As featured in the Sunday Mail TV guide – Trades & Services section 28/9/14

Adelaide’s Reactive Soil Problem
You may or may not know that Adelaide has some of the world’s most reactive soil.
Adelaide sits on clays that react extensively to changes in moisture. The types of clay found in Adelaide significantly expand and contract depending on the amount of moisture in the soil.
This expansion and contraction causes soil movements that can result in significant damage to both your drains and plumbing i.e. drain risks !
Older pipes made of weaker and more brittle materials are most at risk of cracking and fracturing.
Soil movements can also cause subsidence, damaging the structural integrity of your home and your internal plumbing.
Wet Winter and Hot Summer Means Misery for your Drains
Adelaide’s soils are particularly affected by wet and warm weather. The above average rains experienced this winter have already led to plumbing problems, both through leaks and the effect of soil expansion on drains.
Remember that South Australia is still projected to experience an El-Niño during late spring and summer. Even with a wet winter, very hot and dry conditions mean you may experience significant damage from soil contraction.
With rising water bills and difficult to detect leaks, you should ensure that your drains can cope with the scorching summer temperatures by speaking to an Accredited Plumber today.
Sharpe Plumber Mark is an expert at inspecting and repairing drains in Adelaide. A frequently asked drain question:
Q: Winter is almost over and it’s starting to rain less; will I really be at risk of pipe problems?
A: Mark warns that the improved weather means that plants and roots are now rapidly growing and will find a way into any cracked pipes.
Plumbers have already seen a spike in drain problems since the weather started improving.
Also remember that as your soil dries, this problem will get worse as roots seek out moisture from leaking pipes and force their way into your drain.
Signs and Symptoms: Drain Problems
- Is your home or plumbing old?
- Have you previously had drain blockages or breakages?
- Have the pavers or slabs started to become uneven or lift?
- Noticed stains, paint blisters or damp patches along walls or flooring?
- Was your last water bill unexpectedly high?
If you notice any of these problems, contact a Sharpe Plumber immediately.
Master Plumber (PIA Member No: 2045)
Using an Accredited MASTER Plumber ensures your plumbing is carried out by an experienced and ethical professional.
Guidelines set by the Master Plumbers Association regarding standards, codes of conduct and pricing, mean you can be confident that work conducted to a best-practice level. If a plumber isn’t a Master Plumbers member, then they shouldn’t get your business.
Secret Savings
Mark says you can protect your plumbing by regularly (but not excessively) watering trees and shrubs close to your home.
A well watered garden will help stop soil contraction (fracturing pipes) and may prevent roots spreading out in search of mositure.
Mark strongly recommends you have annual drain inspections to ensure that your plumbing is in full working order.
Getting an inspection to determine whether there are leaks is vital because leaks encourage roots to force their way in and cause expensive blockages and repairs.
Drain Cameras are used by trained specialist Accredited Sharpe Plumbers to check your drains and pipework.
Select a Worry Free Plumbing & Hot Water Electrical Safety Inspection $165
A Sharpe Plumber will conduct:
- 17 Point Check
- Indoor and Outside Plumbing
- Visual and Inspections
- Moisture, Pressure and Flow Tests
- Stormwater Analysis
- Water Heater Evaluation
Written report provided on completion.
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