Frequently Asked Questions

Your plumbing questions answered


If you have a question about plumbing, and you can't find the answer here, feel free to send your question to admin@wlcp.com.au. We will do our best to answer your query quickly and accurately.


About Chivers Plumbing

Do you have an after hours plumbing service?

Definitely! We have a rapid response plumbing team ready to respond to any plumbing emergency, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

We can arrange any plumbing service at a time that best suits you.

More about emergency plumbing
Are your plumbers licensed, registered and insured?

Absolutely.

WL Chivers Plumbing are members of Master Plumbers Victoria. We are bound by a code of ethics, all of our plumbers are fully licensed and registered and our work is guaranteed. We ensure that our entire team receives the best, most up to date training available in order to provide world's best practice plumbing services.

What is the best way to book a plumber?

For standard, non urgent work you may call us on 0417 49 59 69 or click the "Make a Booking" button to book a job online.

For all emergency plumbing work, phone us on 0417 49 59 69 at any time.

I'm buying/selling a property. Can you do a plumbing inspection?

Yes. Just tap on the "Make a Booking" button to arrange a plumbing inspection. Chivers Plumbing will inspect your drains, pipes and fixtures and advise you about any issues that may need attention.

Make a Booking

Blocked Drains and Sewers

What are the main causes of a blocked drain?

There are several possible causes for clogged drains, both storm water and sewerage systems. The most common are:

  • Tree root incursion.
  • Flushing unsuitable material, such as wet wipes, down the toilet.
  • An accumulation of leaves and other debris.
  • Built up fats, grease, soap scum, human hair.
More about blocked drains
What are common signs of a blocked drain?

Some of the common signs that you may have a blocked storm water or sewerage drain:

  • Your toilet is not flushing properly or is very slow to clear.
  • Water is slow to drain from sinks, basins or bathtub.
  • Your shower is filling with water.
  • You hear gurgling sounds as water is draining.
  • Unpleasant odours coming from drains.
  • A damp patch in your yard.
How much does it cost to unblock a drain?

The cost to unblock a drain can vary enormously, depending on the nature and location of the blockage, the general condition of the pipes, and if there is other damage to repair.

A small blockage can often be fixed by simply flushing the pipe with a high pressure water blast. In many cases the pipe may be re-lined without the need to dig. A worst-case scenario may mean large excavation work and pipe replacement.

Whatever the problem, Chivers Plumbing have the experience and equipment to correctly diagnose and rectify any drainage issue. We will locate and identify the cause of the drain blockage, advise you on the best course of action and provide you with a comprehensive quote.

Read about a drain repair project
Can I unclog a drain myself?

In some circumstances you may be able to unclog your drain. Drain blockages usually build up over extended periods of time. The longer it takes material such as hair, grease and other waste to build up the more difficult it will be to dislodge the blockage.

If the following method doesn't work for you, the next step is to call WL Chivers Plumbing. We will unclog the drain and provide you a permanent solution.

  • Pour a kettle of boiling water into the drain.
  • Follow the boiling water with half a cup of baking soda.
  • Wait a few minutes and add a cup of vinegar.
  • Allow the mixture to "fizz" for several minutes.
  • Follow with another pot of boiling water.
  • If your drain is still blocked, call Chivers Plumbing.

Non-Destructive Pipe Relining

What are the benefits of Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP) pipe relining?

Whenever appropriate, CIPP relining has many benefits over excavating and replacing damaged pipes:

  • Cost effective: it is usually significantly cheaper to reline than to excavate and replace.
  • Less Disruption: trench-less pipe relining often means that the repairs can be completed without damage to your landscaping, paving, paths, driveway or other items.
  • Durability: a well completed pipe reline will provide a long term and highly functional solution to a blocked and damaged drain pipe.
More about CIPP drain relining
Can all damaged drains be relined?

No-dig drain relining can be used in most but not all cases in which a blocked drain has become damaged. In some situations, the only option to repair a pipe is to excavate and replace the damaged sections.

Our expert specialist drainage plumbers will be able to advise you as to the best solution for your specific needs.

Will pipe relining reduce drainage capacity?

No. The cured epoxy resin used to reline drainage pipes is actually much smoother than older terracotta or concrete pipes. It is highly likely that the relined pipe will clear water more efficiently than the original pipe.

How long will a relined pipe last?

If the pipe is relined correctly, using quality materials, the new drainage pipe should provide reliable service for up to sixty years. The service life of a relined pipe is easily comparable to the service life of most options for traditional pipe replacement.

Burst or Leaking Pipes

Do you repair leaking taps, showers, toilets?

Yes. WL Chivers will repair any water leaks occurring in your home, no job is too big or too small.

More about leak detection
What does it cost to repair a damaged water pipe?

There are many factors that will affect the cost or repairing a burst water pipe. The amount of damage, the location of the pipe, access to the pipe, and the type of water pipe will all need to be considered.

For example, replacing a damaged flexible connection pipe or repairing a leaking toilet is usually a simple procedure. Repairing an underground leak can often be a more difficult and involved job.

Rest assured, Chivers Plumbing will repair any damaged pipes economically and with a minimum of fuss and disruption to your daily life.

What should I do if I suspect a water leak?

Call Chivers Plumbing on 0417 49 59 69. Our advanced leak detection methods and equipment will find any damaged water pipes, giving you a quick answer and peace of mind.

Hot Water Service

What are the signs that my hot water service needs replacing or repair?

Depending on the age of the unit and the nature of the fault your unit may only need a service or replacement part. It is often more economical to replace older hot water heaters.

Some of the signs that your water heater needs attention:

  • You have no hot water
  • Water is leaking from the unit
  • The water is rusty or contains sediment
  • The pilot light goes out often
  • Water pressure is inconsistent
  • The unit is making banging or rumbling sounds
More about hot water systems
Which type of hot water heater should I get?

That will depend on your personal circumstances and requirements. Factors to consider when making such a decision include the amount of hot water you need each day, the size of your property and the type of services available at your property.

Another point to consider is the initial investment cost versus the running cost over time.

Chivers Plumbing can provide you with expert advise on all available types of hot water service installation and help you make the best choice.

Learn about heat pump hot water systems
How much does it cost to install a hot water system?

If you are replacing the unit with a similar type, in the same location the installation cost will be relatively low. It will be more expensive if the new unit is to be moved to a different location, from an indoor unit to external for example. It will be more expensive again if you wish to change energy source, from say gas to electric or visa versa.

Chivers Plumbing will be happy to help you find the best solution for your needs and provide you with a highly competitive, fixed price quotation for all work required.

Are instantaneous water heaters more efficient than storage tank systems?

In many cases they can be significantly more efficient but it is highly dependent on your daily usage requirements.

If you use fewer than 155 litres of hot water per day, a tankless system may be up to 35% more energy efficient than a hot water storage tank. On the other hand, if your daily use is greater than 350 litres you may not notice a worthwhile improvement in efficiency.

Toilet Suites

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a toilet?

In many cases it will be cheaper to repair than replace. This is of course dependent upon many factors including the age and overall condition of the toilet suite. Quite often we find it makes more sense economically to replace the entire unit, plus you get the added benefits of having a much nicer, cleaner looking suite that uses far less water.

More about replacing your old toilet suite
What should you consider when buying a toilet suite?

If you're replacing an existing toilet suite and the plumbing is already installed, the first thing to consider is whether you need an S trap (the waste exits through the floor) or a P trap (the waste exits through the wall). S traps are the more common of the two. Many newer models of toilet suite are suitable for either system.

Where is the water inlet? Your system may either have a water inlet hidden behind the cistern or a bottom inlet. A bottom inlet suite will have a tap and flexible hose located near the floor on one side of the cistern. You need to ensure that there is enough space for the toilet pan to fit without compromising the position of the tap.

With your current toilet in place, you will need to measure the distance from the wall to the center of the waste pipe to make sure that new replacement toilet will fit.

Call us if you are unsure of any of these requirements. We will be able to recommend a new toilet that is compatible with your existing plumbing installation.

More about toilet suites
What does it cost to install a new toilet?

If the new toilet is a straight swap for your old suite, using your existing plumbing, the entire job will usually be completed within a couple of hours. If new plumbing services are required or it is necessary to unclog or repair sewerage pipes it will obviously take considerably longer and so be more expensive.

The cost of the actual toilet suite can also vary enormously. A basic but functional suite can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. A premium suite with a hidden cistern and in-built bidet functions may cost in the thousands of dollars.

WL Chivers Plumbing can provide you with a fixed price quote according to your needs, from a simple replacement to a highly complex installation. We will of course remove your old toilet and ensure that it is disposed of correctly.

24/7 Emergency Plumbing

What plumbing emergencies can you help with?

Our team are fully equipped to deal with any emergency plumbing situation, including:

  • Leak detection and tap/pipe repairs
  • Unblocking toilets and sewer drains
  • Unclogging drains
  • Hot water system replacements
  • Leaking roof repairs
  • Gas leak repairs
More about emergency plumbing
Are you available public holidays and weekends?

Yes. Our emergency service is available whenever you need it, any time of day or night.

We know that urgent plumbing problems can arise on weekends, public holidays and after hours, you can rely on Chivers Plumbing to be there when you need us.

More about emergency plumbing