1. Clear Outdoor Drains, Gutters and Downpipes

During the winter, everything from dried leaves to sticks, twigs and other debris accumulate on your roof and in your outdoor space.

Now that it’s warm again outdoors, you can take the time to clear out debris from your outdoor drains, gutters and downspouts. Many problems in your plumbing can be avoided by making sure water can run freely down the drains.

 

 

2. Check Taps

While not highly likely in most parts of Melbourne, the occasional freeze may occur, causing pipe damage. It’s good practice to check all of your faucets for leaks anyway, but make it a special point to check outdoor taps.

If a leak seems to appear after turning on your garden hose, or the outdoor tap only drips rather than flowing normally, you may have a cracked pipe on your hands. In this case, you’ll need the help of a seasoned plumber. If this sounds like you, then Mark Leonard Plumbing are here to help!

3. Drain the Water Heater

Over time, sediment can accumulate in your water heater. This can cause corrosion and which may reduce the efficiency of your heater and also shorten its expected service lifetime.

To avoid this, remove the sediment by carefully draining a few gallons of water from the heater. While you’re at it, also check the water heater temperature setting. A good temperature to set it at is 60 degrees.   This will make the water warm enough for a hot shower, washing hands, dishes and laundry, while avoiding scalding. You’ll also save on your energy bill too!  

4. Check for Hidden Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks you don’t even notice can make your water bill soar.   Find out if your toilet is secretly leaking with this trick: place a few drops of food dye in your water tank. Then, wait and see if it appears in the toilet bowl. If the dye appears within 30 minutes or so, you have a leak on your hands. Sometimes it’s a simple case of a broken or old seal you can replace yourself, and sometimes you may need additional help.

5. Exercise Water Supply Valves

On your toilets and at each sink, there are water supply valves used to control the water flow. These are awfully handy when you need to perform a repair on one of these items, as you can cut off water to the sink or toilet without turning off water in the whole house.

However, these valves need to be turned occasionally so that they don’t become too stiff to use. Turn them a few turns toward the “off” position and then back on so they don’t get stuck.

The post 5 Easy Summer Plumbing Maintenance Tips appeared first on Mark Leonard Plumbing.

Old gas heaters can actually cause you quite a few problems if you do not get them taken care of properly. They can wind up breaking down over time and may wind up going out on you at inopportune moments. It can be very annoying to have your old gas heater stop working but you will be able to get things fixed up when you call the plumbers out to your home. They will be able to figure out what is going on and can work to fix things up right.

It is important to stop and ask yourself whether or not you should be repairing your old gas heater. In some situations, it might be more appropriate to have the heater replaced with something more modern. You need to take all of the different factors into consideration so that you can make the best decision. Take a look at this information about when you should repair your old gas heater and when you should go ahead and replace it.

Open-Flue Gas Heaters

The Victorian government has begun warning people against using open-flued gas heaters. Gas heater repairs are not recommended if you are using one of these older heaters. They are potentially very dangerous and wind up producing too much carbon monoxide. It can present a huge risk to your family and you will be better off getting a more modern unit installed.

The reason that these old gas heaters don’t work so well is that they do not have proper ventilation. When you look at the way that they are designed, you can see that they do not have adequate ventilation methods. It can wind up creating a health hazard for your family so you should definitely replace this type of old gas heater as soon as you can. If your heater is already broken down, then do not continue to waste money by seeking out repairs.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is something that is very important to many people. You want to be able to use energy as effectively as you possibly can. When you are making use of older types of gas heaters, they are not likely going to be nearly as efficient as modern models. You will notice that even heaters from only a few decades ago are not made to the same standard that today’s heaters are held to.

Making the switch to a more energy-efficient gas heater could wind up saving you a lot of money. Making smart financial decisions will always be in your best interests. You want to be able to hang on to as much of your money as possible. Seeking out gas heater repairs might not be as cost-effective in the long run as getting your heater replaced.

How Often Is Your Heater Breaking Down?

If your old gas heater has been breaking down fairly often, then you might want to start thinking about whether it is time to replace it. Gas heater repairs can certainly keep your heater working for you but it might not be the best decision. If your heater is going to keep having problems on a regular basis, then it is a sign that it is on its way out. Your money may be better spent by purchasing a brand-new gas heater that will work better for you.

The cost of having your heater repaired so often may wind up making less and less sense over time. You have to think about things from a financial perspective in order to make the right decision for your home. If your heater has broken down multiple times already, then you might want to buy a new one. When your heater has had relatively few problems, it may seem more practical to continue with the gas heater repairs.

Call the Gas Plumbers for Assistance

Call Mark Leonard Plumbing for assistance today and you can get your gas plumbing needs taken care of. Whether you are seeking repairs or you want to get a new heater installed, they will be happy to help you out. You can get the heater that your home needs and everything will operate more efficiently in your home. There is no reason to feel left out in the cold when you have professional gas plumbers that can take care of everything for you.

Taking the time to discuss your heater problems with our dedicated professionals may be useful. If you are on the fence about what to do, then getting a professional assessment may be worthwhile. You can discuss how cost-effective a new heater installation will be for your house. You will come out of the conversation having a better idea of what to expect and getting things taken care of will not take too long at all.

Getting a new gas heater installed will be a very good investment for your property. This can help to keep your property comfortable and safe for many years to come. You can call Mark Leonard Pluming today and discuss getting a new unit. They will be ready to install what you need and it will be a very easy process overall. This will be what you need to keep your home protected so don’t hesitate to make the phone call today.

The post Should You Repair Your Old Gas Heater? appeared first on Mark Leonard Plumbing.

It is going to be worthwhile to find the very best plumber in the Ringwood area to assist you. This will allow you to feel confident that everything is going to be taken care of in the right way. Your plumbing will be fixed efficiently and you will always get a good deal. The best plumber in Ringwood will always be there when you are in need.

Taking the time to find the right plumber for you is in your best interests. Look at these tips for finding the best plumber so that you can get your needs taken care of today.

You Deserve a Plumber Who Is Close to Your Location

Hiring a plumber from out of town is not going to be the most convenient way to go about fixing your issues. You do not have to have to wait for someone to drive into Ringwood just to get your plumbing checked out. Mark Leonard Plumbing is based in Ringwood, Victoria, making it simple for them to come out and assist you. Whenever you have plumbing problems, the professionals will be able to get out to help you very quickly.

During a plumbing emergency, you are not going to be able to wait on someone to arrive for too long. Having a plumber in Ringwood who can come to your location very fast is going to be optimal. Being local definitely makes a difference but you will also be getting top-tier service that cannot be matched. Taking the time to contact your local master plumber is going to keep your plumbing working fantastically.

Plumbers Should be Dedicated to the Community

Dedication to the community is also an important quality. Mark Leonard Plumbing has been serving the community for more than thirty years. Taking care of local plumbing problems is important to this business and every customer needs to be taken care of in the right way. Being able to count on dedicated local plumbers will ensure that you get the respect that you deserve.

Honesty Is Important

Of course, honesty is always going to be important. You deserve a plumber who will always give you transparent, accurate quotes. Being able to know what to expect is crucial and you want a plumber who will always communicate with you effectively. When you contact the best plumber in Ringwood, you will always get an honest answer.

They will communicate with you and tell you exactly what is going on. You can have the process explained to you and you will always know what work is being done to your plumbing system. The quotes that you are given will be as accurate as possible and you can build a relationship of trust with your plumber. It makes it so much easier to take care of issues when you have trustworthy allies that you can call on.

The best plumbers will always get permission before beginning any work on your plumbing. You should never have to put up with plumbers who try to do extra work and then charge you for it without your consent. When you call the most respected plumbers in the Ringwood area, you will never have to put up with issues such as this. The plumbers will always discuss things with you ahead of time and will authorise any work before it is carried out.

Master Plumbers Do the Best Work

Hiring a master plumber is always going to be for the best. When plumbers have worked hard enough to attain the status of being a master plumber, it is because they have worked very hard at their craft. They understand the ins and outs of plumbing and are committed to doing the best possible job. If you hire a true master plumber, then you will always be able to get your issues taken care of expediently.

Contact the certified master plumber today to get your plumber issues fixed. Whether you have large problems or small issues that need to be addressed, everything is going to turn out great. Having the most renowned plumber in Ringwood on your side will prove to be beneficial. Your home will be in good hands and you’ll never have to be concerned about plumbing issues again.

Call Mark Leonard Plumbing Today

Call Mark Leonard Plumbing today on 9876 6789 if you are in need of assistance. You can get your plumbing problems taken care of in a professional, efficient way. You don’t have to continue to put up with lackluster customer service from plumbers who live out of town. Call the local plumbing experts and any plumbing issues that you have will be repaired quickly. Your happiness is always a top priority so call the right plumbers today to get your issues fixed up nicely.

The post Finding the Right Plumber in Ringwood appeared first on Mark Leonard Plumbing.

There are many situations that can cause a carbon monoxide leak. These leaks can wind up causing you and your family serious injuries. In the worst cases, it can even be fatal. Thankfully, you will be able to keep your home safe by seeking out professional carbon monoxide testing services. This can help you to keep your home from having any problems and it can give you the peace of mind that you need.

Sources of Carbon Monoxide Leaks

There are actually many sources of carbon monoxide leaks that you need to be concerned with. The most common culprits are gas appliances that have not been properly maintained. If you have many gas appliances in your home, then you should know that these can break down over time. When these appliances start encountering issues, it is possible that a carbon monoxide leak could occur.

Any of your appliances that use fossil fuels such as natural gas or propane are at risk. This does not mean that you need to be afraid of using these appliances. It just means that they need to be tested and serviced every so often. You should have carbon monoxide testing performed on your gas appliances every few years in order to keep things safe. Having professionals perform regular maintenance services on these appliances is also crucial.

Potential Health Problems

A carbon monoxide leak is a great risk to your health. This could wind up making you feel dizzy and people may even faint or pass out when a leak occurs. Oftentimes, you will not be able to tell that there is a leak at all. The leak is close to impossible to detect without the proper equipment. You may experience flu-like symptoms when exposed to carbon monoxide and you could even die in the most severe cases.

Carbon monoxide testing can prevent these problems from occurring. You can get your appliances tested regularly so that you can keep them running efficiently. If there are ever any issues with your appliances, then you can have them serviced by licensed professionals. You can avoid these health risks when you take the time to get appliances tested and then maintain them properly.

Landlords Are Legally Obligated to Test Their Properties

Landlords are actually legally obligated to test their properties for carbon monoxide. If you are an owner of a rental property, then you need to get carbon monoxide testing performed in order to protect yourself from a legal standpoint. If you fail to do this, then you are putting your tenants at risk. You want to protect your tenants both from a legal standpoint and a moral one. Getting the testing performed will not take long and it will give you all of the information that you need to know.

If it has been quite some time since the property was last tested, then it will be a good idea to contact the professionals. Testing can be performed swiftly and it will protect you from legal trouble. You have to get your gas appliances tested every two years and they also need to be properly maintained. This is why it is imperative to work with professionals who can take care of these problems for you.

Potential Signs of Carbon Monoxide Leaks

There are some potential signs for carbon monoxide leaks that you can look out for. Note that these signs do not have to be present in order for you to have a carbon monoxide issue. Even so, being on the lookout for these signs might prove helpful. If you notice that the pilot lights in your appliances keep going out, then this could be a sign of a leak. You might also notice more condensation than usual.

Some people have noted that sooting is present around appliances that are experiencing leaks. Brown or yellow stains around the appliances will also happen sometimes. These stains can wind up showing up on the walls around the appliances as well. Finally, you may also notice that you feel healthier outside of your home than you do inside. It might be a sign that you are slowly being harmed by the leaking carbon monoxide.

Get Your Appliances CO Tested Today

Get the carbon monoxide test that you need today. This can protect your home or your rental properties from something that is potentially tragic. Calling in the professionals will allow you to get things taken care of effectively. They can perform the test and will be able to let you know if any problems are present.

If your property does have carbon monoxide issues that need to be addressed, then things can be remedied. You just need to know whether or not you are at risk. The health risks of carbon monoxide issues are very dangerous and they are not something that you want to ignore. Take care of everything today and you are going to be able to feel much safer moving forward.

The post Avoiding Health Risks in the Home with Carbon Monoxide Testing appeared first on Mark Leonard Plumbing.

Take the time to learn a little bit about these common reasons why your drains become blocked. It will allow you to take action to start protecting your drains. You can avoid many of the common pitfalls that are associated with blocked drains and your life will be that much easier because of it. Taking the right precautions can truly give you a better experience in your home so it makes sense to arm yourself with knowledge.

Hair Clogs Can Be a Big Problem

Hair clogs can be a really big problem if you do not know how to take care of things properly. One of the most common reasons for blocked drains is that hair has become lodged in the drains. It is perfectly normal for this to happen and most people do not really know how to go about preventing it. If you take a few extra steps, then you can really make things a lot easier to handle and can prevent hair from clogging your drains.

One method that you can make use of is to install a better bathtub stopper in your tub. This can help to keep hair from going down into the drain itself. You can get professionals to install this for you if you would like to go that route. It is also possible to install a mesh screen in order to keep the hair out of the drain. Either way, you will be able to prevent hair clogs and keep your drains working much better.

Oil and Grease Cause Problems

Another common problem that people encounter is caused by oil and grease. If you pour oil and grease down the drain after cooking, then you will eventually wind up severely clogging your drains. You need to avoid pouring oil and grease down the drains so that you can keep this from happening. It may seem to be a nuisance at first but you should always collect oil and grease in order to dispose of them in the proper fashion.

The warm grease that you pour down the drains will eventually cool down and it will congeal. This is going to form clogs that can be very hard to break up. Collecting grease and oil from cooking and placing it into a container is going to be ideal. You can prevent blocked drains and save yourself from a headache-inducing situation.

Washing Machine Drains Can Back up Too

You should know that washing machine drains can back up too. If you are not properly prepared, then you may wind up dealing with big drain blockage problems with your washing machine. Luckily, this can be prevented by taking a simple precaution. You should install a lint catcher on your washing machine hose to prevent problems from popping up.

This keeps the lint from your clothes from getting trapped in the drain. This lint will wind up collecting over time and it can turn into a bad blockage that may even create a mess. Taking the time to install the lint catcher is going to be worth your while. You can avoid any big issues and your washing machine drain will continue to function optimally.

Consider Composting Instead of Using a Garbage Disposal

Using a garbage disposal can be very convenient but it may not always work out for the best. Even if you like the idea of using a garbage disposal, it is possible that this could wind up blocking your drains eventually. The food will wind up collecting in the drain and it can become stuck over time. This can create a problem and clearing the blockage is not always going to be easy.

Making a simple compost pile can actually have many benefits. This is an environmentally friendly way to take care of your food waste. If you like to grow plants or vegetables of any kind, then this can be used as top-notch fertiliser. It will not take a lot of effort to do this so it is actually a fairly convenient way to help prevent blocked drains.

Be Careful About What You Flush Down the Toilet

Sometimes people have a tendency to throw things down the toilet that they should not. You should do your best not to flush things down the toilet that could wind up causing you problems. It might seem to be a convenient thing to do at the time but it will not be so good when it winds up blocking your drains. Dispose of your rubbish elsewhere in order to prevent these problems from occurring.

The post How to Prevent Blocked Drains appeared first on Mark Leonard Plumbing.

The truth is that the answer depends on several different factors. You will have to consider the situation, the age of your hot water service, and many other things. Read on to take a look at all of the information that you need to know. You will be able to determine if it is time to replace your heater or if you should simply get it repaired once more.

How Old Is Your Unit?

Hot water service replacement is something that you need to take very seriously. Sometimes it is going to be the best option that you can pick. The first thing that you should think about is how old the unit is. If your unit is less than ten years old, then there is a likelihood that it is still under warranty. Also, getting your unit regularly serviced should help to prevent breakdowns or other issues from occurring.

If your unit is old and out of warranty, then thinking about replacement is very smart. Even some units that are newer than this can have issues. If a hot water service unit has not been properly maintained over the years, then it may be in a bad state. The best professionals can fix things up but it might be in your best interests to simply purchase a new one.

Do You Need an Upgrade?

Another aspect of hot water service replacement that should be considered is whether or not you need an upgrade. Sometimes you will want to upgrade your unit to something that is going to work better for you and your family. When you originally bought your hot water service unit, you may not have been in the same situation. It is possible that your family has grown larger and that your needs have changed.

If your hot water service is lacking in several ways, then considering getting a replacement is a good idea. This is going to allow you to buy a modern unit that will work very nicely for your home. You will be able to get a unit that has a larger gallon capacity, offers a better recovery rate, and is more energy efficient. This could wind up saving you money in the long run and it will definitely give you a better overall experience.

Is Your Hot Water Service Unit Efficient Enough?

As mentioned above, energy efficiency is something that you need to think about. If your older hot water service unit is not energy efficient, then you may want to think about getting something more modern. Modern units are held to a higher standard and they will work better while using less water and energy. This is perfect for your home and it is better for the environment, making it a really appealing option.

Has Your Unit Broken Down Multiple Times Already?

Hot water service replacement may seem to be an ideal solution if your unit has already broken down multiple times. When your hot water service unit keeps having issues, it is going to be very frustrating to you. You simply want to be able to use your hot water service in a normal way without having to encounter various problems. When the unit keeps having these issues, it is time to think about replacing it with something more reliable.

You will be able to call in the experts to handle the replacement in a timely fashion. They know how to take care of your needs and will ensure that the job is done right. Getting your new hot water service replacement will not take long and you will be thrilled with the results. Your new unit will function fantastically and your home will be that much more comfortable because of it.

Conclusion

Getting your unit replaced is going to be a very good idea in many different scenarios. You want to make sure that your home is operating efficiently and that your unit is reliable. If your current unit is not giving you the right experience, then it just makes sense to seek out a good replacement option. Professionals are going to be able to install your new unit safely and your home will be that much better once the work is done.

Do not continue to put up with a bad hot water service unit when you do not have to. Getting a great deal on a replacement is possible and you can enlist the help of experts to get things done. A simple phone call is all that you need to make in order to take care of your needs. Once you have set things up, it will be possible to move on with your life without having to worry about your hot water service having problems.

The post When Should You Replace Your Hot Water Service? appeared first on Mark Leonard Plumbing.

These professionals have the right mix of experience and great customer service that you need. They are capable of fixing any type of plumbing problem and can really be a benefit to your home. If you are a homeowner who is looking to maintain things and keep your plumbing working great, then you need a reliable business such as this. Take a look at the many ways that they can assist you.

Gas Leaks and Appliance Maintenance

Gas leaks can be a very serious and potentially dangerous problem. If you are having issues with your gas line or any of your gas appliances, then you need a dedicated gas plumber who can fix things up. The experts are going to be able to make short work of even the biggest gas plumbing problems so you can feel confident in the results. If you are currently experiencing any type of gas plumbing issues, then you should call right away.

These professionals can also offer you carbon monoxide testing. This type of testing is imperative when you use gas appliances in your home. A carbon monoxide leak has the potential to be deadly so you need to be safe. The plumbers can bring their special equipment to your home and will test your house thoroughly. It can keep you safe from problems and is smart to have done every couple of years.

Drain Blockages

When your drains are not working properly, it can really become quite frustrating. You don’t have to continue to put up with these problems when you have plumbers who can help you out. Clearing drain blockages and fixing stopped-up pipes will be easy for plumbing professionals. You can count on the experts at Mark Leonard Plumbing to make this process as easy as it can possibly be. Sewer blockages can also be taken care of so you should know that these plumbing problems can be dealt with even when they are quite large.

Leaking Toilets, Showers, and Taps

Calling the plumbers out to help you fix up leaks is always going to be important. You cannot allow a leaky toilet, shower, or tap to continue to cost you money. Fixing the problem right away is always going to be the best course of action. When you rely on expert plumbers, your leaks can be fixed in a timely fashion.

The best plumbers know exactly what to look for so they are able to assess the situation quickly. They can determine the cause of your leaks and will get to work on fixing the problem. Whether you are experiencing a big leak or you only have a small one that needs to be dealt with, you can rely on your dedicated local plumbers to fix things up.

Fixing Roof Leaks

Roof plumbing problems can also pose a serious threat to your home. If you want to avoid water damage and other annoyances, then you need to make sure that your roof is draining properly. If you are having any issues at all, then you can simply call the plumbers to come to fix things up. They will be able to fix any blockages that are causing problems and can even find the source of any leaks for you. Your roof will function well and you will not have to worry about these roof leaking issues moving forward.

Hot Water Service Repairs and Installation

You need the best plumbers to take care of your hot water service needs. These units are going to need to be serviced and repaired from time to time. Having reliable plumbers who you can call to do the job is imperative. It can help to ensure that your hot water service will continue to work optimally for years to come.

These plumbers can also install a new hot water service for you when you are in need. Just take the time to discuss things with these professionals and everything will be taken care of. You can get your new hot water service installed to perfection. They will be the best business to turn to for any of your hot water service problems.

Call Mark Leonard Plumbing Today

Call Mark Leonard Plumbing today to  take care of everything that you needs to be done. It doesn’t matter whether you have a large plumbing issue or a small task that needs to be done. These reliable plumbers are going to be happy to help you out. Discuss your plumbing needs with a friendly professional today so that you can keep your home safe.

The post Mark Leonard Plumbing Has All Your Plumbing Problems Covered appeared first on Mark Leonard Plumbing.