But we know that isn’t always practical. Over time, an exposed chip will gather dirt, dust, and moisture. A chip full of debris can affect how the repair looks – and in some cases, may even cause the repair to fail.

That’s why we created the O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit – a simple, effective way to protect your windscreen chip from the elements and keep it clean until one of our expert technicians can repair it for you.

Our kit is a handy little pack that contains two clear adhesive patches designed to keep out dirt, debris, and moisture. We give one to every O'Brien® AutoGlass customer after their visit – but you can also grab one for free from your nearest service centre and keep it in your glovebox.

Why Use the O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit?

• Prevents contamination – keeps dirt and moisture out of the chip.
• Improves repair results – a cleaner chip means a better, more seamless repair.
• Reminds you to book a repair – a patch on your windscreen is a simple visual reminder.

How to Use the O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit

Follow these quick steps if you notice a chip:

1. Apply the patch straight away
Peel off one patch and place it directly over the chip on the outside of your windscreen. This helps stop dirt and moisture from getting in.

2. Keep it clear of your view
Position the patch so it doesn’t block the driver’s line of sight.

3. Book a windscreen chip repair
Call your local O'Brien® AutoGlass team on 1800 834 103 to book your repair appointment.

Important Reminder

The Saver Patch is a temporary fix – it protects the chip from the elements but won’t stop it from spreading. Chips can quickly turn into cracks due to temperature changes, road vibrations, or pressure on the glass. Find out more about what can cause a chip to crack here.

That’s why it’s best to book a repair as soon as possible. Whether you choose our convenient mobile repair service that comes to you or to visit the nearest O’Brien® AutoGlass location , we’ll get your windscreen damage fixed and get you back on the road.

Get Your Free O'Brien® Saver Patch Kit

Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to weekend sport, or planning a family road trip – be prepared before you get a chip! Drop into your nearest O'Brien® AutoGlass location to collect your free kit and keep it in your glovebox.

If you do get a chip:

Cover it immediately with the Saver Patch
Call O'Brien® on 1800 834 103
Book your windscreen chip repair as soon as possible

Remember, repairing a windscreen chip is faster, cheaper, and greener than replacing a windscreen — so don’t wait!

The post How to Protect Your Windscreen Chip with the O’Brien® Saver Patch Kit appeared first on O'Brien.

Passing road traffic can cause loose stones to bounce up from the road and hit your windscreen glass at any time, potentially causing a chip.

If you do get a chip in your windscreen, it’s important to get it checked out and repaired as soon as possible. That’s because your windscreen chip can easily become a crack at any time, and often when you least expect it – possibly costing you a new windscreen.

At O'Brien^®, we are experts in repairing windscreen chips. We will get you back on the road in just 30 minutes, and you can drive away with confidence. Plus, if you’ve got comprehensive car insurance, your chip repair is usually free!

Let’s run through the four steps you need to take to get your windscreen chip repaired with your local O'Brien^® AutoGlass experts:

1. Cover the chip to prevent dirt or debris from getting into it

If dirt or debris gets in, it can contaminate your chip and continue to show even once your chip is repaired. Temporarily covering the chip with a piece of clear tape from the outside will help to maintain the cosmetic quality of the chip once it has been repaired. Just make sure it doesn’t obscure the driver’s vision in any way.

Even better, if you’ve got an O'Brien^® Saver Patch Kit, you can place this over the chip to help prevent further contamination. Again, just ensure it isn’t placed in the driver’s line of vision.

Remember, though, that this will not prevent the chip from cracking – which brings us to step 2…

2. Call O'Brien^® or your insurance provider to book a windscreen chip appointment

Once you’ve covered your chip, jump on the phone to O'Brien^® (or book online if easier) and organise a time that suits you to have your windscreen chip repaired.

Alternatively, you can contact your insurance provider to check if you’re covered, and if so, they will put you through to the O'Brien^® team or they’ll contact us to organise the repair on your behalf.

3. Choose either a mobile or in-branch chip repair service

At O'Brien^®, we like to make things as easy as possible for you.

When you book a time to get your windscreen chip repaired, you can choose between visiting your local O'Brien^® AutoGlass branch or having one of our mobile technicians come to you – whether you are at home, work or on holiday – whatever is most convenient!

4. Give us 30 minutes and we’ll get you on your way

Once we’ve performed a proper assessment of your windscreen chip and determined that it can be repaired, it will take one of our skilled Automotive Technicians just 30 minutes to repair your chip, getting you back out on the road fast.

Sometimes, we may determine that a chip is too big for us to repair or it may be too close to the edge of the windscreen (there are a few other things we need to check too). If this happens, we will organise to replace your windscreen instead. Find out more here.

If you’ve got a chip in your windscreen, don’t wait – call O'Brien^® today

Remember, it doesn’t take much for a chip to turn into a crack. We replace thousands of windscreens every year across Australia, but a chip repair is faster, greener and cheaper – so we always recommend you act as soon as you first see your windscreen is chipped

So, if you have a chip in your windscreen, follow the steps above, and have your windscreen chip repaired with O'Brien^® AutoGlass. Call 1800 059 829 now or click here to book online today.

The post I Just Got A Chip In My Windscreen – What Do I Do? appeared first on O'Brien.

Regular checks of your windscreen can help you spot any new chips so you can get them repaired before the chip turns into a crack. Not only is a full windscreen replacement more costly, but it also takes more time, plus it produces more waste (over a chip repair).

So, with windscreen chips, it pays to be proactive!

While some auto-glaziers and vehicle repairers can repair a chip, it’s important to know you’re putting your windscreen in the right hands to ensure the best quality chip repair possible.

To help you out, let’s discuss the things you need to know when looking for a Chip Repairer.

What is a windscreen chip?

A chip in your windscreen appears when the glass is struck by debris, and a small piece chips off the main glass piece, leaving a distracting shallow indent.

Several factors can cause windscreen chips, the most common being loose gravel, stones or fragments from the surface of the road that flick up from underneath the tyres of your own or another vehicle to hit the glass.

These little chips may seem insignificant at first, but they can easily turn from a chip into a crack quite quickly, which is why it’s important to get them repaired before they do.

Let’s talk about how to find the right auto glass expert to repair your windscreen chip.

Here’s what you need to ask when choosing a Chip Repairer:

To ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth and that your windscreen gets adequately repaired, you need to do some research.

To guide you, here are five questions to ask your Chip Repairer to ensure you are selecting the best chip repair service:

1. What type of materials will be used for the repair?

First and foremost, you must ensure the quality of the materials used on your windscreen. The higher the quality of the material, the longer the repair will last.

When repairing a chip, service providers typically apply a liquid resin to fill the gaps in the area. However, not all types of resin are the same – many other resins can deteriorate over time which can cause chips to reappear, or worse, turn into cracks.

2. What tools and technology will be used?

There are several ways to repair windscreen chips: some do it by hand and others make use of DIY kits. But to make sure that micro-cracks are efficiently repaired, steady workmanship and careful accuracy are required.

That’s why, when looking for a Chip Repairer, you must also consider their process for repairing your windscreen chips.

At O'Brien^®, we use our exclusive Advanced Repair Technology (ART) system that creates a vacuum around the chip to remove all dust and dirt particles. Then, we apply pressure to push our special resin into the chip to fill in every micro-crack accurately.

3. What kind of experience does the Chip Repairer have?

To get a quality chip repair, you want to look for an expert auto-glazier with extensive experience. This will ensure that your windscreen chips are handled with precision.

At O'Brien^®, all of our windscreen chip repairs are completed by trained automotive technicians who undertake assessments for quality and performance every two years along with additional training for continuous improvement, which ensures a high-quality repair or replacement from start to finish.

4. Will my windscreen look almost like new after the repair?

While a chip repair is not a complete cosmetic repair, it’s still important to know how your windscreen will look after the service.

In most cases, our repair will look better than the unrepaired damage, but it will not make the chip repair entirely invisible. The repair process usually leaves a minor blemish that will not interfere with the driver’s vision.

Here’s an example of a chip before and after repair by O'Brien^®.

Our technicians at O'Brien^® always make sure that the damaged area is completely filled and then cleaned and polished to leave a smooth finish.

5. What warranty do I get for the service?

Since this is a professional service, you want to make sure that you are getting a guarantee over your service provider’s workmanship, so they stand behind their work on your vehicle..

At O'Brien^®, we take the risk of the repair failing because if it does, or if we can see the repair is visibly distracting to the driver, we will deduct the chip repair cost from the cost of a replacement windscreen from O'Brien^® that would have been required in the first place. For more details on our Guarantee, see here.

Not every Chip Repairer is the same – and the answers to these five essential questions will help you decide which service provider to choose for your windscreen chip repairs.

Just remember that your windscreen is an essential part of your vehicle – so it’s important to choose the right service provider to help you maintain it for you.

O'Brien^® AutoGlass is an ideal choice for your windscreen repair needs

Using our exclusive ART (Advanced Repair Technology) system, we can inject a special resin into your windscreen chip that will fill the affected area, to prevent the chip turning into a crack.

With hundreds of locations around Australia, you can easily visit one of our local O'Brien^® AutoGlass branches or one of our mobile experts can come to you – to get you back on the road in just 30 minutes.

If you’ve got a chip in your vehicle’s windscreen, leave it to the right experts.

Contact O'Brien^® AutoGlass by calling 1800 059 829 to get your windscreen chip repair sorted today.

The post 5 Questions You Can Ask When Choosing A Chip Repairer appeared first on O'Brien.

O'Brien Glass^® glaziers are experts in all things glass. We have a long history of using glass to enhance homes and office spaces.

So, here are a few pointers from our glazing experts on how you can utilise the many benefits of glass to assist you with making informed decisions when building or renovating your home or office.

Indoor climate control and energy efficiency

Modern architectural design often uses glass for a stylish, contemporary feel whilst providing natural light inside the home or office and protection from outside elements.

However, you may not be aware that a standard piece of glass can be a poor insulator, making it less effective in controlling heat gain or loss. As a result, the glass industry has developed a variety of solar and thermal control glass that can help mitigate the harsh extremes of the Australian climate – making it ideal for buildings countrywide.

O'Brien^® offers a range of specialised window film solutions that deliver several climate control benefits to your home. For instance, our ‘Energy Star Rated’ solar film can help keep your home cool, protected from UV rays, and safe from glare, which provides resistance to heat flow and can help lower your heating or cooling costs.

Noise reduction and sound insulation

Is your home or office located within a busy environment? If so, sound control is vital to keep your space peaceful and comfortable.

All types of glass allow the passage of sound but in varying degrees. Generally, the thicker the glass is, the better the sound dampening properties.

Due to its makeup, laminated glass has better sound insulation qualities, and double glazing also helps with sound dampening.

Gaps or cracks around the window frame can also compromise the acoustic qualities of the glass. So, if you need help reducing unwanted noise, we recommend consulting an O'Brien^® glazier for expert advice and quality workmanship.

Storm and bandit resistance

One of the most common causes of glass breakage is external impact. Therefore, installing the correct type of glass is essential to protect your property against unfortunate incidents such as theft and severe weather.

Because of its Polyvinyl Butyral interlayer, laminated safety glass is recommended by O'Brien^® experts in high traffic areas like shopfronts. When it breaks, this type of glass forms a web-like pattern with a tendency to remain within its frame, increasing the amount of time and effort needed to access your property or office. However, even when broken, laminated safety window glass can continue to be a barrier against intruders, debris, projectiles and the weather – an extra layer of protection for you, your business and your family.

Privacy

Other than installing blockout blinds or curtains, several glass solutions offer varying degrees of privacy depending on your preference and needs. For example, O'Brien^® offers different types of window tinting and films for your privacy. With this solution, you can usually customise the level of light required in your space to suit your needs.

It is, however, important to note that tinted windows don’t always offer much privacy at night, especially when the illumination inside your home is greater than the outside environment. Therefore, for optimum privacy, we suggest you pair tinted windows with blinds or curtains.

Decorative and frosted glass are also effective solutions to increase privacy in your home or office. These can make bathrooms, meeting rooms, offices or room partitions more private. If you’re looking for a more affordable and temporary alternative, decorative glass can also be a great option. O'Brien^® can supply, install and replace decorative and frosted glass tailored to your needs.

Fire protection

When using glass in the kitchen, such as splashbacks behind stovetops, it is important to use glass products that meet the requirements under Australian Standards AS4551/AG101 and AS5601/AG601. These Standards are designed to help prevent excessive heat and possible fire in combustible materials such as walls that sit behind a glass splashback.

For bushfire prone areas, Australian Standard AS3959–2018 prescribes the use of fire-rated glazing to help reduce your home’s risk of ignition. Fire-resistant glazing helps reduce the spread of fire in your home through the use of specialist glass, framing and installation methods.

Be sure to consult your trusted O'Brien^® expert and local relevant authorities for the appropriate glazing solution to your individual needs.

Are you ready to make your home or workspace better with glass?

At O'Brien^®, if there is one thing we know, it’s glass and how it can make a difference to our customers. With over 95 years of experience, we are here to help you make your home or office a better place – no matter where you are in Australia.

Simply reach out to your trusted O'Brien^® experts and talk to our friendly advisors for the appropriate glazing solution that’s tailored to your needs. Call us on 1800 059 829 or send us a message.

The post 5 Ways Glass Can Help You Build A Better Home Or Office appeared first on O'Brien.

The new year period is often a time of making resolutions and setting goals to improve our lives in the coming year. However, we often overlook our home. It’s not only the place where we spend most of our time, but it’s our sanctuary that we retreat to. So it deserves a bit of love too!

As we kick into 2022, let’s discuss the ways you can refresh your home aesthetics with O'Brien^®.

How to improve the look of your home with glass

Glass is used throughout our homes, from splashbacks to showers, windows to doors, and it offers so much potential to give your home a fresh new look. Not only can glass help revitalise and brighten up your living spaces, but the right glazing services can help improve the value of your home, making it more liveable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.

8 ways to refresh your home using glass

Here are some of the different ways you can refresh your home with glass:

1. Repair or replace damaged and old window panels

If you’ve got damage or cracks in any of the windows in your home, it’s best to have them repaired before they become more of an issue. The same goes for any windows that may be rattling or loose.
Your local glazing experts at O'Brien^® can help you with all your glass repair and replacement needs.

2. Install safety glass

To comply with the latest Australian Safety Standards, safety-rated glass such as toughened or laminated glass should be used in certain areas of your home, such as low windows.

3. Complement your front entrance with textured glass

Textured glass elements can be a creative way to redesign and enhance your entryway. It can also help maintain privacy while increasing the natural light that enters your home.

4. Use glass to present your living room as a larger space

Your living room is where you spend a lot of time relaxing with your family or entertaining guests. As such, it’s important for this space to feel open, inviting and comfortable.
A great way to provide the illusion of a larger space is to install wide or tall windows that help bring the outside world in and increase the natural light in your home.

5. Apply window tinting and film solutions

Window tinting and film solutions can help to cool your home, improve your home’s energy efficiency, protect you from UV rays and reduce the potential for your furniture, curtains or carpet to fade in the sunlight.

6. Revamp your bathrooms with glass shower screens

To improve the look of your bathroom in your home, consider installing modern glass shower screens. Transparent, sleek glass screens can help make your bathroom look bigger and more modern while also being easier to clean and maintain.
If you’re looking for more natural light in your bathroom but still want to ensure your privacy, you can use glass bricks or frosted glass windows as well.

7. Re-style your kitchen with glass cupboards and splashbacks

Glass cupboards can add a touch of style and transparent elegance to your kitchen while also making it easier to find the things you need.
Adding glass splashbacks along your benchtops can also help open up your kitchen, providing the illusion of more space and being easier to clean after cooking up a storm.

8. Add a pet door to your glass door or panel

Give your pets the freedom and convenience of moving from inside to outside and back again without having to bother you.
At O'Brien^®, we can install pet doors in glass doors or panels with ease. Pet doors are most suited to low-level glazed panels or lowlight panels and sidelights, and we can also install pet doors in sliding doors where possible. Click here for more information.

So, are you ready to refresh your home in 2022?

At O'Brien^®, we can help you improve your home and tick off that new year’s resolution.

Our local glazing experts can provide you with all kinds of quality glass products and glazing services – from emergency replacement and new glass installation to shower screens, window tinting and pet doors.
Contact us today, and we’ll help you prepare, protect and improve your home with quality glazing services for 2022 and beyond.

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 059 829 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.

The post Refresh Your Home in 2022: Glazing Tips to Give Your Home a Fresh New Look appeared first on O'Brien.

Here are some tips from our O'Brien^® technicians on how to sustain your less-used vehicle throughout lockdowns — and beyond.

Start the engine a couple of times a week

If you have time and are able to, drive your car around the block. If not, simply turning on and running your car for five to 10 minutes should do the trick.

It helps keep fluids cycling and ensures everything stays lubricated. On top of your ensuring your engine remains well oiled, it also helps to preserve your battery.

As an extra safety precaution, ensure the garage door is open when you start the engine to make sure there’s plenty of ventilation.

Check tyre pressure

Your tyres can develop flat spots and deteriorate if they aren’t on the move.

If you’re turning on your engine but don’t have time for a quick trip, just move your car a few feet forward or backward to maintain your tyres’ shape.

And whether they’re old or new, make sure to keep an eye on tyre pressure.

Provide coverage

To protect your car from inclement weather, we recommend storing it in a garage or covered port.

If you don’t have access to permanent coverage, invest in a well-ventilated car cover.

Make sure to clear off any debris before you secure the cover, as it’ll preserve your exterior and help keep your windscreen safe.

Don’t forget your fluids

Even though you aren’t adding much mileage to your car these days, it’s still important to keep an eye on its fluids as they can degrade over time.

Don’t miss your oil change appointments and remember to replenish your wiper fluid and engine coolant.

Inspect the interior and exterior regularly

By constantly checking the inside and outside of the car, you’ll be better informed and reminded of any issues which need to be dealt with before they turn into a bigger problem.

• Check the vehicle’s exterior for rust, paint chips, rough spots or cracks.
• Confirm that all of the lights on the vehicle are still working.
• Examine the windscreen for any chips, cracks or scratches. While a windscreen chip may seem small, it could mean a full replacement if left unfixed.
• Check for any odours inside your vehicle, ‘musty’ smelling floor mats could be a possible sign of water damage or flooding.
• Clean the interior and exterior of the vehicle often to remove any dust, leaves/plant material and bird droppings (especially if left outside).

No matter how little or how much you’re driving these days, it’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance so you can steer clear of avoidable issues down the road.

Take care of your vehicle now, so when you’re ready to hit the road in the future, there aren’t any roadblocks in your way.

O'Brien^® can help with any maintenance related to windscreen repair and replacement, as well as other vehicle glass, so call us on 1800 059 829 to book an appointment with our experts.

The post Tips For Maintaining An Unused Car appeared first on O'Brien.

To help you avoid a costly mistake when purchasing a second-hand car, here are some things you should consider:

Research options

There’s no shortage of second-hand cars for sale. It’s important to research your options extensively and narrow your search down to the ones that are most suitable for you. Equip yourself with knowledge about your target vehicle before contacting sellers. You can ask someone you know who has experience about buying a second-hand car or join forums that focus on your target make or model. Also, don’t forget to make a price comparison of the vehicles you are interested in.

Inspect the body of the vehicle thoroughly

The first thing you should inspect on a secondhand vehicle is the exterior or body condition. Check each body panel and the roof for any scratches, dents, hail damage or signs of rust. Remember to also inspect the windscreen thoroughly for any signs of damage. Whether small chips or a crack, the damage can worsen sometimes even with just ordinary road use and could lead to a replacement which can be more expensive. Also, depending on the size or location of a crack, it may not pass a roadworthy inspection. Make sure to also check that the side windows operate successfully and go up and down smoothly, with no sounds of screeching or crunching.

The interior of the vehicle should also be inspected. Are the pedals, seatbelts, sound system, air conditioning, and controls working properly? Can you smell any odour that may indicate water leaks? If yes, identify where it’s coming from. Ask the seller if the vehicle glass has been replaced before because any leaks could be the result of a poor vehicle glass replacement.

Have it checked by a qualified mechanic

Before you make an offer or close a deal, it is very important that you have the used vehicle checked by a mechanic that does diagnostic work. After a thorough diagnosis, ask the mechanic for a written report detailing the condition of the vehicle, noting any existing problems and the costs of getting them fixed. You can use the report to negotiate a fair price with the seller.

Go for a test drive

If the vehicle has passed your visual inspection and diagnostic test, the next step is to take it for a test drive. By taking the car for a spin, you may discover stuff about the steering, brakes, or engine that you hadn’t previously noticed. Even though you may be purchasing a second-hand vehicle, safety technology has been around for some time now – so ask the seller whether the vehicle has any safety technology embedded within the vehicle or even the windscreen and ensure that it is functioning as it should.

If you’re not knowledgeable enough to identify possible problems, you should ask an expert to come along so he or she can inform you if there’s something wrong with the vehicle.

Prepare a budget for repairs

Whilst purchasing a second-hand vehicle may seem cheaper than brand new upfront, you should always consider the maintenance costs and any issues that may arise.

Get the right insurance before driving away

We also recommend speaking to your insurer to get the right car insurance to suit you.

Vehicle glass repair and replacement experts

If your newly purchased second-hand vehicle has glass damage, take it to your local O'Brien® AutoGlass branch. Our skilled technicians can do a thorough inspection and provide high-quality vehicle glass repair or replacement that’s needed to make your vehicle safe to drive.

Find your nearest O'Brien® AutoGlass branch or call us on 1800 059 829 today.

The post What to Consider When Purchasing a Second Hand Car appeared first on O'Brien.

This is why it’s important to make it a point to check your wiper blades from time to time and see if they are still functioning effectively.

What happens when your wiper blades are worn out?

Wiper blades are made of metal and rubber, which are constantly exposed to various elements such as vehicle waxes and oil, extreme temperatures, snow, dirt, dust and other airborne debris. These can collect on your wiper blades, causing the rubber part to deteriorate over time.

You will start to notice your wiper blades are worn out if:

• They start to leave streaks
• They skip sections on your windscreen
• You hear excessive squeaking or other unusual sounds when in use

In time, the damaged rubber will eventually expose the metal part of the wiper blades, giving them direct contact to your windscreen. If this happens, the exposed metal may cause scratches on various sections of the windscreen when in use.

If left in this condition, not only could they damage your windscreen glass, the uneven cleaning of the windscreen may cause driving distractions and compromise the driver’s road visibility.

How to maintain your windscreen wiper blades

You can extend the life of your wiper blades by regularly checking their condition and wiping away any stuck debris. Some manufacturers recommend inspecting your wiper blades every six months for wear. This could be shorter or longer depending on how often they are exposed to various weather conditions.

O'Brien^® experts recommend wiper blades to be replaced immediately when the signs of wearing begin to show. This is to help ensure that the driver’s view of the road remains unimpaired whilst driving in any weather condition.

At O'Brien^®, we offer Bosch wiper blades for great performance. These can be purchased from your nearest O'Brien^® AutoGlass branch, or you can have them installed on your vehicle by our experts when you have your windscreen repaired or replaced.

For more information, visit your local O'Brien^® AutoGlass branch or ask our experts about replacing your Windscreen Wipers when making a booking!

The post Can Worn Out Wiper Blades Damage Your Windscreen? appeared first on O'Brien.

This means it has never been more important to help make sure your home is safe for you and your family. However, there are a lot of day-to-day safety risks that we all overlook every day.

When it comes to keeping everyone safe, prevention is better than cure. So to help, our O'Brien Electrical experts have compiled these 5 proactive home safety tips.

1. Do not overload sockets and power boards

With more people working from home, using chargers, computers, monitors and more, it’s crucial to make sure that sockets and power boards are not getting overloaded. This can potentially cause electrical breaks, which pose a danger to your home as they can lead to fires or electric shock. To help prevent this, make sure you are switching off sockets and power points when you are not using them. Also, don’t plug too many appliances or devices into just one socket using multiple power boards or double adaptors.

2. Install a Safety Switch

To help further protect your family, our Electrical experts recommend having a Residual Current Device (RCD) or Safety Switch installed in your household. These devices monitor your power supply and quickly shut off if any safety issues are detected. So, if anything was to happen, like a light bulb blowing, using an appliance with an electrical fault, a socket burning or water getting into an electrical connection, the RCD or Safety Switch would be the first line of defence to help protect your household from electric shocks or sparks which can cause a fire.

3. Be Fire Smart

Fires are a significant risk in households and can pose a serious danger to you and your family. Keeping an eye on all the little things can make a big difference.

For example, making sure to keep curtains, clothes or bedding away from portable heaters, and be mindful not to leave stoves or open flames, like candles, unattended.

Keep wet clothes at least a metre away from heaters or fireplaces, and never place clothes or towels directly onto your heater. Also, don’t forget to clean the lint filter every time you use a clothes dryer, as leftover lint can easily catch fire.

4. Check Smoke Alarms

Speaking of which – it’s important to have functioning smoke alarms installed in your house. O'Brien Electrical experts recommend smoke alarms be installed in all bedrooms and living spaces, considering that a lot of household fires occur when people are sleeping. Make sure you test your alarms at least once a month to ensure they’re fully operational.

You should also make sure your smoke alarms are interconnected – meaning that if one alarm goes off, the rest of the smoke alarms in the house will also be alerted. Having smoke alarms with photoelectric sensors further helps your home safety, as they best detect smoke and smouldering fires, which are most common in households.

Any smoke alarm in your home must meet the requirements of Australian Standards and should be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

At O'Brien, all our professional electricians are licensed and fully qualified, meaning they are ready to help you with all of your smoke alarm needs, from questions to installation and replacement.

5. Talk to an O'Brien Expert

If you are unsure about electrical safety in your home, or you have any concerns, speak to a licensed O'Brien Electrician today. No matter what your electrical inquiry is, our local and experienced technicians can answer all your questions and provide electrician services if required.

Remember: you and your family’s safety are the number one priority. Paying close attention to these tips and being proactive will mean you have more peace of mind every day.

The post How To Help Keep Your Family Safe At Home appeared first on O'Brien.

However, as with anything that involves heat, there’s always a need to be safety conscious. Everyone can experience scalding from hot water, especially children, the elderly and people with a disability.

This is why it’s important to have a safety-first attitude about your household water and your Hot Water System.

We reached out to our professional O'Brien Plumbing members from around Australia to share their top safety tips about hot water use and your hot water tank. Here’s their list to help you enjoy your hot water while keeping you and your family safe.

1. Install a tempering valve to minimise the risk of scalding.

To adhere to the Plumbing Regulations, The Australian Government requires that all new hot water systems should feature a tempering valve or have a thermostatic mixing valve installed.

A tempering valve helps ensure your hot water’s temperature will not exceed 50°C when it comes out of your tap – which is warm enough for baths and showers, but not too hot to cause scalding.

The below graph* shows how important it is to have a hot water tempering valve to avoid excess heat and the potential of resulting burns.

If you’re unsure if your hot water system has a tempering valve, speak to a professional Plumber today.

* Reference: Chris Riedy, Geoff Milne, 2013, Your Home, Australian Government, https://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy/hot-water-service

2. Immediately repair dripping hot water taps and leaking appliances, including the relief valve from your water heater.

Inspecting all components of your hot water system and undertaking repairs when necessary are both important steps to ensuring your water heater is performing well. A relief valve is an important part of this.
A relief valve protects storage water heaters by eliminating excess pressure in the hot water system.

However, if you’ve found your tank is leaking and that a bucket placed under the valve is being filled in just a day, it’s a sign that you may need to replace your hot water tank.

3. To prevent the growth of bacteria like Legionella, hot water storage systems for residential buildings must be heated to a minimum temperature of 60°C.

Bacteria like Legionella can be a serious health concern when present at high concentrations in your water. Heating your water at a temperature of over 60°C (in the tank – not at the tap, as per point 1) will help kill any bacteria.

It’s for this reason that we don’t recommend turning your hot water system off when going away on holidays. However, if you still choose to, ensure that the water is heated and stored above 60°C for at least 35 minutes before using it again. Just be aware that it can take some time to heat to that temperature after having been turned off.

4. Maintain your hot water system and have it serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Regular hot water tank maintenance by a professional Plumber will help prevent issues and problems from occurring while keeping your tank running efficiently. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that your hot water system has been properly serviced.

Why is it important to follow hot water safety measures?

While we all love our hot water, observing these safety precautions will help minimise the risk of you and your loved ones from having an accident, and help prevent running out of hot water.

If you’re in doubt or have any questions, speak to one of our experts from O'Brien Plumbing who can provide you with the peace of mind when it comes to hot water safety.

Our expert O'Brien Plumbers are here for all of your hot water needs

We understand how vital it is to have a hot water system that is fully functional and safe.

To make sure your needs are met, we’re committed to undertaking quality inspections, performing repairs and installing effective replacements for your home’s hot water system.

Visit obrien.com.au today to find a plumber near you and we can start discussing your options.

When you call O'Brien Plumbing you can be sure you’ve called the experts.

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