Whether it’s a hailstorm, a flash flood or a thunderstorm, storms can be unpredictable, causing potential harm to people and damage to homes and businesses. They can also disrupt power, communication systems and local amenities like running water.

That’s why it’s important to be prepared to help keep yourself and your family safe while helping to minimise damage to your property.

O'Brien^® has been part of the Australian community for almost 100 years, so our teams have seen firsthand the impact of storms on our vast country.

So we’ve put together a useful checklist to help you be prepared in advance in case a storm hits.

Here are 10 things you can do around your home before a severe weather event. These tips can help you and your family be better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise.

10 things to do around your home to be storm-ready

1. Check your roof regularly for loose or missing tiles and repair any roof damage as soon as you notice it. This can help you avoid or minimise potential water leaks in heavy rain conditions.
2. Check and clean out your gutters and downpipes to ensure there is proper drainage during a storm. This will prevent overflowing, damage to guttering and backwash that can pool water in places that could cause lingering moisture and water damage.

For help with the cleaning and repair of your gutters, or maintaining your roof, your local O'Brien Plumbing experts can assist.

3. Clean up garden debris like branches and secure any loose objects in your yard, such as outdoor furniture, trampolines, or garden decorations, so they don’t become projectiles in high winds.
4. Check your windows and doors for proper sealing and get any previously broken panes of glass repaired so that they’re in good working order. It is worth checking to make sure you have the correct type of safety glass around your home as well.

Your local O'Brien Glass^® experts can are on hand for replacement and advice for glass around your home.

5. Examine your home for any potential electrical hazards that could occur. Ensuring you have a safety switch installed and maintained on your switchboard and installing a residual-current circuit breaker with over-current protection (RCBO) that guards against accidental electrocution by monitoring the current travelling to and from an electrical load.

Your local O'Brien Electrical experts can perform thorough checks and installations of switchboard & safety switches.

6. Check if your home and contents insurance is up to date and know what you are covered for if it comes to claims with a flood or storm. Take the time to talk to your insurance provider to understand what additional cover may be available so you can consider additional options if you think you need it.
7. Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and other supplies in case you are without power or are isolated for more than a few days. We’ve recently seen how many Australian towns have been affected by prolonged flood waters – so it’s best to be prepared.
8. Charge your mobile phone, power banks and other electronic devices in case of a power outage, so you can contact loved ones or your local O'Brien expert (to glass, plumbing or electrical help)
9. Have an evacuation plan in place beforehand and talk through it with your family and friends, so if the time comes you know what to do and can act quickly.
10. Have an emergency kit ready, just in case, with essential items such as a torch, first aid kit, and batteries.

Stay safe and dry with help from O'Brien^®

It’s always a smart idea to be prepared in advance for storms, and hopefully this checklist is a good starting point for you.

Keep a close eye and ear on the weather and predicted forecast to help your household be as prepared as can be should a storm hit. Always remember, if you need any repairs around the home before or after a weather event – whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or glass repairs, whether it be for electrical or plumbing work or glass repairs – contact your local O'Brien^® team today.

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 719 738 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.  We’re here to keep you safe and dry.

The post Storm Preparation Checklist For Your Home appeared first on O'Brien.

If your property is not properly sealed and maintained, rain can get into the home potentially leading to mold and other problems. To help avoid this, check for loose flashings or deteriorated weather seals on the externals of the home, to prevent inconspicuous water entering and causing damage. 

Our O'Brien Plumbers recommend inspecting these areas annually to check signs of damage or decay. We recommend you engage a local plumbing expert to plug these seals for long lasting effects.

2.Gutter and Drainage System Overflow

Gutters help to protect the foundation and walls of your home because they divert water away from your home and its foundation. Gutters also help capture much needed rain water – if your rainwater tank is connected to your toilets, hose taps or washing machine, keeping your downpipes and gutters clean and having your pumps checked by a licensed plumber will ensure you don’t miss out on capturing as much rain water as possible.

Our O'Brien Plumbers recommend consulting a licensed, experienced professional.This may help to avoid more problems caused by water leaking into the building’s foundation and roof cavities.

3. Damage to Roof

Hail and rain can cause roof damage. Roof damage may appear as dents in metal and roof tiles or cracks on your roof tiles due to hail. If you notice any potential damage, get in touch with a licensed professional.

4.Clogging of household plumbing

During rainy weather household plumbing can become clogged or damaged. Blocked drains can lead to plumbing backflow and can cause problems in the home if not dealt with quickly. A blocked drain will usually be apparent, however, a number of signs to look out for include;

• An unusual smell coming from pipes or drainage
• Puddles or build up of water where it is slow to drain away or doesn’t drain at all
• A gurgling sound emerging from drains and pipes

To help prevent this from happening our O'Brien Plumbers specialise in drain cleaning with specific equipment that may be needed to make them operational again.

O'Brien Plumbers offer a range of services to help protect your home including:

• Hand augers and drain cleaning rods.
• Electric eels.
• High pressure water jetters.
• CCTV inspection of drains.
• Excavation and repair/replacement.
  

Our O'Brien Plumbers come highly experienced in troubleshooting these problems for you.

If you notice plumbing damage or require a licensed plumber to inspect your property contact the experts at O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing. 

The post How You Can Help Prepare Your Home For Adverse Weather Conditions 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.

The post Hot Water Tank Safety Tips For You and Your Family appeared first on O'Brien.

Its daily use in warm baths, those morning showers, our laundry, cleaning and cooking has become such an integral part of our lives that we all take it for granted. However, the warmth and comfort we enjoy when we turn on our taps is dependent upon our hot water systems.

Recognising the early indicators of a failing hot water system will be helpful in proactively addressing any repair or replacement issues – especially during the Winter season when we need hot water more than ever.

We asked our professional O'Brien Plumbing Members from around Australia about what to look out for and here is the list they came up with to help you.

6 Signs your hot water system may need replacing:

1. Your hot water system is old
A home hot water system generally lasts for around 8 to 10 years. You can simply check the age by looking at the manufacturer’s sticker which is usually located on the upper portion of the unit.
Being mindful of the date allows you to pre-empt when your system may need replacing. A new unit may also be more efficient and help to reduce your monthly power bills.

2. Smelly, discoloured or rusty water
Discolouration and foul odours coming from your hot water tap (such as in the basin, bath or shower) may be caused by the presence of bacteria or rust inside your hot water system’s tank. It can also be traced to a broken internal anode rod, which is responsible for killing bacteria and removing microorganisms from the water.

3. Rumbling and weird noises from your hot water system
A well-conditioned hot water system shouldn’t make loud noises – whether it’s cracking, popping, whining, banging, gurgling or bubbling.

These unusual noises may be generated by heated or burned sediment inside the tank. They can also be caused by a part of your hot water system that is becoming worn. Either way, sounds from your water tank is a potential indicator that it needs to be checked by an expert.

4. Leaking or puddles of water from your hot water system
Droplets or pooling water around your hot water tank means there’s a problem. It’s also a safety hazard too.

It’s possible that an expansion of metal might have caused fractures in the tank. Issues with the hot water’s system components such as those related to the tank’s connections and pipe’s pressure can also be plausible reasons. If this is happening, it’s best to call a professional plumber.

5. Your hot water tank releases water at varying temperatures
It’s all about finding that sweet spot between cold and hot water!

However, consistent fluctuations in the temperature of your water may indicate that your water heater may not be sufficient or that it’s struggling to produce the water you require.

6. You’re experiencing reduced water flow from your hot water system
Do you have an unusually low flow of hot water?

This can be traced to the build-up of sediment in your hot water system or plumbing problems within your home. Consulting a professional is helpful in understanding if a repair or replacement is necessary.

Are you experiencing any of these hot water system signs?

Inspecting your hot water system regularly is a good idea because let’s be honest, no one wants a lack of hot water – especially during the colder months.
Keep in mind that prevention is always best. If you’ve already noticed any of these signs, reach out to your local plumbing professional to get a hot water system assessment, and assist with any potential repairs or replacement.
The experts from O'Brien Plumbing can address any of your concerns and answer all your questions about your home hot water system.

Let our expert plumbers help you today!

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

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.

The post 6 Signs Your Hot Water System Might Need Replacing appeared first on O'Brien.

• Kitchen

The sink and/or dishwasher will no doubt be working overtime if you’re hosting this year’s holiday festivities. Check your drains and clear clogs like food and grease buildup, so you can rest easy knowing that your kitchen plumbing is capable of functioning all day without any issues.

• Bathroom

Will you have guests staying at your house throughout the holiday break? If so, prepare your bathroom plumbing. Toilets and shower drains are most prone to clogging, especially when you have a lot of people using it. Saying that bathroom issues are embarrassing is an understatement. Good thing our expert plumbers can help you avoid this nightmare! Get in touch with your local O'Brien Plumber to get your bathroom holiday-ready.

• Roofing and Guttering

If you are spending the holidays out on vacation, don’t forget to maintain your roof and gutters before you leave. Summer storms bring a fair share of rain, so you might want to have your gutters cleaned and free from debris like leaves. This will help you avoid any unwanted rain-brought mess that might surprise you when you get back from your well-deserved trip.

• Pipes and Drains

Do you have a minor plumbing issue that you have been putting off for the past few months – maybe a leaking tap? Or is it taking a long time for water to go down your drains? Holidays are the right time to have it checked. You never know, what seems to be a minor problem right now may only be the tip of the iceberg. And the holidays are the worst time for a breakdown to occur.

How to get your home plumbing system inspected

Get your home inspected by a local qualified plumber to make sure your plumbing system is working efficiently. Professional plumbers at O'Brien can schedule and perform reliable maintenance and inspection of your home plumbing system. Our experts will identify potential problems and provide a solution to prevent inconvenient breakdowns. Simply book online or click here to find your closest expert!

Emergency Plumbing Services

O'Brien Plumbing is always here for you in the event of a plumbing breakdown or emergency. Call your local O'Brien Plumber or find a branch near you!

Licences

O'Brien Group Services Pty Ltd | ACN 132 161 285 | NSW Lic. No 333269C | QLD Lic. No 15117259 (issued under the Queensland Building
and Construction Commission Act 1991) | ACT Lic. No. 201935 | SA Lic. No. PGE 291631 | NT Lic. No. C 9336 | TAS Lic. No. 15606548

The post Home Plumbing: Preparing for the holidays appeared first on O'Brien.