In compliance with Sydney Water a Backflow Prevention Containment Device must be tested annually in order to prevent problems with your water supply such as:

• Changes in water supply pressure
• Contaminated water entering your clean water supply, or
• Wasting water caused by a leaking device

Installation and testing of any type of Backflow device can only be done by a licensed plumber with Backflow Prevention accreditation.

For Installation or Testing on Your Backflow device call RESULT Plumbing now on 1300 780 760.

About Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be extremely annoying as it feels like it is taking forever to perform simple tasks such as doing the dishes, having a shower or watering the garden.  While it is certainly a nuisance, low water pressure can be a sign that there is something wrong with your plumbing.

Causes of Low Water Pressure

One cause of low water pressure is blockages or clogs in the pipes that lead to your home and/or taps. These blockages restrict the flow of water and as such, you will not be getting as much coming out of the tap, causing low water pressure.  Another cause is a crimped water line.  Yet another thing that can cause low water pressure is a partially closed or malfunctioning shutoff valve.

Fixing Low Water Pressure

If you are tired of low water pressure and just want things back to normal, you’ll need the help of a qualified licensed plumber. The plumber will be able to look at your plumbing and diagnose the specific problem.  Once this is done, they will take the necessary steps in order to restore your water pressure and make using your water a pleasure again.

Result Plumbing is available 7 days a week and can help you with your Water Pressure problems. Call 1300 780 760 now.

Source: HiPages 2011

Kitchen Lighting Trends

There have been major advances in kitchen lighting trends. Forget the standard light in the middle of the kitchen. It’s interesting to note that fluorescent lights are actually making a comeback, as it’s about achieving the right levels of brightness in the kitchen. Fluorescents are perfect for this purpose as their light is bright and even. They are also cheap to run and environmentally friendly.

Under cabinet lighting is another trend that isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Many people are choosing to use dark cabinet or benchtop materials, making under cabinet lighting a necessity. Features that you wouldn’t normally think to highlight in a kitchen, such as toe space and the top of the cabinets, are being accented with ambient lighting.

Outdoor Lighting

With the ever increasing popularity of outdoor living, it is only natural that the lighting companies are taking notice. Chandeliers, wall sconces, and table lamps that are made of cast aluminium are becoming more widely used in outdoor areas. Portable lights or table lights are designed so they won’t short out or cause a fire if they get wet.

Security lights are also becoming more attractive. No longer is it about utilitarian lights that let you see what’s happening or what you are doing. The decorative options that are coming into lighting stores means that you have a range of lighting available that is both practical and suits your style.

Energy Efficient Lighting

Energy efficiency is still a major buzzword in lighting. Chandeliers, pendants, and table lamps that traditionally take incandescent bulbs are being redesigned so that they can use fluorescent bulbs without forsaking any style. The bulbs themselves are also being redesigned so that they don’t peek out unattractively from below the light fitting.

The Three Major Lighting Styles The three major lighting styles that are making waves in design circles right now are:

Casual elegance – creating a warm, relaxed environment using casual lighting that is still a little upscale in design

Simplified traditional – where the excesses are removed, for example, decorative lighting may be used but with the focus on one aspect such as the finish, or the shape

Soft contemporary – a modern look that is clean, modern, but doesn’t feel cold

The trick is to complement the design of the house. This may be choosing a light fitting that complements the height of the ceiling, as design trends go towards higher ceilings. The choice of materials is also changing. Plastic and resin is on the way out and the “old world” materials such as brass, copper, and crystal are on their way back in.

Lamps, Chandeliers, and Pendants

One trend that is coming through is based on the American trend of lighting a living area solely using lamps. This is great if you like to change your décor often as it is easy to change the light shades to match your colour scheme. If you plan to use several lamps, ensure that you have power points in the right place.

Chandeliers create a great feature in the home, but remember that their intention is to be a feature and not a primary light source. Treat the chandelier as a decorative piece and use strategic up lighting and down lighting for the primary light source. Pendants are also great as they are a functional light source as well as being decorative. You can use them individually or group them together for a fantastic look.

Source: HiPages 2011

• Record the regularity, location and costs each time the drains are blocked.
• Ask your plumber what caused the blockage.
• Ask your plumber where the lines are located; find out if they are under concrete driveway, under trees or in difficult to access locations. You may be able to get a diagram of the drains from your local water utility.
• Get a CCTV inspection – any good maintenance plumber will have a CCTV Camera that can view the inside of the pipe and pinpoint the location of the problems. The plumber should also be able to provide you with a copy of the inspection on DVD or digital file, and a report based on the findings. That way you can use that report to get other quotes. You may have to pay for it but it could save you thousands in the long run.
• Get a couple of quotes, be sure your comparing apples for apples.
• Find out if you need to replace the entire drainage system or can you get away with just replacing a section or relining the section.
• Can the affected sections be done at different times (to help with cash flow)? Will it cost more to have it done separately?
• What will be the inconveniences faced by the residents during the work?

Result Plumbing is available 7 days a week and can help you with all your blocked drain and plumbing issues. Call 1300 780 760 now.

Plumbers and Electricians are highly skilled trades that provide a crucial service for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. All related work needs to be to the highest standard as plumbing and electrical typically affects public health and safety, specifically the potential for the contamination of drinking water supplies and electrocution.

 Plumbing work can encompass a broad range of tasks including water supply, drainage, sewage, heating, cooling and gas fitting.  Specific elements that are typically fitted by a plumber include water pipes, taps, sinks, baths, showers, hot water systems and elements of a properties drainage and sewage system. Electricians are generally responsible for lights, power and communications in your home.

Common Plumbing and Electrical Problems:

Some of the most common problems around the home are related to plumbing and Electrical issues.  This includes the following commonly encountered situations, which typically require the services of a licensed plumber or electrician:

                  Leaking taps                                 Leaking toilets

                  Faulty hot water systems            Leaking roofing

                  Blocked drains                              Bathroom renovation

                  Gas appliance installation          Phone line

                  Burst Water Pipe                           Ceiling Fans

                  Light replacement                         Appliance installation

                  Power Point relocation                 Smoke Detectors

                  Security Systems                    

Licensed Plumbers and Electricians:

Only licensed contractors are authorised to carry out plumbing and electrical work and ensure that all the work under their control complies with all the relevant standards and regulations. If you are unsure if your tradie is licensed ask to see some proof of this or contact your local State Authority. Licensed Plumbers and Electricians are required to complete extensive on site experience, attend very intense training courses at TAFE and other training organisations. All work shall comply with the Australian Standard AS3500 and AS3000.

There can be very costly mistakes made and often it costs more to fix up others problems than it would have cost in the first place to get it done by a reputable licensed tradesperson.

For more information, call us at Result Trade Services on 1300 780 760 or 1300 810 860 or visit our web site www.resulttrade.com.au today.

(c) Result Trade Services 2011

I thought it may be worthwhile getting some information out there about the causes of mould, the ways of preventing it, and some tricks of the trade to remove it.

What is it?

Mould is a living organism, fungi that grows like a network. Generally speaking the mould we tend to see in a building thrives at temperatures from about 4 Degrees C where humidity is high.

A quick search of the internet can provide you with a wealth of information on the science relating to mould.

Where will it grow?

Mold in the home can usually be found in damp, dark or steam filled areas e.g. bathroom or kitchen, cluttered storage areas, recently flooded areas, basement areas, plumbing ducts, areas with poor ventilation and outdoors in humid environments.

What causes it?

Many things will cause it to grow, but generally speaking in the types of environments we are seeing it in recently on walls and ceilings. We have studied several cases and found that generally there is a common theme to these cases:

1. Most commonly ground floor units that either have a southern aspect or are shaded by trees or surrounding buildings.
2. Most Commonly on Brick or Concrete Surfaces that are either common or external walls.
3. Warm air environments particularly where the occupants use a radiant type heater such as an Un – flued Gas Heater or Exposed Electrical Element.

Water leaks and roof leaks will also in cease the incident of mould. Have a professional like a plumber check the site to make sure there are no water leaks, failed membranes or roof problems. Check that the Plumber has a Moisture Meter and they know how to use it.

How does it grow?

In the most severe cases we have noted in our research that the mould starts to grow on a wall or ceiling that is generally cold to touch, most of the time it’s an external wall that is directly in contact with the ambient air outside. In most cases the affected wall is shaded, and gets very little natural warmth from the sun. When it rains or if there is excessive moisture in the air because of things like showers and cooking appliances, the damp or moist air is heated inside the building from things like room heaters and as that warm moist air comes into contact with the cold walls condensation begins to form. Quite often we have seen the condensation to the point of absolute saturation and the water literally runs down the walls and windows of the property. The condensation that remains on the surface becomes a breeding ground for the mould spores and in a very short space of time the mould can spread vast areas.

How can it be stopped?

The first thing that needs to happen is the moisture needs to be removed from the surface and the air, the best way to do it is ventilation. Ventilation can be as simple as opening doors and windows allowing cross ventilation or the area may require additional ventilation bricks and in some severe cases it may require fans and forced air movement. Mould does not survive very well in open well ventilated spaces.

Secondly you will need to try and get some natural light and warmth into the affected walls. Trimming trees, opening blinds will help. A property with a southerly aspect will be the worst affected by this particularly in winter when the sun is low in the sky.

Limit the use of artificial heating, Un – flued Gas Heaters, Radiant type electric heaters will heat the air in the room and increase the amount of warm air in the area. Obviously we need to keep warm, Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner ill help as they tend to remove the moisture from the air.

The weather will be on your side, as spring and summer approach and the weather warms up the spread of Mould will be easier to contain.

How do I get rid of it?

Not easy, As the Mould is an organism it has to be killed. Simply cleaning it will not stop it from growing back. Address the cause, and implement a strategy to stop the mould from growing then you can look to get rid of it permanently.

Special Mould killers do work, it takes considerable elbow grease but it will work if used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. We have used a couple of products and we have had particular success killing the mould and spores with Selley’s Mould Killer and then sealing over with Zinisser B.I.N. Both products should be available at your local hardware store.

Like all maintenance and repair issues, every site is different. You should contact a professional. Seek advise, ask questions and if your not confident in that professional gat another opinion. It can be a very expensive process and without the right diagnosis or strategy it will cost much more than it should.