A fair share of the calls we get aren’t about a new plumbing problem. They’re about an old one that someone has already tried to fix. Sometimes, a plumber has attended but the original problem persists, or a new issue has developed since the work was done. In some cases, the customer simply can’t get the original plumber to return their calls.
We don’t enjoy those jobs any more than the customer does. Nobody wants to pay twice. Here are three plumbing jobs from around Perth where our plumbers were called in for a second opinion.
Got a plumbing problem that needs a second opinion? Don’t hesitate to call our friendly team today!
1. The three-year-old toilet that “had to be replaced” in West Perth
What happened
Our West Perth customer’s toilet was leaking at the base. Another plumber had inspected it previously and recommended replacing the entire toilet suite. At around three years old, the toilet was still relatively new, so our customer wanted a second opinion before committing to the cost of a replacement.
What we found
Upon inspection, the cistern bolts were leaking, as was the seal between the cistern and pan. The good news? Neither issue required a new toilet. Both were worn components that could simply be replaced.
What we did about it
We removed the cistern, replaced the bolts and fitted a new seal between the cistern and pan. We also replaced the pan rubbers, re-siliconed the pan to the floor and tested everything to confirm the leak was fixed.
While we were there, we explained that a little moisture on the outside of the cistern during winter can be condensation rather than a leak, so the owner knows what to look out for in future.
The result? A working toilet with no leak, without the cost of replacing a suite that was otherwise in perfectly good condition.
2. The Coodanup renovation with more problems than expected
What happened
A customer had called us regarding a recently completed kitchen and bathroom renovation completed by another contractor in Coodanup. Our customer wasn’t happy with a few aspects of the plumbing work originally completed. Rather than us going out and simply quoting on those individual issues, we decided to carry out our free Plumbing Health Check onsite to see whether there was anything else worth investigating.
What we found
During the plumbing health check, we identified more severe plumbing issues to address than the owner had initially realised.
The toilet wasn’t secured to the floor and couldn’t sit flush against the wall due to the tiling.
Under the kitchen sink, the hot and cold connections were reversed, the waste fitting hadn’t been glued, and the water pipes hadn’t been repositioned before the cabinets were installed.
The problems continued in the laundry and bathroom. The laundry trap was leaking, the vanity and basin were loose, the bath wasn’t secured or sealed, and the floor waste wasn’t connected using the correct pipework. The flexible hoses had also been routed in a way that restricted access to the plumbing connections inside the wall.
What we did about it
We removed and correctly refitted the toilet, corrected the kitchen plumbing connections and replaced the leaking laundry trap.
The bathroom repairs were quoted separately, and the owner has decided to hold off on those for now. We’ve provided written findings so she has a clear record of the problems and can decide how to proceed.
Getting a second opinion helped uncover issues that went well beyond the original concerns, giving the owner a clearer picture of what had actually been done and what still needed attention.
3. The cracked gully in Success that needed more than a diagnosis
What happened
The bathroom drain kept blocking, so our customer in Success called another plumber to investigate first. They identified a damaged pipe and explained that sand was getting into the drain, but the issue was never fixed.
The homeowner needed someone to do more than identify the problem. She needed it resolved as soon as possible.
What we found
The original diagnosis was correct. The gully beneath the bathroom floor was cracked, allowing sand to enter the drainage line and cause repeated blockages.
To fix the problem properly, we needed to access the damaged pipework and replace the gully.
What we did about it
We cut through the concrete around the bathroom gully and excavated to expose the damaged section. We then removed the cracked gully, installed a replacement with new fittings, tested the system and backfilled the excavation.
Concrete and tile reinstatement were arranged separately by the owner, helping keep our costs down. We also applied a seniors discount and a saving for booking the full day of work.
The result was a permanent fix that addressed the cause of the ongoing blockages, backed by our five-year workmanship warranty. While the first plumber had correctly identified the problem, our customer needed someone to see the repair through, and with multiple fully stocked vans on the road, we were able to do this for her straight away without the lengthy wait.
The cheapest plumber doesn’t always work out to be the cheapest option in the long run!
Choosing the right plumber from the start can save you the cost and frustration of having to pay someone else to fix the same problem. While a cheaper quote might seem appealing, poor workmanship or a quick fix can end up costing you more in the long run.
At Swan’s Professional Plumbing, we believe in finding the cause of the problem and fixing it properly the first time. We’ll explain what needs doing, why it’s necessary and what your options are, so you can make an informed decision.
Whether you’re looking for a plumber you can trust or need a second opinion on work that’s already been done, get in touch with Swan’s Professional Plumbing.
