Christmas Plumbing Tips | Network Know How | Sydney Plumber

With Christmas fast approaching it is timely to remind people of the measures related to plumbing that can be taken to protect our biggest asset, our home, while away for an extended period on annual vacation.

We strongly suggest that given the bushfire season coinciding with vacation time, it would be timely for homes in leafy areas to have all the gutters and downpipes clear of leaves and all combustible materials cleaned up around the yard. This will also avoid blockage of stormwater drains in the event of heavy rain,
preventing flooding.

Other recommendations, are to turn off the isolation valves over your washing machine and dishwasher as they are connected with flexible connections which can be prone to bursting, resulting in an unobserved leak running through the house causing major water damage to floors, furniture etc.

Many people who holiday for extended times, turn the water off to their hot water heaters. This is OK to do so as long as they also isolate the power to prevent damage to the heater. 

The temperature & pressure relief valve is near the top of the heater and is essential to the safe working of the heater. Water is released when the water in the tank is either too hot or there is a build up of pressure due to the hot water expanding.

Failure of this valve can result in damage to the hot water cylinder or a loss of water from a faulty valve causing an excess water account.

The temperature and relief valve should be checked for performance every six months and replaced every five years as per the manufacturers specifications.