coastplumbingsolutions

Home water filtration Gold Coast: Is a whole home filter worth It? GC homeowners say yes!

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 23:29:08 GMT

If you're not happy with the taste, smell or quality of your tap water, you might be thinking about getting a water filtration system installed. While an under-sink filter can be a good option, a whole home system filters the water entering your home, giving you filtered water throughout the property.

For homeowners looking into home water filtration Gold Coast services, a whole-home system can be a practical way to improve the quality of your home's water supply. At Coast Plumbing Solutions, we have noticed an increase in homeowners wanting to install home water filter systems, and everyone who has already have been super happy with the results.

What is a whole home water filtration system?

A whole home water filtration system is installed on your home's main water line. Instead of filtering water at just the kitchen sink, the system filters the water before it travels through all your home's plumbing.

Depending on the system you choose, filtered water can be supplied to your:

Kitchen taps
Bathroom taps
Showers
Laundry
Outdoor taps
Other water outlets around your home

The type of filtration system you need will depend on your water supply and what you want the system to filter.

Why consider home water filtration?

There are several reasons Gold Coast homeowners choose to install a whole-home water filtration system.

Better tasting and associated health benefits

One of the biggest reasons people install water filters is to improve the taste and smell of their tap water. Depending on the filtration system, it may help reduce chlorine, sediment and other unwanted particles which comes with many associated health benefits.

Filtered water throughout your home

With a whole-home system, you're not just filtering the water at your kitchen sink. The system treats the water as it enters your property, providing filtered water throughout the home.

Reduce sediment entering your plumbing

Some filtration systems can reduce sediment and particles entering your home's plumbing. This can help keep your water cleaner and may reduce unwanted build-up in fixtures and appliances.

Filtered shower water

Your shower water is easy to overlook when considering water filtration. A whole-home system means your shower water is filtered too, which can be appealing if you don't like the smell of chlorine or want to gain the associated health benefits of showering in filtered water!

What is involved with installation?

Professional installation is important when it comes to home water filtration Gold Coast systems.

The filtration equipment is generally connected to the main incoming water supply. The installation needs to consider the available space, existing plumbing, water pressure and the flow rate required by your household.

Our team at Coast Plumbing Solutions can assess your property and help determine the most suitable location and setup for your filtration system.

Which water filtration system is right for your home?

Not every water filtration system does the same thing. Different filters are designed to target different issues, including sediment, chlorine, taste and odour.

Before purchasing a system, it's worth understanding what you actually want to filter from your water. Choosing the right system from the start can save you money and help ensure you're getting the results you're after.

Looking for home water filtration on the Gold Coast?

If you're considering home water filtration Gold Coast homeowners can rely on, Coast Plumbing Solutions are the team to call.

Whether you're building a new home, renovating or looking to improve the water quality in your existing home, we can discuss your requirements and provide a professional installation.

Thinking about installing a whole-home water filtration system ? Contact Coast Plumbing Solutions for a free quote.

No hot water? What to check before calling a plumber

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:42:26 GMT

There’s nothing worse than jumping in the shower expecting a nice hot start to the day, only to get hit with freezing cold water.

Before you panic, there are a few simple things you can check yourself. Sometimes the problem is an easy fix. Other times, your hot water system might need professional attention.

If you're looking for hot water repair Gold Coast services, here's what to check first.

1. Check if the whole house has no hot water

Before blaming the hot water system , check a couple of different taps around the house.

If the kitchen, bathroom and shower are all running cold, there’s probably an issue with the hot water system.

If it’s only one tap or shower that's affected, the problem could be with the tapware, shower mixer or plumbing instead.

2. Check your switchboard

Have a quick look at your electrical switchboard.

If you have an electric hot water system, the circuit breaker may have tripped. You can reset it once and see if your hot water comes back.

If it trips again, don't keep switching it back on. There could be an electrical fault that needs to be checked by a licensed professional.

3. Has everyone had a shower?

This one sounds obvious, but we have seen it happen!

Storage hot water systems only hold a certain amount of hot water. If you've got a few people in the house taking long showers, running baths and using hot water for washing, you may simply have used it all.

Give the system some time to heat back up and tell those teenagers to keep the showers short!

If you're regularly running out of hot water though, your system might be too small for your household or there could be an issue with the system itself.

4. Check for leaks

Have a look around your hot water system.

Is there water pooling around the bottom? Can you see water dripping from the tank or pipes?

A leaking hot water system shouldn't be ignored. Even a small leak can turn into a much bigger plumbing problem.

If you're dealing with a leaking system, hot water repair Gold Coast services, like Coast Plumbing Solutions, can help identify where the leak is coming from and whether the system can be repaired or needs replacing.

5. Check your gas supply

If your home has a gas hot water system, make sure your gas supply hasn't been interrupted.

If you use LPG bottles, check whether the bottle is empty.

Don't attempt to repair or pull apart a gas hot water system yourself. Gas appliances should always be checked by a licensed professional.

6. Is your water only lukewarm?

You might not have completely lost your hot water.

If the water is getting warm but never super hot, there could be an issue with the thermostat, heating element, gas burner or another component.

A faulty tempering valve can also cause temperature problems. The tempering valve controls the temperature of water coming from your hot water system to your taps.

Our team at Coast Plumbing Solutions can test the system and work out what's actually causing the problem.

7. Listen for strange noises

Is your hot water system making banging, popping or rumbling noises?

This can be a sign that something isn't working as it should.

Older systems can develop problems over time, and strange noises are worth getting checked before they turn into a bigger and more expensive issue.

When should you call us at Coast Plumbing Solutions?

If you've tried the basic checks and you're still getting cold water, it's probably time to call us.

You should also get your hot water system checked if you notice:

Water leaking from the tank
Rust or corrosion
Strange noises
Water that's too hot or too cold
Hot water running out quickly
Repeated electrical problems
A sudden increase in energy bills
No hot water at all

Sometimes a simple repair is all that's needed. Other times, replacing an older system may make more sense.

Getting the problem checked early can potentially save you from a much bigger headache later.

Need hot water repairs on the Gold Coast?

Being stuck without hot water is never convenient, especially when you've got kids, a busy household or a full day ahead.

If you've tried the basic checks and your system still isn't working, the team at Coast Plumbing Solutions can help.

We provide hot water repair Gold Coast services, along with hot water system replacements and general plumbing services.

We'll check the system, explain what's going on and help you work out the most practical solution.

Need help with your hot water? Contact Coast Plumbing Solutions for a quote today.

Why a pressure reduction valve could save you a costly call to an emergency plumber

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 01:25:16 GMT

Why a Pressure Reducing Valve Could Save You Thousands in Plumbing Repairs

How to save yourself thousands on emergency plumber fees.

Many Gold Coast homeowners never think about their water pressure until something goes wrong. While strong water pressure might seem like a good thing, high water pressure can cause serious damage to your home's plumbing system, leading to costly repairs and the need for you to call an emergency plumber ASAP.

A common issue we find is excessively high-water pressure. Many Gold Coast homeowners don't realise that if the incoming water pressure exceeds 500 kPa, it should be reduced to help protect the plumbing throughout the home and reduce your need for an emergency plumber to be called.

What Does a Pressure Reducing Valve Do?

A Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) is designed to regulate the water pressure entering your property, ensuring it remains at a safe and manageable level. By controlling excess pressure, a PRV helps protect your entire plumbing system and extends the lifespan of important fixtures and appliances.

Why Is High Water Pressure a Problem?

Water pressure above 500 kPa can place continuous stress on:

Flexible water hoses
Tapware and cartridges
Hot water systems
Toilets and cistern components
Water filters
Internal pipework
Washing machine and dishwasher connections

Over time, excessive pressure can cause wear and tear, resulting in leaks , damaged fixtures, and unexpected breakdowns. At Coast Plumbing Solutions, we make sure we conduct a water pressure test at every home we visit, to ensure our clients aren’t making the costly early morning phone call to the emergency plumber!

Prevent Burst Pipes and Water Damage

One of the biggest risks associated with high water pressure is the potential for burst pipes and water damage. Even a small leak caused by pressure-related failure can lead to expensive repairs, damaged flooring, ruined cabinetry, and mould growth. This is the kind of stuff that is pricey to the homeowner – not only as they will need to call an emergency plumber, but the issues tend to be invasive ongoing.

Rest assured, installing a pressure reducing valve is a simple preventative measure that can significantly reduce the risk of plumbing failures and water damage throughout your home.

Protect Your Manufacturer Warranties

Many homeowners are unaware that most tapware manufacturers specify a maximum operating pressure of 500 kPa. This means that if your home's water pressure exceeds this limit, you may void important manufacturer warranties on products such as:

Tapware
Mixer cartridges
Flexible connector hoses
Hot water systems
Water filtration equipment

Keeping your water pressure within recommended levels helps ensure your plumbing products perform as intended and remain covered under warranty conditions.

Is Your Water Pressure Too High?

The reality is that many homes have water pressure well above the recommended limit without the owner ever knowing. A simple pressure test can quickly determine whether a pressure reducing valve is needed. This is something we carry out daily at Coast Plumbing Solutions and we have saved our clients thousands in emergency plumber fees.

If you're concerned about high water pressure, protecting your flexible water hoses, tapware and cartridges, hot water system, and avoiding costly burst pipes and water damage, it's worth having your water pressure checked by the team at Coast Plumbing Solutions the next time we visit your home.

A pressure reducing valve is a small investment that can help protect your home, maintain manufacturer warranties, and prevent expensive emergency plumber repairs for years to come. Hit the ‘contact’ tab and enquire today!

How To Clear A Blocked Drain

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:49:44 GMT

A blocked drain can start with a sink that takes a little longer to empty. Then it begins to smell, water starts pooling in the shower, or the toilet refuses to flush. The right way to clear it depends on where the blockage is and what caused it.

After working on blocked drains across Gold Coast and Northern NSW homes, we know the symptom does not always tell you the whole story. A shower full of standing water might have a build-up of hair near the grate. If the shower fills when you flush the toilet, the blockage could be further down the drainage system.

Here is how to work out what is happening, what you can safely try yourself and when it is time to call a plumber .

First, Work Out Which Drains Are Affected

Before you reach for a plunger, check whether the problem is limited to one fixture.

If only the bathroom sink drains slowly, the obstruction may be close to its plug or waste pipe. If the kitchen sink and dishwasher are both struggling, the issue may be in the pipe they share. If water backs up in several places around the house, the blockage may be further along the main drain.

Pay attention to when the problem happens. Does the shower drain slowly every time you use it? Does water appear in a floor waste when you run the washing machine? Does flushing the toilet make another drain gurgle?

These details help us narrow down the location when we inspect a property. They also tell you whether a simple clean around a drain opening is likely to help.

If sewage is backing up, stop using the affected fixtures and call a plumber. Running more water into a blocked system can make the overflow worse.

How to Clear a Blocked Sink

A slow bathroom sink is often worth checking at the plug first. Hair, soap and toothpaste can collect around it, restricting the opening.

Remove the plug or pop-up waste if it is designed to come out easily. Wear gloves, pull away any visible build-up and put it in the bin. Avoid pushing it further down the pipe. Rinse the plug, replace it and test the sink with a small amount of water.

For a kitchen sink, check the strainer and remove food scraps sitting near the opening. If there is standing water, scoop some into a bucket before trying to clear the blockage so you can see what you are doing.

A plunger may help with a local blockage. Add enough water to cover the rubber cup, position it over the drain and make several firm, controlled plunges. If your sink has an overflow opening, cover it with a damp cloth while plunging so you can maintain suction.

Test the drain with a small amount of water. If it still empties slowly, or another fixture starts backing up, stop there. The obstruction may be further along the pipe.

Can You Clean the Pipe Beneath the Sink?

Some sinks have a removable trap beneath them. If you can identify it, access it safely and are comfortable putting it back together, you may be able to remove trapped debris.

Place a bucket underneath first. Loosen the fittings carefully, empty the trap and clean it out. Before using the sink again, refit it securely and check for leaks while water runs through it.

Do not force fittings that will not move. If the plumbing is old, damaged or difficult to access, leave it to a plumber. A blocked sink is frustrating, but a leaking cabinet after a rushed repair creates another problem.

How to Clear a Blocked Shower Drain

Hair and soap build-up commonly collect around shower grates. If the grate is removable, lift it out and pull away anything you can reach near the opening. Use gloves and a small brush to clean the grate before replacing it.

Pour a little water into the drain to see whether it now flows freely. If it still pools quickly, try a plunger suitable for the drain opening.

One thing we look at during a blocked shower inspection is whether the shower is the only affected fixture. If it backs up when the toilet is flushed or the washing machine empties, clearing hair from the grate will not fix the underlying issue. The obstruction may be further along a shared drain.

Water appearing in a bathroom floor waste can be another clue. Note which fixture you were using when it happened and let your plumber know.

What to Do About a Blocked Toilet

If a toilet is not flushing properly, do not keep pressing the button. Another flush could cause the bowl to overflow.

If the water level is high, give it time to settle. Use a toilet plunger with a flange that fits into the outlet, then plunge steadily to create pressure and suction. Start gently so you do not splash water out of the bowl.

If an item has been dropped into the toilet, plunging may push it further into the pipe. In that situation, tell your plumber what went missing instead of repeatedly trying to force the blockage through.

A toilet that blocks once may have had too much paper flushed at the same time. A toilet that repeatedly blocks, gurgles or causes water to appear in another drain needs a closer look.

Should You Use Boiling Water or Baking Soda and Vinegar?

You will find plenty of home remedies for blocked drains. Some may help wash away light residue, but they are unlikely to clear a solid obstruction or fix a damaged pipe.

Avoid pouring boiling water into a drain when you do not know what the pipes and fittings are made from. Hot tap water may help move minor grease residue in a kitchen sink, but it will not resolve a serious blockage.

Baking soda and vinegar may produce an impressive fizz. That reaction does not tell you whether the blockage has been cleared. If water still drains slowly afterwards, the underlying problem remains.

The most useful DIY approach is usually the simplest: remove visible debris, try a suitable plunger and see whether the drain flows normally again.

Should You Use Chemical Drain Cleaner?

We generally recommend caution with chemical drain cleaners. They may not reach or remove the cause of a blockage, particularly if the problem is further down the pipe. They can also leave corrosive liquid sitting in a drain that someone later needs to work on.

Never mix drain-cleaning products with each other or with other household chemicals. If you have already poured a product down the drain, tell your plumber what you used before they begin work.

If a sink or shower blocks repeatedly, the better question is why. Clearing an opening for a few days is not the same as fixing the cause.

Why Does the Drain Keep Blocking?

Recurring blockages are something we take seriously. If the same drain blocks soon after it has been cleared, there may be a build-up further along the pipe or an issue with the pipe itself.

Common causes include:

Hair and soap build-up in bathroom drains
Food scraps, fats and oils in kitchen drains
Wet wipes and other items that should not be flushed
Tree roots entering damaged pipes
Broken, displaced or collapsed sections of pipe
Foreign objects lodged in the drainage system

The location of the blockage matters as much as what is stuck there. If a section of pipe is damaged, clearing it may restore flow temporarily while leaving a place for the next blockage to form.

That is why we may recommend a CCTV drain inspection for a persistent problem. It lets us see what is happening inside the pipe and choose a repair based on what we find. Coast Plumbing Solutions uses CCTV cameras and high-pressure water jetting to locate and clear stubborn blockages.

How Do Plumbers Clear a Blocked Drain?

We start by finding out what is affected. A single blocked basin needs a different approach from a toilet that causes wastewater to rise through a floor waste.

Depending on the problem, we may inspect the accessible pipework, use a CCTV drain camera to locate the obstruction, or clear the line with high-pressure water jetting. The camera can also show whether the pipe has a crack, tree root intrusion or another issue likely to cause repeat blockages.

High-pressure water jetting can clear build-up and debris from within a drain. But the job does not always end when water starts flowing again. If the pipe is damaged, we explain what we found and what repair may be needed to stop the problem returning.

What if Several Drains Are Backing Up?

Stop using water around the property if several fixtures are affected or wastewater is coming up through a floor waste or outside drain. Do not run the washing machine or dishwasher to “test” the blockage. They may send more water into a system that cannot drain.

Keep people and pets away from overflowing wastewater. If you suspect a sewer blockage, arrange help promptly. Depending on where the blockage is, your plumber or local wastewater provider can advise who needs to address it.

When you call, mention which drains are backing up and what happens when you use a toilet, tap or appliance. That gives us a clearer picture before we arrive.

How Can You Prevent Blocked Drains?

You cannot prevent every blockage, particularly one caused by a damaged underground pipe. But small changes can reduce the amount of material entering your drains.

Use a strainer in the kitchen sink and put food scraps in the bin. Let cooking fats and oils cool, then dispose of them in a container rather than pouring them down the sink. In bathrooms, clear hair from shower grates regularly.

Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Wet wipes, sanitary products and paper towels should go in the bin, even if a product is labelled “flushable”. Water providers identify fats, oils, wipes and other non-flushable items as common contributors to wastewater blockages.

If a drain has started slowing down, deal with it before it stops flowing entirely. If it keeps happening, arrange an inspection rather than making repeated attempts to clear it from the opening.

When Should You Call a Plumber for a Blocked Drain?

Call a plumber if your DIY attempts have not worked, the blockage keeps returning, more than one drain is affected or wastewater is backing up. The same applies if you suspect something solid has lodged in the pipe.

At Coast Plumbing Solutions , we clear blocked drains across the Gold Coast and Northern NSW . We can investigate where the blockage is, clear it using the right equipment and explain any pipe damage we find. If your drain has stopped flowing or a recurring blockage is disrupting your home, call us on 0432 354 477 .

How To Find A Water Leak?

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:44:53 GMT

A water leak is not always as obvious as a dripping tap or a puddle on the floor. After inspecting leaks in homes across the Gold Coast and Northern NSW, we know that the place where water appears is not always where the leak started. Water can travel along a pipe, behind a wall or beneath flooring before you notice anything is wrong.

The good news is that you can do a few simple checks before calling a plumber . These steps can help you confirm whether water is escaping and narrow down the possible source without pulling apart your home.

What Are the Signs of a Water Leak?

Sometimes the first sign of a leak is a higher water bill. Other times, you notice a musty smell or a patch of paint that keeps bubbling, no matter how often you fix it.

Keep an eye out for:

A water bill that is higher than usual
The sound of running water when no taps are on
Damp patches on walls, ceilings or floors
Mould or a persistent musty smell
Swollen cabinetry or skirting boards
A toilet that keeps running after flushing
An unexplained drop in water pressure
Wet patches in the yard when it has not rained
An unusually green patch of lawn

None of these signs tells you exactly where the leak is. A damp ceiling, for example, could be caused by a plumbing pipe or rainwater getting into the roof. Treat the signs as a reason to investigate, especially if they keep returning.

Start With Your Water Meter

If you suspect a leak but cannot see one, your water meter is the best place to start. It can show whether water is flowing into the property when nobody is using it.

First, turn off every tap and make sure the washing machine, dishwasher and irrigation system are not running. Check that no one will use a toilet or turn on a tap during the test. Then take a photo of the meter reading.

Wait at least 15 to 30 minutes and check it again. If the reading has changed, water has flowed through the meter during that time. Some meters also have a small dial or indicator that moves when water is flowing.

For a slow leak, try the test overnight. Take a photo before bed and compare it with the reading in the morning, making sure you account for any appliances or irrigation systems that run automatically.

A moving meter does not pinpoint the leak, but it gives you a useful starting point. When customers tell us their meter is moving while everything is switched off, we can begin narrowing down which part of the property needs closer inspection.

Check the Toilets

Toilets are one of the first things we suggest checking because they can leak without putting any water on the floor. A faulty part inside the cistern may let water run continuously into the bowl. Sometimes you can hear a faint trickle; sometimes the toilet sounds completely quiet.

Take the lid off the cistern if it is easy to remove and look for water flowing after the toilet should have finished filling. You can also put a few drops of food colouring in the cistern and leave the toilet unused for about 15 to 30 minutes. If the colour appears in the bowl without flushing, water is escaping from the cistern.

Check the floor around the base and the water connection behind the toilet as well. If the area stays damp, wipe it dry and watch where the moisture reappears. This can help distinguish a leaking connection from water that has simply been splashed onto the floor.

Look Under the Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks

A small leak inside a cabinet can go unnoticed because bottles, cleaning supplies and other items hide the water. Empty the cupboard and look for stains, swollen panels, mould or a musty smell.

Dry the pipes and cabinet base with a cloth. Then run the tap while you watch the fittings beneath the sink. Fill the sink and let it drain, too. Some leaks only appear when water passes through the waste pipe; others happen while the tap is running.

When we inspect leaks beneath sinks, we do not assume the drip is directly below the faulty fitting. Water can run along a pipe before falling, making the source appear to be somewhere else. Watching for the first sign of moisture on a dry pipe is much more useful than looking at where the puddle ends up.

Inspect Your Shower and Bathroom

Bathrooms are harder to assess because they get wet every day. Start by drying the area, then look for moisture that returns when nobody has used the shower, bath or vanity.

Check around the shower screen, tap fittings, bath and vanity. Look for cracked grout, loose tiles, damaged silicone and water escaping onto the floor during a shower. In the next room, inspect any wall that backs onto the bathroom for peeling paint, soft skirting boards or a musty smell.

One assumption we come across is that dampness beside a shower must be a grout or silicone problem. Those are worth checking, but water can also escape from pipework inside the wall or beneath the shower. If you reseal an area and the damp patch returns, the underlying leak may still be there.

Avoid opening the wall based on a guess. A plumber can inspect the plumbing and help work out where the water is coming from before repairs begin.

Check Your Hot Water System

Your hot water system has several pipes, valves and connections that are worth inspecting. Look around the unit for pooling water, damp ground, corrosion or a steady drip from a fitting.

A small amount of water may discharge from a relief valve during normal operation, depending on the type of system. A constant flow or water coming from another part of the unit needs attention. If you are unsure what you are looking at, leave the valves alone and arrange an inspection.

It also helps to tell your plumber whether you have noticed changes in hot water pressure or how much hot water the system supplies. The more detail you can give us about when the problem started, the easier it is to investigate.

Walk Around the Outside of Your Home

Not every leak is indoors. Check outdoor taps, hose connections, exposed pipes and irrigation systems. Look closely at each fitting while the tap is on and again after you have turned it off.

Walk around the yard and look for ground that remains wet after several dry days. A patch of grass that is much greener than the surrounding lawn, soft soil or unexplained water near a driveway could indicate an underground leak.

If you have irrigation, turn it off and repeat your meter test. A leaking irrigation line or valve may be using water even when you cannot see a sprinkler running. Let your plumber know about any wet patches you have found and whether the meter reading changes when irrigation is isolated.

What if the Meter Moves but You Cannot Find Any Water?

This is when a leak becomes more difficult to locate. You may have checked every toilet, tap and visible pipe, yet the meter continues to move. The leaking pipe could be inside a wall, beneath a concrete slab or underground between the meter and the house.

Some of the leaks we investigate leave very little visible evidence. By the time a stain appears indoors, water may already have travelled some distance from the damaged pipe. That is why we look at the meter reading, the layout of the plumbing and any changes around the property together, rather than treating one damp patch as proof of the leak’s location.

Do not start digging up the yard or cutting into a wall based on a hunch. Professional leak detection equipment can help locate concealed leaks more accurately and guide the repair.

What Should You Do if You Find an Active Leak?

If water is escaping quickly, turn off the main water supply if you can access the valve safely. It is usually at or near the water meter. You may then be able to open a tap to release water still sitting in the pipes.

Move belongings away from the water and use towels or buckets to limit the damage while you arrange help. If water is near electrical outlets, wiring or appliances, keep clear of the area and seek appropriate assistance.

For a leak at a toilet or beneath a sink, you may be able to turn off the isolation valve serving that fixture. This can stop the flow without shutting off water to the whole house. Even if you manage to contain the leak, arrange a repair rather than leaving the water turned off indefinitely.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

Call a plumber if the meter moves when no water is being used, a damp patch keeps returning or you can hear water running but cannot see its source. You should also seek help promptly if water is spreading, your pressure has suddenly dropped or your hot water system is leaking.

Before we arrive, it helps to note what you have checked. Take photos of meter readings, damp patches or visible drips. Tell us whether the leak happens constantly or only when you use a particular tap, shower or appliance. These details help us investigate the right areas first.

At Coast Plumbing Solutions , we locate and repair water leaks across the Gold Coast and Northern NSW , including leaks hidden behind walls and beneath the ground. If something does not seem right with your plumbing, call us on 0432 354 477 . We can inspect the problem, explain what we find and recommend the next step.