OBrien Electrical and Plumbing Archives | O'Brien O'Brien Mon, 18 Aug 2025 08:11:56 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 The Block 2025: Main Ensuite Reveals Heat Up With Hotwire Comfort! https://www.obrien.com.au/articles/the-block-2025-main-ensuite-reveals-heat-up-with-hotwire-comfort/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:48:32 +0000 https://www.obrien.com.au/?p=34205 The Block 2025 main ensuite bathroom reveals were nothing short of spectacular – and we’re proud to say our O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing crew played a key role behind the scenes. Working across all five homes, our team installed Hotwire underfloor heating in each ensuite, ensuring every bathroom didn’t just look incredible, but also delivered...

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The Block 2025 main ensuite bathroom reveals were nothing short of spectacular – and we’re proud to say our O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing crew played a key role behind the scenes. Working across all five homes, our team installed Hotwire underfloor heating in each ensuite, ensuring every bathroom didn’t just look incredible, but also delivered the comfort of luxurious warmth underfoot.

Han & Can take out the win!

This week’s winners were Han and Can, who scored an impressive 29 points with their daring, statement-making design. Their main ensuite featured a show-stopping amber resin bath with matching twin basins, paired with soft tones and clever panelling. The judges were blown away, praising the room as bold, theatrical and beautifully balanced.

Stunning designs across all homes!

While Han and Can took the crown, every team delivered standout bathrooms:

  • Emma & Ben impressed with a bold maroon-hued palette and curved wall feature, earning praise as “ones to watch.”
  • Mat & Robby wowed with thousands of travertine tiles, creating a luxe, high-end feel.
  • Sonny & Alicia went minimalist with a concrete bath and clever new layout, again proving themselves as budget-savvy strategists.
  • Britt & Taz delivered a spa-inspired wet room, overcoming design challenges to create a calming retreat.

Each ensuite brought a unique personality to the competition, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and innovation.

Adding warmth behind the scenes

Bathrooms are among the most technically demanding spaces to build on The Block. That’s why our O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing team was on site to ensure every ensuite wasn’t just beautiful, but functional and comfortable too. The installation of Hotwire underfloor heating across all bathrooms means each space now combines striking design with everyday luxury.

Congratulations to Han & Can on their well-deserved win, and to all the contestants for delivering such impressive, stylish ensuites. We look forward to seeing what they create next as the competition heats up!

Learn more about Hotwire underfloor heating – yep, you can have it in your home too! Catch up on last week’s main bathroom reveals here.

 

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The Block: Week 1 Bathroom Reveals! https://www.obrien.com.au/articles/the-block-week-1-bathroom-reveal/ Thu, 07 Aug 2025 01:31:52 +0000 https://www.obrien.com.au/?p=34086 The Block contestants jumped straight into the deep end in Week 1, kicking off the season with bathroom renovations as their first challenge. With a $20,000 budget and identical layouts, each team had the same timeframe to bring their vision to life. Here’s a look at each bathroom from the final reveal. House 5’s Robby...

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The Block contestants jumped straight into the deep end in Week 1, kicking off the season with bathroom renovations as their first challenge. With a $20,000 budget and identical layouts, each team had the same timeframe to bring their vision to life.

Here’s a look at each bathroom from the final reveal.

House 5’s Robby and Mat took out the Week 1 win with a score of 26.5/30!

All bathrooms on The Block were fitted with Hotwire underfloor heating, expertly installed by the O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing team.

 

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We’re on The Block! O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing brings the heat with Hotwire https://www.obrien.com.au/articles/were-on-the-block-obrien-electrical-plumbing-brings-the-heat-with-hotwire/ Sun, 27 Jul 2025 09:00:04 +0000 https://www.obrien.com.au/?p=33869 Big news – O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing is appearing on the 2025 season of Channel 9’s The Block! We’ve teamed up with Hotwire Heating to bring energy-efficient underfloor heating to multiple homes featured on the show – and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of Australia’s favourite renovation series! From bathrooms to sleek kitchen...

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Big news – O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing is appearing on the 2025 season of Channel 9’s The Block!

We’ve teamed up with Hotwire Heating to bring energy-efficient underfloor heating to multiple homes featured on the show – and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of Australia’s favourite renovation series!

From bathrooms to sleek kitchen floors, we’ve been behind the scenes installing the latest in heating technology that’s all about comfort, style and smart living.

What are we installing

We’re fitting Hotwire Heating under-tile and in-screed heating systems, a game-changing solution for those chilly mornings. These systems are:

· Quick to heat – in just 30–60 minutes

· Energy-efficient – using low wattage and smart thermostats

· Smart-home compatible – with touch-screen and Wi-Fi enabled thermostats

· Safe and sleek – installed completely under the surface, with built-in safety features

As accredited Hotwire installers, our team ensures every installation meets the highest standards so all you feel is warm, even heat.

Our Role on The Block

From planning through to install, O'Brien Electrical Bendigo worked closely with contestants to deliver tailor-made comfort in several of this year’s stunning homes.

· Floor heating (think bathrooms, kitchens and living zones)

· Custom solutions matched to each room’s layout and finishes

· Smart thermostat integration for personalised, zone-by-zone temperature control

· On-screen action! You might even spot the Bendigo team during the show!

Five benefits of Hotwire products you’ll love!

1. Even heat, everywhere
Unlike traditional heaters that blast hot air in one spot, floor heating gently radiates warmth from the ground up, evenly across the room, for a perfectly balanced climate.

2. Energy efficiency that makes sense
Because the heat rises slowly and steadily, you can set it at a lower temperature and still feel toasty – especially when paired with a Wi-Fi smart thermostat.

3. Comfort that feels luxe
There’s nothing quite like stepping out of bed or the shower onto a warm floor. It’s comfort without the clutter, no bulky radiators, vents or cold spots.

4. Healthier air, healthier homes
Floor heating doesn’t circulate dust or allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers or anyone with asthma. No ducts = no nasties.

5. Designed for real life
Whether it’s your bathroom, ensuite, living room or kitchen underfloor heating is a sleek solution that fits right in. Add a heated towel rail and you might never leave your bathroom. (Fair warning!)

Ready to heat things up?

Explore underfloor heating for your home or next project by getting in touch with your local O’Brien electrician or plumber to complete your Hotwire Floor Heating Installation today.

We’re proud to deliver quality, innovation and comfort – just like you’ll see on The Block.

Tune into The Block on Channel 9 to see our team in action!

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Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence at O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Coopers Plains https://www.obrien.com.au/articles/celebrating-35-years-of-excellence-at-obrien-electrical-plumbing-coopers-plains/ Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:45:31 +0000 https://www.obrien.com.au/?p=33270 O’Brien is proud to congratulate O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Coopers Plains on their momentous business milestone — 35 years of dedicated service, craftsmanship, and community.  What began in 1990 as a modest one-man plumbing business has grown into a dynamic, award-winning operation employing over 35 staff and serving Queensland’s southeast with professionalism and pride. Humble...

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O’Brien is proud to congratulate O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Coopers Plains on their momentous business milestone — 35 years of dedicated service, craftsmanship, and community. 

What began in 1990 as a modest one-man plumbing business has grown into a dynamic, award-winning operation employing over 35 staff and serving Queensland’s southeast with professionalism and pride.

Humble Beginnings with a Ford Galaxie and a Vision

The journey began when Peter traded a Ford Galaxie car for plumbing work — inspiring the original business name, Galaxy Plumbing. With an ex-Telstra van and a strong work ethic, Peter, joined by lifelong mates and his wife Madonna, tackled local maintenance jobs, blocked drains, and even home renovations during quiet spells. As Madonna recalls, “I’d come home from work to find the laundry gone… his explanation? ‘We weren’t busy today.’”

These early chapters reflect the DIY spirit and bold determination that would shape the business for decades to come.

Building a Family and a Business

From their Holland Park home, Peter and Madonna raised their three children — Rachel, Sam, and Nicole — while growing the business and training apprentices like Michael Spragg, who would go on to run his own successful O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing business in Gumdale. 

As demand increased, they expanded from domestic maintenance to new home builds for names like Australand and Coral Homes. In 2000, they began taking on commercial work, starting with St Augustine’s School in Springfield. They are now experts in responsive maintenance in both plumbing and electrical.

Each time they moved family homes, which also acted as the business HQ — from Holland Park to Mansfield to Rochedale — reflected not just growth, but a commitment to keeping family, business, and values at the heart of their success.

The final move was to separate home and business: the business moved to rented offices at Salisbury and then to the current Coopers Plains location which Peter and Madonna purchased and renovated to suit the business requirements. The family moved back to Holland Park up the road from where it all began!

 

Innovation and Evolution Through the O’Brien Network

Joining the O’Brien and Laser Network in 2016 was a pivotal decision that introduced streamlined systems and software upgrades, business reviews, and — perhaps most importantly — a rich network of peers across the country.

Over the last nine years, Madonna and Peter have built deep friendships within the Network — reconnecting with old colleagues and forging new bonds with members from Sydney, Newcastle, and beyond. The camaraderie and knowledge-sharing that comes with being part of the O’Brien and Laser Network has not only strengthened their operations but reinforced their belief in continuous learning and improvement.

Their efforts culminated in a proud achievement in 2024 — being named O’Brien Business of the Year.

Together, Peter and Madonna have trained 66 apprentices, employed over 400 people, and created a legacy that spans generations. They have always kept their people at the core, whether they are team, family or friends.

 

Supporting Mental Health Through TIACS

One of the most meaningful aspects of O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Coopers Plains’ story is their passionate support for TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) — a not-for-profit mental health support service tailored to tradespeople.  TAICS is partly funded by TradeMutt.

TIACS offers free professional counselling for those in blue-collar industries. In the past two years, the Coopers Plains team raised $8,000 for TIACS, adding to their fundraising and awareness efforts through raffles and supplier-supported events. An amazing effort.

Their advocacy ensures that mental health remains a priority in an industry that often doesn’t talk about it enough — and their support reflects the business’s core value: people matter most.

 

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the last 35 years, Madonna said it best: “We need to be proud of what we have achieved.” From training future leaders, growing a vibrant business, and staying true to their roots, O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Coopers Plains continues to embody everything the Network values — family spirit, professionalism, and heart.

Congratulations to Peter, Madonna, and the entire Coopers Plains team. We’re honoured to celebrate this incredible milestone with you.

 

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