HC Plumbing Blog

Understanding Sewerage Treatment Plants and Brand Options in South East Queensland

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:00:25 GMT

Understanding Sewerage Treatment Plants and Brand Options in South East Queensland

Sewerage treatment plants are an integral part of modern infrastructure that helps manage and treat wastewater effectively, preventing environmental pollution and ensuring public health. South East Queensland is known for its diverse range of sewage treatment systems, with various terminology used to describe them. In this blog post, we will explore the different terms associated with sewerage treatment plants, such as HSTP, STP, and OSSF. Additionally, we will introduce some popular brand names that have become synonymous with sewerage treatment plants in the region, including Biocycle, Taylex, Supertreat, and Ozzi Kleen. Finally, we will highlight HC Plumbing's capabilities in designing, supplying, and installing various sewage treatment systems, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right system to meet your specific needs.

Understanding Terminology

1. Sewage Treatment Plant (STP):

Sewage treatment plants are facilities designed to treat wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries. In South East Queensland, these plants are essential for maintaining water quality standards and environmental protection.

2. Household Sewage Treatment Plant (HSTP):

Household sewage treatment plants (HSTPs) are small-scale systems designed to treat wastewater generated by individual households or small communities. These systems are decentralized and offer a more localized solution for wastewater treatment.

3. Onsite Sewerage Facility (OSSF):

Onsite sewerage facilities, often referred to as OSSFs, are decentralized sewage treatment systems installed on a property, typically for single homes or small communities. They are crucial for rural and remote areas where centralized sewage treatment may not be feasible.

Exploring Popular Brand Names

1. Biocycle:

Biocycle is a well-known brand in the South East Queensland region, offering a range of household sewage treatment plant options.

2. Taylex:

Taylex is another reputable brand providing sewage treatment solutions for residential and commercial applications.

3. Supertreat:

Supertreat is a trusted name in the industry, offering concrete sewage treatment plants that comply with Australian standards.

4. Ozzi Kleen:

Ozzi Kleen specializes in heavy duty polyethylene sewage treatment and wastewater recycling solutions. They provide innovative systems that are not only reliable but also environmentally sustainable and efficient to run, reducing the environmental impact of wastewater disposal. Their systems use biological processes to break down wastewater, making them environmentally friendly and cost-effective to run. Being lightweight they are a common choice on sloping and blocks with restricted access.

HC Plumbing's Expertise

HC Plumbing is a leading company situated in Toowoomba and servicing the surrounding regions, known for its expertise in designing, supplying, and installing a wide range of sewerage treatment systems. With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and public health, we can help you choose the best system for your specific needs.

Why Choose HC Plumbing?

1. Comprehensive Solutions:

HC Plumbing offers comprehensive solutions for all your sewerage treatment needs. Whether you require a Biocycle system, Taylex system, Supertreat system, Ozzi Kleen system, or an alternative system available in the market, they have you covered.

2. Expert Guidance:

Choosing the right sewerage treatment system can be a daunting task. HC Plumbing's experienced professionals can guide you through the process, helping you make an informed decision based on your property's size, location, and wastewater treatment requirements.

3. Customized Designs:

HC Plumbing understands that every property is unique. They can design a tailor-made sewage treatment solution that fits your property's specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and environmental sustainability and have those plans submitted to and approved by your local Council as part of the installation process.

4. Professional Installation:

Installing a sewerage treatment system requires precision and expertise. HC Plumbing's skilled technicians ensure that your chosen system is installed correctly, meeting all regulatory standards.

5. All-Inclusive Quotes:

When you contact HC Plumbing at 0439 648 390 , you can expect to receive an all-inclusive quote that covers the cost of the system, installation, and any additional services required. This transparency allows you to budget effectively for your sewerage treatment or septic project.

Sewerage treatment plants play a vital role in maintaining public health and environmental well-being. Understanding the terminology associated with these systems, such as STP, HSTP, and OSSF, is crucial for informed decision-making. Moreover, recognizing popular brand names like Biocycle, Taylex, Supertreat, and Ozzi Kleen helps you identify trusted options in South East Queensland.

HC Plumbing's expertise in designing, supplying, and installing various sewerage treatment systems makes them a reliable partner for your wastewater management needs. By calling 0439 648 390 , you can take the first step towards a cleaner and more sustainable solution. Our professionals will help you determine the system best suited to your requirements and provide you with a comprehensive, all-inclusive quote. Choose HC Plumbing for a sewage treatment solution that meets your specific needs while safeguarding the environment.

Decoding the Mystery: Unravelling Chemical-Scented Town Water and its Effects on Your Well-being

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 23:59:54 GMT

Decoding the Mystery: Unravelling Chemical-Scented Town Water and its Effects on Your Well-being

Imagine taking a sip of water from your tap, only to be met with an overpowering smell and taste of chemicals. As you shower, the water's harshness dries out your skin, ruins your hair, and even stings your eyes. This unsettling scenario is unfortunately a reality for many individuals living in towns where water quality issues persist. In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons behind the unpleasant odours, flavours, and adverse effects of town water, and explore potential solutions to mitigate these problems.

Understanding the Culprit: Chemical Contamination

The root cause of the chemical smell and taste in town water can often be attributed to various contaminants that make their way into the water supply. The presence of chemicals like chlorine, chloramines, and sulphur compounds can lead to the distinctive scent and taste that you experience when you turn on your tap. These chemicals are commonly used for water disinfection, but their excessive presence can create an unpleasant sensory experience for consumers.

Chlorine and chloramines, for instance, are added to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens present in the water. While this treatment is crucial for safeguarding public health, the resulting chemical compounds can interact with organic matter in the water, producing byproducts that contribute to the off-putting odour and taste. Additionally, sulphur compounds, often originating from natural sources or industrial activities, can lead to the distinctive "rotten egg" smell that some individuals notice in their water.

The Impact on Your Body and Well-being

Skin and Hair Woes

The effects of chemically treated water on your skin and hair can be deeply frustrating. High levels of chlorine and other chemicals strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and prone to discomfort. Moreover, the harshness of the water can weaken your hair's structure, causing it to become brittle, dull, and more difficult to manage.

Eye Irritation

Experiencing stinging or redness in your eyes after coming into contact with water might be a direct result of chemical contamination. Chlorine and other disinfection byproducts can be particularly irritating to the sensitive tissues of your eyes, leading to temporary discomfort and even exacerbating existing eye conditions.

Respiratory Distress

Chemicals like chloramines can escape into the air during activities such as showering, and inhaling these airborne contaminants can potentially irritate your respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing and wheezing, especially for individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions.

Finding Solutions: Steps You Can Take

Filtration Systems

Investing in a water filtration system can be an effective way to remove or reduce the presence of chemicals and contaminants from your water supply. There are various options available, such as activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems, each designed to target specific types of contaminants. These systems can significantly improve the taste, odour, and overall quality of your tap water.

Shower Filters

To address the issues related to skin and hair, consider installing a shower filter. These filters are designed to remove chlorine and other impurities from the water before it touches your body, helping to alleviate dryness, irritation, and hair damage.

Water Conditioners

Water conditioning systems are specifically designed to address the adverse effects of hard water, which can exacerbate skin and hair problems. These systems work by reducing the minerals that contribute to water hardness, making it gentler on your skin and hair.

Contact Your Local Water Authority

If you're experiencing persistent issues with your town's water quality, it's essential to communicate your concerns to your local water authority. They can provide information about the water treatment processes in place and any ongoing efforts to improve water quality. Your feedback can also prompt investigations into potential sources of contamination and lead to necessary remediation actions.

Hydration Alternatives

While addressing the odour and taste of water is crucial, it's also essential to stay hydrated. If the smell and taste of tap water are deterring you from consuming an adequate amount, consider using a water pitcher with a built-in filter or installing a filter at your kitchen tap. Remember, maintaining proper hydration is essential for your overall well-being.

The frustration of encountering chemically-scented town water that wreaks havoc on your skin, hair, and eyes is a shared experience for many individuals. Understanding the sources of these issues, the impact on your well-being, and the potential solutions available can empower you to take action. The best way to become educated as to which solution is the best to counter your personal chemically treated water woos is with the assistance of HC Plumbing by calling 0439 648 390 . Whether it be installing filtration systems, using shower filters, or engaging with local water authorities, you can work towards enjoying cleaner, more comfortable water that enhances your daily life.

Essential Plumbing Maintenance Tips for a Smooth Transition from Winter to Spring

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 04:22:40 GMT

Essential Plumbing Maintenance Tips for a Smooth Transition from Winter to Spring

As winter bids adieu and the blossoms of spring start to appear, it's time to shake off the cold and prepare your home for the new season. While most people focus on cleaning and organising, it's crucial not to overlook your plumbing system during this transition. The fluctuating temperatures can take a toll on your pipes and fixtures, making it essential to undertake proper plumbing maintenance. In this blog post, we'll outline a comprehensive guide to plumbing maintenance at the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Inspect Exposed Pipes

The chilly winter temperatures can cause pipes to contract and expand, potentially leading to cracks or leaks. Start your plumbing maintenance routine by inspecting all exposed pipes, both indoors and outdoors. Look for signs of moisture, rust, or corrosion. If you spot any issues, contact the HC Plumbing team on 0439 648 390 so we are able to address them promptly to prevent water damage and further deterioration.

Check for Leaks

Even minor leaks can waste litres of water and escalate your water usage bill. As you prepare for spring, thoroughly check all taps, showerheads, and pipes for leaks. Don't forget to inspect your toilet as well. A simple way to check for leaks is to add a few drops of food colouring into the cistern. If the colour appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak that needs attention.

Clean and Inspect Gutters

Gutters play a vital role in directing water away from your home's foundation. Over the winter months, they can get clogged with leaves, debris, and even animal nests. Clean out the gutters and downpipes to ensure proper drainage and to ensure there is no tinder in your gutters as we move from the colder months into fire season.

Inspect your Septic System

If you have a septic system, now is a great time to wander around your system and drainage field and to ensure that your septic appears to be functioning as it should. If you notice any very green, long or thick grass patches, wet muddy areas or a foul odour - you may have a septic issue that is very soon going to escalate to a septic emergency. Give us a call on 0439 648 390 and arrange for us to come and inspect and address your issue ASAP.

Test Your Hosecocks (Outdoor Taps) & Watering Systems

As spring arrives, you'll likely start using outdoor taps, reticulation systems and hoses more frequently. Before doing so, check these fixtures for any leaks or damage caused by freezing temperatures and environmental wear. Make sure that the taps, sprinklers and hoses are functioning correctly to avoid water wastage and potential flooding.

As you bid farewell to winter and embrace the rejuvenating season of spring, taking care of your plumbing should be a priority. Regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure a smoothly running plumbing system throughout the year. By inspecting exposed pipes, checking for leaks, cleaning gutters, inspecting septics, testing outdoor taps and watering systems, you'll be well-prepared to welcome the warmer months with a reliable and efficient plumbing system. If you're not confident in your plumbing skills, don't hesitate to seek the assistance of a professional plumber by giving HC Plumbing a call on 0439 648 390 to ensure that your home is in top shape for the season ahead.

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection??

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 23:52:26 GMT

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection??

The easiest way to explain a sewer camera inspection is that it is like a ‘colonoscopy for your sewerage pipes’.

Essentially, a sewer camera inspection is when a small camera is inserted into your drain on the end of a long flexible hose. The video is transmitted from the camera, through the cable within the hose to a monitor, that allows the camera operator to virtually travel through your sewerage system, inspecting it’s condition as they go.

Why would you require a sewer camera inspection?

A sewer camera inspection can be exceptionally useful for diagnosing the cause of persistent blockages (for example, you may be able to find a break or roots within your sewerage pipe that waste keeps becoming stuck on that is causing your blockage).

Sewer camera inspections may also be very helpful, when used in conjunction with a locator, to identify where exactly in your sewerage system there is a break, which can save considerable time and money when it comes to digging up your sewerage line and effecting repairs.

A camera inspection, in conjunction with a locator can also be used to try and identify where sewerage lines run when poor, or no drainage plans exist. Which may be required when repairs or renovations are being undertaken.

In essence, a sewer camera inspection allows the operator to gain a clearer understanding as to what is happening within your sewer which can make repairs, and renovations far easier, saving you both time and money.

If you have been having issues with your waste lines, get in touch on 0439 648 390 to arrange an inspection with one of our drain cameras.

What are the health issues associated with sewage exposure and why is it so important to deal with blocked drains and failing septics quickly?

Wed, 31 May 2023 06:05:05 GMT

What are the health issues associated with sewage exposure and why is it so important to deal with blocked drains and failing septics quickly?

Have you ever wondered why blocked drains and failing septics are classified as a plumbing emergency?

Or why your house sewage treatment plant requires regular inspections and service reporting to council?

When your drains are blocked or your septic or house sewage treatment plant is failing, it means that the sewerage that your home (or business) is producing is no longer being safely disposed of.

Generally, the sewage is either backed up and likely contaminating your yard (by bubbling out your overflow relief gully) or worse still, overflowing into your home by bubbling out your drains. Alternatively, your septic or house sewage treatment plant is allowing untreated sewage into your land application area, causing a muddy, smelly sewage-y mess.

While there are the obvious issues with blocked drains and failing septics, your toilets likely will become a problem to use, showering may become a pain with water backing up around your feet and there will likely be an unpleasant smell in your yard and perhaps even from your drains. It is the health risks of exposure to sewage that equate to an emergency.

Exactly what risks are associated with exposure to raw sewage?

Worksafe QLD provides the following examples of ways to be exposed to raw sewage “ ... to pathogens by skin contact, inhalation or unintentional ingestion. Affected areas can include the nose, throat, respiratory tract, eyes and other parts of the body directly contacted by sewage. ”

And states that the risks of exposure include:

“

pathogens in body fluids (such as hepatitis B and HIV) and faeces (such as hepatitis A and Salmonella).
enteric (intestinal) microbial pathogens (such as rotavirus and Cryptosporidium), which can cause gastroenteritis if ingested
opportunistic pathogens (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella pneuomophila)
microbial endotoxins (non-infectious substances released by bacteria when they die), which can cause irritation and sensitisation (allergy) with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms
parasites (such as intestinal worms and Giardia duodenalis). ”

Which cause you to risk contracting illnesses such as:
“

Gastroenteritis
Skin infections
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Leptospirosis ”

If you are worried that you have a sewage blockage or an issue with your onsite sewage treatment plant, give us a call on 0439 648 390 immediately so we can arrange to rectify the issue as soon as possible, as it is likely causing a health risk to both the human and animal members of your family.

What are the most common plumbing emergencies? And how do you avoid them?

Mon, 29 May 2023 23:49:20 GMT

What are the most common plumbing emergencies? And how do you avoid them?

When it comes to your plumbing there are several different types of plumbing emergencies you may face, from burst to blocked pipes, what do you need to be aware of, and how can you avoid them.

1) Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are a common plumbing emergency, and there are many different scales of emergency, however, one of the highest would be a burst pipe, with large amounts of water escaping over a short period of time.
One of the worst, and most common bursts that you might face is a burst flexi hose. Flexi Hoses are used under most kitchen, basin and laundry sinks and behind your toilets, and in Australia, most homes do not have an isolation tap to flexi hoses, which means that once you notice the leak, you have to run out and turn off your water supply to your whole home at the main.

Flexi Hoses often burst due to insufficient maintenance and observation, they need to be regularly checked to ensure they are not rusty or damaged, and replaced as soon as any imperfections are noticed. As they are often located in rooms with large amounts of joinery, if the water is left to leak for any period of time, you will often face extensive damage to walls, cabinetry, and floor coverings that require a lot of time and money to repair/replace.

2) Leaking Pipes (showers, fixtures or fittings)

Leaks occur at a slower rate than a burst pipe, which means in the short term they do less damage, however, it also means they are generally more difficult to notice (as they are often underground, or in walls and ceilings) until the damage is widespread or serious, or until you receive a significantly larger water bill than you were expecting.

Leaking pipes, if left un-repaired can cause extensive rot and water damage, can encourage pests like termites to enter your home and can result in excessive water usage and enormous water bills. Keeping an eye on any unusually green patches in your garden that you can’t find a reason for, and watching for signs of damp throughout your home are good ways to try and catch water leaks before they cause serious damage.

3) Blockages

The first two emergencies related to water coming out where it shouldn’t, but what happens when water and waste can’t travel through pipes as it should?

Blockages can range in severity, from showers, sinks and baths that empty slower than they should, to toilets that back up and overflow. While most homes have safety measures in place like an overflow relief gully which means that blockages overflow into your yard and not your bathrooms and toilets, there are occasions where failing to address a blockage can result in raw sewage flooding your home.

4) Failed Hot Water Systems

There are a number of reasons that your hot water system might fail; it could be electrical; it could be related to a failed valve; it could be due to a pilot light issue or insufficient gas; it could be due to a failed tank. Whatever the reason that your hot water system isn’t working, particularly in the Toowoomba region throughout the colder months, it equates to a plumbing emergency.

So above we have outlined some of the common plumbing emergencies that you may face, now we detail exactly how you avoid them…

The key is to be observant, and proactive. Make sure you are checking your taps, toilets, drains, hot water systems and pipes that you can see (like flexi hoses) regularly. If you notice anything that doesn’t look right, like wear, rust, moisture, slow leaks or slow draining make sure you give us a call on 0439 648 390 to get your concerns checked ASAP. Many people leave the call too late as they are worried about the expense of a plumber, the sad truth is that this often results in a $200 job turning into a $2000 or $20,000 job.

Are 'flushable' wipes really safe to flush?

Mon, 22 May 2023 01:49:33 GMT

Are 'flushable' wipes actually safe to flush?

With many different brands of ‘flushable’ wipes on the market, we are regularly asked whether these wipes are actually safe to flush.

The short answer is NO. We don’t recommend flushing ANYTHING other than toilet paper, pee or poo down your loo.

Why don’t we recommend flushing ‘flushable’ wipes?

While toilet paper, pee and poo are all made from natural sources and will all break down and disintegrate within your pipes, sewerage lines, septic tank or house sewerage treatment plant, flushable wipes are generally made from synthetic materials (such as polyester or plastic) that will not break down within the sewage treatment process, meaning that it is very likely, that flushable wipes will eventually result in blocked sewerage pipes, either within your property or the councils.

In the opinion of HC Plumbing, there are no wipes or paper towels on the market that are safe for your septic tank, sewerage treatment plant or for simply flushing down your toilet. If toilet paper alone isn’t sufficient, perhaps look at investing in a bidet!

In the event that you have been using flushable wipes and/or paper towel and you believe they may have resulted in a partial or whole blockage, please give us a call on 0439 648 390 and we will arrange to come and inspect your drains and clear any blockages.

When should I replace my old plumbing?

Wed, 10 May 2023 06:59:08 GMT

When should I replace my old plumbing?

Toowoomba is full of old homes, and while many of them have been renovated beautifully; the floors refinished; the walls painted; and the kitchens and bathrooms replaced. Often the plumbing is a component of your homes’ structure that many people have failed to think of. Out of sight, out of mind, tends to be the motto that most use when it comes to their plumbing, they only think of the components they can see - taps that are starting to rust or leak… toilets that are blocked, as opposed to the components that they cannot see, that is, until they experience a problem. So while you might have a beautiful new bathroom and kitchen in your old house, perhaps what’s hidden behind your walls is not quite so beautiful…

If your home is getting on in age, you may be wise to think about the state of the plumbing that you can’t see. Your plumbing is responsible for supplying safe, clean water to each outlet in your home, and for removing waste water and human waste. When it starts to fail it can be very costly with potential water damage to your home from leaks and burst pipes, or even health issues.

So if you can’t see what is going on behind the walls, ceiling and floor of your home, how do you know when your plumbing might need replacing?

Most different types of pipework have an expected lifespan, while this may change dependent on environmental factors and maintenance you can expect theses approximate life spans from each plumbing type:

Brass: 40 to 70 years

Copper: 50 or more years

Galvanised steel: 20 to 50 years

Cast iron: 75 to 100 years

Polyvinyl chloride: Indefinitely

While most plumbing materials have a very long lifespan, often there are components that make up your system (like joins or fittings) that may not have as significant a lifespan and may therefore be inclined to fail before you’d expect.

What are the signs that you might need to investigate the state of your homes’ plumbing?

Discoloured water

Discoloured water, particular brown coloured water may indicate that your water pipes are corroded and rust particles are in your water.

Leaks

While some leaks are obvious, with water pooling, and obvious water damage. Others are a little more covert. If you notice that a particular room has a wet or musty smell, that you have some discolouration on your wall/ceiling or mould growing, it might be time to investigate the cause.

Smelly water

If you have noticed that your water has an unpleasant odour, it’s best not to drink it. It could be a sign of bacteria growth or a build up of mould in your pipes.

Blocked or slow drains

Often blocked or slow drains and signify that there is an issue with your waste water plumbing. While it may only be a blockage that is easily cleared, it could also signify that your waste water pipework is blocked due to corrosion or breakages.

A reduction in water pressure, or less pressure than you would expect

A change in water pressure, or low water pressure can signify a potential issue with your pipework, from leaks to corrosion. Low water pressure is caused when there is either a loss of water on the way through your pipes or the space the water has to travel through your pipes has been reduced.

If you suspect that your plumbing system might not be quite up to scratch, take note of the issues that you have noticed that lead you to these suspicions and give us a call on 0439 648 390 to come and investigate. Early identification of these issues will often save you lots of money on the repair of the damage they cause!

What is the difference between a Septic System & a House Sewerage Treatment Plant?

Tue, 02 May 2023 23:42:40 GMT

What is the difference between a Septic System & a House Sewerage Treatment Plant?

We are regularly asked about the process required to install a new ‘septic’ system, however, what the homeowner is actually asking for is a house sewerage treatment plant.

House sewerage treatment plants have been manufactured and installed in Australia for over 40 years, however, a bit like everyone refers to searching on the internet as “Googling” even if they are using Bing or Safari, most Australians think that any onsite sewage processing is done in a septic tank.

So what exactly is the difference between a septic system, and a house sewage treatment plant?

A septic system uses gravity to separate solid and liquid waste, the solids sink to the bottom of the tank and the liquids are then dispersed via drainage fields underground within your yard. As the solids build up, you will be required to have your tank pumped out (generally this is required between 2-5 years for most systems and is dependent on use). Septic tanks don’t usually require any electricity, and they only treat your waste to a “primary” level using anaerobic bacteria, so it is only able to be disposed via underground drainage fields, and cannot be used to water your lawns or dispersed into or near a watercourse.

A house sewage treatment plant is essentially a more sophisticated septic tank. It uses electricity and simple mechanical components to introduce aerobic bacteria, or aeration using blowers (or a combination of these two) to break down your waste water to make it safe for above ground discharge and/or discharge within the vicinity of a watercourse. This allows you to recycle your wastewater and use it to water your garden, making it a great alternative if you are reliant on limited water resources (as we often are in Australia).

While we always undertake a thorough assessment for each installation, we find that in the majority of cases, our recommendation for both the most cost effective and preferable solution for the homeowner is to install a house sewage treatment plant.

If you are currently requiring a house sewage treatment solution for either a new build, or you have an ageing septic system that you would like checked and to discuss what your options are moving forward, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0439 648 390.

Benefits Of High-Pressure Drain Cleaning

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:40:19 GMT

Benefits Of High-Pressure Drain Cleaning

If you have a blocked, slow or smelly drain, you’ll know just how frustrating it can be to try and unblock or clean out a drain, and just how inconvenient a dirty drain is.

While there are many different ways to clean and unblock a drain, from augers, to drain snakes and harsh chemicals, we think that the most effective and efficient way to clean and unblock a drain is with a high pressure water drain cleaner, also known as a drain jetter.

So what exactly is a high pressure water drain cleaner?

A high pressure drain cleaner works much like a gurney gun, on a much more powerful scale. A flexible hose, with an adjustable nozzle is inserted into, and pushed through your drain, using high pressure water to break up and disburse all clogs and debris.

What are the main benefits of using a high pressure drain cleaner?

1) High pressure drain cleaning is super effective

While there are various ways in which to clear a drain, a high pressure drain cleaner is generally successful in clearing blockages more effectively and more cleanly than many other methods. While a drain snake or chemicals might require a combination of methods to fully clear the drain, a drain jetter is generally able to resolve the blockage on its own. Furthermore, a drain snake and auger will often result in the blockage being brought to the surface and creating a mess of hazardous material, the drain jetter generally results in little mess.

2) High pressure drain cleaning is fast

A high pressure drain cleaner can often blow through clogs and blockages much faster than alternative methods for clearing the same blockage. There is little manoeuvring, poking and prodding which saves time (and money) on labour.

3) High pressure drain cleaning is often more cost effective

Unblocking a drain in traditional methods can take quite a lot of time, and uses expensive chemicals, where a drain cleaner often allows for your drain to be thoroughly cleared and cleaned in a very timely manner - saving you money.

4) As an added benefit high pressure drain cleaning is that it clears your drain lines in addition to unblocking them

In addition to simply removing the blockage from your drain, a high pressure drain cleaner thoroughly clears your drains, helping to eradicate sludge and further potential blockages, as opposed to just dealing with the current problem.

5) High pressure drain cleaning can aid in removing bad odours resulting from your drains

As mentioned in point 4 above, a high pressure drain cleaner thoroughly clears (and cleans) your drains - it doesn’t just remove the blockage. Drains that are blocked and dirty can result in high levels of bacteria which can cause foul smells to result from your drains. High pressure drain cleaning helps to eliminate these odours and flush the bacteria from your drains.

If you have a blocked, slow or smelly drain, get in touch with the team from HC Plumbing on 0439 648 390 to discuss your issues and arrange to have your drain cleared with a high pressure drain cleaner today.

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped Out?

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 03:07:46 GMT

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped Out?

Often septic tank and house sewage treatment plant owners don’t realise that they will require ongoing maintenance. So, as a homeowner / tenant who had recently acquired the responsibility for a septic tank / house sewage treatment plant, what maintenance requirements should you expect?

I think that it is important to note here that maintenance requirements will be different for each system and household, and that the better care you take of your system, the less maintenance you will likely require. With this in mind please use the below information as a guide only, and reach out to us on 0439 648 390 if you require advice specific to your system.

How often should your septic system be pumped out?

Most systems will require a pump out between every 2 and 5 years. Heavy use and incorrect use may require your system to be pumped out more frequently.

Ensuring that you find out the requirements of your system (i.e. do they require the use of septic safe chemicals) and following these requirements will ensure that your system operates at optimal efficiency.

If you have a house sewage treatment plant, you will likely also need regular servicing (between once every three and 12 months, depending on the system).

Furthermore, ensuring that the only things that go down your drain are the three P’s, pee, poo and (toilet) paper will help to minimise the maintenance required on your system.

There are some signs to look out for that will indicate that your system may need pumping out, these include:

Trouble flushing your toilet/backing up when flushing

A gurgling sound in your pipes

Very slow drains (sinks, shower, bath etc)

Water pooling or wet / soggy areas in your yard

Grass being unusually green, long and lush in the area around your sewage treatment plant and drain field

A lingering smell of sewage in your home / yard or both

If you suspect a problem with your waste treatment, or you just need to understand how best it works and what ongoing maintenance is required, please give us a call on 0439 648 390 to arrange for us to pop out and assess the situation and give you the advice you require.

Plumbing priorities before you go on holidays

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 04:06:22 GMT

Plumbing priorities before you go on holidays

Before you go on holidays you generally think of arranging care for your pets, redirecting your mail, popping your lights on a timer and having a neighbour or friend put your bins out for rubbish collection. But most people don’t even consider whether they should undertake any plumbing maintenance before they go away.

With Easter just around the corner, if you are planning a trip away, we suggest that you prepare your plumbing for the holidays too with our holiday plumbing tips below.

Check for leaks

The last thing that you want when you return from holidays is to discover that a fitting or pipe has burst and your house or yard have flooded. Before you leave for holiday, check to make sure you don’t have any obvious leaks or damaged or rusty flexi hoses that may burst in your absence. If you do note anything that doesn’t look right, ensure you have a licensed plumber rectify it before you leave.

Turn off your water

If you are going away for more than a couple of days, it is a good idea to turn off your water. While you may have checked for leaks where you could, you may have missed an issue in your wall or roof cavity that you could not have foreseen, so isolating your water at the main is a good idea for extended trips.

Turn off your hot water system

In the event that you are going away for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to turn off your hot water system using the isolation switch in your electricity box. This will save you power and prevent you from coming home to discover a serious issue with your system has gone unnoticed for a prolonged period.

Disinfect your toilets

Prolonged periods of no use can result in your toilets staining, it is a great idea to pop ½ a cup of bleach in the bowl before you leave (provided it is compatible with your sewage treatment/septic system). If you are going for a shorter period, it is still nice to come home to clean, fresh smelling loos!

Clean your drains

Much like your toilets sitting without use, drains too can smell if you aren’t using them for a long period. We recommend popping ½ a cup of vinegar mixed with 1 cup of water in each of your sink and basin drains before you leave.

Ensure your gutters and stormwater drains are clear

While you are away, it is possible you may get heavy rain. Ensure you are prepared by clearing your gutters and stormwater drains of any debris before you leave.

Pool owners!

Make sure you have thought about who can care for your pool while you are away, you will need to ensure that your pump continues to run, that someone is regularly clearing your filter, topping up the water volume so your pump doesn’t run dry and maintaining the water quality, or you will likely return from holidays to a pond, not a pool!

Undertaking this basic maintenance prior to leaving will ensure you return home to a dry, fresh smelling home and not a horrendous and expensive mess!

If you need any assistance preparing your home for the upcoming Easter break, give us a call on 0439 648 390.

Tips to take care of your plumbing this autumn.

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 03:01:17 GMT

Tips to take care of your plumbing this autumn.

1. Ensure your hot water system is serviced and in good condition

Hot water systems require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good working order, and while the weather is still warm now, it won’t be long until the Toowoomba winter arrives in full force, and the thought of having no hot water will bring a chill to your core.

To make sure that you don’t need to deal with no hot water this winter, now is the time to have your hot water system serviced by a licensed plumber. An annual service is recommended to ensure that all of your valves are functioning as they should be, and to check that the sacrificial anode (a rod that is designed to rust within your hot water system, to prevent the tank itself from rusting) is not requiring replacement. This simple service will prolong the life of your hot water system, saving you money over the long term, and ensure you aren’t left with the inconvenience of not having hot water when you need it!

2. If you have noticed your drains are clearing slowly, now is the time to have them inspected and cleared or repaired

Oftentimes, throughout summer, we will notice that the drain in the shower is a little slower to clear than usual, you don’t think too much of it, however, slow drains are often the first indicator that a problem is building within your sewerage pipes. The colder temperatures of winter often mean that any blockages become more pronounced, and that a slow drain becomes a blocked drain. Before your issue becomes serious, it is a great idea to clean your shower drains yourself, to make sure that it is not just hair and gunk that is causing the drain to drain slowly, and if that doesn’t resolve your problem, call in your plumber to arrange a inspection

3. Clean your gutters

Throughout autumn and the start of winter you will likely need to clean your gutters several times, particularly if you have deciduous trees in the area, and lots of leaves falling. While winter is often not renowned for its high rainfall, we do regularly get autumn and winter showers and rain. So ensuring that your gutters are clear will prevent you from experiencing any unfortunate overflowing which may cause significant damage to your ceilings and walls.

4. Clean the stormwater drains around your homes

Much like your gutters, the stormwater drains around your home are generally situated in low points and prone to becoming covered or blocked by leaves in autumn, ensure that you are regularly raking fallen leaves and disposing of them, to prevent localised flooding in the event of heavy or prolonged rain.

5. Check your flexihoses

Flexihoses are the flexible hoses that you will generally find behind your toilet and under your sinks. Flexihoses are prone to rusting and subsequent bursting and Murphy's law means that this will generally happen when you are not home. To prevent excess flooding and damage it is a great idea to check your flexihoses regularly - and autumn is as good a time as any. If you note any signs of wear or rust - you should give your plumber a call to arrange to come and replace them!

If you need assistance in preparing your home's plumbing for the cold months ahead, please give us a call on 0439 648 390.

Top 10 locations for septic upgrades and house sewage treatment plant installations

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:13:31 GMT

Top 10 locations for septic upgrades and house sewage treatment plant installations

While HC Plumbing is based in Toowoomba, we actually service quite a large region, particularly when it comes to our house sewerage treatment plant installations and septic upgrades. In this article we will run through the top 10 suburbs that we service when it comes to HSTP installations.

1. Highfields & Cawdor - House sewerage treatment plant installations and septic upgrades

Highfields is one of the oldest and most populated semi rural suburbs in the Toowoomba region, and it is still experiencing considerable development and growth. With this in mind we have two types of customers in Highfields. First we have many customers in the original parts of Highfields who are starting to experience issues with their septic tanks and are requiring replacement. Second, with lots of new development still occurring in Highfields, we also have many new homes being built on acreage that require the installation of a house sewage treatment system.

2. Meringandan / Meringandan West - House sewerage treatment plant installations and septic upgrades

Much like Highfields, Meringandan is currently a rapidly growing region offering larger, semi-rural blocks that require onsite sewerage treatment options. We install a large number of new house sewerage treatment plants within Meringandan and already have a large number of systems within the region that we service quarterly.

3. Preston - onsite sewage treatment plants for sloping blocks

Preston is an up and coming region offering acreage blocks with exceptional views. As more blocks are developed, available blocks are becoming steeper and more sloping. Many of our customers within Preston have benefited from the installation of our OzziKleen HSTP, which is well suited to steep and sloping blocks due to its plastic tank allowing for easy installation with less machinery, furthermore, our in-house designer is an expert at designing land application areas suitable for sloping blocks.

4. Hodgson Vale - onsite sewage treatment plants and septic upgrades for steep and sloping blocks

Much like Preston, Hodgesonvale’s attraction of elevation and views, can also make finding a suitable HSTP a bit of a mission, or can cause installation costs of systems with concrete tanks to blow out due to the difficulty with access and the requirement to crane in your tank. Again, this means that HCP install and service a large number of our OzziKleen house sewerage treatment plants in Hodgson Vale.

5. Glenvale - septic upgrades for failing septic tanks

While most of the new blocks in Glenvale are much smaller and are sewered, there are a large number of older homes that are still being serviced by septic tanks that are on their last legs. This has meant that over the last few years, we have undertaken a significant number of septic upgrades in the Glenvale area. We have found that our plastic tanks have allowed owners to more easily install their new systems without damaging their surrounding gardens and they have been able to better camouflage their new systems in their already landscaped gardens.

6. Blue Mountain Heights - septic upgrades and new house sewerage treatment plants for sloping blocks

Blue Mountain Heights is an older suburb with larger blocks where septic systems are starting to fail, but there is also new development occurring on larger blocks requiring onsite sewerage treatment. As a suburb on the escarpment, with sometimes steep sloping blocks and difficult access, we install many plastic tank OzziKleen systems, which help to keep the installation costs down on both new and upgraded systems.

7. Cabarlah - onsite sewerage treatment and septic upgrades for difficult to access blocks

Much like Blue Mountain Heights, Carbarlah is primarily situated on the escarpment and whether we are upgrading an existing septic system, or installing a new house sewerage treatment plant, our preferred OzziKleen systems are perfectly designed for installation on sloping and difficult to access blocks.

8. Cambooya - sewerage treatment plants that are best for highly reactive soil

Cambooya is a more rural region, situated on highly reactive soil. While there is generally plenty of room for the installation of a concrete tank, concrete tanks tend not to fare as well as a plastic tank (which have give) and can better cope with the expansion and contraction of the highly reactive soil in the region.

9. Cotswold Hills - reliable septic upgrades for large and busy houses

Cotswold Hills is an older estate with large houses and multiple bathrooms. The septic tanks installed in the 90’s and early 2000’s throughout the suburb are starting to fail and we are regularly replacing these tanks with OzziKleen systems.

10. Gowrie Junction - septic upgrades and house sewerage treatment plants

There are some parts of Gowrie Junction have been upgraded to town sewer, however, much of the region is still responsible for their own onsite sewerage treatment. With both older systems that are starting to fail and new houses being built on larger blocks, HCP does a lot of work and has a regular service run in the area.

While these are our top 10 locations for HSTP installations and septic upgrades, there are many other towns and suburbs within the Toowoomba, Southern and Western Downs regions that we regularly service. If you are having issues with an existing septic tank, or are building and require great advice and a comprehensive quote for the house sewerage treatment system that will suit your needs best, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 0439 648 390 for your obligation free consultation.

Plastic Tanks vs Concrete Tanks

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:55:10 GMT

Plastic Tanks vs Concrete Tanks

You’ve discovered that you require a new house sewerage treatment solution. You have done a bit of research and you have quotes for sewerage treatment options with both plastic (poly) and concrete tanks - but you don’t know which is better and whether their use cases are different…

So what exactly are the differences between plastic and concrete tanks?

Plastic Tank benefits:

1. Plastic tanks are lightweight and easily manoeuvred. They can easily be moved around with a digger, which makes them perfect for installation on sloping blocks and blocks where there is limited access for trucks, cranes and machinery. Furthermore, as less machinery is involved, their installation, in this situation, is generally cheaper.

2. Plastic tanks don’t break down or get eaten away in acidic environments like concrete tanks do.

3. In highly reactive clay soil, prone to significant expansion and contraction, plastic tanks give and take, where concrete tanks will often crack.

4. When installing a concrete tank the join at the top of the tank needs to sit above the ground, plastic tanks don’t have this same requirement which means they are able to be more discretely integrated into your yard.

5. It might seem a little silly to note this, when our last point was that plastic tanks could be virtually hidden completely underground, however, for the small component that is left above ground, a plastic tank has the flexibility to be made in any colour (we like the green the most). By allowing colour flexibility it means that your tank is able to easily camouflage into its surroundings ensuring you can maintain the aesthetic of your yard.

6. Plastic tanks don’t require as much maintenance as concrete tanks. You can pretty much install them, and just undertake the regular maintenance that you would require on your sewerage treatment plant (whether it were plastic or concrete).

7. Plastic tanks come with moulded feet at the bottom which assist to anchor the tank into the ground.

Concrete Tank benefits:

1. Concrete tanks can be backfilled around with any material, large rocks etc are not going to dent the side of the tank.

2. Concrete tanks can have risers added if the top of the tank needs to be lifted or depth needs to be increased

3. Concrete tanks can often be marginally cheaper

So now we have summed up the benefits of each, which tank would the HC Plumbing team recommend?

As with all of our recommendations, we would prefer to undertake an obligation free assessment to provide you with specific advice for your needs (call 0439 648 390 to book your free assessment now), but if we had to provide general advice we would say…

In most instances within the Toowoomba and Darling Downs regions, plastic tanks offer a better alternative because they:

Cope better with the highly reactive soil in the region
Are logistically much easier to install
Repairs can be made to tank if ever required
Are aesthetically the best choice as they can more easily be camouflaged into your yard

Contact 0439 648 390 now to arrange your obligation free quote for the installation of an OzziKleen Plastic House Sewage Treatment System, the system we recommend 99 out of 100 times in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Region.

How to choose a trustworthy septic installer

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 01:05:13 GMT

How to choose a trustworthy septic installer

You’d think that if a business advertised that they installed septic systems and home sewage treatment plants they would be experienced, qualified and equipped to do so… but sadly that isn’t always the case. And with a sewage treatment system being a substantial investment and a system that you will use everyday while you continue to live in your property, it makes sense to do a little bit of extra leg work and ensure that you have engaged a trustworthy business to undertake the installation for you.

We’ve come up with 6 ways to tell if a sewerage treatment installer is trustworthy...

1. Do they have the right licence/s and insurance?

If a business is advertising that they install septic systems and house sewerage treatment plants they should be licenced and insured with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Not sure if the business that you are considering is licenced? You can check for and QBCC licences they hold by following this link.

2. How much of the installation is done in-house vs by sub-contractors?

A septic or house sewerage treatment plant (HSTP) installation involves a lot of different specialised services such as plumbers, drainers, machine operators, electricians, sewerage pump out services and designers. By having as many of these professionals part of the team that you are engaging it ensures the installer has better control over the timing and the quality of the installation.

Ask your installer whether they will be using their own team to provide these services, or outsourcing it to sub-contractors.

3. What’s their reputation like & how much experience do they have?

Sometimes the best way to determine the quality and service of the work of a company is to look online for testimonials from happy clients. These can be found in many places; the company's website, Google & Facebook are the most likely places to find reviews, but the list is endless. It may also pay to investigate how long has the company been around? You can ask them over the phone or search the web, ensuring reviews have been consistently strong over the life of the company is a good indication of a well run business, and a business that is still going to be around for time to come.

If an installer has done well by others, they’ll probably do the same for you. You may get the odd bad review - it’s almost impossible to keep everyone happy, but if there’s more than a few dissatisfied customers, alarm bells should be ringing.

4. Do they stand behind the product they sell?

While all installers can choose to install any product you choose, it pays to investigate the recommendations that your installer is providing.

Is the product they propose installing a reputable product?

Does your installer service the product that they are installing?

How much after installation support will you receive in the event that something goes wrong with your sewage treatment system in the future?

At this point it is best to investigate whether your installer is simply quoting to install the cheapest product available, or whether they are quoting to install the system they believe is best!

5. What warranty/guarantee does the installer provide?

If your installer is confident in their work, they will have no qualms in providing you with a guarantee for their installation services (in addition to the product warranty).
Ask what kind of guarantee the company will offer, and get documentation. This can be a physical copy, an email or publicly available on the company website.
Guarantees should cover a few basic things: The materials used, the workmanship, and most importantly, your satisfaction. This gives you assurance that you have something to hold your installer to.

6. Is your installer local?

Both septic systems and house sewerage treatment plants require ongoing service and maintenance. By choosing a company who is local to your area and who offers strong after sales service you ensure you are choosing a supplier who will protect your investment in your HSTP. Sewage treatment systems have a lifespan of over 15 years so you really want to ensure that you establish the right partnership to ensure your system works well for the it’s lifetime!

If you would like to discuss your needs with a Toowoomba and Darling Downs based sewage treatment installation company, give us a call on 0439 648 390 .

How to choose a trustworthy plumber

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 04:09:46 GMT

How to choose a trustworthy plumber

Choosing a plumber seems easy, you jump on Google. Search for “Plumber Toowoomba” and call the first few plumbers you see… But is that really the best way to get the right plumber for the job? Does that ensure that they are the plumber you want to be working on your plumbing project, or simply that they were just the easiest plumber to find?

We’ve come up with 6 ways to tell if a plumber is trustworthy…

1. Do they have the right certifications?

Check your plumber is a Licenced Plumber and / or Gasfitter by

asking to see their card or by searching the public register.

It’s illegal to do plumbing work without authorisation, and any

work carried out by an unauthorised tradesman may void insurance

cover. It’s a good idea then to make sure your plumber is licenced to

complete your job.

Further to just the required qualifications and licences. You may also want to confirm that your plumber has current and sufficient public liability insurance, as even the best plumbers have accidents occur that are outside their control!

2. Do they have a strong team?

Ask how many employees the company has and how much experience they have? When you call, is it an admin that answers the phone or is it someone having to stop working to talk to you?

No man is an island, so be sure to look past your first point of contact with a company and

make sure each person you’ll be dealing with is being supported by a full team. Without

proper admin support and a number of trained tradespeople, you may find that a plumber

lacks the capacity to get your job done in a timely manner and to a proper standard, or they may end up stuck on calls for other clients whilst on your job. You don’t need to be paying for that!

3. What’s their reputation like?

If a plumber has done well by others, they’ll probably do the same for you. You may

get the odd bad review - it’s almost impossible to keep everyone happy, but if there’s more than a few dissatisfied customers, alarm bells should be ringing.

4. They provide realistic pricing, quotes and timeframes

When comparing quotes, make sure you are comparing apples for apples. Ensure that each quote includes all the same components. Check that the brands that you are being supplied in one quote are the same or of equal quality to those on other quotes.

While you should expect there to be some variation in the quotes you receive, if you find that one quote is substantially lower or higher than the rest, investigate it further.

In our experience, if it looks too good to be true - it probably is!

Many will worry about the quoted price being too high, but it should cause equal concern when a quote is too low. Ideally, your Plumber of choice will allocate enough time and resources to get

the job done right the first time. Taking the lowest possible quote may be the riskiest, and

potentially most expensive option.

5. They communicate professionally and in a timely manner

Take note of the response time and the professionalism of your communications with different Plumbers. Make sure the Plumber is able to communicate all the important details and make sure they’re able to get back to you in a timely manner.

First impressions count, and they should; if a company is slack to communicate before they

even have your business, they’re probably going to muck you around when working for

you. Yes people may get busy, which makes it hard to pick up the phone immediately, but

your Plumber should still get back to you in a timely manner.

6. A trustworthy plumber will guarantee their work

If your plumber is confident in their work, they will have no qualms in providing you with a guarantee. Ask what kind of guarantee the company will offer, and get documentation. This can be a physical copy, an email or publicly available on the company website.

Guarantees should cover a few basic things: The materials used, the workmanship, and most importantly, your satisfaction. This gives you assurance that you have something to hold your Plumber to.

If you would like to discuss your needs with a Toowoomba based plumbing company, give us a call on 0439 648 390 .

Why choose HC Plumbing

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 03:52:43 GMT

Why choose HC Plumbing

Choosing a plumber seems easy, you jump on Google. Search for “Plumber Toowoomba” and call the first few plumbers you see… But is that really the best way to get the right plumber for the job?

All it really demonstrates is that those plumbers are better at marketing than the 200 + other plumbers in the Toowoomba region…

In order to help you, the customer understand the differences that you can expect from HCP, that qualify us as the best plumbers for the job (and not necessarily the best marketers) and the reasons why you won’t be left feeling disappointed once we’re done, we have come up with a 7 point guarantee that includes:

A 2 year workmanship guarantee

We are so confident in the skills of our plumbers, we offer you a 730 day guarantee

on the quality of our workmanship.

A quality materials guarantee

We source the best quality materials and resources that are suitable for your project-

guaranteed.

A communication guarantee

It’s important to us that we create great relationships with our clients and ongoing communication is a big part of our guarantee to our customers. Therefore, you are

guaranteed to be kept involved and informed at all stages of your project.

A clean and tidy guarantee

No one likes to be left with a mess. We guarantee we will leave the job site clean

and tidy when we have finished the job.

An upfront variation guarantee

If you alter the scope of works or if there are unforeseen circumstances we guarantee

to keep you updated with any costing changes prior to works commencing whether

savings or additional costs - so there will be no nasty surprises when the bill arrives.

An invoices and quotes guarantee

All your invoices and quotes will be delivered quickly- this way you can keep on

target and not have your work delayed because you are waiting on information.

An accessible and helpful guarantee

We are committed to ensuring you are happy with your plumbing project at every

stage, so we guarantee that we will be available to answer any questions and assist

you in any decision-making.

Now what does that actually mean for you?

It means…

We always turn up as we have someone dedicated to booking in jobs and making sure all jobs are attended
We have a sizeable team with broad experience which allows us to juggle jobs and prioritise where required, so if your job is urgent, you won’t be left in the lurch
Our diverse skill set ensures that our team have the experience to provide you the best resolution in relation to any aspect of the trade
We provide upfront pricing to avoid any surprises
Our staff are trained to leave the site in a better state than when they arrived - you will never have to clean up after HCP
Last, but not least, we maintain properly stocked vehicles to ensure that we have all common components on hand, usually it's enough for us to make a start while other required materials are delivered to site - saving you time and money

If you have a plumbing job that requires the services of a quality plumber, give us a call on 0439 648 390 to discuss your needs.

Which type of water filter do I need?

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 02:24:26 GMT

Which type of water filter do I need?

Choosing a water filter can be a confusing task. Do you need a plumbed solution or, would a bench top solution suffice? Do you need it to be a UV filter, water softener, water conditioner, reverse osmosis, carbon filter or unicorn scented wobbiegobble filter (they’re not real… but you get the gist).

The long and the short of it is that the sort of filtration you require is dependent on the reason you are filtering your water in the first place. Are you wanting to filter your water for aesthetic reasons (to make it look, smell and/or taste better)? Or are you needing to filter it to remove harmful impurities such as pesticides, heavy metals and parasites?

Aesthetic Water Filtration Options:

Drinking Water Only:

If you just want to improve the aesthetics of your water (the taste/smell/look) prior to drinking, then the solutions you should consider are bottle, jug, bench, tap mounted or inline water filter (plumbed into your drinking water tap before the outlet).

Whole House Filtration:

If you would like to improve the aesthetics of the water to your whole house, we would recommend a whole house filter, plumbed into your main, prior to entry into the house.

Filters to filter aesthetic impurities are generally not as stringently tested or as expensive as one that needs to remove more dangerous impurities.

Filtration Options to Remove Harmful Impurities:

If you need to remove potentially harmful impurities from your water, such as pesticides, heavy metals and parasites, there are several different options for safely filtering your water. Options range from very fine antibacterial filters, to reverse osmosis and UV light filters (or a combination of multiple methods of filtration).

When you need to filter harmful impurities from your water, we would strongly recommend that you reach out to a water filtration specialist like us!

A water filtration specialist will be able to take into account the specifics of the impurities that you are needing to remove from your water and assess which or a variety of possible solutions will be the most effective, affordable and suitable for your specific water source.

Filtration options to remove calcium:

Calcium shows up as a white deposit on surfaces. Its that really hard to clean white clouding you often get on your shower screen or tap ware. To remove this we recommend a water softener, or to reduce the effects of this we recommend a water conditioner.

The good news is, once you install one of these items it slowly draws that white deposit back and will end up cleaning the surface without you needing to go through all that tough scrubbing.

Choosing your water filtration solution is not the end of your journey however. Once it is implemented, it is exceptionally important that it is properly maintained. Water filtration is never a set and forget solution, it will require ongoing investment and maintenance. Failing to replace and maintain your filters frequently enough, may result in the quality of your water ending up worse than it was prior to installing your filtration system.

Filters will need to be replaced AT LEAST every 12 months. However, this may be required more frequently depending on the type of filtration you use, the amount of water you use and the quality of the water you are filtering.

If you think that water filtration is required for your home, please contact us on 0439 648 390 and we will be able to provide the best recommendation for water filtration specific to your personal needs.

What to do when you think your septic is on its last legs?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 09:15:12 GMT

What to do when you think your septic is on its last legs?

First things first, there is no need to be embarrassed as this happens to many people weekly and we can be sure we have seen much worse situations than yours!

Next step, get in touch with HC Plumbing on 0439 648 390.

Before you call it’s a great idea to consider the answers to the following questions first, if you aren’t sure of any, that’s not a problem, that’s what we are here for!!

What is your situation? Is it a new build, upgrade of existing system, current septic or greywater has failed, other
What is your address and region
Do you have a preference of HSTP or septic
What is the number of bedrooms in existing house or proposed house
Do you have a preference of location for new system
Is there a bore on the property, if so please describe where it is
When you would like system installed

If you have any plans, pictures or diagrams that are applicable please have handy or email them through to us ( info@hcplumbing.com.au ), along with the above information prior to jumping on the phone.

Once we have the above information and have answered any queries you may have around options, timeframes and estimated costs, we come out to do a site assessment.

Whilst there, we gather the information required to lock in cost and complete the site specific onsite sewage disposal design. We do the design inhouse so if the job is urgent, which it often is by time we are called, we can prioritise that design to make sure it's in at council being assessed within a couple of days.

Council can take up to 20 business days to assess an application, however they are very good at attending to septic and HSTP applications, as when failing, health concerns for the public need to be considered. Typically we can see approvals back between a couple days and a couple of weeks.

As soon as your quote is accepted, your tank is ordered, lead times can vary, however HCP makes sure we hold stock of our most commonly installed tanks to make sure lead times don’t hold up the installation process and timeframe.

Depending on urgency and client request, installation period is locked in and everyone involved is booked in. We do most of the installation inhouse so scheduling of the install is reliant on us, not on when we can line up a whole bunch of contractors (if you’ve ever tried to organise 2 or more trades to turn up on the same day at the same time you’ll understand just how advantageous having all trades within the HCP team is!)

Depending on system and site restraints installation usually takes between 1 and 3 days. It's on very rare occasions that you would go without being able to use your bathroom or kitchen overnight. Part of our planning process is to make sure the disruption to you, the homeowner, is minimised in every situation.

After installation you will have your new system explained to you and a service agreement set up so you never need to remember to book us in again, everything will just happen automatically. You’ll be advised the week prior to each service when we are going to be in your area servicing.

We are often asked “Can septics be repaired?”

Depending on the system and the fault, a lot of systems can be repaired if caught in time.

If you are unsure about something with your septic or HSTP, please send us a photo to info@hcplumbing.com.au with as much information about the issue as possible so we can assess what is going on for you and arrange repairs, or give us a call on 0439 648 390 and we can attend to have a look.

How much does it cost to replace your septic system?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 08:49:00 GMT

How much does it cost to replace your septic system?

Replacing a septic system is a significant investment, and the cost can vary based on several factors. These include:

The type of septic system you choose
Your property’s location and accessibility
The size of your home and the number of people it needs to service
Ongoing maintenance, servicing, and repair costs

Let’s break these down in more detail.

Choosing the right septic system

One of the biggest cost factors is the type of septic system you install. A common misconception is that a traditional septic system with a rubble drain, trench, or gravel bed is always cheaper than a home sewage treatment plant (HSTP). However, this isn’t true in many cases, especially around Toowoomba.

Due to the region’s heavy clay soil and the increasing environmental standards requiring all greywater to be discharged underground, traditional septic systems often require more extensive groundwork than they needed in the past. This makes them very expensive unless they serve a small home (one or two bedrooms).

In most cases, HSTPs are the preferred option because:

Lower installation and excavation costs
Environmental benefits of reduced pollution and recycling of all water
The ability to irrigate gardens and lawns, keeping them green and healthy year-round

At HC Plumbing we offer a choice of BioCycle or Ozzi Kleen HSTP and septic systems, allowing you to select the best solution for your property.

Ongoing service, repair and maintenance costs

Beyond the initial installation, ongoing costs for servicing and potential repairs need to be considered with your septic upgrade.

HSTP require quarterly servicing and require connection to power, however they are extremely energy efficient. The annual costs are approximately $350-600 in most areas. If you’re in a remote location, these costs can be higher due to increased servicing requirements.
Traditional septic systems generally have fewer ongoing costs but still require:
Regular pumping out which would be approximately $500 every 5 years
Inspections and potential repairs

Understanding these costs upfront can help you make an informed decision that best suits your budget and long-term needs.

Additional costs to consider when installing a new septic system

When replacing or installing a new septic or HSTP system, it’s important to budget for additional expenses beyond just the system itself. These can include:

Onsite sewage disposal design
Council applications and QBCC insurance
System purchase costs
Quarry materials, pipes, and fittings
Excavation and labour
Pumping out and decommissioning the existing system (if applicable)
Electrical connections
Soil testing and percolation tests (if required by local regulations)

At HC Plumbing, we ensure that all applicable costs are factored into our pricing so that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. Today, 99% of our installations are HSTPs thanks to the lower installation costs and added benefits.

Get a quote for a new septic or wastewater system in the Toowoomba region

Because so many variables impact the final price, the best way to get an accurate cost is to contact us directly with details about your property and situation.

�� Call us at 0439 648 390 or ✉️ email info@hcplumbing.com.au with the following details:

What is your situation? (New build, system upgrade, septic or greywater failure, etc)
What is your address and council region?
Do you think you would prefer a HSTP or a traditional septic system?
How many bedrooms are in the existing or proposed house?
Do you have a preferred location for the new system?
Do you have a bore on the property? (If yes, please describe its location.)
When would you like the system installed?

If you have plans, pictures, or diagrams , please attach them to your email. The more information you provide, the more accurate our estimate will be.

Let HC Plumbing help you find the best septic system solution for your property. Reach out today.

Everytime it rains my yard floods and I am left with a boggy mess. What should I do?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 07:54:38 GMT

Every time it rains my yard floods and I am left with a boggy mess. What should I do?

Having a yard that is susceptible to flooding can be a nuisance, but it is actually far more common than you think, and there are several ways that poor drainage can be rectified to prevent your yard from flooding every time it rains.

This year we have experienced one of the wettest years in history - Australia is the country of drought and flooding rains and Toowoomba is no exception.

There are several reasons why your yard could be flooding and turning into a mucky mess, and if the flooding is so bad that you worry each time it rains that water may enter your property, or create movement in the foundations of your property, then you probably need to find a solution sooner rather than later.

Step one is to determine which of these reasons is relevant to your yard.

The first reason might be that you have a septic tank and the trenches are reaching the end of their life, and are no longer draining like they should. A good indicator that this might be your problem is the funky smell that is notably worse than it would be if you were just dealing with stagnant water and mud.

If this sounds like you, we've prepared a blog post that lists how to identify if your septic system needs replacing - you can read it here along with instructions on what the first step to rectifying your problem is.

Other reasons might be:

That you have downpipes emptying directly onto the lawn around your home - but no sufficient grade for the water released to run away.
That water flows into your property from surrounding properties, but you don’t have sufficient grade for it to run away and not enough space or poor soil that prevents it from draining.
That water that lands on your property can't get away due to site falls or obstructions
Your stormwater drainage has become blocked, and while you never used to have an issue with poor drainage, you do now.

The good news is that in each of the above situations, solutions do exist to upgrade, or unblock your stormwater drainage and ensure that you no longer have to put up with a soggy yard and risk a flooded house!

This year we have constantly been actioning stormwater works to remove this worry for our clients. We have the experience, tools and team to sort your problem regardless of the site constraints. To discuss your needs and arrange for us to evaluate what we can do to improve your situation, give us a call on 0439 648 390 .

A gallery of photos from recent stormwater rectification projects in Toowoomba and surrounds.

Why choose HC Plumbing for HSTP & Septic needs?

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 07:11:25 GMT

Why choose HC Plumbing for HSTP & Septic needs?

When the time comes for choosing a business to supply and install a House Sewerage Treatment Plant (HSTP), you want to be sure that you have chosen the right business.

Not only is a new HSTP an expensive and very necessary purchase, but failing to choose the right supplier can quite literally cause you to be in the shit (excuse the pun).

So why would you choose HC Plumbing Pty Ltd over any other business?

We are local and have been established for over 10 years

We live and operate our business in the Toowoomba region, we do our grocery shopping at your local shops and we send our kids to local schools. Toowoomba is our home and we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service to the people of Toowoomba so we can hold our heads up high when we run into our happy customers.

We are fully licensed plumbers, drainers, designers and machinery operators

That means most of the job is done by us in-house without contractors, so we have full control from planning to installation and servicing and the workmanship guarantee is all with us.

We service the systems we sell

We stand behind the systems and wouldn’t sell a system that was going to tarnish our reputation. We know these systems intimately and are confident we can have them up and running for you when you need it most.

The design is done in-house so we have timeliness in our favour for more urgent installations

HC Plumbing Pty Ltd is the parent company of HC Plans. We share an office with our designer and are able to turn around designs and plans faster than most any other business in town.

We hold tanks in stock for quick turnaround

In addition to being able to have the plans drawn up in no time, we always have a supply of tanks in stock, so as soon as the necessary approvals are through, we are ready to install.

We generally use a poly tank so no crane or truck access is required

This reduces the expense to you, and also ensures that we leave little mess when installing your new system.

The tanks we generally use don’t have a septic process, so septic safe household products aren’t required

Many septic systems require the use of septic safe chemicals - everything from your Shampoo to your bathroom cleaner and laundry liquid must be septic safe. But with OzziKleen systems (the primary system we install) you are free to use the exact same cleaning and household products you have always used.

Our OzziKleen system’s blower only runs 50% of the time compared to most others which run 100% of the time

This means less power usage, a longer manufacturer warranty and ended blower lifespan than systems which have a blower running 100% of the time.

If you are in need of a new House Sewerage Treatment Plant or suspect that your septic tank might be on its last legs, get in touch to discuss your needs and receive an obligation free quote 0439 648 390 .

The HC Plumbing Team Flipp'd Out

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:18:27 GMT

The HC Plumbing Team Flipp'd Out

The HC Plumbing Team recently enjoyed a night out!

Outings aren’t rare for our team… we manage a team breakfast, beers & burgers (where the only rule is you can’t talk shop) and generally another outing once a month.

Our most recent team outings have included: a golf day, clay target shooting and on this occasion - dinner at Flipp’d.

For us older members of the team, Flipp’d provided an unexpected blast from the past, with Frogger, Pacman, Daytona Speedway and Air Hockey, for those under 35, it was an opportunity to introduce them to a whole different decade of fun!

The burgers were amazing and the whole team had a brilliant time.

When our days are generally filled with plenty of work, and we all split off to different job sites, our monthly outings offer us a great opportunity to get to know the different members of the team better and to let our hair down!

We currently have openings for several different positions - if you’d love to work with us pop over to our ‘Work with us’ page to see what’s available!

How to prepare your home to prevent plumbing issues this storm season.

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 08:21:07 GMT

How to prepare your home to prevent plumbing issues this storm season.

As we hit mid-Spring it won’t be long until the heavy downpours of Summer are upon us, and this year, with another La Nina declared, it is likely that the storms will be frequent and heavy.

So with lots of rain already having fallen this year, and plenty more expected, what can you do to prepare your home to better cope with the impending deluge and prevent any unwanted plumbing issues?

1) Clean your gutters

Throughout the year your gutters fill up with leaves, dust and dirt. Some gutters and rainwater tanks we have seen lately have accumulated so much debris that they are growing plants!

Obstructions in your gutter pose several risks in heavy rain:

First, having debris in your gutters means there is less room for water, when rain has nowhere else to go it backs up and your gutters overflow. Water always follows the path of least resistance, and you just want to hope that that path of least resistance isn't into your roof and through your ceilings.

Second, if you have loose debris in your gutters (that can still be moved by the water) you risk that debris washing into your downpipes and blocking both the downpipes and your stormwater system.

Third, if you rely upon water that is caught on your roof for drinking, everything in your gutters is likely being broken down into small particles and being washed into your water tank (that includes dead animals, animal poop and all other nasties that are actually really common on your roof).

2) Remove debris that could be washed into your stormwater pits and drains

Most properties in built up areas will have stormwater pits and drains around the house designed to remove excess rain away from buildings.

During storm season it is important to ensure that you keep your yard clear of debris that could be washed into these drains and cause blockages. Regularly rake up leaves, and ensure that loose rocks and gravel are contained as best as possible in garden beds.

It is also really important to ensure that you keep these drains clear of obstructions - in small backyards it’s easy to forget and set up the sandpit or kiddy pool on top of them!

3) Check your gutters, downpipes and roof to make sure they are in good condition

A small roof leak, a cracked downpipe, a loose gutter or a broken roof tile might seem like a small maintenance issue, but in heavy rain a small issue can quickly become a very expensive and unpleasant one.

Be proactive in repairing any issues prior to the rain arriving. Securing a leak in heavy rain is not an easy thing to do, neither is repairing a roof/gutter or downpipe in the wet when glues and adhesives don’t work and it is too dangerous to be on a wet roof. While as plumbers we do everything that we can in order to ensure that we repair these issues before too much damage is done, oftentimes when people fail to rectify issues prior to rain it becomes too unsafe or the chemicals that we need to use can’t cure and they simply have to wait until the roof dries out - often after considerable damage has already been done to walls and ceilings.

4) Ensure that all of your downpipes are being piped away from your foundation

Occasionally we find instances of downpipes dumping water directly on the ground at the corner of a home. Oftentimes, these houses end up having significant issues movement and cracking as the water undermines their foundations.

To avoid any issues, we recommend that prior to heavy rain you check to make sure that water from downpipes is escaping away from your home.

If you need any assistance preparing your home for the upcoming storm season - please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0439 648 390.

Should you have your septic tank serviced? If so, how often?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 02:50:21 GMT

Should you have your septic tank serviced? If so, how often?

Most council regulations don’t require that septic tanks have regular scheduled servicing, however, at HC Plumbing we strongly recommend an annual septic tank health check.

It’s good to have a septic tank checked annually to make sure the sludge level hasn’t built up too much (causing the tank to require pumping out) and to check that the baffles (the part that stops the sludge going into trench) hasn’t deteriorated to allow sludge into trench.

Sludge anywhere, doesn’t sound good, but sludge in your trenches can cause your trenches to stop taking on liquid and significantly shorten the lifespan (generally 15-25 years) of your trenches.

We have recently prepared this blog post on signs your septic tank might need to be replaced , but prevention is far better (cheaper and less messy), than a cure, so regular servicing and inspection of your septic is an investment in its longevity.

HC Plumbing offers a septic tank health check. It is a basic 5 point check, in which we inspect the condition and performance of your septic tank, identifying any risks and providing recommendations to ensure the longevity and continued performance.

To book your septic tank health check phone 0439 648 390 .

It pays, to pay attention

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 02:24:11 GMT

It pays, to pay attention

Last week we received a phone call to book a job for ‘a bubbling and hissing hot water system’. The tenant described it as just not sounding right.

When Peter, our Operations Manager got on site to inspect the job he couldn’t find anything wrong with the hot water system, but he could definitely hear the hissing sound that the tenants had described!

After a thorough scout-about Peter, managed to discover that a pipe fitting underneath the house had come adrift and the hissing noise was water leaking out under significant pressure. The water was leaking under the house and straight into a garden bed, making it almost impossible to identify the leak without the keen observation of the hissing noise.

With a new joiner installed and some minor repairs, the leak was fixed, the hissing noise ceased and the client will save a small fortune on what could have been a very expensive water bill.

The lesson here is that it pays to pay attention, the noises that you hear and the signs that your pipes, drains and appliances give you, whether audible or visible, can save you a great deal of time and money if you act on them in a timely manner.

If you have noticed something that just isn’t quite right, give us a call on 0439 648 390 so we can rectify it before it becomes a very expensive problem!

Septic & House Sewerage Treatment Plant (HSTP) Servicing. Why, When & How much does it cost?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 01:02:04 GMT

Septic & House Sewerage Treatment Plant (HSTP) Servicing - Why, When & How much does it cost?

Are you a new owner of a septic tank or onsite wastewater treatment system? HC Plumbing are the Wastewater Service Specialists you should add to your contacts list!

When making the tree change from living in town to living in rural areas, many think of all of the benefits of their new rural life.

The space, the fresh air… but there’s one shorefire way to ruin your fresh country air, and that is by failing to maintain your onsite sewerage treatment system.

Often, even when you are only a stone’s throw from town, you will find that rural properties don’t have the same access to town sewer that town folk have, meaning you will have to familiarise yourself with the service & maintenance obligations, and the signs to look out for when something might be amiss with your septic tank.

HC Plumbing are the local experts in onsite sewerage treatment. Whether you have a traditional septic tank or any other form of onsite sewerage treatment plant, if you are responsible for treating the things that go down your loo, then we are the experts who service it, maintain it, install it and fix it!

With that in mind we have pulled together some useful information that will make owning and maintaining your septic/house sewerage treatment plant a little bit simpler.

Why do you need to service your septic tank / house sewerage treatment plant?

Your septic or sewerage treatment plant is responsible for ensuring the safe treatment, and disposal of your wastewater. Black water (as water containing raw sewerage is termed) contains any number of potentially dangerous bacteria. It is therefore very important to ensure that your system is working in the way in which it is designed in order to thoroughly treat your wastewater before it is released back into your environment.

Many different issues can cause your sewerage treatment plant not to work optimally. Some systems require that you use septic safe cleaning products (meaning you will likely have to change your dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent and cleaning agents), you will also have to be extra careful not to put anything not designed to go down a drain into your system (no wipes, oil, tissues etc.).

Failure to correctly service and maintain your sewage treatment system can result in:

Sickness and ill health
Foul smell
Mud and wet earth that contains raw sewerage and fecal matter posing a danger to yourself, your family and pets
Fines and reprimands from local council

We have pulled together a blog post with signs that your system might need to be replaced - but they are also very relevant signs that there is something untoward happening with your system. You can read about the signs to look out for here.

How often does a septic tank / house sewerage treatment plant need to be serviced?

Servicing for each system is different and is dictated by the manufacturer. It will generally be either quarterly or annually. If your system is a house sewerage treatment plant (a little bit more complex than a septic tank as it treats your water to a quality suitable to allow it to be pumped out via sprinklers above ground) it will likely need servicing quarterly as there is a more complex balance required in order to ensure that the quality of the water that is pumped out into your garden is maintained at a safe level. If you have a traditional septic tank (a holding tank that your water leeches underground from) then, you will require less regular servicing as this is not compulsory, however strongly advised annually to maintain longevity of the systems operation.

Ensuring that servicing is completed as per your plant manufacturer's instructions is very important, as local councils will monitor that your plant is being serviced as it was designed (every time a licensed wastewater service agent services your plant they have to provide the service report to your local council). In the event the council is not receiving your regular service reports, there may be penalties for failing to maintain your system.

How much does it cost to service your septic / sewerage treatment plant?

With HC Plumbing the price generally varies depending on the complexity of the servicing of your plant and the remoteness of your property. The general range is $80 - $120 per service (quarterly or annually as required) and no GST is chargeable on sewerage treatment plant servicing. In order to maintain our competitive pricing, we group together all services in your region, so that you are not having to pay individual travel costs to your property. We then set you up on our regular service run, sending you a text message the week prior to your service to ensure that you are happy for us to attend and requesting that you let us know if for any reason (i.e. you’ve sold the property) you no longer need us to attend.

For an individual quote for the regular servicing and maintenance of your system please give us a call on 0439 648 390 .

A day in the life of a HC Plumbing plumber

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 02:45:45 GMT

A day in the life of a HC Plumbing plumber

Oftentimes we have potential staff ask what a day in the life of a HC Plumbing plumber looks like.

Are you stuck on the same job sites for weeks on end?
Do you have limited variety in the work you undertake?
Are you fixing leaking taps and toilets only?

The short answers are: No, yes and definitely no…

We thought that the best way to give you a true idea of exactly what a day in the life of a HC Plumbing plumber looked like was to ask one of our plumbers, Lou, to take some photos of his day, and show us exactly what he did!

Meet Lou...

Lou originally hails from not so sunny England, and while he expected the weather in delightful Queensland to be markedly different from home, he has been somewhat surprised by the cold we can experience.

Lou generally works on our residential maintenance jobs, he travels about town in his trusty HCP van with a variety of different tasks to complete on any given day.

A day in the life of Lou can involve…

When I asked Lou what he loved most about his job, he said

“The professional structure of the company. From the really nice manager, and contracts manager, to the admin staff and plumbers out in the field, everyone has their own tasks to get on with. This allows the company to run very efficiently creating a professional atmosphere to work in. There is always someone to call if you need help and you never feel alone.

I also love the team spirit which is motivated by the monthly team meetings and the frequent team activities. You are made to feel like you are an important part of this professional structure.”

As you can see, the work we do is diverse, you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with new technology, upskill, and learn from some pretty exceptional plumbers, whether they be Bede our director, Peter our ops manager or the likes of Lou.

We work on many exciting new build and renovation projects, often in multi-million dollar homes, with multiple bathrooms, multiple kitchens and extras like hydronic heating.

If you are hoping for a challenging, exciting and diverse role - HC Plumbing might just suit you!

If you were Lou’s mate, and you were thinking about applying for a job here, he’d say

“ This is one of the best companies I have worked for ".

You can see a list of all current vacancies on our Work With Us page.

What is a water softener and do I need one?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 23:50:15 GMT

What is a water softener and do I need one?

It is very rare that any water is simply a combination of Hydrogen & Oxygen (H2O), most water contains a variety of additional minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and it is the levels of these additional minerals that cause your water to be deemed ‘hard’ or ‘soft’.

In Toowoomba and surrounding regions the town water supply has varying levels of hardness and we do often find local customers are struggling to get longevity from their hot water systems and are frustrated by filthy shower glass.

Why would I need to soften my water?

As a rule, no one ‘needs’ to soften their water. Water softening is generally done based on personal preference, however, in the event that your water's hardness exceeds 120 mg/L, which a lot of Toowoomba’s water supply does, then a water softener may be advisable to ensure the longevity and improve the performance of your appliances.

How do water softeners work?

There are several different sorts of water softener and ways to soften water. Reverse osmosis systems can also be used, but these are very costly and result in huge amounts of water wastage and it’s advised to replace essential elements needed via another filter after!

Generally we recommend systems that rely on ion exchange.

Calcium and magnesium ions are negatively charged, and an ion exchange water softener is full of small beads (about the size of pinheads) that are positively charged, as we all know, opposites attract and the calcium and magnesium bond to the small beads. During the exchange the small beads release sodium (salt).

What are the advantages of a water softener?

Some benefits of softening your water are:

Less build up of scale in your appliances (particularly your hot water system, kettle, washing machine & dishwasher), pipes, fixtures and on glass shower screens
Improved performance and longevity of your appliances
Reduced mineral deposits (spots) on your glassware
Reduced build up of soap scum and deposits in your appliances (washing machine) and sinks, showers and baths
Clothing and linens will require less detergent to launder and will be softer and last longer
You will require a lot less cleaning products in a house with soft water
Soft water may improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dry skin
Money saved on cleaning products, a more efficient hot water system, longer lifespans of appliances

What are the disadvantages of a water softener?

As with all things there can be some disadvantages to installing a water softener such as:

Small running cost including small power usage and bags of salt
Small amount of water wasted used during regeneration process
Small amount of salinity added to water (these aren’t suitable for a person on a low sodium diet)
Requires an area of ground to sit on

If you are struggling with hard water, and are looking for the right solution for your specific needs, please give us a call on 0439 648 390 to discuss your options.

Should you filter your water? Even town water?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 02:57:57 GMT

Should you filter your water? Even town water?

Should you filter town water?

Town water (supplied via your water main) in Australia is generally thoroughly tested and safe to drink straight from the tap. In the event that it is not (due to flooding, breakdowns etc) you will be notified to boil it first.

But just because tap water is generally safe to drink straight from the tap, should you?

Many of the additives that are added to tap water, to treat it and make it safe, like chlorine - can be tasted and smelt, and while they are considered “safe” to consume, their consumption can be unpleasant.

Showering in hot water with a high chlorine content, which can smell bad, trigger breathing difficulties and asthma, and dry out your skin and hair may also be an issue for some families.

Other additives like Fluoride, are quite controversial with mixed reports as to their safety in drinking water.

Filtering town water is a very personal choice, and can be done in the event that you are wishing to purify the water further, making it more than just ‘safe’ to drink or shower and bathe in.

Should you filter untreated water?

If you are required to maintain your own water source and are using tank/rain water, bore water or a water reservoir (like a creek or dam) you will be responsible for removing all nasties from the water, such as taste, odour, particles, chemicals (notably pesticides), heavy metals, and parasites (such as Giardia, e-coli and Cryptosporidium).

This will require you to maintain the water source; ensuring there are no animal carcasses in or near your reservoir, gutters or water tank, no bird droppings on your roof, and that chemical run off is minimal (i.e. removing downpipes to tanks before cleaning your roof and ensuring that dams are not catching water that is running off fields where pesticides are being heavily used).

In addition to the basic maintenance of your water source, if your water is not being treated by a local government body and made safe for your consumption, then YES, you should be filtering it yourself!

What sort of filtration do you need?

The sort of filtration that you require really depends on your reasoning for filtering the water in the first place.

If you are simply wanting to improve the aesthetics of your water (the taste/smell/look) prior to drinking, then you may be able to do this with a bottle, jug, bench, tap mounted or inline water filter (plumbed into your drinking water tap before the outlet).

If you are wanting to improve the aesthetics of the water to your whole house, then a whole house filter, plumbed into your main prior to entry to your home may be your best option.

Generally a filter to filter aesthetic impurities will not need to be as stringently tested or as expensive as one that needs to remove more dangerous impurities.

If you are needing to remove not only aesthetic impurities, but potentially harmful ones, such as pesticides, heavy metals and parasites, there are several different options for safely filtering your water, from very fine antibacterial filters, to reverse osmosis and UV light filters (or a combination of multiple methods of filtration).

The National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF International) do offer certification for water filters, with certification of filters advising as to what level of filtration different filters provide, although not all manufacturers have their filters certified, as particularly for small business, this certification can be expensive.

As a general rule;

NSF 42 covers aesthetic effects (taste, smell etc)
NSF 53 covers health effects such as parasites (giardia, cryptosporidium), organic chemicals (like pesticides) and heavy metals

The Australian standard AS/NZS4348 covers a wide range of contaminants, including taste, smell, microbiological and chemical impurities.

Once you have your water filtration option implemented, it is really important that it is properly maintained. Water filtration is never a set and forget solution, it will require ongoing investment and maintenance. If you fail to replace and maintain your filters frequently enough, you may find that your water quality will actually end up worse than it was prior to installing your filtration system.

As a general rule, filters will need to be replaced AT LEAST every 12 months. However, this may be required more frequently depending on the type of filtration you use and the quality of the water you are filtering.

Why on earth would you want to work at HC Plumbing?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 01:40:19 GMT

Why on earth would you want to work at HC Plumbing?

When I first read the sentence above back to myself I couldn’t help the little thought “Why on earth would I want to work at all?” flicking through my head.

The truth is, while the idea of not having to work is a romantic and enticing one, in reality I would be bored silly, have no money and no purpose if I didn’t work. And honestly, I don’t really think that I am very different from you!

So the first three reasons you should work for HC Plumbing are:

You won’t be bored… HC Plumbing is a plumbing company that offers a diverse range of services, which means - you won’t be stuck doing the same tasks day in and day out. We are the local specialists in hydronic heating, the local agents for OzziKleen House Sewerage Treatment Plants and we offer all the usual plumbing services associated with both residential and commercial plumbing.

You will have money… HC Plumbing pays well above award wages as well as offering a company phone (or phone allowance) and a company vehicle.

You’ll have a purpose… We run an organised operation, so you will know exactly what you are up to on a daily basis. Generally you will get to see each project you work on through from start to finish, you’ll get to work as part of a team and you will get the opportunity to grow your skills and knowledge.

Why else should you work for HC Plumbing?

We are a great place to work! We have a positive team culture and clear expectations and, while we work hard when we are working, we play hard when we are not, with monthly breakfasts and social events (like deep sea fishing, clay target shooting or teeing off at the driving range).

We’re based in Toowoomba and it is a fantastic place to live. Toowoomba is a large regional city about 1.5 hours West of Toowoomba atop the Great Dividing Range.

With the median house price in Toowoomba sitting around $450k and the median unit price sitting around $290k and growth of approximately 8% in the property market in the last 12 months you can afford to buy a house in an up-and-coming residential property market. (Data from www.realestate.com.au )

Got kids? Want kids?

Toowoomba is a brilliant place to raise a family. It is known as the Garden City, full of parks and playgrounds. It is full of exceptional schools and is where many rural Queenslanders choose to send their children to boarding school. With 1 public and multiple private hospitals, there is exceptional quality healthcare on hand and a new hospital has been approved for construction and will be completed by 2027.

The cafe and restaurant culture is strong locally, with rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, Irish pubs and cuisine from all over the world all within walking distance of the city centre (which is no further than 20 minutes from anywhere in town).

It is close to Brisbane, the Gold & Sunshine Coasts.

With less than 3 hours travel getting you to either the Gold or Sunshine Coast and about 1.5 hours travel landing you in the heart of Brisbane, you get all the perks of big city living, without the headaches.

If Toowoomba sounds like the place for you and HC Plumbing sounds like the kind of company that you might like to work for, please give us a call on 0439 648 390 for more information or jump over to our ‘Work with Us’ page to see what positions we currently have available.

How to prevent blocked drains?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 01:15:53 GMT

How to prevent blocked drains?

Blocked drains are a fairly common occurrence in the Toowoomba region for a multitude of reasons:

We have highly reactive volcanic soil
We are known as the ‘Garden City’ and have lots of old sewers combined with big trees (and their roots)
We have cold weather, which causes the coagulation of greases and oils trapped in pipes

Blocked drains can be inconvenient, costly and quite simply disgusting. In some instances, like a broken drain cause by soil movement, there is very little that you as the home or business owner can do to avoid it. But there are several things that you can do, to reduce the likelihood of suffering from blocked drains in your home or workplace:

Never flush anything that isn’t human waste or toilet paper down the toilet
Ensure that you remove as much grease and debris from plates & utensils by scraping it into the bin/wiping with paper towel prior to rinsing in your sink
Ensure that you regularly clean the grates in your bathroom shower/bath to remove hair and lint - never try and wash hair/lint down the drain - instead remove from the shower/drain and place in bin
Don’t plant near sewer lines, particularly plants that are known to have invasive roots, the worst culprits in SE QLD are;
Camphor Laurel
Fig trees
Rubber plants
Poplars
Willows

In the event, that despite your best efforts you do suffer from a blocked drain, we recommend you read our blog post ‘How do you know when it is time to call a plumber about your blocked drain?’

Installation of 7 Tank sewerage treatment plant at Emu Gully Adventure Education in Helidon Spa

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 04:15:44 GMT

Installation of 7 Tank sewerage treatment plant at Emu Gully Adventure Education in Helidon Spa

If you’ve called Toowoomba home for any length of time, particularly if you went to school here, or you’ve had children at school in the region, then you would be familiar with the Emu Gully Adventure Education Group in Helidon Spa.

Torturous for those of us with a fear of mud or enclosed spaces, but an important right of passage for Toowoomba youth, working to build courage, leadership, teamwork, and mateship, Emu Gully camps and activity days are remembered fondly by so many of us.

Recently, our team has been back on-site, digging in the mud and reliving their youth to install a 7-tank OzziKleen Onsite Sewerage Treatment Plant.

With large groups of students staying in their camp and no access to the Council Sewerage System, HC Plumbing has designed a custom, 7-tank system capable of safely treating the waste produced on site, that will suit the needs of Emu Gully into the future.

While most of you know that we offer OzziKleen systems for the home, we are also capable of designing systems to suit the needs of off-the-grid businesses requiring high-usage sewerage systems within the region. With a designer/drafter on staff, we are a one-stop for all of your commercial onsite sewerage needs.

If you have been searching for the right sewerage treatment solution, please give us a call on 0439 648 390 to discuss your needs.

How do you know when your septic system needs to be replaced?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 23:40:25 GMT

How do you know when your septic system needs to be replaced?

Septic systems generally have a reasonable long lifespan when maintained correctly, with many systems lasting between 20 and 30 years.

If your system is getting on in age and you are worried that it might be starting to reach its end date, what signs should you look out for? And when should you be contacting a plumber or septic tank specialist?

Sign #1: Toilet flushing issues.

When you flush your toilet the water fills up, and slowly drains out, often not taking all the solids with it.

Sign #2: Stinky yard.

You’ve noticed that there is a certain, sewerage smell about the yard, particularly near to where your sewerage tank is.

Sign #3: The grass is always greener.

The grass around your sewerage tank is greener and longer than the grass throughout the rest of your yard.

Sign #4: Soggy drain field.

If you have noticed that the drain field for your septic tank is soggy and/or muddy underfoot it is likely no longer effectively draining your waste water.

Sign #5: Slow drains.

Sign #1 was a slow draining toilet, but it isn’t only your toilet draining slowly that you need to keep an eye out for. Slow shower, sink and laundry drains can also be signs of issues.

Sign #6: Gurgling sounds.

When your septic tank becomes too full of solids it can cause gurgling sounds when toilets are flushed or run water.

If you notice one or more of these six signs, what should you do?

You have started to notice some of the issues mentioned above, and suspect that your septic tank may need replacement. What do you do now?

The issues we have noted above most likely point to a septic tank reaching the end of its life, however, they may also be attributed to a septic tank requiring pump out, a blocked drain or something else!

The first step is to arrange for a plumber (you can reach us on 0439 648 390 ) to come and inspect your system in order for them to correctly diagnose the issue and advise on the best remedy!

How do you know when it is time to call a plumber about your blocked drain?

admin@hcplumbing.com.au (Carla Smith) — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 23:33:12 GMT

How do you know when it is time to call a plumber about your blocked drain?

You’ve noticed a sewerage smell... your drains are draining a little bit slowly… your toilet fills right up to the seat when you flush it… you are currently ankle deep in raw sewerage…

So just how do you know when it is time to give up on Draino and call in the professionals?

As a matter of fact, should you bother with Draino at all?

You need to call a plumber when:

More than one of your drains is affected

Having multiple drains in your home blocked is a sign that the blockage is affecting a more major sewerage line than you are likely to be able to clear yourself, a plumber and their specialist equipment will likely be needed to rectify the issue.

If you have raw sewerage entering your home

If sewerage is spilling into your home we suggest you call a plumber immediately and ensure you do not flush any toilets or run any water until they arrive in order to ensure that you don’t add any additional waste water to the situation.

If you have sewerage backing up in your yard surrounding your home

If you notice sewerage coming out of a vent near your home, this is a sign of a definite blockage, but also a good sign that the safeguards that have been put in place to prevent the sewerage backing up inside your home are working. Call a plumber and avoid using toilets and drains.

If you have tried a plunger, drain chemicals etc but the drain is still blocked

Generally if you have already attempted to clear the drain, but to no avail, it is time to call a plumber.

Should you ever use Draino or other chemicals in an attempt to unblock your drain yourself?

Generally we don’t recommend using caustic drain cleaners in an attempt to unblock your drain. The chemicals contained in them are harsh and are dangerous to both you, and often to your drain.

If you have a slow drain, we recommend attempting the following, at home methods to try and clear it yourself:

Vinegar & Bi Carb Soda:

Vinegar & Bi carb soda really are the two hardest working cleaning agents on the planet and can just about work magic with their ability to clean and deodorise.

When you notice your drain is slow we suggest you:

Fill your kettle up to full and bring it to the boil. Then pour all but approx. 1 cup hot water down the drain (be careful if the drain is very slow to pour slowly so as not to overfill a sink with boiling water)
Once the boiling water has cleared the drain, tip ½ a cup of bi carb soda down the drain (use a metal skewer or the tip of a spoon to push all of the bi carb down into the drain pipe)
Mix 1 cup of vinegar in with the 1 remaining cup of hot water and pour them down the drain on top of the bi carb
Pop the plug in and let the drain sit for approx. 10 minutes.
While you are waiting, boil the kettle again
After 10 minutes, remove the plug and tip the kettle of boiling water down the drain once more (be careful not to splash yourself with hot water).
Run the hot water (from the tap) and ensure your drain is now draining nicely - if not, repeat the process.

Dishwashing liquid:

Many blockages (particularly in kitchens) are due to a buildup of grease. Dishwashing liquid is specially formulated to break this down.

Pour ½ to 1 cup of dishwashing liquid down your slow drain and let it sit for 30 minutes (we’re hoping it works it way through)
After 30 minutes, boil your kettle, slowly and carefully pour it down the drain (being careful not to splash yourself)
Run the hot water (from the tap) and ensure your drain is now draining nicely - if not, repeat the process.

In the event that you are unable to clear your blocked or slow drain yourself, or if you have checked off one or more of the 'you need to call a plumber when' dot points above - please give us a bell on 0439 648 390 to come and rectify your issue!