Question 1

What should you do if you notice water leaks in your house?

Accepted Answer

If you notice water leaks in your house, the most important thing is to call a licensed plumber, who offers a specialised leak detection service, immediately. Water leaks can cause serious damage to your home and can also lead to mould growth, so it's important to address the issue as soon as possible.

Additionally, you can take some steps to prevent further water damage until a professional arrives. For example, you can try to direct the flow of water away from your home by using buckets or towels. You should also remove any furniture or other items that may be damaged by the water. And finally, make sure to keep a close eye on the leak and call for emergency help if it starts gushing out water.

Question 2

How do you dry carpet after a water leak?

Accepted Answer

If your carpet has been soaked by a water leak, you'll need to act quickly to dry it out and prevent mould and mildew from growing. Here's what you should do:

1. If the carpet is wet, remove any excess water by blotting it with a clean towel. Do not rub or scrub the carpet, as this can damage the fibres.

2. Turn on all the fans in the room, including any ceiling fans, to help circulate air and speed up the drying process.

3. Place a dehumidifier in the room and set it to its highest setting. Check it frequently to empty the water collection tank.

4. If all else fails, you may want to consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner for a deep clean.

Question 3

How do you dry wood floors after a water leak?

Accepted Answer

After a water leak, the best way to dry a wooden floor is to use a wet vacuum cleaner. This will suck up all the water and moisture from the floor. You can also use fans to help speed up the drying process. Make sure that you keep the fans blowing on the wet area so that it dries quickly. If there is any standing water on the floor, use a mop to soak it up. Once all of the water has been removed, use a broom to sweep up any remaining dirt or debris. Be sure to dry out any areas under furniture or in closets where water may have seeped in. Let your floor air out for a few days before walking on it or putting furniture back in place.

Question 4

Who is responsible for a water leak bill?

Accepted Answer

Determining who is responsible for the water bill during a water leak depends on the exact location of the leak. If it is located on your property, you are responsible for all associated costs, including calling a plumber. If the water leak is roadside, then the bill is the responsibility of Water Corporation and you must report it straight away.

Question 5

How can you slow a water leak?

Accepted Answer

For smaller leaks, it may be possible to slow or provide a temporary fix until a plumber can come out and look at it. You could try using products from hardware stores such as pipe clamps, epoxy compounds or tape. However, if the leak is significant, we recommend switching off your water mains until a plumber can carry out the repair with specialised equipment.

Question 6

How can you find a water leak in a house?

Accepted Answer

If you're trying to pinpoint a leak in your home or property, there are a few ways you can go about this. One way is to look for any signs of water damage, such as stains on walls or ceilings, or warping of floorboards. Another way is to listen for any dripping or rushing sounds that could indicate where the leak is coming from. If you suspect that there may be a water leak somewhere in your house, it's important to take action right away in order to prevent further damage.

Question 7

How much water is lost in a water leak?

Accepted Answer

A water leak can lose hundreds of litres of water a day, depending on the severity of the leak and where it is. In saying that, even the smallest of leaks such as a dripping tap, may not appear to be leaking much water. However, over time, every little bit adds up!

Leaks can happen anywhere in your home, from toilets and faucets to pipes and drains. The harder it is to find the source of the leak, the more water you could be losing without even knowing it. That's why it's important to check your plumbing regularly for leaks and fix them as soon as possible.

If you do find a water leak in your home, be sure to turn off the main water supply until the leak is fixed. Not only will this save you money on your water bill, but it will also help prevent further damage to your home.

Question 8

Leak Detection and Assessment

Accepted Answer

We inspect the toilet, cistern or toilet tank, toilet base, floor area, supply line and visible connections to find where the leak is coming from. If the issue is not obvious, our leak detection services can help locate hidden leaks before they cause more damage.

Question 9

Cistern and Valve Repairs

Accepted Answer

If the toilet keeps running after you flush, we can check the inlet valve, float, overflow tube and other parts inside the cistern to see what needs adjusting, repairing or replacing.

Question 10

Seal and Gasket Replacement

Accepted Answer

Worn seals or gaskets can cause water to seep from the toilet base or around key connections. We can replace damaged parts to help stop the leak and restore a proper seal.

Question 11

Supply Line and Connection Repairs

Accepted Answer

Loose connections or a leaking water supply line can cause water pooling around the toilet or bathroom floor. Our plumbers can tighten, repair or replace affected fittings where needed.

Question 12

Cracked Cistern and Toilet Base Checks

Accepted Answer

If the cistern, toilet bowl or porcelain is cracked, we can assess whether it can be repaired or whether a replacement toilet is the safer long-term option.

Question 13

Full Toilet Repair or Replacement

Accepted Answer

Where a simple fix is not enough, our service and repair plumbers can recommend the most practical repair or replacement option and complete the job with minimal disruption to your home.

Question 14

Should I turn off the water if my toilet is leaking?

Accepted Answer

If water is actively leaking onto the floor or the toilet will not stop running, turning off the water supply to the toilet can help reduce water waste and limit damage while you wait for a plumber. If you are unsure where the shut-off valve is, or the leak continues after turning off the water, it is best to call a plumber for advice.

Question 15

Can I still use a leaking toilet?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of leak. If the leak is minor and contained, the toilet may still be usable for a short time. However, if water is pooling on the floor, the toilet is loose, or the leak is getting worse, it is safer to avoid using it until it has been assessed.

Question 16

How long does it take to fix a leaking toilet?

Accepted Answer

Many leaking toilet repairs can be completed in a single visit, depending on the cause of the leak and whether replacement parts are needed. More complex issues, damaged porcelain or installation problems may take longer to assess and repair.

Question 17

Will my toilet need to be removed to fix the leak?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Some leaks can be repaired by adjusting or replacing parts inside the cistern, tightening connections or replacing seals. If the leak is coming from the base, pipework or toilet pan connection, the plumber may need to remove the toilet to inspect and repair the issue properly.

Question 18

Do you carry spare parts for leaking toilet repairs?

Accepted Answer

Swan’s Professional Plumbing carries common plumbing parts and tools for many toilet repairs. If your toilet needs a specific part or a full replacement, the plumber can explain your options before completing the work.

Question 19

Can a dripping mixer tap really waste that much water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can. Even a slow, steady drip from a mixer tap can waste a significant volume of water over time. A tap dripping once per second can lose more than 30 litres of water per day, which adds up quickly on your water bills. In a city like Perth, where water efficiency matters, getting a dripping mixer tap fixed promptly is both a practical and responsible decision.

Question 20

Can I fix a leaking mixer tap myself?

Accepted Answer

For minor surface-level issues, some homeowners can manage basic repairs. Cleaning a blocked aerator, replacing a shower head or tightening a loose connection are tasks that don't require a licensed plumber.

However, replacing a ceramic disc cartridge or O-rings inside the tap body requires the right tools, the correct replacement parts and a solid understanding of how to isolate the water supply safely. If you're not confident, or if the drip persists after a DIY attempt, it's best to call a licensed plumber. Getting it right the first time avoids more leaks and more cost down the track.

Question 21

Can I install my own mixer tap?

Accepted Answer

If you're simply replacing the visible trim kit on a wall-mounted bathroom mixer tap, such as the handle, cover plate, or finish, it may be possible to do so yourself, provided you're not disconnecting any plumbing components. However, if the installation requires access to the mixer body inside the wall, adjustment of plumbing connections, or replacement of internal cartridges, the work should be carried out by a licensed plumber.

Wall-mounted mixer taps can be complex, and incorrect installation may result in leaks inside the wall cavity, leading to costly water damage that can go unnoticed for months. For standard basin mixer taps, any work involving the water supply connections or replacement of the tap itself should also be completed by a licensed plumber to ensure a safe, leak-free installation. If you're unsure whether your project involves more than a cosmetic trim kit replacement, it's always safest to seek professional advice.

Question 22

Do I need to replace the whole tap, or just the cartridge?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, cartridge replacement is all that's needed to fix a leaking mixer tap. A new cartridge restores the tap to full working order without the expense of a full tap replacement. However, if the tap body is cracked, heavily corroded or the internal components are no longer available, a new tap is the more cost-effective long-term solution. We'll assess your tap honestly and recommend the most sensible option for your situation.

Question 23

How much does a mixer tap repair cost in Perth?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a mixer tap repair depends on the type of tap, the cause of the leak and the parts required. Simple repairs, such as O-ring replacement or cartridge replacement, are generally more affordable than a full tap replacement.

We estimate the total cost to vary between $150 to $380+ depending on the work required. At Swan's Professional Plumbing, we always provide a free onsite quote before any work begins, so you'll always know the full cost upfront. There are no hidden charges and no call-out fees.

Question 24

Is a leaking mixer tap covered by home insurance?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your policy and the circumstances of the leak. Most home insurance policies in Western Australia cover sudden and unexpected water damage, such as a burst fitting. However, leaks that develop gradually due to wear and tear, such as a deteriorating ceramic cartridge or worn O-rings, are generally not covered.

Your insurer may cover resulting damage to cabinetry or flooring in some cases, but typically not the cost of the tap repair itself. We recommend reviewing your Product Disclosure Statement or speaking with your insurer directly. Our team can inspect the issue and provide a clear written report to assist with any insurance enquiry.

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