4. Listen for Noises

Popping, banging, gurgling — that’s not normal. It usually means sediment’s built up and your tank’s working overtime.

5. Get a Professional Inspection Every 2 Years

A quick check-up from a licensed plumber can catch issues early, before your system goes cold at the worst time.

If you’re getting inconsistent heat, brownish water, or your system’s pushing past the 10-year mark — don’t roll the dice. Replace or repair before it leaves you out in the cold.

📞 Call 4Shaw Plumbing — We’ll inspect, repair or replace your hot water system fast, so you can get back to hot showers and peace of mind.

Low Water Pressure: What’s Causing It & How to Fix the Trickle

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

Before you start blaming the council or the weather, check this list. It’s probably one of these:

• Partially closed main valve – Sometimes after maintenance, your water meter valve or internal stop tap isn’t fully reopened.

• Blocked or dirty aerators – The little mesh screens on your taps and showerheads can clog up with sediment and gunk.

• Leaking pipes – Even a small leak reduces pressure. Bonus points if it’s hidden in a wall or underground.

• Corroded pipes – Old steel or copper pipes corrode from the inside, choking off your flow like bad cholesterol.

• Faulty pressure regulator – Some homes have one of these. If it’s acting up, your pressure drops like a rock.

• Shared mains (unit blocks, old suburbs) – Too many people drawing water at once? You’ll feel it.

How to Prevent Weak Water Flow from Ruining Your Day

Here’s how to keep your pressure strong and steady:

1. Clean Your Aerators

Unscrew the tip of your taps and shower heads, soak them in vinegar, scrub the grit off. It’s a 5-minute job that can make a world of difference.

2. Check Your Valves

Make sure both the main water meter valve (usually out front near the curb) and your indoor stop tap are fully open.

3. Look for Leaks

If your water bill's gone up but your usage hasn’t, you might have a leak. Look for damp patches, dripping taps, or that sneaky running toilet.

4. Get a Plumbing Inspection Every Few Years

Especially if you live in an older home. A licensed plumber can spot early corrosion or pressure issues before they start choking your system.

5. Install a Pressure Boosting System (if needed)

If you’ve done all the above and pressure still sucks, you might need a booster pump — especially in high-set homes or older apartment blocks.

Low water pressure isn’t just annoying — it can be a sign that something’s wrong behind the walls. And the longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) it gets.

📞 Call 4Shaw Plumbing today — we’ll track down the problem, fix it fast, and get your pressure back where it should be: strong, clean, and satisfying.

Toilet Blockages: What Causes Them & How to Keep Your Loo Flowing Free

There’s a special kind of panic that hits when you flush the toilet... and the water starts rising instead of going down.

What Causes a Blocked Toilet?

Toilets are tough — but they’re not built to handle everything you throw at them. Here’s what usually clogs the system:

• Too much toilet paper – Yes, it’s made to dissolve... but not if you use half the roll per flush.

• “Flushable” wipes – Spoiler: they’re not flushable. They clump up and choke your pipes over time.

• Sanitary items & nappies – These should never go in the toilet. They don’t break down. They just block.

• Foreign objects – Kids love tossing random stuff into the bowl: toys, toothbrushes, the cat’s collar — we’ve seen it all.

• Weak flush or low-flow toilets – Some eco models just don’t have the grunt to move waste properly.

How to Prevent Toilet Blockages Like a Pro

Toilet dramas aren’t just gross — they’re 100% preventable with a few smart habits.

1. Follow the Golden Rule: Poo, Paper, and That’s It

No wipes. No cotton buds. No tissues. No “just this once.” If it didn’t come out of you or isn’t toilet paper, don’t flush it.

2. Use Less Paper

Seriously. You don’t need to mummify your hand. Fold neatly, flush early if needed, and go in rounds.

3. Keep a Bin in the Bathroom

Make it easy for people to not flush the wrong stuff. Especially useful for guests who might not know your “house rules.”

4. Teach the Kids Early

Kids love flushing things. Keep the lid down, supervise when necessary, and have “the talk” before your LEGO ends up in the S-bend.

5. Watch the Water Level & Flush Strength

If the flush feels weak or the bowl’s slow to empty, don’t ignore it. It could be a small blockage forming — catch it before it becomes a full-on plumbing problem.

 What to Do If It’s Already Blocked

Grab the plunger. Give it 6–10 firm plunges. If it starts draining, job done.If not? Don’t keep flushing — it’ll just flood.

📞 Call 4Shaw Plumbing and we’ll clear it fast, clean, and without judgment. (Trust us, we’ve seen worse.)

To sum it up — whether it’s a blocked toilet, a busted hot water system or a slow drain, a little prevention goes a long way.

But when things go sideways?Don’t panic. Don’t Google weird hacks.

📞 Call 4Shaw Plumbing — we’re fast, local, and we don’t leave until the job’s sorted and spotless.

You’ve got better things to do than fight with plumbing problems. Let us handle the dirty work.