Advice & guides

Plumbing Advice & Guides

Practical plumbing tips from the Brisbane team at The Plumbing Gang. Learn how to spot problems early, what to do in an emergency and when it’s time to call a plumber.

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The short answer

About our guides

The Plumbing Gang’s Advice & Guides are plain-English articles from a licensed Brisbane plumbing company covering hot water, blocked drains, leaks and water damage, gas, water quality and roofing and gutters. They help homeowners spot problems early, handle emergencies safely and know when to call a plumber.

Need a plumber today?

Available 24/7 across Brisbane and South East Queensland, with fixed-price options before any work starts.

How to use our guides

Know what you're dealing with

Our guides are written by a local plumbing team that sees these problems every day. Use them to understand what might be going on, what’s safe to try yourself and what’s best left to a licensed plumber.

For anything involving gas, electrics near water or a burst pipe, play it safe and call a professional. If you’re not sure, call The Plumbing Gang on 1300 671 525, any time, 24/7.

At a glance

What you can expect from The Plumbing Gang.

Guides

Hot Water

Plumber testing a hot water system outside

7 Signs Your Hot Water System Is About to Fail

Rusty water, leaks, strange noises and lukewarm showers can all point to a failing hot water system. Here are seven warning signs to watch for.

Newly installed hot water system

Heat Pump vs Electric vs Gas Hot Water: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Compare heat pump, electric storage and gas hot water systems, including running costs in general terms, suitability and what to check before you buy.

Gas hot water unit and pipework on an exterior wall

Why Is My Hot Water Relief Valve Leaking?

A small drip can be normal, but a constant flow is not. Learn the common causes of a leaking hot water relief valve and why it must never be capped.

Guides

Drains

Plumbing crew repairing a sewer line

Blocked Drain? Common Causes and Warning Signs

Gurgling pipes, slow drains and bad smells are early clues to a blockage. Learn the common causes and how plumbers find and clear them.

Plumber with pipe relining equipment

Tree Roots in Sewer Pipes: How to Spot Them and What to Do

Tree roots can invade sewer pipes through joints and cracks. Learn the symptoms, how CCTV finds them, and the difference between jetting, repair and relining.

Plumbing Gang plumbers jet blasting a blocked drain

What Is Pipe Relining and Is It Right for You?

Pipe relining repairs damaged drains from the inside with a resin liner, often with minimal digging. Find out how it works and when excavation is the better option.

Plumber kneeling in a modern bathroom

Blocked Drains in Commercial Kitchens: Causes and Prevention

Fats, oils, grease and food scraps are the main culprits behind blocked kitchen drains. Learn how to prevent blockages and keep your kitchen trading.

Guides

Leaks & Water Damage

Plumber running a CCTV drain camera inspection

Burst Pipe? What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives

Water pouring through a ceiling or wall? These steps can limit the damage while you wait for a plumber. Here’s exactly what to do, and what not to do.

New water pipework installed before tiling

How to Check for a Hidden Water Leak Using Your Water Meter

A simple water meter test can show whether you have a hidden leak. Here’s how to do it, what to look for, and when to call a plumber.

Plumber repairing a leaking bathroom vanity

Burst Flexi Hoses: The Hidden Flood Risk Under Your Sink

Flexi hoses under sinks, vanities and toilets can fail without warning. Learn the warning signs, how flood guards work and when to replace them.

Guides

General Plumbing

Plumber fitting a kitchen tap

Why Is My Tap Dripping? 5 Common Causes (and When to Call a Plumber)

A dripping tap wastes water and usually gets worse over time. Here are the five most common causes we find in Brisbane homes, and when it’s time to call a plumber.

Plumbing Gang ute parked outside a job

Plumbing Emergency or Can It Wait? How to Tell

Not every plumbing problem needs a plumber at 2am. Here’s how to tell a true plumbing emergency from one that can wait until morning.

Plumber fixing a toilet cistern

Toilet Keeps Running? What's Going On and How We Fix It

A running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water without you noticing. Here’s what causes it, a quick check you can do yourself, and how our plumbers fix it.

Guides

Gas

Gas oven being connected by a licensed gasfitter

Smell Gas at Home? What to Do (and What Not to Do)

A gas smell should always be taken seriously. Here’s exactly what to do, what to avoid, and when to call a licensed gasfitter.

Plumber installing a gas cooktop

Gas Compliance Certificates in Queensland: What Homeowners Need to Know

After gas work in Queensland, a licensed gasfitter must give you a gas compliance certificate. Here’s when it applies and why it matters.

Plumber inspecting bathroom plumbing

LPG Regulator Problems: Signs Yours Needs Replacing

A faulty LPG regulator can affect your appliances and your safety. Learn the warning signs and what to do if you suspect a problem.

Guides

Water Quality

Plumber fixing a leaking pipe in a bathroom

What Is Backflow Prevention and Does Your Property Need Testing?

Backflow can let contaminated water flow back into the drinking supply. Find out which properties have devices and why testing and registration matter.

Plumber replacing a kitchen tap

Do You Need a Water Filter? A Guide for Brisbane Homes

Town water in Brisbane is treated and safe to drink. Here is why some homes still choose a filter, the main types, and what upkeep involves.

Plumber connecting a kitchen sink

Filtering Tank, Bore and River Water for Rural Properties

Rural properties without town water need more than a jug filter. Learn about sediment filters, backwashing, UV treatment and why testing comes first.

Guides

Commercial

Plumber fitting a shower head

Planned Plumbing Maintenance for Businesses: What to Check and When

A planned maintenance routine helps businesses avoid surprise breakdowns. Here is what to check, how often to think about it, and what records to keep.

Tiled shower wall with a new mixer

Leak Detection for Hotels, Strata and Multi-Storey Buildings

Leaks in large buildings often hide behind walls and above ceilings. Learn how plumbers find them using moisture meters, thermal imaging and shower flood tests.

Guides

Roofing & Gutters

Roof being cleaned on a Brisbane home

Are Gutter Guards Worth It? A Brisbane Homeowner's Guide

Gutter guards can cut down on gutter cleaning and help gutters cope with storms, but they’re not right for every home. Here’s an honest look at the pros and cons.

The Plumbing Gang fleet truck

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters in Brisbane?

Most Brisbane homes need their gutters cleaned at least once or twice a year, and more often with overhanging trees. Here’s how to work out the right schedule for your home.

Plumbing Gang van fitted out with tools and parts

Signs Your Metal or Tile Roof Needs Maintenance

Ceiling stains, loose screws, cracked tiles and failing flashings are all early clues. Learn the warning signs on metal and tile roofs before a small leak becomes a big repair.

Real jobs

See our case studies

Want to see how these problems get fixed in real homes? Browse case studies from our own job records, sorted by service and suburb.

Need a hand now?

We are available 24/7 for urgent plumbing.

FAQs

Common Questions

Our guides are written by The Plumbing Gang, a licensed Brisbane plumbing company, based on the jobs we see every day.

Some small jobs, like clearing a sink trap, are fine to try. Gas work and most plumbing work in Queensland must be done by a licensed professional.

Turn off the water at the mains if it’s safe to do so, then call The Plumbing Gang on 1300 671 525. We’re available 24/7.

Yes. Our guides and our team cover roofing and gutters as well as plumbing, gas, drains and hot water.

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