‘Ross’ from Mount Waverley Vic, rang the O’Shea Plumbing office as there was a plumbing issue at his mother’s house causing unsanitary spillages in her home. Lawrie and Max (plumber and apprentice) quickly called around to the property to investigate the problem. After assessing the issue, they discovered that the sewer drain on the property had become blocked due to tree root growth in the drains. Lawrie and Max quoted Ross for a number of different options and prices to solve the blocked drain issue, which included options from simply clearing the blockage and using Rootx to inhibit root growth, to relining and also replacing sections of drain. Ross decided he just wanted the drain unblocked, stating said that he has used O’Shea Plumbing many times before and was always happy with the service. Lawrie and Max started clearing the sewer drain with a Ridgid cable machine, beginning from a D.T. at the rear corner of the house and then from a point located outside of the toilet. Due to the severity of the tree roots in the drain, the machine cable got stuck mid-job.  Since O’Shea Plumbing has been in operation since 1978, they have plenty of experience with these types of issues. Lawrie travelled back to their factory/office to get the old, original Ridgid machine, that was stronger and more powerful than the standard machine carried on the vans. By using the older, stronger machine, the cables were quickly retrieved and the job completed. To get the job done, Lawrie and Max used full-size 100mm cutters to run through the drains to completely clear the sewer drain and give Ross and his Mother the maximum time until the tree roots grow back and the job will need to be done again.  Ross was very happy that all of the sewer drains were once again clear and running freely.

‘Beverley’ from Balwyn Vic, rang and spoke to Chelsea in the O’Shea Plumbing Mount Waverley Vic, office as her sewer drain had blocked again. Andrew from O’Shea Plumbing had cleared a blockage at her house a few months earlier. Lawrie (plumber) and Max (apprentice) were working on a job in Doncaster East Vic,  at the time, so Chelsea checked the booking system on her computer and could see that they would be available to go see Beverley shortly after lunch that afternoon. Lawrie and Max arrived at Beverley’s that afternoon. After investigating the problem and calling Yarra Valley Water for a sewer point location, it was found that Beverley’s drain was combined with Nick’s drain on the property next door and this was where the blockage was actually located. Lawrie provided Nick with a copy of the sewer plan so he could see exactly where the drains ran and how the blocked drain would affect him. A number of options and quotes were given to Nick to clear the drain. At first, Nick and his wife thought the prices were too high, but after Lawrie gave them a detailed explanation of what would be done and why it would be beneficial, they decided to proceed. As it turned out, there was extensive tree roots in three points of the sewer drain. These roots were all completely cleared out using full-size 100mm cutters. On completion, Nick and his wife said that they were very happy with the job. They had seen the amount of work that was done. They both said that no previous plumber had done that much clearing, and that no one had provided a copy of the sewer plan to show them where their drains ran. They asked for a business card so they could ring O’Shea Plumbing if they had any plumbing issues in the future.

Recently, Mrs O’Shea (no relation to O’Shea Plumbing) called up our  main office of O’Shea Plumbing. She had looked at the reviews on the internet and decided that she liked the sound of a family run business and was happy with what she read. The fact that her last name was O’Shea was just a nice little touch that helped her cement her decision to give us a go.    Mrs O’Shea rang up the Mt Waverley Vic head office to report an issue with her toilet — the system was constantly running. Our plumber Andrew (from our Bundoora depot in VIC) was designated to her case. He made sure he was at her house the next morning at a very punctual 8am.  Andrew investigated the issue and provided Mrs O’Shea with some viable solutions to fix the problem.   Mrs O’Shea decided to replace the old cistern (over 20 years old) with a new one. With the new cistern being smaller, she fully appreciated the economic benefit that this option provided in  using far less water per flush. She saw this as an opportunity to save money in the long run. This solution would require less maintenance with minimal to no replacement costs involved for a number of years to come.     Andrew performed his duties and installed the new cistern in a timely manner. Mrs O’Shea was thrilled with the work and happy to have her toilet in proper working order. 

Mr Zeng rang up O’Shea Plumbing (our Wantirna office in VIC) on a Sunday, to get some assistance regarding a water leak. This leak was occuring in the front yard of his property and was coming from under the grass. Our plumber Andrew arrived shortly after the call  at Mr Zeng and his wife’s home.    Andrew began by explaining the process that his new clients could expect from O’Shea Plumbing. Once Mr Zeng approved works, Andrew went about attempting to locate the leak. He soon found that the water leak was not under the grass, but potentially under a concrete path or under the house. The water was tracking onto the grass where it could pool and sit.   Andrew squeezed under the house to see if he could see or hear any evidence of a water leak. This was in order to cover all bases. Once Andrew got to the area where he thought the leak could be, he realised he was now lying in a gigantic puddle of water. This indicated that a leak was occuring nearby. Unfortunately for Andrew he had not quite found the source of the leak itself. But he knew he was close!   Andrew was confident he was in the right area. However, he did not want to start cutting up his client’s nice concrete path or remove bricks from the house without any more evidence. Andrew proposed that he used specialised pipe and leak detection equipment to trace out where the water pipe ran. He also suggested connecting an air compressor to the water pipes and using a listening device in an attempt to get a more accurate location on the leak. This approach would minimise damage to the property.   Andrew came back the next day with the pipe location equipment and painted a good picture of where and how deep the water pipe ran, as well as an approximate area where the pipe was leaking. From here, he decided he needed to cut out a small section of the  concrete path to gain access to the water leak. Usually O’Shea Plumbing will try to bypass leaks so there is no need to cut up paths or driveways. But in this case the path ran all around the property. There was just no other option.   Once Andrew cut out concrete path he very quickly found the leak. He cut out that section and replaced it with new pipe. With the water was turned back on, he ensured all fixtures were checked. Mr Zeng and his wife were so happy with the result that they actually said they would never use another plumbing company again!   

‘Maz’, a resident from Ashwood VIC, rang and spoke to Chelsea at the O’Shea Plumbing Mount Waverley head office as his sewer drain had become blocked causing spillages on the property. O’Shea Plumbing offers a 12-month warranty on sewer drain blockages that reoccur in the same spot. Maz queried if this blockage would come under the warranty, as it has been just under 12 months since O’Shea Plumbing had previously cleared this sewer. After investigating the blockage, Lawrie and Max (plumber and apprentice) called at 8am to confirm that indeed the main blockage would be cleared under the warranty at no charge to Maz. Further investigation with a Ridgid drain camera and Navitrack – which locates the position of the camera head – revealed that tree roots that had also made their way into another sewer branch drain.  At O’Shea Plumbing, we conduct extensive assessment and consultations in order to offer the best solutions for your plumbing problem. After determining the best course of action to remove the blockage, Lawrie and Max provided Maz with quotes to clear the tree roots from the drain and also to treat the drain with Rootx to slow the root growth of the tree. Quotes were also given for a more permanent solution, which involved relining the junction where the roots were infiltrating the drain.  The final decision was up to Maz, who accepted the quote to clear the blockage and use the Rootx treatment. With that settled, the tree roots were completely cleared and treated with Rootx and the drain was checked again with the camera. During the course of the work, Maz had to go back to work, and his father (who also uses the services of O’Shea Plumbing at his Glen Iris house) arrived. On completion, Maz’s father commended Lawrie and Max for fixing the issue so promptly, calling them the “best plumbers in Melbourne”, and requested they give him several business cards to give to family and friends.

‘Frank’ from Mount Waverley rang the O’Shea Plumbing office, as his toilets were blocked and the water was not flushing properly. Lawrie and Max (Plumber and Apprentice) made their way to Frank’s property to conduct an inspection. After assessing the situation and checking the extent of the blockage they found that all the fixtures were blocked.  Lawrie and Max began making some calls in order to get some solutions for the problem. A copy of the sewerage plan and a phone call to Yarra Valley Water confirmed the location of the connection point to the Yarra Valley main sewer. Lawrie and Max discovered that Frank’s drain was combined with their next-door neighbour’s and the connection point was located on the neighbour’s property. A quick visit next-door revealed the neighbours were not home, and a note was left on their door to contact Frank and O’Shea Plumbing as soon as possible. Frank later rang to say that O’Shea Plumbing could access the neighbour’s property the next day. Lawrie and Max visited the two properties again. Now that they had access to the neighbour’s property they were able to clearly deduct that the blockage was actually in the Yarra Valley Water main sewer. Lawrie rang and referred the job to Yarra Valley Water, and was informed that they would be on-site within two hours to get Frank and his neighbour’s sewer cleared and running again. Thanks to the quick work by Lawrie and Max from O’Shea Plumbing, the blockage was able to be solved quickly and Frank could go back to living in a home free from plumbing issues.

Because natural gas is lighter than air, it dissipates quickly into the atmosphere in the event of a leak. However, you should still report all gas leaks in Melbourne, as gas may build up in confined spaces and create a potentially dangerous situation. This is the opposite for LPG gas which is heavier than air. This makes LPG more dangerous than natural gas.    What to do if you smell gas If you smell gas in the street or on your property leading up to where the gas meter is located, you should call your gas company (the phone number is usually on the top of your gas bill) immediately to locate and repair the leak. If however, you believe the leak to be after the meter on a section of pipework connecting your appliances, or on the appliance itself, you should contact O’Shea Plumbing to rectify the problem. Remember, any person undertaking work involving gas must be appropriately licensed.   Inside your home If you smell gas inside your building or home: Turn off all appliances and pilot lights Turn off your supply at the gas meter   Open all doors and windows for ventilation Contact O’Shea Plumbing to locate, repair the leak and relight appliances.   Remember: Do not look for a gas leak with a naked flame or other ignition source Do not operate electrical equipment close to a gas leak Don’t turn on or switch off any lights, use a telephone, or use a flashlight, at the risk of causing a spark that could start a gas fire Don’t smoke, light matches, or use a cigarette lighter inside or while on the property.   Inhalation of Natural Gas  A natural gas leak in an outdoor environment is usually not concentrated enough to cause symptoms. A leak into a small-enclosed space can result in a lack of oxygen in the air and symptoms of hypoxia. These include headache, decreased vision, fatigue, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness.   At O’Shea Plumbing, we offer emergency plumber Melbourne services. We guarantee quick and reliable service and can help you solve your gas leak issues in no time. All you need to do is contact us on 03 9888 2887.

The water supplied to the citizens of Melbourne is amongst the best in the world. But what would happen if that water supply started flowing back the wrong way from the citizens? Below we’ll examine backflow and why prevention is so important. What is Backflow? Backflow is a term used in the plumbing world to describe an undesirable flow of water in the reverse direction. The backflow of water can carry contaminants back to the primary water supply system, making the water in it unsafe to drink. Backflow occurs due to pressure changes in the pipe. This can happen, for instance, when a broken water main is being repaired, the water is turned off, the broken section of pipe is removed, water will gush out of the pipes on either side of the broken section, and a vacuum will be created in the water supply system. Under certain conditions, this draws liquid from a potentially contaminated source back into the drinking water supply. Some examples of cross-connections where a backflow incident can occur are: In metal processing or chemical plants where metals in solutions or chemicals used for production can come into contact with the water supply In market gardens, where chemical injectors, irrigation systems and garden hoses are connected to the water supply  When a hose is left running in a container with chemicals such as fertilisers  Car wash facilities, where there is a connection between the scrubber and rinse cycles  Pipework that allows recycled water to enter the drinking water supply. A dangerous chemical (or contaminant) may get into the water mains which leads into a nearby property. If this contaminated water is used, the occupants of the property could be seriously or fatally injured. So, what’s a Backflow Prevention Valve? This is a device that ensures non-potable water doesn’t get back into the main water supply system. Simply put, it’s a device that ensures water flows in one direction. How Does Backflow Prevention Work? There a number of types of backflow systems: everything from Dual Check Valves, Air Gap (AG) to Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD). Dual Check Valves are usually for low hazard situations.   Air Gap backflow systems, as the name suggests, have an air gap between the water supply system and the receiving vessel. The air gap prevents non-potable water from flowing back to the clean water supply system. . RPZD backflow systems, are for high hazard situations.  Make sure you hire a Licensed Back Flow Prevention Plumber like O’Shea Plumbing of Mount Waverley for installation, servicing and repair. We will let you know what backflow valve/s are required to be fitted on your property. Backflow devices have to be installed in strategic places for them to work correctly. Hazard Ratings Of course, having a device is dependent on having your site assessed so that the property’s hazard rating can be determined. The internal pipework arrangements and the processes carried out on the site will dictate; the hazard rating for the property, the type of valve/s required to be fitted, and where they need to be fitted. There are three official hazard ratings: High – any condition, device or practise which in connection with the water supply system has the potential to cause death. Medium – any condition, device or practise which in connection with the water supply could endanger health. Low – any condition, device or practise which in connection with the water supply system would constitute a nuisance but not endanger health or cause injury. Where Backflow valves are to be fitted is divided into 3 areas: Individual – This is usually a certain piece of equipment or machine to be protected, so it does not contaminate the rest of the property. i.e. the lunchroom. Zone – This is a room or area within a property to be protected, so it does not contaminate the rest of the property. i.e. the lunchroom. Containment – This is where a Backflow Prevention Valve is fitted at the water meter at the property boundary, to prevent water from flowing back into the water main. Why Do You Need a Backflow Prevention Device? A qualified licensed plumber can assess the hazard rating of your business process and determine the type of device you need to have. If you have a cross-connection or an installation on your premises with the potential to cause backflow, and subsequent contamination of the water supply occurs, your company may be exposed to: Injury claims Illness or death of occupants Contamination of products and subsequent exposure to product liability claims Litigation and possibly penalties, as the result of actions brought by the health departments under Occupational Health and Safety legislation Liability for damages caused to others at adjoining premises serviced by the same main water supply as your property. If you want to know more about device installation, Backflow testing and repair of Backflow Prevention Valves contact O’Shea Plumbing of Mount Waverley Vic, Wantirna Vic, Bentleigh Vic and Bundoora Vic on (03) 9888 2887.

Before the repercussions of a blocked drain occur, it’s good to know what causes a blockage so that you can avoid the stress of flooding, foul odours, leaking or worse happening in your home. Below we will discuss the common causes of a drain blockage.   The most common cause of blockages in sewer and storm water drains are tree roots. The roots enter the drain through small cracks and then grow, causing blockages in the drain which need to be removed by a plumber in Melbourne.    A good drain shouldn’t block, sometimes broken drains are the cause. Drains or pipes that are incorrectly installed, with incorrect fittings and or gradient can also be the cause of a blockage.   Foreign objects being put into the drain, like children’s toys, rocks or stones can cause blockages.   Do NOT put the following in the sewerage system: plastics motor oils, paints or pesticides non-biodegradable products fats, oils or food scraps cotton buds, nappies, condoms, sanitary products and wrappers medicines wet wipes and facial tissues. What NOT to flush Every fortnight, over four tonnes – about the size of an African elephant – of wet wipes are removed from one of Melbourne’s three sewerage networks because they have been wrongly flushed into the system. Wet wipes are a mammoth issue, with over 100 tonnes needing to be removed each year with some causing blockages that can cost up to $1,000 each time they need to be cleared by a blocked drains Melbourne plumber.   While some of these products claim to be flushable, they may not be and customers should be mindful of what is flushed down the toilet. The best option is to put the wet wipes into the bin. We also suggest you follow these handy hints: Use a sink strainer to prevent food scraps and other household waste, from going down the drain. Consider using a compost heap to dispose of food scraps. Pour kitchen fats and oils into a container; seal it and throw it in the bin. Alternatively let the grease solidify, wrap it in newspaper and put it in the bin Wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing. Dispose of items such as cotton buds, nappies, condoms, sanitary products and their wrappers in the household rubbish. Use less detergent. The average household uses three times more detergent than manufacturers recommend. Choose a washing detergent with a low salt content. Concentrated detergents often contain much less salt than conventional varieties. Ask your local pharmacy or council for advice on how to dispose of medicines and hazardous chemicals. What happens if they do go into the system? These products can cause: damaged pipes blocked pipes which may impact your property, your neighbour’s property and or the sewerage mains, reticulation system. Remember we all pay through our rates for the blockages and damage done to the entire sewer system caused by these products being flushed down the drains   harm to the environment.   If your drain is blocked give O’Shea Plumbing of Mount Waverley Vic, Wantirna Vic, Bentleigh Vic or Bundoora Vic a call on 03 9888 2887 for a fast reliable response. We’ll come running!

  ‘Tony’ and his wife have lived in Mt Waverley VIC for over 30 years. Over that time a lot has changed in Mt Waverley.  Many houses have been knocked down and turned into units, townhouses etc. This provides a good opportunity for property owners to upgrade things like sewer pipes, storm water gas and water pipes — to make sure that there are minimal issues in the future. In this instance, Tony made the decision to call up O’Shea Plumbing. He reach our owner ‘Lawrie’ who was visiting our Bundoora Vic base. He sent ‘Andrew’ straight over to have a look at the poor water flow in the back of the house. Upon arrival, Andrew noticed that the water pipes were made of galvanised iron and buried in the ground. Once Andrew found the water pipe under the house it was ascertained that the rest of the water pipes were also made of galvanised iron and not in the best condition. After investigating, Andrew started discussing options with Tony and his wife. The issue that Tony had was the fact that the galvanised iron pipes had started to rust — this material rusts from the inside out. What had happened was that a piece of rust had dislodged or blocked the pipe. The blockage was to such a high degree that there was minimal water flowing through the pipe feeding the water fixtures. As they didn’t want any recurring issues to arise, Andrew and Tony decided that it would be best to renew the whole water pipe with copper. Even though there was no immediate need to get the job done, Andrew promptly ordered the required materials from ‘The Plumbers Coop” in Mitcham VIC and got started the very next day. Andrew dug a trench from the water meter to under the house. He laid 20mm copper pipe and continued running the main run of the copper pipe, clipping it under the house every metre. He ensured the branches fed each fixture he ran but were not actually connected to the fixtures. The reasoning behind this? This approach meant the majority of the work was complete but it allowed for Tony and his wife to still access water off the old pipes overnight.  The very next morning, Andrew arrived early and advised his clients that he would need to turn off the water to their house. Andrew was now at the stage where we would need to connect the new pipe to each fixture. By lunchtime Andrew had finished the work and went about testing all the fixtures contained within the property. Of course, Andrew made sure that all of the landscaping was tidied up. Some sections of lawn had been carefully removed in the course of the work — these were all replaced. Tony and his wife were amazed at how much water was coming out of the taps in the back half of their house. At O’Shea plumbing we are certainly very passionate about providing proactive plumbing solutions, and this is just one example!  

When should you get your gas heater checked? Be sure to get all gas appliances in your home serviced regularly. Energysafe Victoria and the Victorian Building Authority advise doing this at least every two years. It’s a good idea to do it at the end of summer to beat the Autumn/Winter rush. If you have an older gas heater O’Shea Plumbing recommend that you consider having it serviced, and a carbon monoxide test carried out every year.   Use only an authorised gasfitter to carry out the work. It’s illegal (and dangerous) for anyone else to do it and you could also invalidate your home insurance.   The servicing of a gas heater includes –  Checking that the heater is installed correctly and carrying out safety checks A general clean of the heater including the burners, fans and filters Checking the flue Burner pressure checks Checking the heat exchange Checking for correct operation of the heater Carbon monoxide tests.   Benefits of servicing your gas heater regularly  Lowers your gas bill. Makes your gas heater operate at its premium efficiency Helps extend the life of your heater Helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.   Use your gas heater safely Check if your heater is affected by a safety alert If your heater is open flue, you should let some fresh air into the house when the heater is on Don’t use exhaust fans at the same time as your heater – this can draw CO into the room Never leave your heater on overnight Install a carbon monoxide alarm as a back-up measure If your heater is old, or hasn’t been serviced for several years, consider replacing it Never use outdoor gas appliances designed for outdoor use inside your home, caravan, car or tent Know the symptoms of CO poisoning and act quickly if you notice them.   Carbon monoxide – what are the risks? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas you can’t see or smell. When it spills from your gas heater, it can make you very sick or even kill you and your family.   Any gas heater can spill CO – including old and new heaters, central heating units, space heaters, wall furnaces and decorative log fires.   To avoid the risk, ESV and the VBA recommend that all gas heaters are serviced at least every two years by a qualified gasfitter. A qualified gasfitter will inspect your heater and check its installation, including testing for CO leakage.

It can be quite the surprise when a blockage occurs in your pipes and suddenly things you’d wish to never see again start overflowing back out of the drain. In this instance, calling a blocked drain plumber Melbourne service is probably the best thing to do.   However, not all blockages make themselves as immediately (and urgently) known. Some blockages may only cause a foul smell, strange gurgling noise, or maybe you notice that the water is taking far too long to drain. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms in your drains, then you might have a blockage on your hands.   Below we have put together a short explainer on what to do when your drain is blocked. If the blockage is in the trap (S bend) or the waste pipe between the amenity (i.e. basin, sink, shower, bath, etc.) and the sewerage drain, then you can first try a hand plunger. These can easily be purchased from a hardware store. If you are dealing with a blocked toilet, opt for the higher-quality plungers as they will work better.    If plunging isn’t working, you could try drain cleaning crystals. These can be purchased from hardware stores or supermarkets. Drain cleaning crystal products may also work on local grease blockages. If you opt to use these products be aware;   It may damage plumbing systems. Some products sit in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. If the product sits in the pipe for too long, it could result in a number of other plumbing issues. Toilet bowls can crack. PVC pipes can soften and eventually break. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together.    Some products can be unpredictable if combined with other chemicals or equipment. When using plumbing tools, like a plunger or an auger, the product could splash up on to your skin, and get into your eyes and lungs. If even a small amount of product remains in the drain, and you use a chemical cleaning product soon after, the two products might react unfavourably to create toxic fumes. You never know what kind of chemical reaction you might get when introducing it to a plumbing system.   Some products can burn the skin, irritate eyes, and damage your lungs. Some products are caustic, meaning it has the ability to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action. When a plumber gets called in to fix a clogged drain, they typically ask the customer if they’ve tried drain cleaning crystals already, because these products can make their working conditions unsafe.   Blockages in the sewerage or storm water drains generally require a plumber experienced in using either a cable machine or a water jet machine. These blockages are mostly caused by tree roots or breaks in the drains.   At O’Shea Plumbing, we will give the client options that include:       Clearing the root growth from the drain with a cable or water jet machine      Clearing the root growth from the drain with a cable or water jet machine and then follow up with RootX to inhibit root growth without damaging the trees and the environment     Inspecting the drain with a Ridgid Drain Camera to locate breaks or defects in the drain with a Ridgid Navitrack     Giving options to reline the drain     Giving options to excavate and replace either sections or all of the drain with new PVC drain   If you are experiencing a blocked drain, call an emergency plumber Melbourne service immediately. O’Shea Plumbing are based in Mount Waverley Vic , Wantirna Vic, Bentleigh Vic, and Bundoora Vic. Call us on 03 9888 2887 for a fast quote.

Not too long ago, ‘Scott’ from Wantirna VIC called our O’Shea Plumbing main office in Mt Waverley VIC. The drains in Scott’s property were draining at a slow rate. There was also a lot of water constantly running. The toilets were filling up but only slowly draining away.    Our plumber Andrew arrived the next morning and had a look at what was likely to be involved in clearing the problem. Andrew then provided Scott with multiple options in proceeding to clear the blocked sewer drain.   Andrew removed the cover/cap from the toilet back access bend. He found that it was filled with waste. Once Scott approved works, Andrew started using his cable machine and found another blockage about 15m down the drain. Andrew continued to clear the drain until the machine hit yet another blockage. However, this one proved difficult to clear.    Andrew did not quit on that task and opened up the inspection shaft (where the blockage had moved to). He advised Scott to take several steps back. Andrew had a feeling that there was going to be a large overflow of sewerage. He was correct.    Once all of the waste evacuated the drain, Andrew was able to continue using his cable machine. All of a sudden, there was a large sucking and gurgling sound and Scott and Andrew watched the entire contents of the drain flush away exactly as it was meant to. The sewer drain was completely clear!    Andrew didn’t stop there. He grabbed a hose to clean up the work area. By the time he finished, Scott and his family would not even notice that there had been any issues. The toilet was in great working order and the bathroom spick and span. With the blocked sewer drain problem sorted, life could continue on without any plumbing dramas for Scott’s household.   

‘Andrew’ of Glenhuntly VIC is a longtime client who uses and trusts the services of the team at O’Shea Plumbing (at the Bentleigh VIC depot). Our plumbers have worked on multiple things over the years for Andrew. This ranges from installing taps, servicing taps, gas heaters, toilets and hot water units (HWU).   This time around Andrew called O’Shea plumbing and was noticeably distressed. He had sewerage coming out from the drains in the backyard of his property. Our plumber, who is also called Andrew, arrived to the location ASAP and had a look around to determine the best and closest location to clear the blocked sewer drain    Andrew the plumber provided Andrew the client with options including using the drain camera to inspect the below ground drains. The client opted out of using the camera in the sewer but asked if our plumber can inspect the storm water drain. This is because when large storms invariably happen in Melbourne, he has a lot of water flowing through his backyard.   Andrew cleared the sewer blockage easily using his cable machine. The investigation at the start of the process saved the client money as Andrew could predetermine (fairly closely) where the blockage was, which in this case proved correct.   Andrew then went to investigate the storm water drain using the camera. Andrew spent some time doing this. He found that the clients storm water drain was clear. However, the  body corporate’s sections of the storm water drains were filled with silt.    Andrew also noticed that there was a large number of units that were sharing the same 90mm PVC pipes. He was worried that there may be too much water collection for the size of the drains. Our trusty plumber documented this and provided viable solutions to the problems. The plumber passed this document onto his client to give to the body corporate.    This is just one example where O’Shea Plumbing will take the next step in being proactive about preventive plumbing solutions and looking at the whole picture, as well as the sum of its parts.   

Kate had just received a very large water bill. She was very concerned that her next bill was going to be just as high and that her house might be getting damaged due to water leaking somewhere on her property.    Kate rang O’Shea Plumbing. Reaching our Mt Waverley VIC office, she requested a plumber to investigate the issue. Our plumber Andrew, who at his time was working out of the Wantirna VIC depot, arrived at 8am to Kate’s property the very next day.   He took a look at the water meter to see if it was ticking over (which it was at the time). Andrew also assessed all the fixtures around the house to see if there was any water coming through and/or undue noise.    Once he got to Kate’s daughters bathroom he noticed that the cistern was consistently running. Andrew asked how long this had been happening. He was told that it had been occurring for some time.   Andrew provided some solutions to Kate. This would be to either service the existing or install a brand new one (his suggestion being a ‘Caroma Slimline’ cistern). This seemed like a good idea as the existing cistern was as old one, potentially requiring a new inlet and outlet valve.    Should this transpire, there would be much more expense incurred than simply replacing the cistern. With a brand new cistern comes with brand new valves, flush pipe, seat and the system can be guaranteed.    For Kate this decision was a no brainer. Andrew installed the new cistern and even tidied up the marks that had accumulated behind the old cistern.   Kate was so happy with the service Andrew and O’Shea Plumbing provided that she jumped onto Google and gave our company a very positive five star review. She said that she would be recommending O’Shea Plumbing to all her colleagues and friends.

Some time ago, ‘Michelle’ from Hampton VIC contacted Chelsea at O’Shea Plumbing. She reach our main office in Mt Waverley VIC. Michelle was struggling with the fact that she has not had a proper hot shower in three days. It was at best a lukewarm shower, which on a cold Melbourne winter’s morning is not the most appealing thing to get out of bed for!   When Andrew (an O’Shea Plumbing team member from the Bentleigh Vic depot) finished his job in Moorabbin VIC and was notified to drop into Michelle’s house. He was able to fit in a visit before heading off to install a new toilet in Armadale.   When Andrew arrived he looked around the house to see if there was anything which appeared obvious to him as a source of the problem. There was nothing visibly untoward.  However, Andrew noticed that the hot water pipe went from the hot water unit (HWU) and into the roof. He decided he would go up there to investigate.    Once in the roof, Andrew found a tempering valve. He asked the client to turn on the hot tap in the bathroom. Now, with the water running, he could feel the hot water pipe going into the tempering valve (which was hot) and then on the outlet side of the tempering valve (which was cold). He had successfully located the issue!   Andrew provided a quote to replace the tempering valve. This made sense, as it was the incorrect one in the first place. Additionally, Andrew noticed that one of Michelle’s mixer taps was leaking causing a nasty looking stain on her otherwise pristine porcelain basin. Andrew provided options to fix this and asked if there were any other issues that Michelle wanted him to look at.   All in all, Andrew provided options on a new tempering valve, fixing the mixer tap, investigating the diverter kit for their shower, a new flexible hose from the shower outlet to the shower outlet, as well as water pressure control (to protect and/or minimise the chance of these things happening again for a long time).    Andrew went back the very next day and completed the works. Michele and her family were very happy that not only their major plumbing issue was dealt with quickly and professionally but that all other existing and potential issues were taken care of at the same time.  

‘Don’ from Lilydale VIC required the services of a plumber and found that O’Shea Plumbing had a lot of good reviews on Google. So he rang up the Mt Waverley office VIC to request a plumber to come and have a look at the multiple plumbing issues he had.   Our Service Manager Jarett , arrived on site and introduced himself and the company. He explained what to expect in terms of the services provided by  O’Shea Plumbing. After this, Jarrett asked Don to point out the plumbing issues in/around his house and what he needed fixing.    Jarett spent some time in providing Don with viable solutions concerning the works required. This started from a basic fix, all the way through to the most comprehensive approach. Don and Jarrett came up with a custom quote where Don got to choose the option dependent on the particular issue.   Jarett organised plumber Andrew (from the Wantirna VIC depot) to collect the required materials to complete all jobs. Andrew arrived at Don’s property at the time that Jarrett said he would. He went about changing inlet valves on two toilets, installing a new beautiful ‘goose neck’ mixer tap to the kitchen sink, as well as installing a new garden tap and a water pressure reduction valve at Don’s water meter.   Initially, Don had said that “after his experience he had with other ‘tradies’ he was really worried that he was going to be taken for a ride again”. With O’Shea Plumbing, Don had control over what he wanted fixed and how. O’Shea Plumbing provided Don with options on all plumbing issues and explained the pros and cons of each. At the end of the day, It was Don’s decision on which course of action to take and he was incredibly pleased with the result.

When your drinking water comes out of the tap tasting and smelling strange or looking cloudy you immediately know that it’s not safe to drink. But what about the contaminants in our water that we can’t sense?   A recent review by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that microplastics are present in our drinking water. Studies have found that people are ingesting approximately 5 grams of plastic each week, which is approximately the weight of a credit card. There are concerns about the effects that microplastics are having on our health, but findings are limited at this stage, so the effects are still unknown.   To prevent the unknown effects of microplastic in our drinking water experts are suggesting the use of water filters. ‘“Opting for filters would aid in the removal of the microplastics. It would also aid in the removal of other pollutants like heavy metals and pathogens,” said Dr Paul Harvey, an environmental scientist and environmental chemist at Macquarie University’.   At O’shea Plumbing, we believe that all people deserve access to high-quality, purified water as it provides a host of benefits that should not be overlooked. We will find the best water filter solution for you, no matter your reasons.   Some benefits of a water filtration system installation include:   Better taste and smell Fewer contaminants Fresher water Much cheaper than buying bottled water   O’shea Plumbing offer servicing and installation of all Aqualife water filtration products for domestic and commercial use.   To combat the prevalence of microplastics in your water, consider installing a water filter. If you would like to know more about how a water filter can benefit you give us a call on 03 9888 2887, we’ll help discover the best option for you. 

Campbell knows the history of his house, in Glen Waverley VIC, inside and out. Before he took over ownership it was his parent’s house. As such, he is aware of all the works that have been completed at the property, as far back as 1960.    He knows how long ago all the drains and pipes were installed and the approximate location. Campbell also has seen a slab of concrete drop in level putting pressure on the water pipes he knows are under the slab.   When Campbell noticed water bubbling up through the ground he contacted a plumber to come and repair it. Three weeks later he noticed more water coming to service (in a different location, further along the pipe) he again rang up a plumber who attempted to fix the broken water pipe again.   One month went by and Campbell thought he was in the clear. However, this was not to be the case. This time his plumber did not answer his calls and did not get back to Campbell! So instead he called up our O’Shea Plumbing Mt Waverley VIC headquarters. Reaching Chelsea, he received prompt attention.    Andrew arrived on site and retrieved the history of the plumbing. This included the year that the existing water pipe was installed. Campbell also mentioned to Andrew that he was worried about the concrete slab that was sinking and putting pressure on the pipe/s underneath.   Andrew went back to his van in order to source some solutions to offer Cambell in fixing the issue. This is a very important step in the O’Shea Plumbing process. The idea is that our plumbers will give options to the client in fixing an issue ranging from a very basic fix to perfect installations (in an ideal world).    This gives our clients all the information they could possibly want, allowing them to make the most informed decision on how they would like to go about fixing any plumbing issue.  At the end of the day, the option that Campbell inevitably selected is not the point. Campbell regained control of his plumbing issue once he received viable pathways of action in planning for the future structural integrity of his family home.   Andrew ordered the materials from the ‘Plumbers Supplies Coop’ in Mitcham VIC. He  organised an excavator from ‘RMR Plant Hire’ in Bayswater VIC and fixed the issue, according to the exact way that Campbell wanted.  

O’Shea Plumbing recently worked with a new customer by the name of ‘John’, who resides in Canterbury VIC. When John called us he told us that he had a blocked sewer drainage issue for a few years.    He had tried a couple of different plumbers to no avail. John would pay them their fee, they would attempt to clear the drain only for it to block up again a few months later.    John called Chelsea in the O’Shea Plumbing base in Mt Waverley VIC. John asked if she could please send out a plumber to have a look at his drain. Lawrie and Andrew arrived and put a sewer cable machine down the drain and removed a large amount of tree roots.    Once this was done, they used a drain camera and located many areas along the line which appeared susceptible to tree roots entering the pipe work. As they continued along, they also found even more tree roots further up the drain.   Andrew and Lawrie provided John with several options in fixing the problem. These approaches included a drain renewal, reclining and using a cable machine (with different cutters and spending time removing small sections of tree roots at a time), finished off with a product called Rootx to inhibit tree root growth.   John selected to use the cable machine and the tree root inhibitor. Andrew came back to site and spent time removing sections of tree roots and pulled out a vast number of individual tree roots (definitely a main culprit in the scenario).   Once Andrew was confident he had removed most of the visible tree roots he used the drain camera once again (to be 100 percent sure). Fortunately, there were no more tree roots and Andrew was able to put the tree root inhibitor down the drain.   John was very happy with the service O’Shea Plumbing provided. He was glad that Lawrie and Andrew took the time to explain what each option involved and the potential issues that could arise. John was confident that he could make an informed decision on the way in which he wanted the plumbers to tackle his sewer blockage.   This case study really shows how O’Shea Plumbing provides various options and explains the recommended course-of-action/s in depth. This allows the client to relax in a no pressure environment, allowing them to make a clear-headed decision which will ultimately suit them best. 

In this next blog, we take a look at the story of O’Shea Plumbing owner Lawrie and his personal plumbing practices. Lawrie started O’Shea Plumbing as a business in 1978.    Firstly, he set up shop in Wantirna VIC. Moving on to Mount Waverley VIC, he set up the head office which remains in the same place to this day. Adding the locations of Bentleigh VIC and Bundoora VIC. O’Shea Plumbing has become a well known, loved and trusted plumbing service in the Melbourne area.    Over time, Lawrie has worked in various parts of Melbourne, meeting people from all walks of life with a multitude of different plumbing issues. He has added to the team, hiring many plumbers (including his son and daughter).   He is passionate not just about plumbing but providing the best possible methods to make his client’s lives easier. Lawrie has obviously completed all the plumbing maintenance on his own property and lives by the best possible plumbing practice in real life.    For example, pressure control is installed on his water meter limiting the pressure coming through the water meter to 500KPA. Lawrie has also installed a cold water expansion valve at the hot water unit as well as a limit valve from the hot outlet (doing this to hot and cold water systems protects all water fixtures).     Since Lawrie installed these valves he has had no water hammer and has not had to install a new Hot Water Unit (HWU) or change any tap washers since 1990! This just proves that there is a difference between changing a tap washer (as well as any mixer tap) and the cause of the problem being treated.    Taking Lawrie’s approach means avoiding having the washer blowing out again (requiring more work to be done to it) and protecting the water fixture with best plumbing possible. The anode has been changed in Lawrie’s gas hot water unit every four years, this has resulted in the HWU (that usually lasts for 10 years) having an extended longevity at over 29 years old!   This just goes to show the benefit of having good plumbing in your home. Why not have a chat to the O’Shea Plumbing team and see what they can do for you today?   

‘Aly’ and his family had just moved into a new townhouse complex in Malvern VIC and needed a few things adjusted. The main issue was in regard to moving the existing washing taps. This was because Aly had just bought a new washing machine and dryer and there was no room to fit them. So Aly contacted O’Shea Plumbing of Mount Waverley VIC to get some assistance.    Upon arrival, O’Shea Plumbing’s owner Lawrie measured the water pressure (provided by water authorities). He found that it was much higher than what is recommended (by the VBA). Lawrie provided a few options to Aly. One was to install a pressure control to protect the water fixtures. He also suggested moving the washing machine stop taps. This would allow room for new appliances to be installed.   Turning off the cold water was easy. However, turning off the hot water proved a little more difficult. As a team, O’Shea Plumbing had to climb up through a small trap door in the roof to gain access to the top of the building. Once they located and isolated a solar HWU with a Rinnai Booster, a member of the crew was able to go about moving these water points. At the same time, Andrew and Lawrie went about installing the pressure control on the water meter.   Whilst Andrew and Lawrie were working, Lawrie noticed that there were no garden taps out the front of Aly’s property. He asked if Aly would like a garden tap installed (whilst the pipe was being worked on). Aly loved this idea and gave the go-ahead.   Once all works were completed, the O’Shea Plumbing team went about refilling the HWU tank. They also bled the air out of the hot water line. O’Shea Plumbing also helped Aly put his dishwasher and dryer into position (as these were heavy and bulky).    Aly was so happy with the service provided by O’Shea Plumbing that he gave a 5-star review on Google Reviews. This reads “great service and experienced team” and is exactly the sort of feedback we aim to achieve here at O’Shea Plumbing!

‘Carlos’ runs a very cool and popular bar, just off Chapel Street in Windsor VIC. He rang O’Shea Plumbing (from Mount Waverley VIC ) because the Overflow Relief Gully (ORG) on his commercial premises was overflowing. Our plumber Andrew was on a gas renewal job in Malvern VIC when the call came in. He was asked if he could pause what he was doing to go and check out the blockage.   Upon arrival, Andrew introduced himself and explained in-depth the service that O’Shea Plumbing provides. Andrew went about checking other sections of the sewer to see if he could ascertain the approximate location of the blockage. This would not only make the job easier for Andrew, but the potential benefits would stand to curb unnecessary expenditure.    Andrew found the approximate location of the sewer blockage and presented Carlo with some options in order to clear this. Carlo asked if Andrew could please use his cable machine and do his best about clearing the drain. Within two hours of the initial phone call, the blockage was cleared and Carlo was a very happy man.   Not only did Andrew clear the blockage (which seemed to him to be the result of years worth of build-up of grease and grime solidifying in the trap of the ORG), but Andrew advised and suggested actions that they could take to limit the amount of material building up in the drain in the future. That’s a level of care and attention-to-detail that is associated with the work of O’Shea Pumbing’s crew, across-the-board.   

Not too long ago, ‘Greg’ from Malvern VIC called our O’Shea Plumbing base (in Mt Waverley VIC). His 20yr old hot water unit (HWU) had finally stopped working and he was needing a replacement.   Our plumbers Lawrie and Haider arrived on-site and provide some options in installing a new unit. Lawrie also noticed that the gas pipes in Gary’s property weren’t ideal. They might not be the correct size, so he informed Greg that it might be necessary for them to be upgraded.    Lawrie organised a quote for the install of the new HWU, and he also included a test to see if there was enough gas flow and upgrade the gas pipe, only if needed. Whilst Lawrie was looking at the gas pipes Haider measured the water pressure. This was found to be very high.    Subsequently, Greg was advised and given options in order to reduce the pressure from the outlet of the water meter. This would involve protecting all water fixtures as well as installing a cold water expansion valve at the HWU (which reduces the build-up pressure of the system).   Once Lawrie ordered the HWU and materials required from the ‘Plumbers Coop’ in Mitcham VIC (who delivered to site), Andrew and Haider continued with the job. The appropriate gas tests were complete.    Then, the HWU and pressure control (including cold water expansion valve) were installed. A test was done to make sure there was enough gas flow. Luckily, the results showed that there was enough gas being provided to all gas appliance. This meant that the client did not need to upsize the gas pipes. We will always make sure to thoroughly check if something really needs fixing.    Greg was very happy with O’Shea Plumbing’s level of professionalism and the comprehensive scope of the options provided to him. He was pleased that Lawrie took the time to advise him on what potential problems may occur, not just the ‘bare bones’ solutions but the entire holistic approach to plumbing services.   

Jane and her family could tolerate the sound of water hammer in their property no longer! One morning, Jane notified O’Shea Plumbing (at our Mount Waverley VIC main office) and asked if they could please send a plumber out to investigate the water hammer. This atrocious noise had been waking up the family whenever a tap was used.   Andrew arrived that afternoon and introduced himself. Jane asked if he would like to come in and listen to the sound himself. Andrew said he would but would like to measure the water pressure first. Unsurprisingly, the levels were found to be high — the water pressure measured 900KPA (which is a lot higher than what is recommended by the VBA).   Andrew advised Jane about the situation with the water pressure and that it was more than likely the cause of the water hammer. Andrew offered Jane some options, suggesting some different pressure reduction valves to be installed at the water meter.    Once Jane approved the works, Andrew went straight to the water meter and installed an AVG pressure reduction valve. This was supplied by the ‘Plumbers CoOp’ in Mitcham VIC. He asked if Jane could let him know if that fixed her issue.   Jane woke up the next day feeling a huge amount of relief with no noise from the water hammer waking her throughout the night. She left a lovely review on online review site ‘Product Review’.    She wrote “…this is the second time we have used O’Shea Plumbing at our home. Andrew was punctual, friendly and very professional. He fixed our water hammer problem quickly and efficiently. We are happy to recommend O’Shea Plumbing to others and would not hesitate to employ their services in the future.”    That’s exactly the type of result we work hard to achieve at O’Shea Plumbing!

Recently, ‘Patricia’ from Armadale VIC found herself in a bit of a pickle, with a plumbing issue requiring urgent attention. Luckily, she did not hesitate in calling our team at O’Shea Plumbing. She reached Chelsea, in our Mt Waverley VIC office, who organised for our crew to have a look at her blocked bath.   Our plumber Andrew arrived on site and found an inspection opening out the back. He opened it up and found that there was water sitting in the pipe. He presented Patricia with options to fix the problem and she asked Andrew when he could start on the job. He said he could do so immediately. Patricia accepted the quote and Andrew went about unblocking her bath waste. Andrew managed to clear it pretty quickly and Patricia was happy once again.   Unfortunately, two weeks later Patricia rang up again and said this time her basin was blocked. Andrew arrived on site and inspected what was going on. The O’Shea Plumbing team dug down to found another inspection opening, this was a totally different blockage. Andrew said that he could get the drain going again, but was concerned that the frogmouth was full of roots and could potentially block again in the future.    Patricia said that she could speak to her Body Corp to see what they can do, but asked if Andrew could clear it anyway (as she would like to use her basin again). Andrew went ahead and performed the task, much to Patricia’s satisfaction. Patricia was so happy that, in both instances, she rang our headquarters at O’Shea Plumbing to report to our admin that our plumbers were on time, gave her notice and genuinely wanted to fix her issues.

For the duration that they have resided in Malvern VIC, ‘Ian’ and his family have been living with just the one storage hot water unit (HWU). When their children were going to school, they managed to all shower and get ready without running out of hot water, due to staggering the timings.    Now that their kids have grown up and all have jobs, the household needs to be ready to leave at very similar times, especially when guests were staying. The family found that if they were one of the last to shower then the HWU would simply run out of hot water.    Ian decided to do something about this and contacted Lawrie at O’Shea Plumbing (Mt Waverley VIC) office to ask about a continuous flow HWU. Upon inspection, Lawrie informed them that his team would have to upsize their gas pipe. This would allow enough gas flow in order for the new hot water to operate correctly.   Lawrie also noticed that their front garden tap was made of galvanised iron and had a large amount of rust on the pipe. He offered to remove the rusted galvanised iron pipe and replace it with copper.    A test of the water pressures of the property showed that their values to be on the high side. So, Ian also agreed to have a pressure reduction valve fitted at the outlet of the water meter. This would also help prolong  the life of all of the pipes, taps and appliances in the house.    Ian and his wife had a talk about what they wanted to do and decided that O’Shea Plumbing could complete the works whilst they were away on holiday. This would give our plumbers enough time to get Claude, our concrete cutting specialist from Keysborough VIC, to cut the brick pavers out to allow for a trench to be dug. We would also have time to arrange for Leo, our electrician from Hawthorn VIC to come in and hook up power for the new continuous flow HWU.   We also organised the team from the ‘Plumbers Co Op’ in Mitcham VIC to deliver all required material to site. This meant that the O’Shea Plumbing team could get all the works completed without the clients being put out at all.    Ian and his family came home and had hot showers in the morning before going off to work. They were very grateful that they could enjoy their hot water once again, and that we had done a thorough and efficient job overall. 

‘Geoff’ and his wife, from Wantirna VIC, arrived home in the dead of winter to find that their ducted heater had just died on them. Granted, the unit was 30 years old! But after spending the last 3 months in northern WA (where the temperatures hit 40 degrees and above) they were quickly reminded of just how cold a VIC winter can be!   They did not hesitate in contacting a plumber to fix the issue. After contacting our friendly team at O’Shea Plumbing, our plumber ‘Jarett’ arrived onsite wearing a nice warm jacket to find Geoff and his wife in similar attire.   Upon inspection of the ducted heater, Jarrett promptly advised them that they were better off spending the money on replacing this ‘relic’ with an entirely new unit. It would be less-than-economical trying to fix a heater that was obviously quite past it’s ‘used-by-date’ – you’d essentially be throwing money away!   Geoff agreed and he was provided with options on different heaters. Choosing the one that looked the best for his and his wife’s needs, Geoff accepted Jarrett’s quote and paid a small deposit. Jarrett ordered the new ducted heater to be delivered the next day from the team at the ‘Plumbers Supplies Co-op’ in Mitcham, VIC.   Jarrett and Andrew arrived onsite at 8am the next day and went about testing the existing gas lines. He then proceeded with removing the existing ducted heater. From here, he installed the base box and flashing. This keeps inclement weather and pests (like rodents) from entering underneath the house.   Our plumber had the new ducted heater ready for use in a flash. But before lighting and commissioning the heater, he followed regulations by performing another pressure test on the entire gas installation. Everything was proven gas-tight. A Victorian Building Authority  Certificate of Compliance was supplied to Geoff, certifying that all the work was done to comply with standards.   Needless to say, Geoff and his wife were incredibly relieved that they wouldn’t have to get through another night without the luxury of having hot air heating their rooms. At O’Shea Plumbing, we know things like this make a big difference to our clients, so we work hard to make things happen!

‘Malcolm’ lives in Canterbury VIC and has used O’Shea Plumbing to look after his plumbing needs on a constant basis. From fixing sewer blockages to repairing burst water pipes, O’Shea Plumbing has Malcolm’s undivided trust. That’s because we are committed to delivering professional work in a tidy and friendly manner, and we care about our client’s wellbeing.   Recently, Malcolm called our main O’Shea Plumbing office (Mount Waverley VIC) concerning an issue with his stormwater drain. It was clearly blocked, as storm water was overflowing onto his driveway and walkways along the side of the house.   O’Shea arranged for one of our plumbers to arrive on sit. Cue ‘Jarett’ who set to work to attempt to clear the blockage. First, he tried his cable machine but it just wouldn’t cut through. Jarrett moved onto using a drain camera. Now, he could see exactly where the drain was blocked: the culprit being some very thick roots. Jarret managed to clear the blockage, but the camera did show that there were some bad cracks in the stormwater drain   Jarrett provided his client with options in fixing this issue. Malcolm decided to opt for a permanent fix. The course of action would be digging up the footpath and replacing the section of drain. Jarett organised a skip bin from ‘Metropolitan Bin Hire’ (Keysborough VIC). He also acquired a ‘Road Opening Permit’ from Boroondara City Council, Camberwell VIC  Plus, a ‘Dial B4 U Dig’ application was submitted.   Jarett also arranged for ‘Claude’ (from Cheltenham VIC) to work alongside. Claude is O’Shea Plumbing’s main guy for neat and perfect concrete cutting. Claude arrived at 9 am, which gave Andrew and Lawrie enough time to mark out where the cuts would need to be made.   Once the path was cut and concrete removed, Andrew and Lawrie could assess the problem in detail. They could see that the section of drain that was blocked was caused by a large tree which was growing roots and had split the old stormwater drain. Smaller roots were now taking over the drain.   Andrew cut-out the broken section of pipe and replaced it with a high-quality PVC alternative. Once the new section of pipe was connected to the existing stormwater drain, it was backfilled using ‘quarter minus’. This supports the pipe from dipping over time. They finished off by filling the trench with ‘instant bitumen’ which was compressed down. All materials were delivered onsite at 8 am by the ‘Plumbers Co-Op’ (Mitcham VIC).   O’Shea Plumbing is pretty confident that this relieved the headache that Malcolm must have been feeling due to his stormwater drain issues! Plumbing is the kind of thing that you often overlook. But you certainly notice when it stops working and it sure does make life difficult when it does! That’s what we are here for at O’Shea Plumbing: to make our client’s lives that little bit easier.

Our plumber ‘Andrew’ was on call over the weekend. A call came through from ‘Peter’ from St Kilda VIC. As it transpired. Peter had previously used another plumber to install his new hot water unit (HWU).   This plumber was an older gentleman who had started on the task adequately enough; he did test the existing gas lines before starting any works. This had pinpointed a large leak presenting a significant danger to all involved.     Unfortunately, the plumber wasn’t equipped to deal with the problem and had to walk away from the job. You see, it is a legal requirement that the gas supply is shut off until a leak is found and fixed. In this case, the plumber in question couldn’t actually find the gas supply and he also was no longer up to speed with this type of plumbing.   Here is where O’Shea Plumbing came into the picture, alongside our trusty plumber Andrew (from our Bentleigh VIC depot). He arrived within 1.5hrs of the initial call and set about to gauge exactly what he was dealing with.   Within Peter’s property was an old galvanised iron running up into roof space, as well as an undersized copper pipe to the old HWU continuing around the corner going under the house (picking up a gas stove and a gas heater).   However, these pipes did not meet current regulations. For Andrew to take over the job, he would be required to renew the copper pipes. The size of the existing copper pipe did not allow enough flow to service all of the gas appliances in the house. Additionally, the copper pipe was sitting on the ground: this certainly was not up to code!   Andrew presented options to Peter in to attempt to find the leak (with no guarantees that leak will be found that day), as well as quotes for installing the new HWU. Andrew also provided options to renew the entire exposed gas line only (making sure that it was the correct size as well as following regulations).   Peter opted for Andrew to come back two days later in order to install his new HWU correctly. This meant that Peter and his family did not have gas for these two days. However, this is a far better alternative than living with a large gas leak; considering the potentially dire consequences.   When Andrew came back the team at ‘The Plumbers Co-Op’ in Cheltenham VIC had already delivered the required materials and Andrew set about to work. He finished the job according to his pre-agreed timeline.   He then tested the new gas pipe (that he pressure tested  to 7KPA as per regulations) and connected the new pipe to the copper pipe that went under the house. Once all fixtures were connected, he pressure-tested the gas pipe again with no pressure drop. This meant no more gas leak!   All Andrew had left to do now was make sure that the copper pipe was clipped at the correct intervals, as well as commissioning the new HWU. Peter was so thrilled with the work and friendly service that he gave our team at O’Shea Plumbing a 5-star review on Google!

‘Noel’ of Chadstone VIC was referred by a friend to O’Shea Plumbing. He called our main office in Mount Waverley VIC. His hot water unit had failed and another plumber had been already been out to his property. However, Noel did not like what this other plumber had suggested and was calling our team for another opinion.   ‘Lawrie (the owner of O’Shea Plumbing) called out to Noel’s location. He gave him a number of options to fix the problem, varying from repairing the existing unit to supplying and installing a new hot water unit.   Noel decided to proceed with replacing the existing hot water unit with a ‘Rinnai 26 Infinity’ continuous flow hot water unit. ‘Benjamin’ (one of our plumbers) went ahead and organised sourcing the materials from ‘The Plumbers Supplies Coop’ in Mitcham VIC. He installed the new ‘Rinnai’ system, pressure tested the gas installation (for gas leaks) and commissioned the new hot water unit.   Noel was soon back to enjoying the comfort of free-flowing hot water from his brand new system. Additionally, Noel requested that Lawrie call back to quote on adding a ‘Rinnai Smart Start’ and controllers to what was already installed. This would allow Noel to get hot water at a predetermined temperature without wasting any cold water; all at the press of a button.   You can trust our team at O’Shea Plumbing to come up with innovative solutions for any kind of plumbing problem; to make your life that much easier!

As his hot water unit has stopped working, ‘Kevin’ from Mount Waverley VIC reached out to our team at O’Shea Plumbing for assistance. Our Service Manager ‘Jarrett’ called around to Kevin’s property to investigate this issue, that very same afternoon.   Jarrett provided Kevin with various alternative solutions in fixing the problem. These ranged  from repairing the existing unit, to supplying and installing brand new units. Kevin opted for an install of a new Aquamax 390 hot water unit.   The new hot water service was ordered from ‘The Plumbers Supplies Coop’ in Mitcham VIC. Unfortunately, when ‘Andrew’ (one of our plumbers here at O’Shea Plumbing) pressure tested the gas installation (as we always do before and after any gas installation/repair work) he found that there was a major gas leak.   Andrew proceeded to complete the hot water installation but he could not complete the job until the gas leak was found and fixed. After disconnecting the gas appliances and re testing, the gas leak was located on the gas pipes. The next step was to separate sections of gas piping. The gas pipe that was leading to an outside kitchen and BBQ was disconnected. A second gas test was performed. This time the gas installation proved to be sound.   At this point, all of the gas appliances were reconnected. One more gas test was carried out for good measure and this proved the installation to be 100 percent sound. Kevin’s hot water could now be commissioned.   It was evident that Kevin was pleased to have his hot water going again. He benefited from the assurance that his gas installation was now completely sound. Kevin left O’Shea Plumbing a great review on Google, and that’s a result we always strive to attain!

‘Walter’ from Brighton VIC called us recently at the O’Shea Plumbing head office (in Mount Waverley VIC). He spoke with ‘Chelsea’ in order to get some assistance with his ducted heater, which was no longer working.   Chelsea is relatively new to our team. As such, she was not aware that Walter is one of our very loyal, long term clients. She told him that we were heavily booked until the following week; without realising that we will squeeze in our regulars, wherever possible.   ‘Lawrie’ (the owner of O’Shea Plumbing) received an email concerning this issue. Lawrie quickly remedied the situation. He let Walter know that he would be at his house at 8am the very next morning in order to fix the plumbing issue. He would also bring ‘Marco’ from the Bentleigh VIC depot to assist.   The fault codes on Walter’s ‘Lennox’ ducted heater indicated that the system was operating normally. Further investigation proved that the fault was actually with the wall thermostat . Subsequently, a new thermostat was sourced from ‘Reece’ in Mentone VIC. Once this was fitted (and the heater serviced and a carbon monoxide test carried out); it was evident that the system once again in good working order.   Walter sent an email saying how much he appreciated the quick response and successful solution. He added that he especially loved the fact that Lawrie had personally intervened in order to make it all happen. At O’Shea Plumbing, we go the extra mile to keep our clients happy!

‘Ali’ hails from Armadale, VIC. After hosting a party on a Saturday night, one of her guests decided to lend a hand and help Ali clean up. Unfortunately, this guest decided to fill Ali’s sink with food scraps, which were then pushed down the Insinkerator. These units do not like to be overloaded and this incident blocked her sink.   Ali got a few quotes from different plumbers. These plumbers opted to go straight to using a small cable machine to clear the sink (the most obvious choice to clear the blockage). Ali also reached out to our team at O’Shea Plumbing. Our plumber ‘Andrew’ (from our Mount Waverley VIC office) arrived on site the following Friday morning. He provided some options in approaches to clear the blockage.   One of these options was also to use the small cable machine, but he made sure to give Ali a secondary solution. This was to use a hand plunger (this is much cheaper than using a cable machine). Ali agreed to this course of action. Very quickly, Andrew unblocked the sink. He ensured that is was fully cleared by running water down the drain for approximately 10 minutes. Good news, there was no subsequent backing up!   Whilst Andrew was looking under the sink, he noticed that there was a large amount of water pooling in the cupboard. This was damaging the timber. Andrew asked if Ali had noticed this before. This prompted her memory and she recalled that her veggie spray mixer tap hose had split. However, she didn’t quite realise just how much water was going under her sink! Ali asked Andrew for a suggested solution to fix/replace the tap.   Andrew went out to his van and brought in the sink mixer taps that he had on board. Ali fell in love with the ‘Gooseneck’ mixer tap. She wanted one without even needing to know the price. Which is funny, as the tap is a actually a major hit with Andrew himself. After installing his first ‘Gooseneck’ mixer, Andrew had also been quite taken with its excellent form and function. He went ahead and purchased his own and installed it in his house that very same night!   Andrew completed the install on Ali’s new mixer, sourced from ‘The Plumbers Supplies Coop’ in Mitcham VIC. He made sure to check the water pressure and temperature. It’s important to make sure the value of these aren’t too high, as extremes can damage mixer tap cartridges and washers in taps. Plus, high water pressure and temperature may also result in voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. Thanks to Andrew, this was now controlled to sit perfectly in the ideal range.   Ali was very happy with the thoroughness of the work completed and the knowledgeable advice that came alongside it. She has reviewed our business very favorably online, and the team at O’Shea Plumbing is very grateful for her valued feedback.

Ferny Creek VIC is a sleepy town located near the top of Mt Dandenong, in the Australian State of Victoria. People from the relatively nearby city of Melbourne may know this place as the ‘top of the 1000 stairs’. Damian and his wife have lived here for many years. Now that all their kids have moved out they enjoy a large amount of space for just the two of them. However, a few times a year their children and grandchildren visit and stay with them for various lengths of time.   Without the family visiting, they never run out of hot water. But, when they do have extra guests they must stagger the daily showers. Quite understandably, this makes it very hard for everyone to get ready for the day. This is where O’Shea Plumbing (of Wantirna VIC) comes into the picture. The team was on hand to provide several solutions. The first was to install a continuous flow hot water unit, which Damian thought would be a good option.   Our plumber ‘Andrew’ performed the necessary calculations in making sure enough gas was supplied to support a new continuous flow. It turned out that this would involve quite a large scale of work, as an upsizing of the gas pipe would be required. Also, the driveway was over 100m and the client did not want to go down this path.   Andrew suggested installing a second storage hot water unit (using much less gas). This would not require any upsizing of any pipework. The install was not going to be standard. This is because the client wanted the new hot water unit to be in continuous use only during those times when it was just Damian and his wife at the house. When there were additional visitors the idea was to divert the new unit to the upstairs part of the house, and for the older unit to service the downstairs part of the house.   This was achieved by connecting the new unit in a creative fashion. This new hot water unit was supplied by ‘The Plumbers Supplies Coop’ in Mitcham VIC and was fed into the hot water pipe to the downstairs pipework. It was also connected to the upstairs pipework with isolation valves to divert the water either upstairs, or both up and downstairs. Also, an isolation valve was fitted to the older hot water unit so that it could be connected to the plumbing (but isolated when not needed).   Damian and his wife were very happy about the end job. It met all of their expectations, as well as speeding up the delivery of hot water to their kitchen (as the new unit was installed much closer to the fixtures than the existing unit). This would not have been possible if our plumber did not take the time to understand the needs of his client and to work out the best possible way to achieve them. That’s just the way we do things at O’Shea Plumbing.

As winter comes closer, the heaters go on. The thing is, very long and hot Australian Summers mean that heaters often remain dormant for extended periods of time. When the cooler months eventually do come around, a lot of people are finding that their heaters aren’t turning on. If they do turn on, then a lot of times they don’t function very well at all!   Recently, ‘Don’ from Surrey Hills VIC attempted to switch on his 1984 model ‘Brivus Buffalo’ heater. It just didn’t start! So, he gave our team at O’Shea Plumbing a call at the main office in Mount Waverley VIC. Reaching the owner ‘Lawrie’, Don told him that he would like a new ducted heater installed.   Lawrie went over to assess the situation, and have a look if Don’s heater looked fixable. Once Lawrie saw the age of the unit, he was in full agreeance with Don needed a new one. From here, Lawrie went ahead and provided some quotes for different types of ducted heaters.   Don decided which heater he wanted and Lawrie ordered a ‘Brivis’ ducted heater from ‘The Plumbers Supplies in Mitcham VIC, to install the very next morning. Lawrie arrived with our plumber ‘Andrew’ 15mins before the time they had organised with Don for the install.   They went about conducting the appropriate tests (required whenever any gas works are performed). Once these were completed, Lawrie and Andrew removed the top half of the old ducted heater and put the new half on. Then, they connected the gas and wires and tested for gas tightness.   At this point, they tested the burner pressure of the unit and walked around the house with a carbon monoxide tester (making sure Don was safe). Whilst Andrew was walking around the house, Don mentioned that his toilet was blocked. He asked if Andrew if he might be able to fix it.   Andrew investigated the issue with Don’s toilet. He found that there was a blockage in the sewer main run (located between the last overflow relief gully and the boundary trap). He then provided some options in using his sewer cable machine to attempt to clear the blocked sewer drain. In almost no time at all, Andrew and Lawrie left Don with a warm house and clear sewer. That’s another job well done from the team at O’Shea Plumbing!

Not too long ago, ‘Amanda’ contacted our O’Shea Plumbing main office in Mount Waverley VIC. She was calling regarding a strange smell that was coming from her toilet. Our plumber ‘Benjamin’ went to Amanda’s house to assist her with the problem.   Benjamin assessed the situation when he arrived. He could see nothing visibly wrong with the toilet. From here, he suggested to Amanda for the toilet to be removed. This would be more conducive to investigating the issue in depth. As the smell was really unpleasant, Amanda insisted Benjamin remove the toilet himself.   As requested, Benjamin removed the toilet. He found the rubber seal for the toilet to be missing. Benjamin spoke with Amanda about her options in moving forward. This involved sourcing and fitting replacing parts to provide a permanent fix to the toilet. After discussing for an appropriate span of time, Amanda gave to the go-ahead to replace the parts.   Benjamin went to ‘The Local Plumbers Supply’ in Mitcham VIC to get the correct parts. On return, Benjamin reinstalled the toilet with the new equipment. Benjamin showed Amanda the toilet once completed. The smell was completely gone! Amanda was so pleased that she asked Benjamin to check her other plumbing.   Benjamin did some exploring and found that Amanda had kids in the house and her water temperature was at 75 degrees. This was a concern to Benjamin (as this is generally too hot for children).   Amanda asked Benjamin what he could do to remedy the situation. Subsequently, he advised for a tempering valve to be installed by her hot water unit (this is to reduce the temperature of the hot water to 50 degrees). Amanda asked Benjamin if he could do the install the very same day. As it seemed urgent, Benjamin went ahead and installed the AVG tempering valve. which was also bought from The Plumbers Supplies Coop in Mitcham. Naturally, he did this after conducting a temperature test.   All in the one day, Benjamin left Amanda with a smell free toilet and had her feeling a great deal of relief in regards to her hot water temperature. Amanda was so happy that she left Benjamin a 5-star review on Google!

Naturally, sewer blockages can be quite disturbing for clients. They often involve raw sewerage flowing into people’s back yard and other areas. This presents a substantial health risk. There’s also the potential for a very nasty smell, especially on a warm summer’s day!   The longer a blockage is left unattended, the harder clearing the sewer becomes. Solids (including tree roots) build up over time. A plumber will have to do more work to clear the site. However, that’s not to say it can’t be done.   Recently, ‘Lawrie’ (our O’Shea Plumbing founder who resides in Wantirna VIC) received a call from ‘Shiela’. Shelia is based in Mt Waverley VIC, and called our office late on the evening preceding Mother’s Day.   Lawrie asked Shelia if she wanted somebody out that evening to attempt to clear the blockage. Her reply was “can it wait till morning?” Shiela had another toilet that was not blocked that she (and her visiting family) could use.   Lawrie instructed our plumber ‘Andrew’ to head over to Sheila’s house. Upon arrival, Andrew started an investigation around the house to determine which fixtures might be blocked and to locate the most likely site of the blockage. He presented this information to Sheila to guide the work ahead.   Andrew received approval from Shiela to proceed with using his sewer cable machine to attempt to clear the blockage. Andrew ran the cable to the point of 7m. At this juncture, the machine started to struggle to cut through (what he thought to be) the blockage.   Andrew worked the machine a little bit further down the sewer and started to bring the cables back out again. He retrieved a length of tree root of about 2m long by 70/80mm in circumference. It was evident that this tree root was the likely cause of the blockage.   Andrew used the same cutter to run the cable all the way to the sewer point location with ease. This is in the jurisdiction of the local authority, which plumbers are not allowed to enter. Andrew used a spearhead cutter, 75mm cutter and 100mm cutter. This cleared the drain cleanly and completely.   At this point, Andrew voiced concerns that there was something more sinister going on in the sewer due to the large amounts of tree roots. This has either occurred over many many years, with Shiela not noticing. Or, it was because the initial signs of blockage were largely ignored. These indicators include a gurgling noise as water drains, water rising higher than usual in the toilet pan when flushing, or even toilet paper/grey water coming out of the drains next to your house.   Shiela said that she was happy that Andrew cleared the sewer blockage. He reiterated his concerns. She said if she noticed the sewer becoming blocked again that she would call O’Shea Plumbing and ask for Andrew. The next stage would be to put a camera down the drain to inspect the quality of its construction. It’s this level of customer care that makes O’Shea the trusted choice in local plumbers.

Recently, ‘Kerry’ from Clayton VIC called up our  O’Shea Plumbing main office in Mt Waverley VIC with a complaint of a strange sound happening when she flushed her toilet. Our plumber ‘Andrew’ arrived in order to provide her with a quote to fix the problem.   The investigation would involve checking water pressures, inlet and outlet valves on the toilet and feeling for vibrations on the wall near where the sound was coming from. Proceeding with this work, Andrew noticed that the inlet valve of the toilet was not functioning correctly. His course-of-action was to replace it.   He had intended for this approach to negate the issue and remove the subsequent noise (coming from the old inlet valve). Unfortunately, the noise was still present after Andrew completed this task. He didn’t hesitate to call for back up (the beauty about O’Shea Plumbing is that is a medium-sized company and that the team really work well together at all times when required).   Our boss ‘Lawrie’ stepped in to lend a hand. He continued to investigate the strange noise that was occurring (at no extra charge). Lawrie queried the client in order to get some more details about what was occurring. Lawrie found out that there used to be a shower in the toilet room. This had been removed a while ago.   Lawrie found the drain and trap (which was covered with boxes and other household knick-knacks) and put water down to sit in the trap of the old shower. Lo and behold! When the toilet flushed again there was no noise. What had happened was that the shower trap had dried-up, and the noise was simply an echo coming back up the pipes when the toilet flushed.   When O’Shea Plumbing commits to a client the whole team is invested. We are all about helping people sort out their plumbing issues in the most prompt and practical fashion. That’s our promise to all of our valued clients.

‘Walter’ is an elderly gentleman who lives with his wife in Endeavor Hills, VIC. He has contacted our O’Shea Plumbing office (at our Mount Waverley HQ) a couple of times in the past. The first instance was for assistance with a sewer blockage, and the other for a tap install. He called up at about lunchtime after his wife has noticed that there is a leak under the kitchen sink (not the tap O’Shea Plumbing installed).   Andrew received notification from the Mt Waverley VIC office regarding Walter’s issue and had just finished up installing a toilet in Glen Waverley VIC. Andrew quickly rang Walter to see if he was home (as Andrew figured he could squeeze in a visit to Walter’s property before his next job).   Upon arrival, Walter told Andrew that he was concerned that he would need a new tap set and was worried that he could not afford it. If this were to be the case, he and his wife would have to put up with a dripping tap for a couple of weeks!   Andrew quickly diagnosed the issue. He offered Walter another option in performing a tap service. Walter was under the impression that a service is just changing the washer between the spindle and breach. O’Shea Plumbing offers a much more comprehensive tap service than what is typically provided by competitors.   A Tap Service from O’Shea Plumbing includes:   changing washer using a brass washer changing body washer changing o-rings clean and repack spindle with high-quality tap lube check and reseat tap, if required measure water pressure and temperature   Needless to say, Walter was grateful that Andrew offered alternative solutions. This included solutions other than replacements to parts. Unfortunately, this seems to be a common trend in today’s disposable society, ie. to source a new one without even trying to fix the old one.   Andrew left Walter with a drip-free kitchen sink tap, with the spindle being able to be turned on with more ease than before. This is exactly the kind of cost-effective and practical outcome that we set out to achieve for our clients at O’Shea Plumbing.

In this next blog, we talk about building inspections and plumbing, including the common pitfalls to avoid. If anyone has purchased or sold a house before they would be familiar with the terms: ‘subject to finance’, ‘subject to pest inspection’ and ‘subject to building inspection’. These stipulations form effective safeguards, particularly if you are wanting to buy a house to live in (not demolish).   A building inspection is generally done by a builder, who has a general knowledge of various trades but may specialise in a certain field, for example, carpentry. When an inspector goes to inspect a building they take account of any faults that they can see. But, what about how the plumbing? The fact is that not all plumbing is visible.   It is well known that you can get a reputable plumber to take care of assessing the situation for you. However, there no such thing as a good plumber who is cheap. It’s undeniable that it can be a costly exercise, especially when resultant issues come to the fore. But, neglecting this step may be even more dangerous and expensive over the long-run.   For example, what happens if you buy a house and spend nearly all of your savings in the process. That’s only to move in and find out you need one, or even several plumbing issues rectified.   Maybe it’s a gas pipe renewal/water pipe renewal? Or, your eardrums are now taking a battering from the massive water hammer issue. Sometimes, you’ll discover a hot water unit that is as old as the hills and may die any minute. Gutters may be rusted out, or the stormwater drains are blocked and the first rain you get floods your entire house/property!   It’s crucial to realise that a standard building inspection will not necessarily cover all these things. O’Shea Plumbing of Mount Waverley, VIC have completed numerous plumbing inspections. Some have turned out to be just fine, and others have been veritable nightmares. In each situation, the client’s peace-of-mind is of utmost priority.   Here’s a case in point: O’Shea Plumbing recently visited a property in Croydon, VIC. ‘Jarrett’ (one of the Wantirna,Vic. depot team members) undertook an inspection for a hopeful new house owner. It became apparent that there was going to be a number of large jobs required in order to get the plumbing to a point that could even be remotely considered ok.   Jarrett passed on this information to his client. She walked away from buying the house. This may have been disappointing, but it offered a much better outcome than what would have happened otherwise. Imagine the shock once the ink was dried on her contract and it was too late for any recourse. In this case, the client was able to avoid extensive costs in repairing severe plumbing problems and sidestep an absolute doozie in purchasing a property.

In this recent case study, we look at the plumbing issues that our client ‘Yasmin’ from Clifton Hill,VIC  encountered and how we set about solving them.   She contacted our main O’Shea Plumbing office in Mount Waverley, VIC on the Easter Monday holiday morning. She was calling to notify us that there was water leaking everywhere on her property, which was flowing from the exterior side of her house.   Yasmin asked if we could come out as soon as possible to fix the leak. With nothing being too much of a problem for our team, our trusty plumber ‘Ben’ (from our Bentleigh, VIC depot), arrived at her doorstep within just two hours of her reaching out to us.   Ben spoke with Yasmin regarding the leak on the side of the house. After he had a good look at the leak, he relayed how he believed the valve had come to a state of disrepair. Yasmin asked if he could fix it today. Our team is always well prepared for emergency situations, so Ben was happy to agree to the timeframe. Yasmin was pleased that not only had O’Shea plumbing responded so quickly, but that we could fix the problem on the day.   After Ben fixed the leak, Yasmin mentioned to him that she has other plumbing work needing a look at. She was having problems with her tap sets in her bathroom not opening up. Yasmin drew attention to the fact that they hadn’t functioned as well as she would like, all the way back to when she first moved into the house.   Ben explored some options with Yasmin in order to get her shower and bath sets fixed/replaced. She was pleased with the proposed solutions, which would mean both taps would actually match and work properly. She requested that we go ahead and replace them.   Yasmin asked O’Shea Plumbing could undertake the work on the Friday of the following week, as that was the day she was working from home. Ben booked Yasmin in for first thing that morning. Our client was so relieved that we were able to accommodate a time that suited her, as she is usually kept busy working in a full-time job.   Overall, Yasmin was incredibly happy with the service of our team at O’Shea Plumbing and the work performed. That’s exactly the result that we always strive to achieve!

‘Josh’ and his partner are a young couple who are very proud owners of a brand new property. They own a unit in Ashwood, VIC. They had been enjoying the freedom of their new residence, putting up artwork on the walls and they even got a dog without requiring permission. That was until their sewerage started to overflow into their front garden, spilling onto the driveway and overflowing onto the footpath.   That’s when they called the O’Shea Plumbing office in Mount Waverley, VIC. Josh reached our plumber ‘Andrew’. Andrew sympathised greatly with the urgency of the situation and provided a prompt investigation on site. He provided Josh and his partner with some options in fixing the problem. The most salient being to completely clear the drain.   INSIDER NOTE: Clearing a drain is not to be confused with unblocking it – which only partially clears the drain. Clearing a drain is obviously a far superior solution, but one that requires more expertise and care. O’Shea Plumbing believes in doing things properly, or not at all.   Andrew then went outside to give Josh and his partner some privacy to discuss if they wanted to go ahead with the works. Once he was given the go-ahead, he set up the ‘drain snake’ and got down to business. Very quickly, Andrew hit the blockage and cut his way through it. All of the sewerage emptied down the drain. Andrew had successfully unblocked the drain, fully and entirely clearing it of obstructions!   Following this, Andrew moved the ‘spearhead cutter’ and upsized it to a 75mm cutter, slowly clearing the pipe of the tree roots. Andrew then upsized the cutter once again. This time to 100mm, which was the size of the pipe.   INSIDER NOTE: Upsizing the cutters is not common practice in the maintenance industry as it is double to triple the work required to perform. If a company were to choose not to upsize the cutters, more than likely they are going to get more work from the same client sooner as the tree roots will grow back quicker (as they are already in the pipe and will grow back with vengeance).   This is just one example of O’Shea Plumbing’s expertise. The friendly and skilled team can also give options to replace, renew or reline drain if this is the client’s preferred option). The benefits of such things as clearing drains and upsizing cutters is what sets O’Shea Plumbing apart from the bulk of the competition. They are about solving plumbing problems for the sake of longevity and care about their client’s quality of life. That’s for now, and far into the future.

The Wantirna Club is a licensed venue just near Knoxfield, VIC. We recently received a call from this business at our O’Shea Plumbing HQ is Mount Waverley, VIC. Justin was on the line,  needing help with some leaking toilets in his venue.   He reached our O’Shea Plumbing owner/operator ‘Lawrie’. Lawrie went about arranging a quote to supply and install a Caroma Slimline toilet cistern and seat. This was accepted by Justin and the item was purchased from ‘The Plumbers Supplies Coop’ in Mitcham, VIC. It was then fitted promptly and efficiently, solving the plumbing problem at the Club.   This is not the first time The Wantirna Club has relied upon the services of our team. In fact, they have been using our expertise at O’Shea Plumbing for over 10 years. From servicing tap sets, to changing over toilets, to unblocking toilets; they are confident that our people are skilled and professional enough to discreetly go about their plumbing works. That’s without bothering or getting in way of the staff or patrons at their Club.     O’Shea Plumbing know the location of most of the isolation valves for gas and water. We also know ‘the lay of the land’, which expedities the works that are regularly required within this large venue. The Wantirna Club is just one of many large businesses who form our backbone of loyal and valued long-term clients. It’s just how we do things at O’Shea Plumbing!

‘Mackinley’ and his brother live in a neat little unit, hidden away from the main roads in Bentleigh, VIC. They had been living with no hot water since December since they figured that the temperature is hot enough to make a cold shower feel refreshing. It was late April when they finally got around to calling a plumber.   They did a bit of a Google search, looking for a company with good reviews. We were delighted that they found our friendly team at O’Shea Plumbing. We are based in Mt Waverley, VIC, but service all of Melbourne.     ‘Andrew’ (our O’Shea Plumbing team member) arrived the day after Mackinley’s initial phone call and providing him and his brother with some viable options. This included the choice of servicing or opting for a few brand new unit.   As the unit was well over 20 years old, Andrew advised them that there would never be any guarantee that it could be fixed properly. Also, its longevity would be limited (resulting in a waste of time and money). Mackinley agreed that servicing was probably not the best option and he and his brother explored the options in replacing the hot water unit, with Andrew’s advice.     Andrew put together a quote for four different hot water units, noting the pros and cons of each product. Mackinley and his brother engaged in a decision-making process for the next week or so. After making their selection, they called our main office and paid a deposit.   Andrew ordered the unit from the ‘Plumbers Supplies Coop’ in Mitcham VIC. Once the hot water unit arrived, Andrew arranged to visit the client’s home and started the installation. He followed the correct procedures on-site, ensuring that their gas supply and pipes were in good working order and that burner pressure was appropriate for the model of hot water unit in question.   Mackinley and his brother were very excited to once again have access to hot showers. They were very grateful for the advice and service that the O’Shea Plumbing team delivered.

Our team O’Shea Plumbing not only complete works on domestic properties, but are relied upon by a number of number of shops and commercial properties that trust their expertise in plumbing services. Our headquaters is based in Mount Waverley, VIC and the office is backed by systems and processes that our plumbers use to help track and monitor tasks.   Coupled with friendly and genuine customer care, these safeguards allow us to provide the best level of service for our clients. We have a level of adaptability and responsiveness that is a real point-of-difference. Plus, we band together like a family to make things happen.   Take the following example: our plumber ‘Jarrett’ is requested regularly by one of our clients who operate a store located within Chadstone Shopping Centre, that is in Malvern East ,VIC. However, this time around (when he got their call) he was completely booked with pre-existing work.   Our plumber ‘Andrew’ picked up this job on Jarrett’s behalf. He arrived to find that all toilets, and drains were blocked and needed to be fixed. The employees at the shop couldn’t use the facilities. Andrew looked up the history of this shop and within five minutes of arriving could already affirm some important particulars. He knew where Jarrett had previously worked (where all the pipes had been layed) and how far down the drain the blockage was likely to be.   Andrew acquired permission to start works and in no time at all had cleared the drain. Naturally, he then packed up and cleaned the surrounding area. Being able to access the history of the shop’s plumbing really streamlined his task. It also meant that the shopworkers didn’t need to hold their plumber’s hand, letting them focus on their job. At O’Shea Plumbing, we are all about efficiency!

This next case study involves O’Shea Plumbing assisting with a retiree from Glen Waverley, VIC and her daughter ‘Elizabeth’ (who is her caretaker).‘Tereza’, is an elderly lady who experiences some health problems. Her daughter was looking after her house and had noticed a small pool of water starting to form on the driveway and concrete path leading up the side of the property.   It was one Sunday in April when Elizabeth first contacted the O’Shea Plumbing main office in Mount Waverley, VIC. Our team promptly dispatched our plumber ‘Andrew’ to assess the situation. Upon arrival, Elizabeth met Andrew out the front of her house and turned the water meter back on.   Within two minutes, water had started to sweep through the cracks in concrete and has started flowing to the nearby stairs. It was also going into the back yard as well as starting to pool along the side of the house. Naturally, this did not sit well with Elizabeth (she did not want her mother to come home from the hospital to find a new ‘water feature’ in her front yard)!   Andrew suggested that he perform an initial investigation to locate the split in the water pipe.  Once that was approved, Andrew crawled under the house and found that water was also dripping in this spot.   Andrew provided further options. The first one was further investigation using pipe and water leak detection equipment, in an attempt to find the split and fix it. This would be a good option if the split was in the soil outside. The second option was to organise a renewal of a section of the water pipe, bypassing the leak to stop this from happening again in the future.   Elizabeth gave the go-ahead to bypass the leak. Andrew organised a digger (from RMR Plant Hire in Bayswater, VIC ). He also engaged ‘Claude’ (our concrete cutter from Keysborough, VIC) to make a perfect hole in the brickwork and cut out a thick section of concrete.   The ensuing work was completed in just a couple of days. This was just in time before Elizabeth’s mother was scheduled to return home! The only way that Tereza could possibly notice that there were works done was via a thin section of concrete cut out and backfilled with ‘quarter minus’ (and a thin section of grass that had been dug up).   Needless to say, the forward-thinking and diligence our team displayed in this scenario avoided a whole lot of potential stress for Tereza. Elizabeth was extremely grateful for the prompt service that O’Shea Plumbing delivered. It’s just one example of where we put the real-life concerns of people first. That’s the O’Shea Plumbing way.

Water Hammer can be a very frustrating sound. Especially when your partner goes to the toilet and washes there hands and you wake up to a thundering or squelching sound.   In the middle of the night, the water pressure spikes, as no one is using water in the neighbourhood, which can affect the volume of the water hammer. Not only that but it can damage fixtures and void warranties on some water taps and appliances.The best option to attempt to stop water hammer is to install pressure control to the water mains and hot water unit.   When Andrew arrived to Evelyn’s house to look at some water hammer issue he gave options on installing a 500KPA pressure reduction valve at the meter and a cold water expansion valve on the hot water unit. Evelyn decided that she would wait and put up with the noise until her HWU failed as it was in her words “100 years old” it was actually more like 20-25years old which is getting on in HWU life span.   Andrew asked if Evelyn could get the water hammer to happen so he could here where it is occurring and try and come up with some other options. The kitchen mixer tap would make a large chunk noise once you turn it off and the shower would squealch when it was turning on and off. Andrew gave options to service the tap set and see if that would help.   Andrew serviced the shower tap set and replaced the plastic washer with a brass one, servicing the tap by changing o-rings, body washers, cleaning and repacking spindle with tap lube. Once the taps were put back together he tested the tap which drastically reduced the noise that this tap previously made.   Whilst Andrew was walking down the side of the house to the HWU he noticed that it looked like there was a flood that had occurred down the side of the house. Andrew questioned Evelyn who said that during the heavy rain over the weekend her and her husband noticed that water was pouring out from the bottom of the downpipe and flowing like a river into the backyard. They also mentioned that they had a plumber camera down the storm water drain only 10months ago and it was like brand new, with nothing obstructing the pipe.   Andrew noticed that there was lots of bird activity around there backyard and said that he could remove the downpipe and have a quick look at the square to round downpipe adapter, in case something had fallen down there. While it was open if there was nothing obvious Andrew provided a quote to use the cable machine to clear what ever was blocking the pipe.   Once the downpipe was removed there was a very wet, very stuck birds nest nestled into the square to round downpipe adapter. Andrew removed this and flushed water down the drain for 10mins, with no subsequent backing up as well as checking to see if this water was flowing into the storm water pit that Evelyn had installed a year ago. Gutter was put back on and clients were left very happy.   Evelyn was so happy with the service that she called the Mt Waverley office to thank O’Shea Plumbing for their prompt, professional and informative service.

‘Fiona’ owns a beautiful two-story unit in Dandenong VIC. She called the O’Shea Plumbing central office in Mount Waverley VIC to get some help with her blocked drain, that was  affecting the  ensuite and shower (all other fixtures were draining as normal).   ‘Andrew’ (one of our plumbers here at O’Shea) arrived and assessed the issue. He provided Fiona with some solutions – with the aim to clear the blockage. Of course, it would be best to try to use a plunger before instigating more extensive plumbing. However, Andrew gave Fiona full disclosure of what would be required if plunging was to fail.   Andrew proceeding with attempting to clear the blockage in this manner. Unfortunately, it did not work. As all the pipes were behind walls, went downstairs and then under a slab, there was nowhere immediate that Andrew could use the cable machine. Andrew provided Fiona with another option. That would be to remove the blocked toilet system and then to use a cable machine down the ‘soil pipe’.   Once the toilet was removed Andrew covered the tiled floor and surrounding carpeted area with drop sheets. This was in order to provide a workspace that was as damage-proof as possible.   Andrew used the cable machine and managed to clear the blocked drain. Subsequently, he tested that it was cleared by running water down the soil pipe for about ten minutes. There was no further ‘backing up’. He was then able to remove the cable machine and install Fiona’s toilet firmly back into place.   Fiona was so happy with the service that she rang Mr. O’Shea (who was working in our Bundoora VIC office at the time). She said “Andrew was very clear and explained the whole situation to me. I am very happy with the service he provided and will be recommending O’Shea Plumbing to my friends”. That’s exactly the kind of feedback that the team at O’Shea Plumbing loves to hear!

‘Karen’ from Glen Iris VIC called our O’Shea Plumbing main office requiring our services. She reached our plumber ‘Andrew’ in our main office in Mt Waverley VIC. She told him that her downstairs toilet was not flushing properly and that whenever her daughter flushed the upstairs toilet, water would fill the downstairs pan.   Andrew was finishing a job in Chadstone VIC when he received the initial phone call. Amazingly, he arrived at Karen’s place within just 20mins! Andrew inspected the problem in-depth and found that there was a blockage in the sewer. A cable machine would be required to fix this issue.   Once Karen accepted the quote, Andrew got to work on clearing the sewer on her property. Within 1.5hrs of the initial phone call, Andrew had cleared the blockage in Karen’s plumbing. He advised her that all work from O’Shea Plumbing comes with a ‘12-month-blockage-free-guarantee’. Best of all, Karen’s family could go back to living their lives without fear of toilet water flooding their house.   Andrew also assisted Karen in providing some prevention measures, in order to keep this type of problem from happening again. He also made some future plumbing recommendations (with absolutely no pressure for Karen to go ahead).   Karen was made aware that when the time comes to renovate their bathroom (they have plans to do this in December 2019) that it would be a good idea to renew the entire sewer (or at least sections of) as a part of the entire process. This is because their sewer currently features old earthenware pipe and less than ideal plumbing. The point to remember here? Good drains don’t block!

Unfortunately, while ‘Supis’ was at work one day one of her water taps decided to snap off and start to flood in the upstairs bathroom. By the time Supis arrived home, the flooding had spilled out of the bathroom and had collapsed entire the roof of the bottom floor, soaked all of the carpets and most of the electrical fixtures!   Luckily, no job is too difficult for the team at O’Shea Plumbing. Supis needed to acquire a plumber’s report. This would detail what had occurred and seek to identify the potential factors in the source of the problem.   Our plumber ‘Andrew’ (from our O’Shea Plumbing Mount Waverley VIC office) started on the job by completing pressure tests. He then made sure that the fixture had a watermark (all water taps used in Australia have to adhere to this standard). A full inspection of the broken fixture was conducted.   Whilst Andrew was on site he asked Supis if she was happy with the rest of her plumbing. Also, he took the initiative to look at other fixtures in her property, in order to ascertain potential further damage. This included ‘flexi hoses’, taps etc.   Andrew found that both garden taps on the property were very old, leaking and stiff. Supis agreed that Andrew should change over these taps. All material was purchased from the Plumbers Coop in Mitcham VIC.  Of course, this was in addition to her initial request to complete the plumber’s reports to give to her insurance company.   So, all-in-all a very successful day and Supis was left feeling assured and happy with all the plumbing in her home. At O’Shea Plumbing, keeping our clients happy is always what matters most.

In this next case study, ‘Andrew’ (one of O’Shea Plumbing’s plumbers from our Mount Waverley office VIC) responded to a call from ‘Gary’. Gary hailed from Glen Iris VIC and he was worried about a possible gas leak in his house.   Upon arrival, Andrew had a chat with Gary about why he thought this might be an issue. A neighbour had mentioned to him that there was a smell of gas coming from his side of the fence. The neighbour had encountered this more than once and this had instigated Gary’s cause for concern.   Gary had a quote from another company to renew the gas line. Before Andrew went about completing his quote, he decided to do some investigation to see if the leak was in ‘min run’ or in the ‘gas isolation valves’ to the gas units.   Andrew turned off all isolation valves and went about pressure testing the existing gas line. The pressure held, so he went and turned all isolation valves back on. He completed the pressure test again once again. Lo and behold, it held. This left only one possibility as a cause of the problem: the leak was at the gas meter itself.   Andrew informed Gary that he should contact his gas supplier to come and check the meter. This was because the meter most likely had a fault and this presented a significant issue. This saved Gary’s pocket quite considerably.   Not only did he no longer need to renew his gas line, but payment for plumbing now became the responsibility of his gas company. Thanks to O’Shea Plumbing, Gary had proof that his pipes were in good working order and could put the onus squarely where it was due.   At O’Shea Plumbing, we go beyond our core aspiration to deliver professional workmanship. We also provide professional advice to every client. This provides the best experience and the most astute solutions for anyone who requires our services.

In this next case study, the team at O’Shea Plumbing was called in to install the plumbing for some home improvement. ‘Karen’ and her husband from Mooroolbark VIC had purchased a beautiful new home and wanted to create a garden to complement their house.   They were just about to begin working on that when they realised that there were no taps near the front of their property! That would make keeping a garden alive a virtual impossibility. Their thoughts were “no point making a nice garden if it is just going to die from lack of watering”.   ‘Andrew’ (one of our plumbers from our Wantirna VIC depot) arrived at the property 15 mins before he was required, in order to be prepared. He measured the water pressure on site and spoke with Karen and her husband in order to find out where they would like their new tap installed.   After a bit of thought, Karen advised Andrew that she wanted the tap in a certain spot. She also wanted it very low to the ground as they were experiencing some neighbourhood nuisance issues late at night. Karen did not want someone to walk past and turn their tap on. This had happened at nearby house a couple of times and meant that their neighbors had wasted a lot of water through no fault of their own.   Andrew suggested that they install an ‘anti-vandal’ garden tap. He went to the local ‘Reece’ outlet in Lilydale VIC to purchase these specialised fittings and appropriate polypropylene water pipe connections. Andrew installed the tap exactly where Karen wanted it. She was very happy in the knowledge that she could now sleep soundly, without worrying some delinquent could make her and her husband’s life that bit more difficult.   Andrew and the O’Shea Plumbing team always take the time to find out the complete background on plumbing issues and client expectations. In essence, they apply problem-solving and forward-thinking. The anti-vandal tap would not have been installed if our approach was to complete jobs in a routine and uncaring fashion.   We pride ourselves on ‘going above and beyond’. We are pretty sure that’s why our clients are so loyal and we get plenty of repeat business! At O’Shea Plumbing we provide the best possible advice on plumbing and practical solutions which suit the unique needs of our clients.

This next case study from the team at O’Shea Plumbing involves ‘Ted’, who recently called our main office in Mount Waverley VIC. Ted’s mother’s house was advertised on the property market for sale. There was a problem with the toilet in the ensuite continually blocking up, so this presented quite an issue!   Our owner ‘Lawrie’ and our plumber ‘Benjamin’ visited on site. They removed the toilet in order to start investigating the problem in-depth. A ‘Ridgid’ drain camera was inserted in the drain.  This provided some insight into the problem. Tree roots had entered the drain and the installation of the sewer pipes was deemed to be very poor.     ‘Liam’ from ‘Pipe Hunter’ in Ringwood VIC, was called to site to advise if the option of relining of the drain would be viable. The consensus was negative. So with very carefully, floor tiles were removed to the most minimal degree. This was so that the damaged section of the sewer drain could be replaced.   Following this, a new ‘Caroma Luna’ back-to wall-toilet suite was ordered from the ‘Plumbers Coop’ in Mitcham VIC. This was installed as a superior, working replacement for the old toilet.   All the resulting scrap and rubbish was removed from site. The work area was thoroughly cleaned. This was of great benefit to Ted – as the house was open for inspection the very next day!   A VBA Certificate of Compliance was supplied to cover the work in entirety. Ted called to site when he was in town on the next Friday. He emailed Lawrie, with some fantastic feedback, stating that the job was “excellent”. That’s exactly what we like to hear about our work at O’Shea Plumbing!

O’Shea Plumbing is an experienced, friendly and hardworking business operating out of Mount Waverley VIC (head office). Other locations include Wantirna VIC, Bentleigh VIC, Bundoora VIC and Burwood VIC   The team prides itself on carrying out all plumbing, drainage and gas work to an exceptionally high standard. This is alongside consistently great service.   You can trust O’Shea Plumbing to ‘do things by the book’. We ensure that the correct applications are submitted prior to work, that inspections are booked and that road opening permits are obtained where required.   At O’Shea Plumbing, we source the correct fittings and materials. We also keep them in stock wherever possible. This means that jobs can be completed with minimal delay.   Some of these items include E.G. Tapered brass fittings and 20 kg lead or PVC wall sleeves. These are not usually available from ‘The Plumbers Supplies’ in Mitcham VIC or ‘Reece’ in Burwood VIC (or other plumbers suppliers).   Our workers safety is our top priority. Our regular responsibilities include organising scaffold for working at heights, trench shoring (for trenches over 1.5m deep) and asbestos awareness (we hire a licenced asbestos removalist even when the small amount of asbestos needs to be removed).   These are just a few of the ways that O’Shea Plumbing stands out from the crowd. Just ask us what we can do for you.

This case study involves a hot water unit leakage. It all started when ‘Beverley’ from Balwyn, VIC  looked out her kitchen window to find her footpath flooded with water. The culprit was her hot water system, which was spilling a large volume of water.   In order to sort out the problem, ‘Lawrie’ owner and operator at O’Shea Plumbing (who is based out the Mount Waverley, VIC office) went to Beverley’s house at 6 PM on a Friday evening. At O’Shea Plumbing we really don’t mind attending outside regular working hours, to assist those with emergency plumbing issues.   Lawrie found out very quickly found that the hot water unit had split and was leaking water onto the ground (as fast as the water could enter). Unfortunately for Beverley, there was no chance to organise a new hot water unit at that point in time. However, Lawrie went about sourcing one to be installed by our plumber ‘Andrew’, who was on call for that weekend.   Andrew arrived at Beverley’s house at 8 AM the next morning and disconnected the old hot water unit. He performed the relevant gas pressure tests (that are required whenever any gas installation or repair work is carried out). He then installed a new hot water system. This was delivered to site by the team at ‘The Plumber Co-Op in Mitcham, VIC.   Andrew didn’t leave it there. After looking at all of the gas isolation valves, he found that there was a loose connection. Andrew undid the valve completely to check the condition of the valve (and the flared copper that attaches to isolation valve). Now that he had confirmed all was in good working order, Andrew felt confident about reconnecting the valve.   Once again, Andrew tested the gas line to ensure against any subsequent gas leaks. The new hot water unit was commissioned and a Certificate of Compliance was issued for the work. The gas was turned back on and the work area left clean and tidy. Best of all, Beverley and her husband were once again able to enjoy a warm shower that morning.

This next case study involves ‘Rosemary’ from Mount Waverley VIC. When she called our main O’Shea Plumbing office she reached our friendly administrator Kelly-Anne. Rosemary alerted Kelly-Anne to the fact she was having problems with the cisterns of both the toilets in her home.   Kelly-Anne acted promptly and later that day our plumber ‘Benjamin visited’ Rosemary’s home. He had a look at both cisterns. He suggested (that due to the age of the cisterns that a replacement) that a brand new system was the best option. However, Rosemary was also given the option of installing new toilet pans.   Rosemary chose to proceed with the complete installation of two new toilet suites. The O’Shea Plumbing team called our supplier ‘The Plumbers Supply Co-op’ in Mitcham VIC. They confirmed that the required toilet suites were in stock. Therefore, the job was booked to be completed only a few days later.   Benjamin and our apprentice ‘Alan’ installed both toilet suites for Rosemary. She was so pleased with the installations that she left a 5-star review on the website ‘Product Review’.

In December of 2018, ‘Lesley’ of St Kilda East VIC called our Mount Waverley Vic office and spoke to our owner (Lawrie O’Shea). Lesley had been experiencing issues with her stormwater drain. Most would recall the intense storms that blew in through the area during the latter months of last year. An influx of water had entered Lesley’s garage due to these heavy downpours.   Our Service Manager ‘Jarett’ attended Lesley’s property the very next day after her call – in order to discuss the job with her. Using our drain camera, we discovered that the stormwater drains were clear. So, we didn’t need to use our drain clearing equipment. A new drainage system was designed to help combat the flooding.   After the initial investigations, Lesley called the office to inform us that she wanted to proceed with the job. This progressed at the start of 2019. Our plumber ‘Richard’ and apprentice ‘Hamish’ were responsible for completion of works. With all ‘done and dusted’ (in the practical sense), they performed a final inspection with the drain camera to prove that everything was in good order.   The materials for the job were ordered from ‘The Plumbers Supply Co-Op’ in Cheltenham VIC.   Lesley was so happy with the service from our team at O’Shea Plumbing works that she left a 5-star review of our company on the website ‘Product Review’.

As most would already be aware, Lawrie O’Shea is the proud owner of O’Shea Plumbing (our main office is situated in Mount Waverley, VIC). But his own own house is also a big part of the ‘O’Shea story’. Lawrie’s unique property is located in Wantirna, VIC and forms the basis of an interesting case study in and of itself. Lawrie has lived in this house since he had it built in the early 1980s. Remarkably, he completed all of the plumbing work in the house entirely on his own.   Lawrie’s house has some noteworthy features and specifications which are particularly relevant from a building and design standpoint. The residential structure is built to be very energy efficient, facing the north with wide eaves. This aspect allows winter sun to filter through, whilst eliminating the full heat of summer’s glare. Therefore, the effects of extremes in temperature are minimised throughout the home, reducing the need for gas, electric or other forms of heating/cooling expenditure.   Additionally, a solar gas hot water system works well in assisting the reduction of energy bills. Solar pool heating means that the pool can be used for more months of the year, providing obvious economic benefits. Another measure of frugality and eco-consciousness is the ‘Vulcan Freeloader’ hot water tank installed on the property. The anode in this system needs only be changed every four to five years. This result is a vastly extended life span of the hot water tank. It’s still functioning equally as well today as when it was first installed 27 years ago     Photovoltaic panels on the roof help to further reduce electricity bills and water pressure reduction is of great benefit. A ‘Wilkins’ pressure reduction valve is fitted at the outlet of the water meter. A cold water expansion valve is fitted to the inlet and a limit valve is fitted to the outlet of the hot water unit. All these valves were sourced locally from ‘The Plumbers Coop’ in Mitcham, VIC. The fittings of these valves equals optimised operational performance for all of the plumbing pipes, mixing valves, taps, and appliances installed in Lawrie’s property. Amazingly, two ‘Dorf’ shower mixer taps are still going strong even after 30 years!   All these smart measures implemented in Lawrie’s home are highly recommended for the residential building sector and, indeed, any individual homeowner who would like to reduce their maintenance and energy costs alongside their environmental footprint.  

One of our loyal clients from Bentleigh East, VIC contacted us recently with a concern about a puddle of water in her garden (it hadn’t rained in a few days). ‘Minnie’ was aware that this might point to a plumbing issue. She had engaged our services previously (via our Mount Waverley, VIC head office) with a separate issue and felt confident with how we approach our work. Therefore, she did not hesitate to get in contact with us again.   Andrew (our plumber from the O’Shea Plumbing Bentleigh, VIC depot) arrived 15mins before the time he was scheduled – to get a head start on the job. He went about measuring water pressure and checking the water meter (to see if it was a large leak or not).   When Minnie showed Andrew where the puddle of water was, he provided two options for Minnie to choose from in investigating the issue (in order to locate the pipe that was leaking). Andrew was tasked to ‘hand dig in’ the area where water was pooling and in about 15mins had dug up an old irrigation connection. The isolation valve had failed and a crack had appeared in the PVC pipe.   Andrew demonstrated the situation at hand to Minnie and posed the question: reinstate the irrigation connection or remove it? Andrew was asked by Minnie to cut out the irrigation section and make it as if it had never been there (as she had never used the irrigation in her time in the house).   After removing the irrigation branch and bleeding the existing water line (to make sure no dirt flushed into the hot water unit and cisterns), Andrew turned the hot water unit and two toilets back on. It was at this point that he noticed that one of the cisterns was not working properly and asked if Minnie wanted options to fix/install a new cistern. Minnie did indeed want a new cistern – so Andrew obliged and went to work on installing a new ‘Caroma Slimline’ cistern (which he ordered from Reece in Burwood, VIC).   Minnie was very happy that Andrew did not just focus on the initial problem of the water leak, but was diligent in regards to the entire plumbing in Minnie’s beautiful home and spoke to her in depth about any issues he found. That’s what makes all the difference to our valued clients here at O’Shea Plumbing.

This next case study involves ‘Katie’ from Brunswick, VIC. She initially called the O”Shea Plumbing office and spoke with ‘Kelly-Anne’ (our friendly administrator at our Mount Waverley,VIC head office ). Katie’s gas hot water unit had failed and she was after a quote for a new ‘Rinnai’ hot water unit.   Our plumber ‘Richard’ was dispatched from our Bundoora,VIC depot. He provided quotes and options in replacing the system – which included a new gas pipe back to the gas meter. Katie happily accepted and Richard quickly set about organising the job.   Richards ordered materials from ‘The Plumbing Supplies Coop’ in Preston, VIC. ‘Leo’ (our trusted electrician from Hawthorn, VIC) was also booked in order to fit an external powerpoint. The completed works were pressure tested for gas leaks. With results proving that all was gas-tight, the new hot water system was commissioned and a Certificate of Compliance was issued.   All in all, Katie was incredibly pleased to be enjoying hot water with minimal delay. Her home is now equipped with a reliable and efficient ‘Rinnai Infinity 26’ hot water unit. Katie was so thrilled with the service at O’Shea plumbing that she gave our plumber Richard a five-star review on Google!

This next case study involves our client ‘Adam’ from South Yarra, VIC. Adam contacted O’Shea Plumbing HQ (our main office in Mt Waverley, VIC) when he noticed the smell of gas in his home. We received his call on a weekday (at around lunchtime) with the request for a plumber to come over – in order to investigate the gas pipes on his property.   Within two hours ‘Andrew’ (our plumber) was knocking on Adam’s front door to introduce himself and to set about testing the gas line on the property. After acquiring authorisation to start a gas test, Andrew performed a pressure test and concluded that there was a leak in existence somewhere on the pipe.   Andrew had to shut off the gas. This is a requirement by law (until a gas leak is found, capped or fixed). Andrew completed this and then went about isolating each gas appliance in Adam’s house – to determine whether the leak was coming from aforesaid appliances, or on the gas line.   Andrew discovered a loose connection to the hot water unit. He went about removing the isolation valve (to check that the flares in the copper pipe were in good repair). After affirming this, Andrew then installed a new isolation valve (that he purchased from the Reece store at Armadale,VIC ) and proceeded to test the gas line (once again). This time there was no pressure drop – this meant that the gas  leak had, indeed, been fixed.   Within only three hours of the initial call, Andrew had successfully found and fixed the gas leak. This meant that Adam and his family could once again rest easy, knowing that they are no longer at risk for gas inhalation and all the scary implications of that. Another job was well done by the team at O’Shea Plumbing.

You can trust the team at O’Shea Plumbing. As this case study goes to show, we offer reliable service on a repeat basis. When our new customer ‘Steve’ first called our office here at O’Shea Plumbing (in Mount Waverley, VIC) he had a problem with a very loud and annoying noise coming from both his cisterns. This was back in 2018.   Our trusty plumber  ‘Andrew’ visited Steve’s home to identify the issue. The cisterns were found to be very old and worn. Andrew suggested that Steve install  new ‘Caroma Slimline’ cisterns as a replacement for the old units. This would be sure to eliminate the noise problem entirely.. Being proactive, Andrew made sure that he ‘got the ball moving’ as soon as possible.   As Andrew could only carry one cistern on board his truck at a time. However, thanks to Andrew’s forward-thinking things fell into place smoothly.He sourced an extra cistern from ‘Reece’ in Burwood VIC. Steve and his family were soon able to have two new cisterns installed in their property. Happily, they were able to go about their lives as usual, without the horrendous noise of an old cistern waking them up at all hours. Steve was so happy with our quality of service here at O’Shea Plumbing that he left a five-star review on Google!   Also, he was so confident in relying on us to solve his plumbing problems that Steve became a very loyal and valued repeat customer. He called us again back in 2019 in order to request that Andrew come back to assess his ‘Aquamax’ hot water unit. Steve had noticed leaks that had been occurring for a couple of days.   Andrew arrived back on site and investigated the unit. He identified fairly quickly that the system was close to 30 years old and that the ‘PTR valve’ had failed and was stuck open. This is the reason why the unit was draining hot water non-stop. Andrew asked some very important questions and found out that the temperature of the water that was being delivered to the house was getting hotter and hotter.   Andrew gave options to replace the ‘PTR valve’ and also to service the complete hot water unit. Plus, he gave options on sourcing a new one entirely. Steve and his wife were looking to rent out their property so they decided to opt for replacing the system completely (they did not want to potentially deal with the stress of having it fail on their new tenants).   Andrew called the ‘Plumbers Co-op’ (in Mitcham, VIC) who delivered a new unit onsite in a very timely fashion. Andrew followed the correct procedures in installing and testing, as well as making the pipes look more professional than the previous hot water unit. We are happy to say that O’Shea Plumbing ‘did it again’. Within a few hours of Andrew arriving to assess the initial problem, Steve’s property was equipped with a brand new ‘Vulcan’ Freeloader’ hot water unit and everyone was happy!

This is yet another case study from O’Shea Plumbing which occurred over the busy Christmas period. In this instance, ‘Hattem’ and his wife were not ready to deal with having no  access to hot water around Christmas time. With no hot water flowing through their taps, they got in contact with our O’Shea Plumbing HQ in Mt Waverley, VIC.   They reached ‘Kelly-Anne’ in our office who assured them that a plumber would be there with minimal delay. After just a short lapse in time, ‘Andrew’ (who is one of our plumbers) arrived on our client’s property to investigate the situation at hand. Unfortunately, he found that the client’s hot water unit was over 30 years old, and was not worth servicing.   However, Andrew did notice that their house had a number of solar panels on the roof. With the potential this provided in mind, he sat down with Hattem and his wife in order to survey the range of hot water units on the market (including solar), as well as the particular processes/requirements that the installation of each item would be likely to require. This in-depth analysis and ‘shopping around’ really helped to provide peace-of-mind for our client.   Once Hattem and his wife had made his mind up on which hot water unit they would like, Andrew made preparations to acquire an ‘Aquamax 390’ hot water system. Hattem was not confident that Andrew could source one in the busy period between Christmas and New Years on such short notice. Never fear, our employees are very resourceful people. Andrew spoke with ‘The Plumbers Co-op’ in Mitcham, Vic and managed to get his hands on the desired hot water system. Even better, the supplier could get it delivered within the hour!   In the meantime, Andrew went about performing the appropriate gas testing in order to affirm that the entire gas line was sound and safe. He drained the unit and got it out of the way for the new one to arrive and be installed.   Within four hours of our client’s initial phone call, we were so happy to have Hattem and his wife enjoying the comfort of fresh hot water once again. They now have a brand new ‘Aquamax 390’  hot water unit at their disposal, with a 12-year cylinder guarantee. Hattem was so happy with the service that we provided to him that left a glowing 5-star review on Google singing our praises. And that makes us feel so valued here at O’Shea Plumbing!

The weekend before Christmas seems to throw up a number of interesting jobs for the team at O’Shea Plumbing. From sewer blockages to gas leaks…right through to burst hot water units… there’s always something to keep us busy! We work across all areas of Melbourne, VIC and frequently receive calls from people needing our help with plumbing who either reside in or operate business premises in the suburbs of Balwyn, Mt Waverley, Glen Iris and Hawthorn…and, just about everywhere in between!   After we receive an initial request, we will hit the road promptly to be onsite, solving plumbing problems left, right and centre! The Christmas period of 2018 was no exception. Whilst our clients were getting ready to go away or have Christmas parties, our plumbers were still on hand to help in any way possible. What follows is a typical ‘day in the life’ for an O’Shea plumber (especially during peak holiday seasons).   When a client in Glen Iris, called us in a panic (to tell us that their sewer drain was blocked), one of our professionally trained and certified plumbers was quickly sourced to assist. Our plumber went out to the property in question in order to clear an old earthenware drain, making short shift of the problem with our highly effective ‘Ridgid’ drain clean machine (with 100 mm cutting head). He also checked the drain with our ‘Ridgid’ CCTV camera in order to ensure that the drain was clear, providing that extra peace-of-mind for the client.   Once our plumber had finished clearing the client’s sewer drain in Glen Iris, he moved on to a second plumbing job in Mt Waverley. After efficiently fixing the problem at a property in this location, he was able to assist yet another client in Hawthorn. This was his third plumbing job in one day, with ‘nothing too much of an ask’. The client here had a burst hot water unit; our plumber quickly called around to our suppliers for a suitable replacement. After a thorough and safe installation, our client was able to enjoy hot water again.   However, just as our plumber was about to go home for the day a client from Balwyn called with a gas leak. Our trusty team member raced over to test the gas line and to investigate the property in question. He located and fixed a leak in the client’s kitchen (under the stove top). He then performed a gas test from the meter to prove that the gas installation was sound. This meant that the client’s gas was once again safe to use and they were able to cook that all-important Christmas turkey! No matter the season, this is ‘all in a day’s work’ for our reputable team members here at O’Shea Plumbing!

This next case study involves one of our loyal clients by the name of ‘Dorothy’. Dorothy hails from Malvern, VIC. When she has a plumbing issue she is sure to always reach out to our team at O’Shea Plumbing. Recently she called our office in Mt Waverley, Vic and spoke with ‘Lawrie’ (our friendly owner/operator).   Dorothy was needing assistance with a water leakage on her property, as it was flowing across the footpath. After ‘Yarra Valley Water’ in Mitcham, VIC visited on site, it was confirmed that the leak was, in fact, arising from the pipes inside in her property. Both Lawrie and ‘Sam’ (one of our apprentices) visited Dorothy at her property.   Further investigations by our team (using pipe and leak detection equipment) proved that there was a leak on an old galvanised iron pipe (that lead to a garden tap near the front gate). The pipe was found to be in the extremely poor condition and it was disconnected. Quotes were prepared, submitted and accepted by Dorothy for the replacement of the pipe in heavy duty copper. All of the material was sourced from (and delivered by) the ‘Reece’ store in Burwood, VIC.   To start the work, a trench was dug through the garden and across the lawn. Due care was taken to avoid cutting any large tree roots, thereby eliminating any potential damage to any nearby root systems and the large tree in the garden. The lawn was taken out in sections and placed aside (so it could be replaced neatly in position upon completion of works). The pipeline was thoroughly flushed to prevent any debris from damaging any fixtures on or in the property, such as taps, toilets etc.   The entire area was left clean and tidy. Of course, we provided a Certificate of Compliance to Dorothy to ratify our plumbing work. We are pleased to say that Dorothy was (once again) very satisfied with our services at O’Shea Plumbing. She emailed us to say “thank you very much for doing the work so promptly, much appreciated”. That’s exactly the kind of feedback we love to here at the O’Shea office!

Did you know that O’Shea Plumbing isn’t just your friendly go-to for home plumbing issues, but that we are also involved in several large-scale commercial applications? The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) in Carlton, VIC, is one such client.   An undoubtedly magnificent building, ACF also leads the way in Melbourne for green buildings and conservation. It is Australia’s peak national environment organisation, with over half a million people involved in speaking out for a world “where forests, rivers, people and wildlife thrive”. ACF are proudly independent, entirely non-partisan and funded via community donations.   The administration at ACF is also a proud, long-term customer of O’Shea Plumbing. ‘Andrew’ (the maintenance manager the ACF) has used our services for many years now. Here are O’Shea Plumbing, we carried out various works for this organisation over time, including installing mixer taps, water tanks, toilet systems and much more!   The ACF is just one of several large buildings that O’Shea Plumbing regularly services, particularly within the greater Melbourne region. We are so proud to assist not-for-profit, philanthropic and altruistic organisations and their endeavours. Getting involved in our local community is always a major perk for the team at O’Shea Plumbing!

In this next case study, we solved what could have been a crucial safety problem and it just goes to show the level of responsibility we hold at O’Shea Plumbing. It was late one night when ‘Graham’ woke and smelled gas coming through his window. He quickly alerted his wife ‘Dorothy’ (who couldn’t smell anything).   Graham realised there was no gas application in existence anywhere near their bedroom, so he only thought was that is could be the gas mains (located just next to the window). Graham made contact with his gas supplier who attended his home. The gas supplier tested the gas at the mains and noted that there was no problem on Graham’s property’s side of the gas meter. He shut off the gas to the house until he could find a plumber to fix the gas leak.   At this point, Graham started shopping around for options. He obviously found our team at  O’Shea Plumbing to be the best choice. After engaging us for the task, our plumber ‘Andrew’ was on site to test the gas line within just a few hours. He tested the gas line and all appliances (just to make sure that these were not the cause of the leak).   After performing these rigorous checks, Andrew went under the house and noticed that the existing gas line was made from galvanised iron, with nearly half of it buried underground. Andrew provided a quote to renew the gas line to copper. Graham and his wife were very happy with the price (as it was considerably cheaper than the other company’s).   In this case, our clients wanted us to start on the job right away. After checking our schedule, we discovered that all of our O’Shea Plumbing team members were all booked out until the next week. However, after a few phone calls, ‘Kelly-Anne’ (our administrator at our Mount Waverley, VIC office) was able to swap some jobs over for us to renew the gas line in just two days (instead of five).   Andrew ordered all materials to complete the job from ‘The Plumbers Supplies Coop’ in Mitcham, VIC. He then finished, tested and verified all the work. Graham and Dorothy had their gas back in safe operation in time for the weekend. They were very happy indeed!

Sometimes the effects of inclement weather can cause not only a heavy outpouring of rain but also an onslaught of calls to O’Shea Plumbing HQ. During December 2018, ‘John’ from Balwyn North, VIC was one such caller. He had noticed water from the rain pooling and starting to flood his backyard (alarmingly close to his house and garage).   John reached our friendly administration ‘Kelly-Anne’ in our main office in Mount Waverley, VIC. She organised for our trusty plumber ‘Richard’ to visit onsite to investigate and promptly rectify the problem. He thoroughly inspected the potential location of the blockage (through the opening in the stormwater drain).   Richard advised that he could attempt to clear the stormwater drain using his ‘Ridgid’ drain cable machine and, with approval from John, set to work. He managed to clear a lot of the tree roots and leaf litter out from the drain. He then continued by putting a hose down the area which ran the excess water out onto the road (without backing up) and thus, effectively solving the issue.   We were so pleased to see John leave this comment on ‘Product Review’. “He (Richard) explained everything he was going to do, so I knew what was involved from the start. I am very happy with the works and will recommend O’Shea Plumbing to my friends”.

This case study shows that O’Shea Plumbing is your local ‘go to’ for any plumbing issues – even when these occur outside of normal business hours. Just take, for instance, the following real-life story as solid proof.   Recently, ‘Les’ called us at our office in Mount Waverley, Vic to get assistance with a problem with his toilet flushing. He had noticed that water was running onto the floor every time  he operated the cistern.   Our response at O’Shea Plumbing was characteristically prompt. Our owner ‘Lawrie’ quickly dispatched one of our plumbers ‘Richard’ to the client’s site in Bentleigh East, VIC in order to fix the leaking toilet. Richard took the time to explain what was involved in the job, detailing in ‘layman’s terms’ what would be the likely course-of-action, and the potential risks in removing toilets. He issued quotes to Les, which were happily accepted.   In no time at all, Richard removed the toilet, paying due care to keeping the entire system intact and in good condition. He was also careful with the surrounding walls and bathroom door – as not to dent or scratch them. He replaced the rubber (that was allowing for leaks) with a new ‘50mm pan cone’ rubber and installed the toilet in its original position. He applied silicone around the base of the pan.   Richard had found that toilet had not actually been screwed in properly when he first arrived and inspected it, so he spent that little extra time in order to screw the base of the pan to the floor (the toilet was now fixed to the floor properly and unlikely to move over time).   The team at O’Shea plumbing were so thrilled to receive Les’ glowing review. He reviewed us on Google with a five out of five star rating, stating that he was very happy with our service and results. He said “Richard had a friendly approach and explained everything he was going to do very well, so I knew what was involved from the start. I am very happy with the results of his work and will be happy to recommend O’Shea Plumbing to my friends”.

The following is a recent case study involving garden pipe issues. To begin with, ‘Irene’ from Wantirna VIC, called O’Shea Plumbing’s Mount Waverley office and reached our administrator ‘Kelley-Anne’. She was in a bit of a panic; due to the fact that her father had hit the water line in his front yard with a shovel. He was in the process of constructing some garden edges when the unfortunate event occurred (of course, leading to water spraying out everywhere).   The very first thing that Kelley-Anne advised was for Irene to turn off the water meter. Then she arranged for our plumber ‘Andrew’ to be at Irene’s home as soon as possible. He arrived in a mere half an hour and promptly set about explaining the process likely to be involved in fixing the water pipe. After supplying a quote (which was approved by Irene and her father) Andrew got to work on fixing the split pipe.   Andrew asked if they were happy with the position and height of the existing garden tap. One change was requested: they would like to raise the tap so that they could fill a bucket underneath. As Andrew had to remove the ‘tee piece’ on which the tap was set, he simply asked them to demonstrate the desired height of the tap. He then raised the tap to suit the specifications of Irene and her Dad.   With a level thoroughness he is well-known for, Andrew made sure he left no stone unturned on the job. Luckily, he noticed that there was still a large volume of water filling up the trench (that was constructed to fix the split pipe). After fixing the leak, Andrew immediately called ‘South East Water’ to advise them that they would be required to fix the ‘isolation valve’ on the water meter (as it was not shutting the water off properly).   We are so thrilled to say that within an hour of Irene’s call that the plumbing issue was solved in entirety. That means fresh flowing water with minimal interruptions (almost like nothing had happened at all). So, that’s another win for the team at O’Shea Plumbing and of course for our valued clients!

Sometimes the crew at O’Shea plumbing can achieve results in next to no time at all. Here we have a case study that is short and snappy, but no less successful. It involves ‘Beverley’ who is one of our valued longtime clients (who exclusively use O’Shea Plumbing for all her plumbing needs).   Beverley is an elderly woman who resides by herself in Port Melbourne, VIC. Given her somewhat vulnerable personal circumstances, it really means a lot that she consistently puts her trust in our team. She knows we will treat her and her home with the utmost respect and care.   Beverley had a small leak in the plumbing near her kitchen cupboard. Our handy plumber ‘Andrew’ was quick to identify the issue and to effectively fix the problem within a few minutes. In little more than the time it takes to bat an eyelid, Beverley had her water running and was back to watering her garden. You can be sure that any water-supply related grievances are promptly put to bed here at O’Shea Plumbing.   Even on the second day of the New Year, we are on hand to deliver services to anyone based in the city of Melbourne and the greater Melbourne region. That’s come rain, hail or shine! We are available 7 days a week, including all public holidays. And no, we don’t shut down over the Christmas/New Years break (like a lot of other companies do). That’s the O’Shea Plumbing difference!

In this next case study, ‘Liz’ from Mitcham, VIC was having a cup of tea with her neighbour ‘Barbara’, when she told her that she was looking for a plumber to install a new toilet suite. Barbara recommended that Liz call ‘Lawrie’ (our owner at O’Shea Plumbing) at our office (based in Mount Waverley, VIC).   Luckily for us, positive word-of-mouth is so powerful and the value of a stellar reputation equals repeat business. Liz did indeed go ahead in speaking with Lawrie, explaining that she planned to have family stay over for Christmas and really would like her toilet fixed.   With only one working day left before Christmas, it was important to act quickly. So, ‘Andrew’ (one of our trusty plumbers) was promptly dispatched to Liz’s home to get the ball rolling.   After measuring the set out of the inlet pipes, outlet pipes and similar (and following discussions with Liz as to the brand and model of toilet she wanted), several phone calls were made to plumbing suppliers in the local area (along with ‘The Plumbing Supplies Coop’ in Mitcham, VIC).   The imperative was to check if they had the ‘Caroma Luna’ back-to-wall toilet suite (as desired by Liz). Unfortunately, due to the time constraints of the season, it was impossible to get this particular item at such short notice.   The outcome was that Liz decided that she would order the new toilet suite herself, and get O’Shea Plumbing back to install it first thing after Christmas. Of course, we are more than happy to be of assistance as Liz’s preferred local plumbing provider, now and into the future!

Here’s another awesome result for the O’Shea Plumbing team in our Mount Waverley, VIC office. In this recent scenario, ‘Ping’ (a local Real Estate Agent) phoned and reached our friendly office administrator ‘Kelly-Anne’. She told Kelly-Anne that she required assistance with storm water and sewerage drains on a property in Glen Iris, VIC.   ‘Richard’ and ‘Grant’ (two of our plumbers) got to work in attempting to clear the drains. They employed a customised approach in a combination of tools, machinery, and equipment (all proudly owned by O’Shea Plumbing). They set about investigating the plumbing issues with a ‘Ridgid’ cable machine, a ‘Ridgid’ drain camera and ‘Ridgid’ Navitrack’ equipment (this tracks the drain camera). Plus, they also worked with a ‘Spartan’ trailer mount water jet machine.   Our superhero plumbing duo discovered that sections of drain needed to be replaced. Quotes for this work were submitted and accepted by our client Ping. Consent for the works (and a copy of the sewer plan) was sourced from ‘Yarra Valley Water’ in Mitcham, VIC. Only after this crucial stage did we go ahead with the task in earnest. We then found our most suitable tradespeople: ‘Keith’ (OShea Plumbing’s trusted excavator contractor from Eltham North, VIC); alongside ‘Claude’ (our reliable concrete cutter) were booked for the job.   The team at O’Shea Plumbing then arranged all the finer aspects of the task ahead. Bins were sourced from ‘Metropolitan Bib Hire’ in Keysborough, VIC (to facilitate the removal of rubbish and excess soi)l. Of course, inspections were booked with the ‘Victorian Building Authority’. In due course, a new ‘Caroma’ toilet suite was installed (all material was supplied by the ‘Plumbing Supplies Coop’ in Mitcham, VIC). As due diligence dictates, a ‘Certificate of Compliance’ was issued for all work undertaken.   We were pleased with the completed work, and Ping even moreso! Additionally, the property owners were delighted with the finished product of our plumbing services, and for the fact that the site was left in a spotlessly clean and tidy state. So, that’s yet another job well done for our crew at O’Shea Plumbing!

In this next case study, we have the story of when ‘Richard’ (our plumber here at O’Shea Plumbing) visited a residence in Brighton, Vic to attend to a blocked sewer drain. He met with ‘Astrid’ who was experiencing several inconveniences due to the state of her property’s plumbing.   Richard was on hand to provide fixed prices on the work involved in clearing sections of the drain. When it comes to sewer drain clearing, our ‘capped-price-guarantee’ is what really sets us apart as a plumbing service. This means no hidden costs, awkward surprises or apprehension about your final bill! Plus, we also issue a 12-month warranty should the blockage ever reoccur in the same section of drain in the future.   When it came to the task at hand, Richard used a ‘Ridgid 1500’ drain clearing machine (supplied and serviced by ‘Dieset Manning’ in Blackburn, VIC). As he always does, Richard then attempted to clear the drain completely with a 100mm attachment. The drain was found to be in poor condition, so Richard gave the recommendation that the drain should be replaced.   We are so thrilled to report that Astrid was very pleased with the work and the service provided by Richard and the team at O’Shea Plumbing. In fact, she was so relieved and happy that she took time out of her day to directly call and speak to our friendly owner/operator ‘Lawrie’ to give a glowing verbal testimonial.   Also, Astrid left a review on ‘Product Review’ to say that Richard was very polite and friendly, that he had left everything clean and tidy and that she would definitely recommend the entire team to both her personal circle and the greater community. That’s certainly what we like to hear here at O’Shea Plumbing!

Here’s another case story from the team at O’Shea Plumbing. Our office received a call from ‘Matt’ from Wantirna South, VIC who was renovating his house before moving in. He required plumbing services as a result of the overhaul. Following this, ‘Jarett’ (our Service Manager here at OShea Plumbing) arrived promptly to site, providing quotes that were accepted by Matt.   The planned work included installation of a reflux valve on the sewerage drain (located near the property boundary). This particular valve proved to be a necessary component, largely due to the fact that the cheaper option of an Overflow Relief Gully was not an appropriate option in meeting AS/NZS 3500 regulations.   Before any works were carried out in actual practice, consent was first obtained from ‘South East Water’. Also, drainage inspections were booked, trench shields erected and an excavator arranged. Naturally, during the course of the work, a gas pressure testing was carried out. This detected conclusive evidence of a gas leak.   To remedy this situation, the existing gas pipes were replaced in heavy duty copper pipes and fittings. The new gas installation was pressure tested once again, to prove that it was safe and sound. This level of due diligence provides ultimate assurance, both for our company and our client/s.   A pressure reduction valve was then fitted (at the water meter) and a tempering valve attached (at the hot water plumbing) to prevent scalding water coming from the taps in the bathrooms. All the materials were proudly supplied by ‘The Plumbers Supplies Coop’ (in Mitcham). A Victorian Building Authority Certificate of Compliance was supplied for this work, in order to seal the deal. We are happy to report this with all work completed, Matt was soon able to move into his newly renovated house, with all plumbing in fully and safe operational order. That’s another job well done from the crew at O’Shea Plumbing!

What follows is another great result for the O’Shea Plumbing group. In this case, ‘Keiran’ from Hawthorn East, VIC rang our office and spoke to our friendly company owner himself, who we all know as ‘Lawrie’. Kieran’s gas company had already issued a quote to relocate his gas meter, but now he needed an additional quote to relocate the gas pipes on his property.   He turned to our business as a top service provider in the local community. Our plumber ‘Grant’ was dispatched to site without delay. As Grant discovered, due to the fact that the existing pipes were composed of old galvanised metals, they would require a much more suitable and safe replacement in heavy duty copper pipes and fittings.   In addition, a new ‘Rinnai Infinity 26’ hot water system from ‘The Plumbers Supplies’ (in Mitcham, VIC) and a new ‘Brivis’ ducted heater from ‘Metalflex’ (in Boronia, VIC) were fitted.   All the pipes were secured with extra strong metal clips and stainless steel screws. The entire gas installation was completed and pressure tested to comply with gas regulation AS/NZS3500.   The work was completed with a thorough clean up of site, with all rubbish removed. We are pleased to say that Kieran is feeling reassured in the knowledge that he now has a first- class, safe and sound gas installation, alongside a highly-efficient hot water system and ducted heater. That’s definitely something to feel relieved about, especially when it comes to having peace-of-mind in your own home!

Here’s another fantastic outcome for the team at O’Shea Plumbing. When Wendy of Burwood East VIC rang O’Shea Plumbing it was in response to some bad news from her gas company. They had recently informed her she had water in her gas pipes. ‘Jarett’ (our Service Manager) promptly dispatched ‘Richard’ (our plumber) to investigate the situation.   Richard pressure-tested the gas pipes on site, with the results affirming that there were indeed leaking and in a very poor condition overall. Quotes were issued to replace the old galvanised iron pipes with heavy duty copper alternatives, alongside press fittings (sourced from the Plumbers Supplies Co-op, Mitcham VIC).   The pipes were ‘dug in’ underground. Where they were visible above the ground in a location that ran along a wall, they were securely clipped in place using strong metal clips and stainless steel screws (at a maximum interval of one metre).   The new gas pipes were separately pressure-tested to a higher level. The pipes were connected with the appliances in Wendy’s home and were pressure-tested for a final time (as per AS/NZS5601 regulations).   We are very pleased to find out that Wendy is back to enjoying cooking with her now safe-to-operate gas stove. She was also able to once again take hot showers thanks to her gas heating working 100 percent efficiently. It was obvious that Wendy felt relieved to have the peace-of-mind that comes from effective plumbing solutions, which is exactly the kind of result is what we like to see here at O’Shea Plumbing.

Here’s another ‘feel good story’ from the team at O’Shea Plumbing. Our office received a phone call late on a Saturday from the owner of a childcare centre in Doncaster VIC. This was from one of our highly valued, long-term clients (and owner of a series of childcare centres with locations in Mitcham and Springvale VIC).   The client had been performing some renovations – replacing the benchtop in the kitchen. He had stumbled upon a gas leak coming from the cooktop. He called O’Shea Plumbing in a bit of a panic, so we instructed him to ‘stay calm and turn the gas supply off at the gas meter’. We also let him know we would be on site in due course to work on the issue.   Even though the very next morning was a Sunday, we were more than happy to have one of our emergency plumbers ‘Richard’ – attend on premises at the early hour of 8am. Our plumber found there was a leak on the gas fitting line – he fixed this leak and was able to get the gas turned back on. This meant that the childcare centre could once again have hot water and heating, which was a massive relief for our client!   During the works, Richard found that gas cooktop was old and potentially dangerous, so from here the team at O’Shea researched a number of new cooktops available on the market to find one that would fit the ‘cut-out’ of the new bench top.   We ordered a new cooktop from the ‘Good Guys’ (Nunawading store) – they were extremely helpful! Within the space of a few days we have the new cooktop arrive, collected and installed in the childcare centre and the kitchen fully operational again.   It was the case that not only were the owners happy but the kitchen staff were thrilled to have things back to normal again. Most importantly, the kids enrolled at the childcare centre were warm, had hot water and cooked meals.   Due to the public aspect of the job, we lodged a complex gas fitting notice via the Online Gas Installation Acceptance System ‘Gas Trac’ at Energy Safe Victoria. ‘Jarett’, the Service Manager here at O’Shea Plumbing then met with the Energy Safe Victoria inspector on site to review the works – the inspector was very happy with everything.

In the following case study, we feature one of our long-term, loyal clients ‘Jay’. O’Shea Plumbing has an extended history of a successful completion of work for Jay, including replacing taps/toilets, fixing pressure control and solving water leaks in his house in Mt Waverley VIC. Jay called our office recently for some more assistance from the team he turns to for all his plumbing needs.   This story has a bit of a backstory: Jay had recently taken the leap into purchasing a property in Ferntree Gully VIC. Unfortunately, after he had already ‘signed on the dotted line’, it was revealed that his new acquisition was equipped with poor water pressure, rusty-colored  water coming out of the taps and also a large amount of groundwater running under the house (as confirmed by a building inspector).   ‘Jarett’ our Service Manager here at O’Shea Plumbing made the visit out to Ferntree Gully the very next day. After meeting with Jay, it was discovered that the house was fitted with old galvanised iron water pipes that needed replacing. Also, the agricultural drain (AG pipe) at the front of the house had been installed improperly and was allowing water to flow under the house. Jarett provided quotes to replace old galvanised iron water pipes with copper alternatives, alongside a proposal to install a new AG drain. Jay happily accepted the quotes, and Jarett facilitated a meeting with our plumber ‘Richard’ on site in order to get ‘works underway’. Heavy duty copper pipes and fittings were installed, and backed by a 25-year warranty. Pressure control testing was undertaken to provide ultimate peace-of-mind on the replacement of the water pipes.   As always, excavated material and rubbish was thoroughly removed from site at the completion of the job. A Victorian Building Authority Certificate of Compliance was issued for this work to certify that it complied with AS/NZS 3500 standards. With the entire process taking no longer than a week, Jay was incredibly relieved to have the plumbing problems solved and to be able to move into his new house in a much shorter time span than he expected. And, that’s another positive result for the team at O’Shea Plumbing! We also thank Jay very much for leaving us a 5 star review on Product Review  

At O’Shea Plumbing we are always happy to step in to investigate and solve plumbing problems, no matter their scope. We recently received a call from ‘Krin’ from Blackburn North (who had previously contacted her gas company about a smell emanating from her property on a site located near her gas meter). In this case, the gas company representative had confirmed that a gas leak was coming from the pipes.   After conducting a quick Google search, Krin had located O’Shea Plumbing as a top business listing in her local area and made the wise move to contact us. After a reassuring chat with ‘Kelly-Anne’ in our front office, Kris was relieved to have help at hand – in the form of our reputable plumber ‘Grant’.   Grant was promptly dispatched to investigate the leak further and provided quotes and solutions to repair and/or replace the gas pipes at Krin’s property. Krin chose to go ahead with the option to replace all of the gas pipes with heavy-duty copper tube and fittings. This seemed to be the most logical solution – given the revelation that the existing hot water system and the ducted heater were never installed correctly and were in incredibly bad repair. Krin also went ahead with the recommendation to replace these at the same time as the gas pipes.   When the new installation was complete, all gas pipes and appliances were thoroughly pressure-tested for gas leaks. The tests proved the entire installation was structurally sound – the pipes were secured with strong metal clips and stainless steel screws. A new ‘Rinnai Infinity 26’ hot water system and a ‘Brivis’ ducted heated were commissioned to ensure operation to meet the manufacturer’s specifications.    The job was completed without a hitch. O’Shea Plumbing then issued a ‘Victorian Building Authority Certificate of Compliance’ (that certifies that the work was done to comply with AS/NZS 3500 and AS/NZS5601 regulations) and this way promptly emailed to Krin to ratify all work.   Our friendly business owner ‘Lawrie’ himself contacted Krin to check that she was satisfied with the solutions that the team had provided. She attested that all was ‘very well-done’. O’Shea Plumbing is looking forward to receiving another very positive review on Google!

O’Shea Plumbing delivers another great outcome in this next case study. Early one morning, ‘Kelly-Anne’ (our Customer Service Representative) received a call from ‘Nicky’ (our new customer hailing from Wheelers Hill, VIC). Nicky was calling to request assistance with a blocked drain in her kitchen sink. Her attempts to clear the drain with the household product ‘Draino’ had been to no avail.   Kelly-Anne promptly arranged for ‘Grant’, our experienced plumber to visit on-site later that morning. Grant provided some upfront quotes and suggestions to clear the blocked drain. However, upon further investigation, it was discovered that the drain under the house would require a higher degree of attention. Not only was it in very poor overall condition, but it also did not have anywhere near the correct gradient and was improperly connected to the main underground system!   Grant outlined replacing the existing 65mm suspended drain under the house with a 100mm drain. Nicky happily accepted the associated quotes. The work involved installing the new drain with the correct gradient, installing expansion joints, clips, wall sleeves (to allow for pipe expansion through the brick walls) and venting (as specified in the regulation/standard AS/NZS3500).   To go further into detail, a’ Ridgid Drain Camera’ and a ‘Ridgid Navitrack’ were used to locate the existing underground sewer drain. A new junction was cut into this drain to provide a proper connection between the suspended drain and the underground drain. In terms of site work, excavators were arranged, along with a bin to removed excess soil. Topsoil was provided to complete the ‘clean up of site’.     In accordance with current regulation, a ‘Victorian Building Authority Certificate of Compliance’ was issued to authenticate the work in its entirety. This effectively ‘wrapped things up’, but the job did not stop there! Feedback is so important to us at O’Shea Plumbing. So, we ensured that ‘Joanne’ (from our Accounts Department) contacted Nicky to make sure she was happy with our work.   Nicky said she ‘was very satisfied’ and that both ‘Grant and Marco were very professional’. Overall, she was surprised that none of her previous plumbers had brought these issues to her attention and, all-in-all was so relieved to put all the inconvenience with her kitchen drain behind her!  

This following case study involves a repair on an old oil heater. ‘Pam’ initially called our office to request a service to fix the fan on this piece of equipment (that had since been converted to gas) which has located at a property owned by her father in North Balwyn, Victoria.     Our friendly O’Shea Plumbing business operator/owner ‘Lawrie’ called on his extensive experience in the field to give the advice that “as this heater was very old, the wisest and safest option would be to replace it, in its entirety”.   Lawrie and trusty O’Shea Plumbing team member ‘Richard’ visit ed onsite to conduct investigations and deliver quotes with the aim to replace the old heater with a very safe, reputable and efficient ‘Rinnai Energysaver’ heater.   Pam was happy to accept this option and the works were confirmed, with the new heater ordered and a date and time suitable for installation booked in. We organised for our electrician ‘Leo’ to be available to assist on the day.   Before installation, Richard also pressured tested the entire gas system for any leaks. The gas testing proved the existing gas system to be sound. However, during the course of the job, a fault in the existing wiring was found. Leo brought this to our client’s attention – as a matter of full accountability in the interest of safety.   The fault was fixed in due course – in order to make the area safe and operable. However, our team didn’t stop there. When the heater was removed, it was noticed that the heater flue pipe was broken. Therefore it proved that removing this flue pipe and replacing the old heater with a new heater , was the best option   The old and broken pieces of equipment were removed, the roof repaired and the old heater and flue taken away for recycling. Of course, as due diligence demands – another gas pressure test was performed upon completion along with commissioning the new heater (to ensure it was operating correctly).   All in all, the new heater installation went without a hitch. A Certificate of Compliance was issued to Pam, to certify the work was done correctly. We are happy to report that the Pam’s Dad is now warm, safe and comfortable in his home – thanks to a job well done by the team at O’Shea Plumbing!

Nicholas Banfield, a 23 year old sailor from Tasmania unfortunately passed away a few years ago from carbon monoxide poisoning. He was an experienced sailor, and had grown up on the water, his father said. Nicholas had taken his girlfriend, also 23, out on his yacht on Sydney Harbour on a Friday night, the ABC reported. After his girlfriend called her parents two days later in a state of confusion, police began a search of the area. They were eventually found, and the woman was taken to hospital in a serious condition. It was unfortunately too late for Nicholas Banfield, who was found dead on the yacht.   Coroners call for mandatory carbon monoxide alarms When the police found the boat, the gas stove was switched on, which lead police to believe it was carbon monoxide poisoning, which was later confirmed by tests. Carbon monoxide, unlike gas, does not have a smell. So you cannot see or smell it, making it a silent but deadly killer. Most boat engines emit carbon monoxide, as well as some cooking appliances and home and commercial heaters. The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning in an industrial setting is taken very seriously and procedures are put in place, but what most people will not know is that carbon monoxide poisoning can also happen in the home. The coroner who examined Nicholas Banfield’s body, has asked for urgent consideration of mandatory carbon monoxide alarms. He showed ABC a carbon monoxide alarm worth $50 that could have saved the life of Nicholas Banfield and many others.   Fully licensed plumbers inspect and repair gas heaters Malfunctioning gas heaters within the home have the potential to be very dangerous for your family. O’Shea Plumbing can provide you with an inspection and repair of your gas heater  seven days a week. There are a few signs you can look out for that will tell you your gas heater may need repairing: Unusual noises coming from the gas heating unit A yellow gas flame instead of a blue flame If you notice any of the above signs, or have any suspicion that your heater may be malfunctioning, it is important to turn off the unit immediately, have it inspected right away. An inspection from highly experienced, fully licensed plumber will provide your home with better safety than a carbon monoxide alarms, some of which can be unreliable or can miss signs of carbon monoxide leaks. If, after the inspection, the unit is found to be broken, O’Shea Plumbing can repair the unit onsite.   Gas leak detection Gas leaks can be highly dangerous both within the home and business, and must be taken extremely seriously if one is suspected. Gas leaks can be a health risk to those who work or live in a building, as well as a danger to the building itself. A gas leak in the home or otherwise is flammable, so poses an immediate threat to the safety of the area. If a gas leak comes into contact with flame or spark, it can cause a fire or explosion. If you notice any of the following signs, you might have a gas leak issue: The smell of gas Higher gas bills than usual Your gas cooktop won’t light The heating isn’t working If you have noticed any of the above, contact a O’Shea Plumbing on (03) 9888 2887 today for a fast quote. O’Shea Plumbing offers expertly trained professional plumbers who are highly experienced in gas leak detection. It is also recommended to have older gas appliances serviced by a professional, as they can be the cause of gas leaks.   Gas heater installations Gas heater installations should only ever be handled by a professional, licenced plumber. As should any issue pertaining to gas heating units, including leak detection, inspection, and repair. If someone other than a licenced professional handles the installation or service of a gas unit, the results can be dangerous, and even life threatening. O’Shea Plumbing have a team of fully licenced and highly experienced professionals who are trained to expertly install gas heater units safely. The team at O’Shea Plumbing can also install hot water units, cookers, and even gas lighting. O’Shea Plumbing offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their services, ensuring you are getting the best in the business every time.   If you have any concerns about potential gas or carbon monoxide leaks, call O’Shea Plumbing Services Melbourne on (03) 9888 2887 for a free quote. O’Shea Plumbing offer 7 day servicing in Melbourne.

Here’s another success story for our team at O’Shea Plumbing. Even on a Saturday morning, there is no job too big or small – that we can’t, or won’t assist with! When Beverley from North Balwyn called our company owner she was ‘in a bit of a pickle’, and needing some on-the-spot help from a gas fitter, Melbourne. Lawrie was available to listen to her concerns, and provide some very solid solutions.   What had happened in this instance was that a representative of the gas company had knocked on Beverley’s door that morning. He was there to alert her that during the work of renewing the gas pipes in her street, they discovered that there was a leak on her gas pipes, he had cut the gas off the due to the gas leak, and that she should get a licenced gas fitting representative ‘over pronto’ to sort it out. This was certainly not the best start to the weekend for Beverley!   Beverley was a bit of loss as she did not know of a gas fitter that she could trust, especially at such short notice. She proceeded to get out the phone book, and when the page opened to an O’Shea Plumbing advertisement the gas company representative affirmed our excellent reputation. This is always so great to hear!   Lawrie quickly organised for our team member Grant to call around that same Saturday morning. As efficiently as ever, he thoroughly checked out the situation and provide a good amount of options and, of course, some fairly reasonable quotes. We are happy to report that these were accepted, with the gas pipes in copper tubes and fittings replacements scheduled.   Lawrie met Andrew on site at 8am on the following Monday. All work was completed by midday of the Tuesday. This included all aspect involved, such as pressure testing of the gas installation, servicing and carbon monoxide testing of the gas ducted heater.   A Certificate of Compliance was emailed to Beverley upon completion. Beverley was relieved and happy to have the issue sorted out in such a minimal time frame, far exceeding her expectations. She said that she would use O’Shea Plumbing for any future work required – which is certainly the feedback we love to receive!

This following case study involves Mrs Taylor of Thornbury, VIC. When Mrs Taylor first contacted us she divulged that on (previous occasions) she had encountered some bad experiences with tradespeople (from rival companies). We told her that we would send over one of our professional plumbers, by the name of Andrew. We reassured her that he would check out her tap problems thoroughly – providing her with an array of options and fair prices.   Andrew discussed and explained everything in depth with Mrs Taylor, to her great satisfaction. He only ‘made the call’ to proceed after she gave her explicit approval. We are very pleased to report that the tap repairs went exceedingly well. As a very efficient plumber, Andrew was soon on his way to his next job!   Not long after, Mrs Taylor rang the office of O’Shea Plumbing and spoke to Lawrie, our owner/operator. She said she was very happy, and made a point of being grateful for Andrew’s work. She also told Lawrie that she would be pleased to “spread the word” to anyone that she knows – advising them to use O’Shea Plumbing for all their plumbing needs!

At O’Shea Plumbing we want people to have a good experience with our tradespeople – and, a ‘job done right’ – for the best possible plumbing solutions overall. Obviously, a lot of times this involves a individual’s or family’s place of residence (where they live, eat and sleep) so, it’s really important to rectify any issues with plumbing quickly and efficiently – as ongoing problems can really affect ‘quality of life’.   In this case, we assisted a gentleman by the name of Bill. Bill had purchased a property about 10 years ago and organised a builder to construct his dream family home in Hughesdale, VIC. What transpired is that Bill and his family noticed a damp smell coming from under the house (becoming increasingly apparent over time), causing black mould on windows and staining walls.   Over the years, Bill had tried hiring a number of tradespeople to sort out the issue. He also fought a lengthy legal battle in order to get his builder to take responsibility, and fix the problem permanently. Unfortunately, the builder involved foreclose and Bill was left to ‘foot the bill’ for the works. He and his family also had to deal with what was a very unwelcome inconvenience – smack back in the middle of their own home!   At this point, Bill wanted to source an independent review and advice on how to stop water from entering under his house, and to get a professional quote to renew the agricultural drain. Bill had trouble finding a plumber to start the process – as no one took the time to really understand the issue in depth!   Thankfully, the team O’Shea Plumbing are very good at listening. Having twice now ‘gone over with a fine-toothed-comb’ to give detailed quotes and professional suggestions to prevent wet areas under the house, we are now at the stage of sending these to Bill. This is so that he can finally finish off their dream house. It’s definitely a relief for Bill and his family, and we are more than happy to help!

Recently, O’Shea Plumbing very happy to assist Stan and his wife, who hail from Bentleigh VIC. As a retired couple, they renovated their bathroom many years ago. Unfortunately, issues were found to eventually arise from their efforts to improve their home – as the plumber responsible at the time had simply raised the shower base and connected the waste directly over the top of the old one – without bothering to even remove the grate!   Undoubtedly, this plumber performed a terrible disservice to Stan (and his spouse). Over the years obstructions were merely ‘poked down’ past both grates, which naturally lead to a very blocked drain. Luckily, a plumber from our experienced team at O’Shea was able to address the problem with a home visit. The plumber first unblocked the drain, then proceeded to propose options to find a permanent solution to the problem.   Through successful identification of the issue and alongside practical expertise, O’Shea Plumbing (as a tried and trusted plumber in Bentleigh) were able to provide peace-of-mind and a reliable service. Due to this, Stan and his wife will now only call our team to the exclusion of all others when they encounter any plumbing problems in their house. We were pleased to have them report that they found up to be “honest, fair, punctual and to do a job to a high standard”.

In this next case study, a resident of Mount Waverley by the name of Stewart gave the team at O’Shea Plumbing a call, with an issue regarding a blocked drain (storm water) and blocked sewer. This was a job for our senior plumber Grant – who promptly visited onsite to deliver  solutions backed by years of practical experience. As a plumber in Mount Waverley, he is in a  well placed proximity to most locations in the Melbourne region.   Some options (with accompanying quotations) were provided as potentialities in unblocking the drains, which included cable, water jet machine and drain camera methods. Stewart chose to proceed with a water jet and camera option – which resulted in a successful sewer clearance. The drain camera revealed faults with the drain, but the conclusion was that it would remain serviceable, for at least the time being.   The storm water drain was shown to have structural breakage and partial collapse. To deal with this particular problem, Grant once again went ‘back to the drawing board’, preparing quotes and recommendations in replacing sections of the drain, as part of a sewer replacement.   This was, of course, all performed in adherence to relevant regulations/protocol and included a substantial amount of ‘background work’. This took the form of Monash Council permits, inspections to meet Monash Council Inspector’s requirement, bin hire, concrete cutting/hole boring, excavating, ‘Dial Before You Dig’ permits and, of course, a complete clean up of site – amongst many other aspects.   With the problem at hand resolved quickly and meticulously, Stewart was very happy. He is now considering further work to be done by O’Shea Plumbing. And, that high level of loyalty is exactly what we aim to endear (through our hard work and dedicated customer service) in all our clients!

Here at O’Shea Plumbing HQ, we recently had a phone call from Natalie (a very valued long term client) about a blocked drain. The sewer drain had been cleared of tree roots, but our client wanted long term solutions. Our trusty team members were on hand to provide quotes for both a partial sewer replacement, and a section of stormwater drain.   The work was confirmed by Natalie and completed as quoted. As plumbers in Elwood (inner suburb of Melbourne) must, of course, comply with State regulations, all work was completed in accordance with the Local Sewerage Authority, the Victoria Building Authority, and in compliance with AS/NZS 3500 standards.   Therefore, consent was obtained from South East Water and inspections were booked before any work was undertaken. Specifically, a Road Opening Permit and a Dial Before You Dig (generally storm water only) applications were made, processed and granted.   At this point the team also made sure all equipment was made available, and that a protocol was drafted before the practical application of the plumbing work could begin. A bin was provided to remove excess excavated soil and rubbish from the site, and a plan was enacted to leave all areas in a clean state. It was agreed that an excavator would be sourced and that excavated soil from under paved area would be removed from site, and back filled with crushed rock.   We are pleased to report that the all the planning and hard work paid off. Natalie was very happy with the job, and exceptionally relieved to have her plumbing issues sorted with peace-of-mind into the future. It made it so rewarding when O’Shea Plumbing received positive feedback by way of an SMS from Natalie. “It’s at moments like now (as the rain pelts down) i’m very grateful for all the recent good plumbing work. Thanks Grant (and Keith). Cheers, Natalie.”   If you too are experiencing issues like Natalie and need your plumbing fixed promptly (yet thoroughly) don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give our friendly team a call today on 03 9888 2887! 

We recently completed a drain replacement job for a client named Spiro based in Mount Waverley, Melbourne. He was struggling with a blocked sewerage drain that he had already attempted to fix, unsuccessfully. Spiro had gotten Yarra Valley Water to come check out the problem, but their efforts did not provide the results Spiro needed. They said the blockage was in the property drain and did not offer further solutions.   Spiro then decided to contact a plumber in Mount Waverley instead. He reached out to the O’Shea Plumbing team to come clear the drain. We investigated the situation using a drain camera and location equipment that could track the camera head. Upon inspection, we found that the sewerage drain was broken and needed to be repaired.   We provided Spiro with quotes for the necessary plumbing work, which Spiro accepted. This included replacement of several sections of sewerage along with additional replacement of storm water drains.   Plumbers in Mount Waverley (Greater  Melbourne region from relevant sewerage authority) must obtain consent and sewer plans from Yarra Valley Water before completing such work. We helped obtain these permits along with information and plans from Dial Before You Dig (another requirement for Melbourne plumbers). Our plumbers also booked inspections at Spiro’s Mount Waverley property with the Victorian Building Authority.   The plumbing project itself involved removing excavated soil from the site and backfilling the excavation with crushed rocks for sections of the drain that were underneath the pavement. Finally, our plumbing team supplied and lodged a Certificate of Compliance, which guarantees that services completed by any plumbers in Mount Waverley and surrounding areas adhere to relevant codes and regulations.   We are pleased to say that Spiro was very satisfied with our services once it was all said and done. He wrote us a raving 5/5 star review on Product Review, claiming that we provided “quality service and exceptional value for money”.   Spiro and many other clients know and trust us for plumbing in Mount Waverley and all around Melbourne. To experience the difference we can make for yourself, call us today at 03 9888 2887!

Geoff is a local resident based off of Dandenong Rd in Murrumbeena, Melbourne. He called us up one day requesting a quote for swapping his gravity feed hot water unit to a gas unit. He had been looking for a reliable plumber in Murrumbeena and stumbled upon our company.   Shortly after our phone call with Geoff, several members of our plumbing team met him on site in Murrumbeena to inspect his property and provide advice tailored to his specific situation. We gave Geoff a range of service options and explained the details and requirements of each one. We also listened to Geoff’s suggestions and took them on board so we could offer a plan of action personalised to him.   We then presented Geoff with a quote, making sure to highlight the attention to detail, high quality and guarantees of our plumbing work. Geoff told us that he would get quotes from other plumbers in Murrumbeena and think it over before getting back to us. The next day, Geoff accepted the quote and arranged a day and time for the work to commence.   All the work we completed was done on time, including extra work such as water pressure reduction and water and waste pipe replacement that Geoff decided he wanted done as well. Our team even organised all application forms to Greenbank Environmental, which are important for plumbers in Melbourne and the greater Victoria region to complete. We filled the forms out and sent them off to Geoff so he could claim a government rebate, as he was changing from an electric unit to a gas five star hot water unit.   By the end of the project, we could see that Geoff was very satisfied with our work and level of customer service. In fact, he has even left us two 5-star reviews on Product Review! We can confidently say that if you need an honest and reliable plumber in Murrumbeena, we’re the place to turn. Both Geoff and ourselves guarantee it!   To arrange your own consultation or request a free quote, call the best plumbers in Murrumbeena at 03 9888 2887!

As the weather is cooling down, more and more Melburnians are starting to rely on indoor and outdoor heaters to keep themselves warm and cosy. Portable gas heaters are are a very popular warming method, as they are relatively inexpensive and energy efficient. But while gas heaters can seem like the perfect solution to combat the winter weather, they actually bring with them a high risk of danger that many homeowners are not aware of.   Fixed heaters have a lot of accompanying rules and regulations regarding proper installation, where the heater can be placed, how to properly maintain the appliance, etc. Portable heaters, on the other hand, often have little to no safety instructions at all, and leave all dager prevention practices up to the user’s discretion.   The biggest threat when it comes to gas heaters comes from people using outdoor heaters in indoor spaces, which is strongly advised against by professional gasfitters but unfortunately quite common. When gas appliances are trapped in a closed-off area with no way for the gas to escape, users are at an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If there is any flame present in the area while the heater is on, homes are susceptible to fires or even explosions. Whether the heater is in the bedroom, kitchen, living room or some other part of the house, your roommates and family can be put in a lot of danger if the room doesn not have proper ventilation.   Another common problem at the moment comes from homeowners who are using their gas heaters in indoor/outdoor spaces (such as enclosed porches) that still do not have enough airflow to rid the area of accumulated gas. These spaces may seem like an acceptable place to use a portable heater because they are exposed to the outdoors, but if they are not fully open then placing your heater there can still be unsafe. Even the LPG gas bottles alone can be a huge hazard when manually connected to your gas line and kept in closed spaces. It’s important that wherever you put your heater and gas tank has open windows, a chimney or some other spot where the gas can exit out of.   Another solution is to nix your gas heater completely and instead opt for another home heating option. Sure, portable gas heaters may be convenient, but they are not worth the risk. If you get in contact with our experienced gas heating experts, they can advise you of the best domestic heating option for your Melbourne residence. If you insist on installing a portable gas heater, they can help you set yours up safely and guide you in the proper way to use it. We can even assess your likelihood of gas leaks and help you minimise your risk.   For more information on the risks of gas heaters and what alternative options are available, contact the O’Shea Plumbing team today at 03 9888 2887.

In Australia, land of the “barbie”, almost every house has a barbecue of its own. These barbecues run on gas, which typically requires an individual liquid propane gas (LPG) tank (easily found at your local petrol station).   Although gas tanks are the most easy and efficient way to set up your home barbecue, some locals in Melbourne are now attempting to connect their grills to their home’s natural gas lines. Their main justifications are that they want to avoid the hassle of lugging home and having to refill their gas tanks, and that they are trying to minimise the eyesore of a large gas bottle in their yard.   While the decision to swap your barbecue from LPG to your home’s natural gas line may sound like a good idea in theory, it gets a big red flag from us. When you compare the two options, you may actually find that LPG wins every time.   Here are the top six reasons to avoid doing so:   Conversion Requirements   The biggest reason why is because barbecues that require LPG run completely differently than items that use the natural gas in your home gas line. They operate at different pressures and temperatures, and utilise differently sized, injectors / valves. You cannot connect your barbecue to your natural gas line without doing some sort of complicated conversion.   New Gas Line Installation   Another thing many people don’t realise is that you must install an additional gas line directly to your grill if you want to cater for the extra load to your domestic gas system. Your existing gas pipes may need to upgraded to cope with the extra appliance   High Price   Even if you are insistent upon making all the necessary conversions and adding additional gas lines so that you can connect your outdoor barbecue, you must note that this process could  cost, hundreds or  thousands of dollars. Gas fitting is complicated enough on its own, let alone when trying to merge outdoor and indoor fixtures. In many cases, the excessive fees associated with this project is simply not worth it.   Lack of Flexibility   Another factor to consider is that connecting a barbecue to your natural gas line means that once the barbecue is connected, it cannot be moved. LPG grills, on the other hand, are highly portable and can be relocated as needed. If you have a large outdoor area and would like the flexibility to wheel around your barbecue if you desire a change of location, stick with your strictly LPG version.   Indoor or outdoor   With many people building Alfresco entertaining areas, its important to realise that there are strict regulations about the installation of these  appliances. BBQ’s that are specified for outside, are only to be installed outside, and BBQ’s that are specified for indoor installation are only to be installed indoors. There are regulations as to what is classed as an indoor or outdoor area       High Chance of Malfunction   There are many things that could go wrong during the LPG to natural gas conversion process– its important to rely on the help of a professional. An improperly installed natural gas barbecue may have very small flames, for instance, and will also have difficulty heating up. You may even find yourself more susceptible to gas leaks once you have attempted to make this swap over.   If you are in need of a new gas barbecue for your Melbourne home, we strongly advise that you don’t try to connect it to your domestic gas source. Instead, relish in the freedom and safety that LPG grills allow. The team at O’Shea Plumbing is happy to help you set up and maintain your LPG or natural gas barbecue, if you would like some assistance.

Last July, Greensborough resident Sonia Sofianopolous was found face-down and unconscious in her housing unit. Despite efforts by her family and medical professionals, she could not be revived. Upon autopsy, it was discovered that the mother and grandmother, known for staying active and generally being in good health, had high levels of carboxyhaemoglobin (with saturation levels at 64%).   Carboxyhaemoglobin occurs when carbon monoxide is inhaled and mixes with red blood cells. Once Energy Safe Victoria caught wind of the incident, they began in-depth investigations and found that 14 units in Sonia’s complex were fitted with her same heater (Vulcan Heritage), which failed Australian tests for product safety standards as well as monoxide spillage tests.   While all affected heaters at Sonia’s Greensborough complex were immediately disconnected after the news broke, other locals with Vulcan Heritage Heaters were left largely in the dark. In fact, lawyers representing the company even disputed claims of faulty heaters, instead arguing that perhaps poor ventilation was to blame.   Although Energy Safe Victoria now has further plans in place to test carbon monoxide toxicity and general gas heater functionality and processes, it is important that homeowners also take agency to determine whether they are at risk.   As the weather cools and Melbourne residents are increasing their home heater use, the risk of harm or death as a result of toxicity increases as well. Victorian coroner Jacqui Hawkins spoke on the issue, saying “I’m concerned there is public safety issues at stake.”   The first step you can take towards assessing and managing your level of threat is by having your gas heater inspected and serviced regularly by qualified home heater technicians. It is generally recommended that you get your heater checked every other year at least, although every year is preferable.   The news of Sonia Sofianopolous is troubling to say the least, but similar scenarios can be largely avoided when the right preventative measures are in place. If you are concerned about the threat of carbon monoxide leakage or poisoning in your Melbourne home, reach out to the team at O’Shea for more information about how to determine and avert your chances of danger.

There are many reasons why it’s important to call a professional plumber for your Melbourne home. Industry trained and licensed plumbers are highly knowledgeable about water fixtures and pipe repair and maintenance. They are able and willing to do the jobs you simply don’t want to or don’t know how to do. They can fix most issues in way less time and for way less money than you would spend trying to do it yourself.   That being said, there are certain scenarios where calling a plumber out to your property is a waste of both your time and theirs because you can easily solve the problem on your own. For the untrained eye, a pipe or tap leak can seem like a huge deal, and may send you running to phone the plumber straight away.   If you know what signs to look for, however, and have methods in place of addressing them, you may be surprised at what you can achieve by yourself. Of course, there is no comparison between a DIY plumbing project and the effective work of a qualified professional. What we are trying to say is that some more simple fixes can be done without having to schedule and pay for a professional service.   If you have a water leak in your Melbourne property, here are a few factors to check for before giving your plumber a call:   Clogged Pipes and Drains: When your kitchen or bathroom pipes and drains get clogged up with hair, oil, or other sorts of grime, water can become backed up, leading to excessive water pressure in the pipes and therefore leaks. Be sure to clean your pipes and drains out regularly as a simple way to avoid larger complications down the road.   Faulty Valves: Often times, leaks are just a result offaulty  pressure relief valves (PTR) or pressure/temperature relief valves (PTRV). Before calling a plumber, locate your valves and lift the lever a few times to clear any blockages. If the valve is old , or the lever has not been lifted for a year or more,  then its best to call O’Shea Plumbing to replace the valve, as it may have a build up of debris in the valve that may cause it to continue to run If the leak stops, your problem is solved. If it doesn’t, you may need to replace your valves.   Loose or Broken Washers and O-Rings: Sometimes, a bit of a tightening is all you need to stop a pipe leak. Washers and O-Rings have a tendency to loosen up over time, so it pays to check them and tighten them regularly. (Just make sure to not tighten them too much, as this can also be problematic.) If they are cracked or worn down at all, a replacement would probably be beneficial to help manage your leak problem.   Worn Out Seals:Leaks from any sort of water fixture, such as washing machines, refrigerators, sinks or toilets, may be a result of old or worn sealant. Replacing your washing machine and fridge doors or installing new seals around your toilet base and sink handles may be enough to fix your leak problem.   High Water Pressure:If you hear a banging sound when you turn on your tap, you likely have excessively high water pressure. This can lead to leaks, as too much water is trying to get out of the tap at once and and tries to escape elsewhere. A quick fix for this problem is to utilise an anti-hammer valve, which your plumber can help you install if needed. Reducing high hot and cold water pressure will greatly increase the life of and reduce the risk of damage to all taps,  appliances and pipes     While most of these sources of water leaks are simple enough to handle on your own, we do recommend that you seek the help of a professional plumber if the problem continues. If you think that you can handle your water leak by yourself but would like a bit of guidance in how to do so, feel free to reach out to the staff at O’Shea Plumbing with questions or concerns.

Plumbing is a major industry in Melbourne and all around Victoria. Commercial and domestic plumbing is a priority for property owners looking to ensure the health, safety and comfort of their family, employees or guests. Because of the saturation of plumbers in Melbourne, it can be difficult to choose which one is best for the job you need. There are so many to pick from– all with a range of experience and qualifications. Different plumbers can also have quite different price points and fee structures, which can understandably influence your decision-making process. While the necessity of some plumbing company characteristics are negotiable, there is one that is not: All plumbers you hire should always give a  Certificate of Compliance for gas work , underground sewer drainage work , and all work over $750.00, so that you can feel secure in their knowledge and ability. Even if it costs you a bit more, this is one necessity that cannot be overlooked.   What is a Certificate of Compliance? This refers to a certification for licensed plumbers, distributed by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). It guarantees that they work they do complies with all relevant plumbing standards, rules and regulations within the state. On  completion of certain plumbing work, licensed plumbers must send compliance certificates to both the person getting the work done and the VBA. Failure to do so can result in harsh penalties for the plumber as well as potential detriments for you.   Why Do Certificates of Compliance Matter? To work as a plumber in Victoria, one must either be licensed or registered through the VBA, or currently be in training under the guidance of a licensed plumber. Certificates of Compliance,  are mandatory for plumbers licensed through the VBA (and for good reason). Licensed plumbers exist within the top tier of this hierarchy. It is implied that they hold more knowledge than registered or training plumbers. To uphold this standard, licensed plumbers must be well-trained in any sort of plumbing job they may face before they are able to practice. Certificates of Compliance are to be given for work within the following categories: Drainage Fire Protection Gasfitting Irrigation (Non-agricultural) Mechanical Service Roofing (Stormwater) Sanitary Water Supply Hot Water   Although these are the primary areas that are assessed, Certificates of Compliance are also given for work  in appliance servicing and conversion, gasfitting work (standard and advanced), refrigerated air conditioning work and backflow prevention. If you need any of these jobs completed, a licensed plumber ready to supply and lodge  a  Certificate of Compliance should always be the one to take it on. There are many certified plumbers in the Melbourne area, including the entire team at O’Shea Plumbing.   Avoid Faulty Workmanship The main benefit for home or business owners of hiring certified plumbers is to reduce the risk of faulty workmanship. This is important regardless of the circumstances, but is especially relevant on any large, time-consuming or expensive project. Certificates of Compliance are mandatory for any plumbing job in Victoria that costs over $750. If you have hired a plumber for a major job and they are hesitant to lodge a Certificate of Compliance, this should be seen as a significant red flag. In any case like this, we recommend that you reconsider the company you are using and look for someone who agrees to maintain proper legislative practices. Hiring a plumber who fails to comply to state regulations can put you and your property at risk. It is not worth it to save a bit of money and hire a dodgy plumber. Instead, invest in a company you can trust, such as O’Shea Plumbing! Our licensed plumbers are fully certified and highly dependable. No matter what sort of plumbing job you need done, we are the optimal team to handle it. Call us today for a quote on your next project.

Everybody has experienced issues with their taps at least once in their lifetime and the initial stress and anxiety that accompanies not knowing how to fix the issue at hand. Most people’s first instinct is to call a plumber, but depending on the time of day or your local plumbers schedule, it may take a while before they can visit your property and examine the problem. Before calling a plumber here are a few different steps and measures you can follow to determine whether or not the problem is serious enough that it requires professional help.   1 – Check other taps in your home Sometimes the issue is limited to just one tap as opposed to all of your taps throughout your home. Before calling a plumber it is important to check first exactly how many taps are affected by this water shortage. If it is just one tap that has limited water supply it may just be the case of determining and investigating where the shortage is coming from. For example, your aerators may be blocked on the one tap, which you can check quite easily as they are located at the tip of your water tap. Once you determine how many taps are affected, you can assess the significance of the issue.   2 – Ask Your Neighbours If all of the taps in your home are affected, you should definitely check with your neighbours to see if the issue is just subjected to your individual property or your whole neighbourhood or estate. If it is affecting a larger proportion of your neighbourhood then it is safe to assume that the problem is much larger than initially anticipated. In this instance, you should call the local council to determine what the problem is and when it is expected to be resolved.   3 – Replace Your Tap Washer Cracks and punctures in your waterline can affect your water flow and can be created by branches, debris and other natural products finding their way into your drains. This could potentially be where your restricted or completely cut off water has come from. The actual drain itself may be old and therefore may be damaged through wear and tear which could also have caused this issue. Once again, it is advisable that you call a team of professionals at O’Shea Plumbing to discuss with them how to resolve this issue.   4 – Check the valves in your home   Your water supply may have been turned off at your isolation valve. This is located next to your water meter which is usually placed out the front of your home. If you are living in an apartment complex, check with your landlord to see where your standalone system is located. If it is turned off, it may simply be a case of turning it back on so water is restored throughout your home.   5 – Have you paid your water bill? Water companies don’t usually completely shut off your water as a first sign of overdue payments. More than likely, your water pressure would initially be reduced as a sign to indicate that you have not paid your bills. If you have been notified by your water company that you haven’t paid your bills and have experienced restricted water flow recently, then more than likely this is the reason why your water has been cut off this. Sometimes the first reaction when something goes wrong with the taps in our home is to call a plumber. However, more often than not the problem is usually quite miniscule and can be solved by following these simple steps and procedures.   For when the problem is more serious than what we’ve listed above, the team at O’Shea Plumbing are more than willing to help you out. Call them today on 03 9888 2887, or fill out the contact form to submit an enquiry, and they’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Allowing someone into your home or professional space doesn’t come without its own set of concerns. You want to ensure that the person hired to do the job will be able to do so without having to worry about ulterior factors at play. Then again, you also want to ensure that you won’t be taken for a ride; whether it comes to fixing problems which don’t really exist or having to pay more for a service than you normally would. Thus, when trying to figure out what makes a good plumber before deciding on a specific professional, be sure to keep the following characteristics of a good plumber in mind:   1.       Provides accurate/clear estimates. The last thing you want is a professional plumber who keeps changing a quote. Someone who’s never quite sure what it would cost after all the work has been completed. When searching for a professional plumbing service, you need accurate and clear estimates in order to budget – knowing exactly how much you’re going to have to pay at the end of the day without any sneaky surprises.   2.       Not afraid to show credentials. Is the person you’re thinking of hiring qualified to do the job? Any plumber should be licensed, bonded, and insured in order to protect you from possible accidents which may occur on the job. A professional plumber will proudly display these credentials in their own office or be more than happy to show you.   3.       Arrives on time. There’s nothing worse than having to push your own appointments aside in order to make time for a plumber, only for the plumber to show up when they feel like it. As unprofessional as it may be, it does happen.   4.       Good online track record. With social media taking over these days, online reviews are everywhere. Lucky for you, you’re able to assess the professionalism and quality of work of someone before having to hire them yourself.Check out their Facebook and Google reviews, but keep in mind it’s impossible to keep everyone happy. Check out the way that they handle the negative reviews, as this will give you a more transparent insight to their personality and trustworthiness.   5.       Ability to detect possible problems. Professional plumbers with many years of experience will be able to spot potential problems; even if they may seem quite minor at that particular moment. A recent ABC News report revealed a plumber’s mistake when he had to fix a simple leaky pipe, which ended up exposing the tenants to deadly asbestos dust. According to the report, the 26-year-old students, Ella Gleeson and Morgana Russell expected the plumber to fix a leaky pipe in their bathroom wall.   “I just assumed he knew what he was doing,” Ms Gleeson said. “When he was finished, the hole he had cut in the tiles above the bathtub was still there. “He was like, ‘that’s for the handyman to fix’. There was just a giant hole in the wall. There was dust everywhere.” Ms Russell added: “I saw a hole in our shower wall. I saw dust all over.” After realising that a handyman is a no-show, they cleaned up the damage caused by the plumber. “The dust just spread around the house,” Ms Gleeson said. Her brother, a carpenter, visited after the third day. “I showed him and his face dropped. That’s asbestos. So then we just panicked,” Ms Gleeson said. Any professional plumber would have realised the dangers and notified the tenants immediately. However, when dealing with someone who’s simply out for the money, doing their job and only that is what you’ll potentially find. Plumbing problems can happen at any moment, any time of the day. Thus, finding a reliable plumber to help you out in a tricky situation will give you peace of mind that everything will be alright. Regardless of the situation at hand, finding a professional plumber with quality characteristics will save you money in the long run and prevent minor problems from becoming massive plumbing issues.   Looking for a professional plumber in Melbourne? Get a reliable quote from one of our professional plumbers in Melbourne. Click here. Source: 1, 2, 3

  Australia is a country that is growing rapidly. The 2016 census, released by Australian Bureau of Statistics, found Australia’s population has grown by 8.8 per cent to 24.4 million people since the last time it was measured in 2011.  If you live in Melbourne or Sydney, the city landscape scattered with cranes and construction sites is so normal you probably don’t even notice it anymore.   Rapid population growth equals rapid expansion of both the central business district and suburbs.  While this exciting expansion has offered a tremendous amount of opportunity for the city, it also comes with risks in how quickly growth is occurring.      A construction site may just seem like large metal building machines and concrete blocks, but behind what is visible to the eye are hundreds of specialists, tradesman, and essential regulations.  A recent concern to the Senate from Master Plumbers is how regulations are being upheld amidst such fast-moving growth.   Below is a quick look at the concern, how it could impact you, and what needs to be done.

Famous for bargain buys, discount supermarket chain Aldi can now add lead poisoning to their gamut, with an estimated 12,000 Australian households using lead contaminated kitchen taps bought from the Aldi aisles. The defective Chinese-made kitchen taps are currently under investigation, with lead contamination tests due to be completed by July 31 and serious warnings issued against using the taps for drinking or cooking. The Easy Home spiral ring mixer was particularly popular in the Australian market, due to its sleek style and control function. As expected, soon after being cleared by Australian Safety Standards earlier in the year, the taps quickly flew off shelves and made their way into thousands of Australian kitchens.   So, how concerning is lead contamination? Lead is a toxic substance that filters through the body to vital organs such as the brain, kidneys and liver. Over a period of time, ingesting this substance can lead to chronic toxicity. A key concern is that lead stores itself inside teeth and bones, which is predictably even more dangerous for young children. Pregnant women naturally release lead from the bones into the blood, so an increase in lead exposure is a reason for concern for those with young families.   How does this happen? While the Aldi “tap fiasco” has justifiably struck a chord with Australian consumers, it’s not to say this is an isolated situation. Many Australian homes and businesses still being shown to have elevated levels of lead and copper within their piping, with city councils regularly replacing pipe connections that were implemented before 1919. The general mindset of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ promotes the idea that, if water is flowing, it is safe to drink, without necessitating further investigation. To say that lead contamination is top of mind for homeowners is a stretch, not to mention the expense involved in getting down to the pipes to check connection materials.   How do you prevent this? An interim measure for families concerned about lead pipes would be replacing the faucets as they are the immediate middle-man. Water filters are popular for a number of reasons, but perhaps the most beneficial is that they remove heavy metals efficiently. Ensuring that you have a properly maintained and installed water filtration system can safeguard you from potential lead contamination, offering you peace of mind until they can test definitively for lead. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the council and homeowner to ensure that utilities are properly checked, maintained and replaced by experienced plumbing professionals. Aldi has vowed to take action, should the pending laboratory tests yield the predicted lead levels, and The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has prefaced a supplier and manufacturer recall pre-empting the results.  Let the Aldi taps serve as a cautionary reminder that cutting costs on your utilities can lead to some unexpected results. For an expansive range of professional plumbing maintenance and repair services, contact O’Shea Plumbing today!

Many homeowners have little idea what type of piping is beneath their kitchen or bathroom sinks, yet these common household fixtures can cause serious unexpected damage. There are already too many stories of people returning home to find water cascading down the stairs due to a burst braided pipe connecting the toilet cistern, or sinks. It’s worth getting to know your household piping a little better before something catches you unaware, like the flexible braided water pipes under your sink. These pipes replaced the old copper piping use in housing and are made of rubber encased in braided layers of stainless steel. Common in modern bathrooms and kitchens on account of their ability to be bent into shape, they’ve been a popular item in residential construction for about 15 years. They are now known to have a lifespan limited to about a decade, which is why recently they have been called to attention, and why you need to have your piping checked as soon as possible.

  Our first thought on a cold winter morning is rarely, “I wonder if my hot water heater is okay”. Instead, it is likely you are instead thinking of that toasty warm shower waiting for you, when you eventually get out of bed that is. With that said, should you be doing more to protect your hot water heater in winter? You bet you should. Avoid cold showers this winter and try these simple ways to protect your hot water heater:

  All across Australia, homeowners are dealing with the aftermath of poorly installed plumbing. Whether it’s the product of an amateur job or a professional service which just isn’t up to scratch, it is important to respond quickly to problems with residential pipework. At O’Shea Plumbing, we see low-quality installations all the time and they can cause a lot of damage if not repaired in the right way. It is why we’re trying to help homeowners recognise the signs of bad pipework and take practical steps to fix it. Keep reading to learn about the most common plumbing mishaps and why they might be playing havoc with your house.

Plumbing issues can happen to anyone and at any time. It can often be quite difficult to identify and plumbing issues if you don’t know what to out for.   So, in order to make it easier for you to identify a major plumbing issue as well as avoid a costly emergency plumbing fee, here are 5 tell-tail signs that something is seriously wrong with your plumbing.   Dripping Faucets Faucets often drip from time to time, especially when it’s not been correctly turned all the way off. However, if you notice that your faucet is leaking even when it has been properly turned off this could be a sign of some major plumbing issues. Not only are dripping faucets terribly annoying to listen to, they could also be contributing to an expensive water bill. So if one of your faucets is currently leaking be sure to call a plumber immediately to identify what the problem is.   A Clogged Drain A blocked drain is usually pretty easy to deal with. Either using a plunger or a bottle of drain cleaner, both of which can usually be purchased in most supermarkets, more often than not solves the problem. But if you start to notice that there is a foul smell coming from your drain, or that there is a blockage that you are unable to unblock yourself it may be time to call in the professionals.   Low Water Pressure Have you ever been in the shower and the pressure suddenly changes as soon as someone runs a tap or turns on the dishwasher? It can be terribly annoying and frustrating – even more so than a leaky faucet! However, low water pressure can also be a sign that there is a leak. Many plumbers are able to check your water pressure and check for faults or leaks.   A Running Toilet A toilet that constantly runs or runs for a substantial amount of time after being flushed could be significantly increasing your water bills. Not only that a running toilet is often a telltale sign that the inner workings are due to be replaced.   Smells and Stains Funny smells and stains on the ceiling directly underneath your bathroom, or in fact any of the surrounding walls, could be a sign of serious plumbing issues. If you notice any strange stains it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion from your plumber before attempting to deal with the issue yourself. Stains on the wall could be a sign that there is a leak and leaks, if left untreated, can cause serious damage to the foundations of your home.   Hopefully, the above warning signs will make it easier for you to identify any plumbing issues before they get out of hand. For those that need some additional assistance, contact O’Shea Plumbing today!  

Plumbing plays a huge role in our society. Without plumbing, we wouldn’t have the infrastructure and civilisation that we do. Since the Romans and the aqueducts in 312 BC, we have grown as a society and now safe plumbing is the norm for most Western countries. It must be said though, that while we in the Western world enjoy the supreme luxury of being able to turn on a tap to get water, many others in developing countries and even in modern countries have to boil water, travel for many kilometers to get water; and with sanitation being an issue, waterborne diseases are the biggest killer worldwide. A recent study found that 4,000 children die every day from ingesting filthy water and water that is not fit for drinking due to contamination. While we are lucky enough to not face these kinds of sanitation concerns and can enjoy a high standard of cleanliness in our society, there is a concern which – luckily – modern plumbing is able to help with as well. The Zika virus is something that came to light in 2016 as people struggled around the world in the United States of America and Singapore. The disease of Zika virus is caused by infected mosquitos biting a person and transmitting the disease on to them through their skin.   Where there’s water… In order to get Zika virus there needs to be mosquitos present, and the plumbing industry has been leading the charge in providing an innovative and effective solution. When flash flooding and heavy rainfall happen, it has resulted in flooded buildings and swamped areas. When this water is left to be stagnant for a period of time, it can quickly turn into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. To combat this, key players in the plumbing industry have stepped up with dewatering pumps which have been deployed throughout Southeast Asia, as a means to help remove stagnant water and emptying out potential risk areas. As plumbers, we often have to clear out contaminated water quickly and efficiently, and it’s vital that we have the right tools for the job to ensure we can work quickly and safely. This is just one such example of how our industry can lead the charge in keeping our world safe against threats. The threat in your home doesn’t have to be huge – but it can come from things like standing water turning into mozzie breeding grounds, or perhaps you have a leak that’s causing potential damage to your home. Whatever the problem, at O’Shea Plumbing we can help you out.   Why not get in touch with us today and get a free quote? Call us on 03 9888 2887 and we’ll hit the ground running.    

Access to clean, running water is something that we don’t question as homeowners. It is an ever-present luxury. We can’t imagine it changing because it feels like such a fundamental and unshakable part of life. Yet, it’s worth stopping to think about just how good your domestic water supply really is right now. Every month, we answer questions from homeowners who have only just realised that they can question the quality of their water; that it is their right to investigate its purity and value. Many of these queries are about the usefulness of water filtration systems, as a way to bypass the additives and chemicals that are found in a domestic supply. If you would like to make your drinking water purer and cleaner, water filtration systems are the right choice. Keep reading to find out why you should have one in your home. Water Is 100% Clean The only way to ensure that drinking water is free of treatment chemicals like fluoride and chlorine is to filter it before it comes out of the tap. There are a staggering 2,100 toxins that may be found in domestic supplies. They include potentially very nasty substances like lead. Filtered water is clean, safe, and contains the perfect balance of healthy minerals.   Keeps Pipes Healthy Domestic filtration systems are usually installed at the point at which the water supply actually enters the house. This means that all of the water you use is filtered, whether it is in the bath, the dishwasher, the washing machine, or the sink. When stripped free of heavy metals and minerals, water is a lot less destructive for the inside of pipes and drains. Filtered Is Eco-Friendly The bottled water industry is one of the least sustainable on the planet. It produces billions of empty containers every year. Each bottle takes hundreds of years to biodegrade, so they sit in landfills and take up a vast amount of space. Filtered water is the eco-friendly way to enjoy clean mineral water. Soothes Skin Conditions Exposure to substances like fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals can make skin conditions worse. So, if anybody in your family suffers from psoriasis or eczema, it is a good idea to make the switch to filtered water for drinking and bathing. Natural Disaster Prevention This is a benefit that tends to be overlooked, but we want to stress its importance. If you have an inbuilt filtration system and a sewer line bursts, your supply will remain clean. All contaminants will be filtered out and there will be no risk to the health of your family. This is a pretty big advantage if you ask us. You’ll Save Money Also, just think about how much money you could save if you stopped buying bottled water. The cost of a domestic water filtration system is surprisingly low and it is an investment in the future of your home. The average cost saving is around $700 per year. This is nothing to scoff at; you could spend that cash on travelling, sprucing up the house, or toys for the kids. Enjoy Tastier Water If all of that isn’t enough, we can promise you that filtered water always tastes better than standard, unfiltered tap water. You don’t get that metallic taste from the presence of heavy minerals and metals. You can’t detect the chlorine or the lead because there isn’t any. It is nothing but pure, clean water; as fresh and healthy as can be. Why a Water Filtration System Should Be Your Next Investment It is easier than you think to have a high-quality filtration system installed in your home, get in touch with O’Shea Plumbing today and our qualified plumbers can have the job can be finished in an afternoon. And you and your family can enjoy all the benefits of filtered water in your home.

For first time movers, there are a lot of considerations to think about. Removalists, home and contents insurance, updating your address in all your records, just to name a few. There are, however, several practical considerations to think about when moving into your new home, such as gas and electrical considerations. We’ve compiled a few of the most important gas and electrical issues that you need to be wary of when moving into your next home. Old heaters Heaters do not last forever. If you have an old heater, it’s important to remember that some heaters cannot be repaired for safety reasons and, sometimes, spare parts are not available for older heaters. If your heater is very old (around 15 to 20 years), it may not be possible or worthwhile to repair it. Regarding old unflued gas heaters, these are only allowed by law in homes if they are supplied by an LPG (liquid petroleum gas) cylinder or tank and if they meet strict installation requirements. These heaters do not meet current emission standards. You should consider replacing these heaters if they are more than 10 years old. By law, an existing flueless LPG space heater must only be replaced by an LPG flueless heater that meets very stringent emission conditions. Gas vs electric vs induction cooktops Gas cooktops work by pressing the burner knob down and turning it. This releases the gas and ignites it with an electric current when you turn the switch. You can also light the burner with a match although this is not recommended. Heat is controlled by turning the knob which increases the flame. The higher the flame; the hotter the temperature. Electric cooktops work by turning on the burner. When we do this, a switch opens and sends an electrical current to the burner. This produces heat, which raises the temperature of the burner. Induction cooktops work by using induction heating to heat your cookware directly. An electric current flows through a copper coil in the cooktop which produces a magnetic field. This produces an electric current in the pot which heats the pot and therefore the food. So what does all this mean? It means that your food is cooked using the heat of the cookware, not the cooktop itself, therefore saving you energy and money. You’ll find there are a lot of choices out there for first time movers, whether you’re choosing a cooktop, need a heater installed or need some electrical repairs. No matter what your new home situation is, our experienced and qualified plumbers guarantee proper inspection, service, repair and installation for all gas heater types. One thing we always recommend is that you choose a licensed tradesperson install your new cooktop or heater or do any gas or electrical repairs around the home. It’s safer, they know what they’re doing and there’s less risk of damage to your brand new appliance, your home or yourself! For professional gas heater service and repairs, contact O’Shea Plumbing on (03) 9888 2887.

Tap Troubles It is a dreaded situation to come upon. You walk into the kitchen or bathroom, turn the tap expecting a rush of water to come out, and nothing happens. No matter how many times you twist or turn the handles, water just does not seem to want to flow. Now What Do You Do? Don’t Panic. Check to see if your water supply has been turned off at the isolation valve. This can often be found alongside your water meter at the front of your property, or as a standalone system for those that reside in apartment complexes. Check With Your Supplier Whether due to a simple mistake, or issues involving payments or construction, often times a loss of water is due to the water company shutting off service. Usually you will be informed of this beforehand, however it is always a good plan to ensure that this isn’t the case before looking elsewhere.  Ask Your Neighbours Checking as to whether or not this issue is isolated to your property will give you a great insight into what might be causing your tap troubles. The best way to go about this is by asking those around you if their water has been affected in a similar way to your own. If so, this means that it is a larger issue, and is not likely to be something that you will be able to take on yourself. If not however, it means that you have at least ruled out a lot of possible problems that could be causing your current predicament. Probable Problems Debris, roots, tree branches and a variety of other natural nuisances often find their way into drains. While this can be a problem by itself, as more things make their way into the pipes, it can lead to cracks and punctures along the waterline. This can cause a wide variety of issues that can lead to a drop in pressure, or a complete lack of water altogether. Debris isn’t the only cause of damaged pipes, as factors like age, shifts in terrain and the materials used in the production of the pipes are all known to influence the fortitude of plumbing systems. Call Us Attempting to deal with punctured pipes yourself can, more often than not, lead to further issues down the line. In the instance that you find signs of a blockage or break, it’s best to call O’Shea Plumbing for professional assistance. O’Shea are the certified specialists in the repair and maintenance of plumbing systems, and are Melbourne’s first choice for plumbing expertise. Contact the team today on 03 9888 2887, and let the experts take care of it.

One of the most common issues in commercial and residential plumbing is when people fail to spot the very clear warning signs. Often, they overlook minor issues and don’t perform routine checks. Simply put, most people often hope plumbing problems will go away by themselves. However, it’s usually easier, faster and cheaper in the long run for experienced plumbers to fix minor issues before they become major disasters. The good news is that with our free hints and tips, home and business owners can easily identify the warning signs themselves. Turn down your hot water heater For those in colder climates, did you know that turning down the temperature 10 degrees on your hot water heater can save you 3 to 4 percent on energy costs? We recommend this especially if you are going on holiday and don’t need to use your hot water. 3-4% is a substantial saving when put into a yearly context, so this is a tip to keep close to your chest. Replace your old bathtub Is your old bathtub leaky, broken or mouldy? Mould can be taken care of, but if leak repairs are costing more than it would to replace the bathtub and shower head, it is certainly time for an update. Avoid the financial mess by replacing your old bathtub, and take care of it well by ventilating the bathroom adequately and regularly. Schedule maintenance checks for toilets and other fixtures Life is easier when you don’t have to call your plumber for last minute emergencies, especially if your toilet is overflowing or a pipe is seriously leaking. To avoid such problems, call in our friendly team of plumbers ahead of time and schedule regular check-ups for all your plumbing fixtures – both inside and outside the house. Hire a professional instead of DIY We know you might want to take matters into your own hands when something needs repair, it’s human nature to do so. However, in most cases, it’s better to save yourself the trouble and call in the professionals for a proper opinion. We have the right tools and experience to resolve the issue and prevent it from happening again. The garbage disposal is not a trash can These days, food wastage is at an all time high. However, this doesn’t mean you can throw anything and everything into the garbage disposal! Avoid throwing poultry bones and skin, fruit or vegetable peels, and cornhusks into the disposal. This will clog up the unit in no time! Of course, not every dripping tap is a disaster waiting to happen. However, many common plumbing problems can be an early indication of something more sinister. Many of the plumbing emergencies that our professionals handle are, in fact, avoidable and preventable. Stick to these 5 proactive tips to help mitigate your plumbing problems this season. For all your plumbing needs, contact O’Shea Plumbing on (03) 9888 2887.  

The spring is currently in full swing and for many homeowners, it is time to get the trusty, old barbecue back into action. There’s nothing quite like a garden cookout with friends and family, so make the most of the fine weather and show off your grilling skills. At O’Shea Plumbing, we think barbies are a great way to enjoy the sun, as long as they’re used in the right way. This is especially important for butane and propane gas barbecues, which can be very dangerous without the proper level of precaution. They’re pretty easy to use and you don’t have to have any special expertise, but you do need to follow the instructions in the manual and avoid taking any unnecessary risks while lighting and cooking. To help you stay safe at your backyard cookouts, we’ve put together this simple guide to using your gas barbecue safely.    Get Outdoor Kitchens Professionally Fitted   There are all kinds of different gas barbecue designs. Some are portable and can be moved around on wheels. These are usually powered by disposable gas canisters. Or, there are fully integrated fitted designs that turn the garden into a makeshift ‘outdoor kitchen.’ These are commonly built into a wall or enclosure, where the grill snugly sits. They need to be hooked up to the gas mains by a professional installer. You can check out our gas fitting services for information on how we do this.     Cook in a Well Ventilated Area   The best place to set up your barbecue is on a deck or patio, but not too close to the house. Make sure that the ground is flat and the barbecue doesn’t rock or tilt. There should sufficient space for air to circulate around the structure so that gas leaks are dispersed and rendered inert as quickly as possible. Click here for advice on what to do if you suspect that your fitted barbecue has a gas leak.     Light the Barbecue Safely   Lighting propane and butane barbecues isn’t a difficult task, but you should stick to the same key steps every time. The first is to check that all of the burners and rings are turned off. Then, open the lid to get air flowing and eliminate any gas vapours that might have built up inside. Open the gas cylinder valve slowly to start the flow. If you’re using disposable gas bottles, don’t forget to open the service valve before you turn on the controls. Finally, start the ignition source and open up the burner controls closest to it. It is very important that you light each, in sequence, and that you end with the burner furthest away.   Keep a Close Eye on the Grill   Now, the hard part really begins. You’ve got to satisfy a garden full of hungry mouths and make sure that your steaks and burgers are cooked to perfection. You don’t have much to worry about regards safety at this point, as long as you keep a close eye on the barbecue and ensure that children stay at a distance. You can close the lid once the gas has been burning for a short while and the grill has heated up, but remember not to leave it burning unattended.   Why Professional Installation is Necessary    Unless you’re a plumber of a gas fitter by trade, it really isn’t safe for you to tamper with the gas mains and try to install a fitted barbecue without professional help. Fortunately, our team of experts aren’t just big barbecue lovers, they are great at installing them too. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch and let us you know what you need to get the summer started in style.   

Case Study    O’SHEA PLUMBING – APPLYING SOUND BUSINESS PRINCIPLES TO ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT   Plumbing is a challenging trade: a good plumber needs to understand hydrostatics and hydrodynamics, have all the necessary skills as well as a good dose of common-sense, and be prepared to work in some unpleasant environments. Plumbers who work on existing housing stock also have the additional challenge of working with asbestos. O’Shea Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company located in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, mainly carrying out work on private homes. The owner and managing director, Lawrie O’Shea, has developed an even more cautious approach to handling asbestos than in the past, prompted by Master Plumbers (Victoria) who alerted plumbing companies to the technical and financial risks of working with asbestos.   What have they done? Processes which make ‘best practice’ the easiest practice The company has a number of simple but effective processes to make it easy for the company’s plumbers to act appropriately if asbestos is suspected: all staff have the occupational hygienist’s and the asbestos removal contractor’s phone numbers pre-programmed in their phones disposable masks and overalls are standard issue and easily accessible in all company vehicles the company uses scheduling software to minimise the chances of employees being “too rushed, too busy, too little time between jobs” to follow the company processes for dealing with asbestos the owner is always available to be consulted on ambiguous situations.   A methodical approach O’Shea Plumbing has an extremely logical approach to working with asbestos or in sites which potentially contain asbestos. It is often hidden – for example, under tiles which might need to be cut in order to carry out plumbing work – and cannot be identified until the work begins. They prioritise identification and management in advance, so that other trades don’t lose a day unnecessarily due to the last-minute identification of asbestos, and the client sees that the company is looking after their health.   O’Shea Plumbing Asbestos Management Decision Tree   Effective financial practices Apart from being personally committed to best practice in asbestos handling, the owner says it’s the only possible strategic financial decision: “it’s a business-based decision as well as a compliance-based decision”, due to the potential financial liability (not covered by insurance) if a client or staff member fell ill even years later. One risk to companies that undertake best-practice is that they could be underquoted by less careful or less scrupulous companies. O’Shea Plumbing gets around this problem by ensuring that asbestos testing or removal/disposal is always separately identified on any quote, so that a client can differentiate between the plumbing cost and the asbestos-related cost: when quoting, staff bring up the asbestos issue very early with clients – and ensure that the client is well-briefed before work starts. To ensure that best practice is followed, the company has designed a quoting template that makes it easy to separately identify the cost of asbestos-related work; staff have a series of standard clauses for quotations relating to asbestos risk pre-filled in on their iPads. The careful approach (and the separate invoicing) has paid off well for O’Shea Plumbing: their clients are delighted to see they care about this issue and are doing everything they can to protect their clients’ health, and their staff and other trades know that they can be sure they’re working on a site that is completely free of asbestos.   Part of a broader message The company has made the ‘asbestos message’ as part of a broader ‘safety message’: it’s not justified to take risks with asbestos, just as it’s not necessary to crawl under low floors and risk damage to your back. This broad safety message is continually emphasised during their regular weekly team meetings.   Challenges Many tradies are young, and the young are invincible. It’s necessary to keep emphasising the dangers of asbestos: some younger plumbers can still have too much of the “I’ve got to die of something, so why worry” mentality. There are still relatively low levels of community awareness of the potential risks of asbestos – the message keeps needing to be given.   Key messages about how to make it work O’Shea Plumbing’s practices have demonstrated how even a relatively small company can achieve best practice. The key to its success is: making ‘best practice’ the easiest practice having a standard, methodical, company-wide approach to working with asbestos, which incorporates the ‘asbestos message’ as part of a broader ‘safety message’ developing business practices that ensure that a best-practice company is not financially disadvantaged.

Hot water systems rarely just completely stop working. In the weeks and months leading up to a complete system failure, there are usually a few signs that the hot water tank or hot water system is about to stop working.   Knowing the signs that your hot water system is about to fail could prevent you from waking up in the morning to no hot water in the house. In an effort to avoid a situation like that which would require the help of an emergency plumber in Melbourne, we have created a list of signs that could indicate a hot water system is about to stop working. The Colour of the Water Water coming out of the tap should be crystal clear. It should not appear brown, murky, or cloudy. If you turn on your hot water and see water that is unclear or discoloured, it could be because you need to schedule a hot water system maintenance appointment with a local plumber and quickly. A local Melbourne plumber will be able to determine if the discoloured water is caused by your hot water system or some other type of problem, such as rusty pipes or sewer problems. If your hot water system is to blame, the plumber will conduct a brief hot water maintenance check and get the system running properly. The Temperature of the Water Occasionally, you will need to change the thermostat on your hot water system. This will help you heat up or cool down the water. Unfortunately, if you notice you need to do this on a regular basis or if your water is not heating up to the temperature you want, it could be a sign the system is about to go. If you try to use hot water and nothing comes out, it could be because the heating element on the hot water system has broken. In most cases, replacing the heating element will fix this problem, but not always. In some situations even replacing the heating element will not fix it, which means the entire hot water tank will need to be replaced. A gas heater service from O’Shea Plumbing will give you a good indication of the health of your water heater. Lots of Noise Coming from the Hot Water System Hot water tanks are supposed to be silent. They should not be making any banging or rattling sounds. Noises coming from the hot water system could be due to dirt and debris build up within the system or because of a broken heating element. Most of these problems with a hot water system can easily be avoided or prevented by scheduling a hot water maintenance check with a local Melbourne plumber. O’Shea Plumbing has the experience and knowledge needed to conduct these types of hot water maintenance checks. Keep your hot water system running properly and Schedule a hot water maintenance check with a non-emergency plumber today!  

While comparison price shopping for a plumber in Melbourne, you will notice that there is a difference in how the plumbers price out their jobs. Some plumbers provide services for a fixed rate, while others structure their pay on an hourly scale. The question that arises with this type of different payment systems is ‘which is better’. We will explore the differences between the two types of plumbers and help you determine which one is the best when you need help with a plumbing problem in the Melbourne area. Fixed Price Plumber The Hourly Rate Plumber Hourly rate plumbers will come to your home and perform whatever plumbing service you need at an hourly rate. The overall price for the specific job, which is billed at a rate that is predetermined before the plumber arrives, will vary depending upon how long the plumber spends on a particular task. For example, an hourly rate plumber will charge you for 2.5 hours of his time for fixing a blocked drain, as opposed to just charging a flat rate. The Fixed Rate Plumber The fixed rate plumber is the direct opposite of the hourly rate plumber. Instead of determining your final bill based on the amount of hours it took to perform a project, your bill is determined by the services the plumber performed. For example, if a plumber comes in and fixes your blocked drains in the kitchen, this is done for a predetermined flat rate. You, the client, will pay the same price regardless of if it takes the plumber 30 minutes or 4 hours. The only time the rate will vary with a fixed rate plumber is if something extra needs to be done. Sometimes a plumber may believe all that needs to be fixed is a blocked drain, but once he starts the work, he notices that the pipes need to be replaced. The price will increase if the pipe needs to be replaced, but this is only done with the permission of the client. O’Shea Plumbing only operates on a fixed price basis. We understand that nobody likes unpleasant surprises, especially in the wallet, which is why our core values of convenience, honesty and accountability are underlined by our fixed price guarantee. If you are not happy with our work, we’ll fix it for free. When Determining whom to Use Do You Use a Fixed Rate or an Hourly Plumber? The choice is ultimately up to you, but most individuals prefer to go with a fixed rate plumber. This is because they know exactly what they will be paying and not experience any surprises along the way. All additional charges are discussed and the client can prepare. Using a fixed rate plumber also allows you to comparison shop for prices. It is easier to compare fixed rates than it is to compare hourly rates. This is because you will know exactly what price you are paying, as opposed to having to guess how long a project will take to complete. Homeowners in the Melbourne area who are looking for a fixed rate plumber can trust the professionals at O’Shea Plumbing. We provide quality non-emergency and emergency plumbing services at fixed rates to all our customers. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Water pressure is defined as the force that pushes water through the pipes. At the end of the day, it’s the same pressure that will determine the flow from your taps. If the pressure is low, the speed at which water flows from the taps reduces so it takes longer to fill a kettle. If the pressure is high, the speed of flow increases. Problems Leading High Water Pressure Causes of Variations In Water Pressure In the Home The amount of pressure at your tap basically depends on two things; how much other customers on the same line are using and the other is how high the tower or the service reservoir is. You will agree that when everyone in the neighborhood has their taps turned on then the pressure on each tap will significantly reduce because you’re sharing the same reservoir and the same delivery lines. That’s why pressure is normally higher late in the night when other people are sleeping and therefore their taps are closed. The early morning is usually marked with very low pressure because everyone is using it in one way or another. The height of your house may also affect the pressure – for example, properties at the top of a raised area (such as a hill)will may experience lower pressures compared to properties at the foot of the hill. High Water Pressure In the Home High water pressure is when water in your pipes is flowing at an abnormally high speed. The municipal water supply pressure for example sometimes runs quite high; in some cases even as high as 150-psi. This is dangerous and must be reported to the relevant authorities (in this case the municipal offices) as soon as possible. According to most national and local building codes, the maximum static pressure should not exceed 80psi which is equivalent to 5.5-bar. Was the high pressure offset by a past maintenance work? If you’ve had supply interruption in the recent past, particularly for maintenance reasons, there is a possibility that the high pressure could be caused by air trapped in your pipes. It may help to run your taps for several minutes as release the trapped air. Was the water supply network re-configured? Pressure changes can also be caused by a reconfiguration of the supply network. Re-configuration simply means moving the water around to places where it is needed and sometimes comes with a change in supply routes. This should be a temporary problem; all you have to do is call your supplier. Could it be that you’ve not adjusted to life in your new home? If you’ve just moved homes, it is possible that you’ve not adjusted to the pressure levels in the new home. Turn the internal stop tap down slowly as you check the pressure until you arrive at a level that you’re comfortable with. Is the pressure reducing valve set too high? One of the simplest ways of fixing high water pressure is to install a pressure reducing valve. The valve helps to bring the pressure to safe levels before it reaches pipes and other plumbing fixtures in your house. However, setting the pressure reducing valve can also cause high pressures in the home. For this reason, it is advisable to hire a professional plumber to fix the valve. Summary If the high pressure problem is persistent, don’t hesitate to call your supply company.

Potable, clean water is a necessity everywhere, and modern civilization is no exception. Residences and commercial buildings all need safe drinking water and that is not contaminated with sewage or other toxins for cleaning processes. Plumbers in Melbourne, such as experts in O’Shea Plumbing, know that there are several techniques and processes to prevent backflow, the term for flushing unclean water into the home or business supply. Backflow Prevention Services Prevention of Contamination The device required depends on the hazard level the facility is classified in the Hazard Code provided by the Melbourne governing body. The hazard level is determined by the industry itself and the property usage at the subject facility. As an example only, a ‘moderate hazard’ can require the installation of a Double Check Valve Assembly device, while a ‘severe hazard’ requires a Reduce Pressure Principle device. Since no discernible warning appears of a check valve failures the DCVA mentioned previously must be tested yearly or more often to guarantee proper operation. To prevent such contamination due to backflow the Melbourne health regulatory department requires an air gap or installation of a mechanical backflow assembly for prevention between the delivery point of water and the home or business storage unit or facility. Wherever submerged water main inflow is allowed by regulations, installation of a backflow prevention assembly is required. This prevention assembly protects the potable or safe lines from toxic contamination. Check valves are a common form of backflow prevention and have been in use many years; however more complex systems may be needed in a particular geographical area. Specialized backflow preventing valves can often be installed at important locations in the plumbing system wherever there is a risk chance of contamination of the pipes. Constant Contaminating Industries Some industrial equipment creates its own back pressure. Back pressure forces contaminants to flow into potable piping. Sources of back pressure may be: water distribution pumping system boilers heat exchanging machinery or power washing In this scenario a dangerous and constant risk of nullifying static existence of water pressure may occur in the pipes and causing a disastrous backflow. To reduce the risk of contamination, a backflow preventer should be installed by qualified plumbers in Melbourne. A backflow preventer is definitely needed when possibly toxins are used in industries such as descaling commercial boilers or when bleaches are used in residential power washing. Legal Requirements for Prevention In many countries around the globe the approved backflow prevention assemblies are required by enforceable law regulations. Plumbers in Melbourne are experienced in accordance with plumbing codes for that town, county or province or face enforcement penalties. The usual backflow assembly has test cocks and valves for shut-off and must be tested at time of installation or if relocated or repaired, and also on a scheduled systematic basis. Security cages protect these systems from theft or vandals. Expert plumbers in Melbourne are well aware that local governments require yearly testing of the individual water supply for each facility and any violations are met with penalties. The real penalty for having unclean water is definitely in the sickness and diseases that abound where it is not guaranteed clean and potable for use. The very idea of backflow of sewage and toxic materials into a drinking water supply should convince the populace of the importance of installing backflow prevention assemblies to protect home, business and anywhere piped. Lawry, Noelle and Greg at O’Shea Plumbing are waiting for a call to examine your individual needs and provide free estimate for any requirements.

Electricity is arguably the biggest source of power in the home. However, gas is becoming an increasingly popular choice when energizing common indoor and outdoor appliances. Gas is efficient, reliable, environmentally friendly, and above all very pocket friendly. Indeed, natural gas is considered the cleanest natural fuel emitting 45% less carbon than coal and at least 27% less carbon than oil. Gas is also said to be much cheaper than electricity; according to the U.S. Department of Energy, natural gas is 68% cheaper than electricity per British thermal unit (Btu). Gas Safety Plumbing In Melbourne Of course the initial costs for gas are higher compared to electricity for example, but in the long run the former has proved to be the more cost-effective of the two options. Safety tips for gas plumbing As already mentioned, gas plumbing is a little more demanding compared to electricity installation. And when compared to other plumbing projects such as installation of the water system, gas plumbing is also far more complicated. Gas is inflammable so it must be handled with great care. Even the pipes used must be of the highest quality possible. Listed below are safety tips for gas plumbing. Protect your eyes Gas is very poisonous so it’s advisable to protect your eyes when working. Always wear safety glasses even when you’re just checking the pressure. The risk of small objects falling into your eyes increases when you have to look up in order to attend to the pipes. Apart from that, gas under pressure or flying objects can easily enter your eyes if you don’t have protective glasses on. Be informed Before you start on the project, revisit the building and plumbing codes of the locality to inform yourself on practices that are acceptable and what is not acceptable. See what the laws allow and what is not allowed and ensure to get a permit for practices that require so. It may also help to inform yourself about projects that you can do on your own and those that can only be done by professionals. Protecting your lungs One way of protecting your lungs is to wear a face mask which protects you from inhaling harmful gases. A disposable gas should be used when the project involves sanding and sawing. Protecting your hands Your hands will be coming into contact with different materials and chemicals so it’s important to protect them as well. Wearing gloves should help. Read labels carefully Carefully check all the chemicals and materials you’ll be using, read labels carefully, and follow instructions to the letter. If there are any recommendations, ensure to follow them as well. Be cautious Gas is very dangerous so even the greatest experts need to be cautious with it. You should also be cautions with power tools; if and when you’re required to have two hands on a power tool, ensure to do just that. Be extra careful with soldiering and heating pipes particularly in walls and insulated areas. Never ignore the smell of gas If you smell gas, or suspect that there is a gas leak, stop whatever you’re doing immediately. If you can turn off the gas, do so right away then call the gas company. Never try to establish the cause of the leak on your own. Summary Following these tips doesn’t guarantee complete safety but at least you’ll be doing all you can to protect yourself and the home.

If your pipes are leaking, the next thing is that you won’t have enough water from your taps. It makes everything difficult because you can’t fill your tub as quickly as necessary and even washing can’t be completed in time. Moreover, leaks are very costly. The bill continues to swell even for water that you never used. Surely, everyone would want to bring to an end such problems. Top Household Leak to Save Water From Listed below are 5 of the most common household leaks complete with tips on how to prevent or correct them. 1. Washing Machine Leaks Most people prefer to place the washing machine either on the main floor or close to the living room which is very risky because these are areas where valuable furnishings and most other electronic equipments also reside. Moreover, few laundry rooms have drainage systems that could cause a leak. Consider replacing plastic and rubber hoses with steel braided ones; tighten hose connections whenever you feel that they’re too loose; turn off the supply to your washing machine whenever you leave the house; and if possible replace screw-type valves with dual-ball valves. 2. Water Heater Leaks Water heater leaks, just like washing machine leaks, are very common. The risk becomes even higher if the heater resides on the main floor instead of the basement. Beware that heaters also have a life span – typically about ten years – after which they begin to rust, corrode and eventually leak. To stay safe, consider purchasing a heater with an extended warranty – up to 15 years; occasionally hire a professional to check the system; and flush the hot water tank periodically especially if you use hard water. 3. Plumbing System Leaks Frozen pipes that eventually burst and high water pressure are the two main causes of plumbing leaks. Burst pipes are particularly very costly with repairs often costing in excess of $8,000. The most important thing is to watch out for signs of freezing. Look out for water spots on floors and ceilings; watch out for abnormal bills; and be keen when turning off the faucets – a “banging” sound may signal a breakage. It also helps to check on the pressure and insulating pipes that are prone to freezing. 4. Leaks In Sinks, Bathtubs, and Showers Overflows, clogs, broken plumbing, and faulty pipes are the main sources of leaks in sinks, bathtubs, and showers. To stay safe, regularly inspect you drainage systems and replace deteriorated grout and caulk around sinks, bathtubs, and showers. Look out for soft areas around floors, walls, and bathroom and kitchen plumbing. Finally, fix leaking faucets quickly and call a Melbourne professional plumber for problems that you feel are beyond your capacity. 5. Leaking Roofs, Windows, and Sidings Old roofs, broken windows, and insufficient siding may also cause leaking in the home. When it rains, the rain from outside will easily find way into your house causing several problems. Start by clearing the roof and gutters of branches, leaves, and other debris. The gutters should be cleaned at least twice every year. An inspection of the roof once a year is also recommended. For the windows and doors, repair any damaged caulk and repaint their frames accordingly. Summary There are several other sources of leaks in the home that are not covered here. You are free to find out more about them as it helps you to stay alert and avoid costly repairs necessitated by preventable leaks.

In Melbourne we all like to try doing our plumbing ourselves even if just occasionally. We know that there are a few things that we can accomplish without calling the professional plumber and by doing so often save a few dollars. Because plumbing can be complicated, we have discusses 5 best DIY tips for 2014. Plumbing Tips 1. Stop bathroom clogging The bathroom is one place that must remain clean always. First you need to clean your bathroom regularly and using high quality detergent. Your plumber should help you identify the best picks for your case. Bathrooms and tubs drainages are sometimes clogged with hair so you also need to put in place measures to eliminate this problem. For example, you can install strainers in the shower and tub. Remember to clean the strainers regularly as well. Another great tip is to upgrade your faucets to the washer-less variety. These types of washers are far easier to maintain and guarantee higher performance. 2. Toilet maintenance Start by cleaning your toilets regularly. Again there are is a wide variety of toilet cleaning detergents so you may need the advice of your plumber when shopping for them. Never flush Kleenex in the toilet. Unlike toilet paper, Kleenex doesn’t disintegrate quickly which may cause clogging. Maintain the toilet tanks and consider replacing the flapper or ball once a year to prevent water wastage. Actually, if you can upgrade to modern tank fill systems, the better. In the unfortunate event that a hard object such as a toothbrush falls into the toilet, don’t use the plunger; instead, get your wet/dry shop vacuum to suck out the water and the object. 3. Caring for your pipes Frozen pipes are very dangerous. Apart from the fact that you’ll not get enough water from your taps, if left unchecked for an extended period of time, these pipes can burst resulting in even bigger problems. Disconnect outside hose pipes and ensure that outside faucets aren’t leaking or dripping. 4. Ensure that the water heater is in perfect working condition You can test the water heaters relief valve by lifting up the liver and allowing it to snap back. If the valve doesn’t allow hot water into the drainpipe, call a professional. In the cold weather when the heater works even harder, consider flushing it and removing sediments. 5. Care for sinks Don’t pour grease on the kitchen sink – it is a major cause of blockages. When unblocking the sinks, use cup-style plunger – they are mostly dark red in color, somewhat flat with a wide rim. The plungers come in different sizes so you should be able to pick the right one. Summary Remember that in plumbing, prevention is always better than repair. So instead of waiting until your pipes are corroded and the shower head is falling, try identify these problems early and attend to them appropriately. Corrosion for example starts slowly and may go unnoticed for a long time. Meanwhile, the particles falling off the inner linings of your pipes will get into and contaminate the water you drink often resulting in a range of health problems. Unless you’re very keen, by the time you’re repairing or replacing the pipes you may have already visited your doctor complaining about strange stomach problems.

Homeowners go to many lengths to keep the cost of their monthly water bill low. This can be such common measures as reducing personal usage or installing efficient appliances. Plumbing Issues Causing High Water Bills One of the most common causes of high water bills that plumbers in Melbourne see is a leak that has developed somewhere in the plumbing. This can be a leak the home owner can see quite obviously such as a dripping faucet. This may be as simple a fix as a seal replacement. It can also be a pipe leak that isn’t as apparent such as a slow leak behind cabinets or outdoors. In this case it is important to look for signs of a leak. Water spots, staining or standing water can all indicate a leak has developed and may be the cause of an increased bill. It is important to try and catch these types of leaks early as they can and will only progress to more serious leaks. Worse problems from an unfixed leak may develop as well and will contribute to an increasing bill as well as a more expensive plumbing visit. One way to avoid this is to have all taps in the house serviced every two years at the very least. This can include cleaning, lubricating and replacing various parts of the tap. Homeowners may feel uncomfortable doing this and opt instead to contact our plumber. Running toilets are another possible place to look for this issue. in most cases it is a simple fix like reattaching the lift chain or closing the flush valve. If these kinds of fixes aren’t helping then a leak might be the culprit and a call to the plumber may be in order. Other appliances to check are washing machines and dishwashers for potential leaks. If there are no leaks and you are experiencing consistently high or rising bills, water pressure could be the problem. Most plumbers in Melbourne would recommend that the homeowner install a controlled pressure system. Besides the advantage of helping conserve water and thereby reducing monthly bills this system can help dishwasher and washing machine hoses last longer. It can also minimize the potential for water hammer to occur. Water hammer is the banging noise that can happen when the tap is turned on. Left unchecked water hammer could result in a burst pipe costing you lots of money for a plumbing emergency call. There are many more advantages to investing in this system which does eventually pay for itself making it a worthwhile purchase. Having several older appliances in the house might be costing lots of money and be the cause of high bills. Water saving appliances like washing machines and dishwashers can help with this. Other options include efficient shower heads. Over the course of a year a water saving shower head could save over 14, 000 litres. Old toilets are horrible consumers. An old toilet in the house could use around 12 litres every time it is flushed. A efficient toilet uses about four litres every time it is flushed. With just five flushes that is a savings of 40 litres and that is an approximate amount for one day and one person. If you are looking for plumbers in Melbourne to help you save money on your monthly bill or diagnose a leak, our family owned company would love to come to your house and help you and also talk to you about some options that might fit your home.

Regardless of the type of water heating systems that you own, it is important to have it inspected and cleaned by an expert at least twice a year. Since this is a machine like any other, its parts are bound to malfunction if they are not taken care of. Regular maintenance checks and repairs will ensure that the unit keeps running for many years to come and operates with the fewest issues possible. Maintaining Hot Water System Much as many people might think that having the hot water system cleaned on a yearly basis might be costly, it will actually save you lots of money in the long run. A dirty boiler causes power consumption to go up thereby increasing your monthly power bills significantly. Additionally, when one gets an expert to check on their heating system on a regular basis, it is possible to find small repairs that ought to be done before they can transform into large problems that might seriously compromise the operations of the entire system. Why is the need for hot water system maintenance vital? The need for hot water services is of great essence in the modern day. These systems require some bit of maintenance like venting radiators and drainage of the boiler just to make sure that everything is working as desired. In order to properly maintain your hot water system in Melbourne and other parts of Australia, it is vital to lubricate the motor of your system’s circulating pump regularly. In maintaining this system, you will be able to get the best out if its use in the long run. How to go about this maintenance process There are many options, which you can go for whenever you want to properly maintain your hot water heating system. Here are directions that will help you. First of all, you need to open all valves and radiators and any convectors in order to let air out. Excess air in these passages might be the reason why it is not working as desired. Secondly, you can close the valve. Just make sure you drain the boiler so as to get rid of mineral deposits and rust. The manual from the product manufacturer will help you to understand how to do this. Thirdly, turn off the water and power. Instead of using old cast-iron radiators, modern units have free-standing or rather baseboard convectors. These ones are less bulky, more efficient and even look nicer than the previous types. Fourth, to drain any unwanted mineral deposits and water, stick one end of the garden-hose into the boiler drain cock. Fifth, you can open the vent valves on the radiator that is located on the topmost floor of your house. This allows water to flow back into the system and do so in an effective manner. Six, turn on the supply and then flush through the system. This helps to clean out any sort of debris from the system and the pipes. Last but not least, when the supply stops, you can close the drain cock and the vents. At this end, the hot water system is clean and good to use again. If you have a hot water system in Melbourne, it is important to have it inspected on a regular basis in order to make sure it is working as desired. The experts at O’shea Plumbing will most definitely offer you the high quality services that you desire. We have the skills and competence to do a good job in this regard.

Blocked drains is a frustrating, time consuming and even expensive experience. If the block cannot be fixed or removed by the owner, a plumber must be called. The result is the inability to use the drain, possible emergency costs for a plumber and lost time waiting for a plumber to come and the fix completed. There are some common causes of blocked drains which means there are some ways these kinds of blockages can be avoided. Causes For Blocked Drains Some of the most common causes of blocked drains include Trees and Leaves Grease and Fat Hair Foreign objects Usually the cause is a mixture of a couple of these. There are a few ways to help prevent blocked drains but regular maintenance of pipes is very important. If you are attempting to clear the blockage yourself, it is important not to make these mistakes when unblocking a drain. If one of the pipes is cracked, broken, rusted etc. it will need to be replaced. If the fittings between pipes are loose or damaged they will need to be tightened or replaced. These fixes can help prevent blockages from occurring and foreign materials working into the pipes and clogging them. Materials in cracked or loose pipes is particularly an issue for outdoor drains where soil and other materials surround the pipe in the ground. Outdoors it is important to note where pipes run in the ground and make sure to keep trees clear of them. It is also important if there is a place outside where the drain is open at the ground to have a grate on top to keep debris out and also clean off debris regularly. Don’t put grease and fat from cooking down drains even if it isn’t solidified. Liquid fat and grease can solidify inside the pipes eventually building up and causing problems. These items may also collect other objects such as hair and plug pipes. Make sure not to brush hair over sinks where it can get washed into pipes. Hair can also be washed down tub drains, so it is important to have a strainer cover of some kind to prevent a majority of hair getting into pipes. Blocked drains may also be caused by foreign objects such as: Excessive toilet paper Feminine sanitary products Child toys The pathway for most of these items begins with the toilet. It is helpful to close the lid on the toilet to prevent objects from accidentally falling into it. Remember not to flush items down the toilet that do not break down or are very large and may block pipes. Be cognizant of toilet paper usage as large amounts can immediately cause blocked drains or may block drains further down the pipes as the diameter decreases or in bends of the plumbing. It is a good idea to find an experienced and reliable plumber that can be used regularly and can become familiar with the plumbing in your house. That way when there is a maintenance issue with the pipes we will already have some idea where to look so the repair time is shorter. It also means pipes are less likely to have the damages long enough to create a blockage because the repairs are being made early. If you have a blockage or have a pipe that needs to be repaired, contact us for an experienced plumber in the Melbourne area. We are available seven days a week and have super fast response times for emergencies such as blocked drains. Servicing both commercial and residential places. We want to help keep your drains running smoothly.

In a world where more people are rolling up their sleeves and doing their own home repairs, there are more frequent and higher chances of accidents and the costs of plumbing repairs for the homeowner after a do it yourself job has been botched, are through the roof. That is why the professional plumbers in Melbourne Australia are urging their local homeowners to call for an emergency plumbing service instead of trying to repair the plumbing issues themselves. Far too often emergencies happen from homeowners trying to fix things on their own and either they, or a small child that lives in the home, is seriously burned or scalded from hot water, in a shower or bath because there is not a thermostatic mixing valve or tempering valve fitted to control the temperature of the hot water. Prevent Expensive Repairs When this happens, burns are the result in every case. No one wants to be burnt and the plumbers in Melbourne Australia are included in the number of people who don’t want to see others get burnt. That’s why knowing what valves need to be fitted and taking the necessary precautions, are things that the average homeowner has no knowledge in. What many people don’t know, but plumbers do, is that the hot water heater installed in the average home is set to a temperature that is high enough to kill off any bacteria. By turning down the temperature of the hot water unit can result in legionella breeding in the hot water unit. This is why the temperature needs to be set hotter in the hot water unit and then broken down by valves before it goes to the bathroom. When a pipe bursts in an area such as the kitchen or bathroom, shutting off the main water switch located either in the basement or outside of the home, is the best way to stop the water from pooling everywhere, and it ensures that the homeowner is kept safe from possible water burns or flooding from a hot water pipe causing plumbing issues. Afterwards, instead of the members of the house rolling up the sleeves and trying to repair the plumbing themselves, a professional plumber needs to be contacted, especially in an emergency case. Plumbers in Melbourne are not the only ones that have emergency services available, there are emergency plumbers located all over Australia. Calling a professional plumber ensures that not only is the job completed correctly, but also that the homeowner is not paying a lot of money for the repairs. The first thing every homeowner thinks when there is a plumbing issue is “Oh, I’ll just go down to the local hardware store, pick up some pipes, and fix it myself. Easy.” The truth is, a repair of the plumbing is far from a simple pipe replacement. There has to be an inspection of all the pipes along the line to see if there are any other weak spots that could lead to another water bursting later on. The pipes have to be fitted, which means that a plumber will have the correct sized pipes with them for nearly all piping needs and can ensure that the pipes fit properly. The work is always guaranteed so that if something happens the next repair is free. Plumbers in Melbourne Australia wants everyone to know that hiring a professional plumber is the safest, and best way to repair any plumbing issue within the home. A repair by professionals keeps the household safe from accidental burning and scalding as well as ensures your plumbing is correct.