Benchmark Plumbing is qualified to install and repair hot water systems in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Our licensed plumbers are experts when it comes to gas, electric and solar hot water systems. As experienced plumbers, we’re familiar with all the big brands, including Dux, Vulcan, Rheem, Thermann, AquaMAX, Rinnai, Bosch and Solahart. At Benchmark Plumbing, we strive to simplify the installation and repair of hot water systems in Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Hot Water Repairs – Canberra

Hot water systems (gas and electric) are prone to wear and tear over time. Our Canberra plumbers service and repair a wide range of systems, including storage, continuous flow, solar and heat pump models. If you notice that your hot water system in Canberra or Queanbeyan isn’t working properly (see signs of potential trouble below), then it’s probably time for a service.

Signs of Potential Trouble

• Fluctuating water temperature and pressure.
• Water tank is leaking or rusting.
• Hot water runs out too quickly.
• Discoloured water (usually brown in colour).
• Water tank makes strange noises.
• Pilot light doesn’t work (gas hot water systems).
• Strong smell gas or persistent gas hissing noise (gas hot water systems).

If your system can’t be repaired (due to lack of spare parts) or is beyond economic repair (BER), our plumbers can organise the supply and installation of a new hot water system in Canberra or Queanbeyan.

Replacement Hot Water Systems – Canberra

Benchmark Plumbing supplies and installs new hot water systems in Canberra and Queanbeyan. We have access to equipment from most of the big names in gas, electric and solar hot water, including Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, Rinnai and Solahart. The most common gas and electric hot water systems we supply and install in Canberra / Queanbeyan are listed below.

Continuous Flow Hot Water Systems

Continuous flow hot water systems are popular in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Continuous flow hot water systems – also known as “instantaneous” hot water systems – heat the water on a real-time “needs” basis, rather than store large amounts of hot water. Continuous flow hot water systems can be powered by gas* or electricity.

* The control panel on a gas continuous flow hot water system still requires electricity.

Storage Hot Water Systems

Traditional storage hot water systems are also popular in Canberra and Queanbeyan. They provide a home with stored, ready to use hot water. Traditional storage hot water systems can be powered by either gas* or electricity. Storage hot water systems come in various sizes – typically ranging from 25 litres to 400 litres.

* The control panel on a gas storage hot water system still requires electricity.

Benchmark Plumbing is your go-to residential plumber for blocked drains in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Our plumbers are equipped to unblock drains in toilets, bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. We also unblock stormwater drains and sewer lines. You’re in safe hands when you choose Benchmark Plumbing to clear your blocked drains in Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Signs of a Blocked Drain in Canberra or Queanbeyan

If you notice any of the following signs, you may have a blocked drain.

• Water drains slowly (or not at all) in sinks, baths and/or showers.
• Unpleasant smells emanate from a drain (internal or external).
• Water level in toilet remains unusually high after flushing.
• Drain makes strange noises (gurgling sound is common).
• Sewage starts appearing (and smelling) in unrelated drains.
• Your external Overflow Relief Gully (ORG) starts to overflow with sewage.

If a drain floods (inside or outside your home), then you definitely have a blocked drain. Our plumbers are available on an emergency basis to clear blocked drains in Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Causes of Blocked Drains in Canberra and Queanbeyan

Household drains can become blocked for any number of reasons, including:-

• Kitchen waste, such as grease, oil, fat, food leftovers, starches, coffee grounds, tea leaves, dirt and soap scum.
• Bathroom waste, including faeces, toilet paper, tissues, hair, skin, soap scum, dirt and shampoo.
• Intrusive tree roots.
• Foreign objects flushed down toilets.
• Ageing and/or faulty plumbing infrastructure.
• Dirt and sand (which enters via cracks in pipes).
• Leaves and twigs (which enter via outdoor drains and gutters).

Whatever the reason, our experienced Canberra plumbers will pinpoint and clear your blockage in no time.

Our Approach to Clearing Blocked Drains in Canberra and Queanbeyan

We use proven plumbing techniques and quality equipment to clear blocked drains in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Our arsenal of equipment includes:-

• Sonde (a radio detection device fitted to a flexible metal rod)
• Pipe camera
• Electric eel
• High-pressure water jetter
• Mini excavator (for digging up underground pipes)
• Hydro-plunger
• Foaming root killer

All our plumbers are licensed in Canberra (ACT) and Queanbeyan (NSW) to unblock drains.

Stormwater Drains and Sewer Lines

Benchmark Plumbing is licensed to unblock stormwater drains and sewer lines in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Blocked stormwater drains are usually caused by a build-up of organic matter (eg. leaves, soil, twigs); whereas blocked sewer lines are typically caused by foreign objects, tree roots, and ageing infrastructure.

What many residents don’t know about blocked stormwater drains and sewer lines in Canberra is that responsibility (and cost) could lie with Roads ACT (stormwater) or Icon Water (sewage). If the blockage is on public land (in the stormwater or sewer tie), then the relevant body covers the repair and cost. In many cases, Roads ACT or Icon Water will authorise the plumber to repair the tie on their behalf.

Benchmark Plumbing is your go-to emergency plumber in Canberra and Queanbeyan. As experienced residential plumbers, we appreciate that plumbing emergencies often occur when you least expect them. Whether you have a burst water pipe or a gas leak, our emergency plumbers in Canberra and Queanbeyan are available on a 24 x 7 basis.

Situations Requiring an Emergency Plumber in Canberra

Benchmark Plumbing is highly experienced when it comes to handling plumbing emergencies in Canberra and Queanbeyan. In a plumbing emergency, we usually advise our customers to shut down the main supply (water or gas) straight away – if safe to do so.

Burst Water Pipes

Burst water pipes often occur during Canberra’s sub-zero winters. A “burst” is caused by water freezing and expanding within the pipe. Older pipes that have lost their structural integrity are more susceptible to bursting. The downside of a burst water pipe is that it can cause flooding (leading to property damage) and waste valuable water.

The key to handling a burst water pipe in Canberra is to turn off the water main straight away (this is done by turning a lever). Your water main is usually located near the water meter at the front of your block. Obviously, it pays to be familiar with this infrastructure prior to any emergency. Once you’ve turned off the water, you simply call an emergency plumber in Canberra (that’s us).

Blocked Drains

A seriously blocked drain in Canberra or Queanbeyan requires the immediate attention of a licensed plumber. Serious blockages can lead to flooding and subsequent property damage. If you notice flooding or damp walls / ceilings, you need to turn off your water main* straight away (see above section for more information on water mains).

* In the case of a blocked toilet that’s flooding, you may be able to stop the water flow by turning off the water tap beside the toilet. If this doesn’t work, then you need to turn off the water main.

Blocked drains commonly occur in kitchens, laundries, bathrooms and toilets. They’re typically caused by accumulated food waste, grease / oil, soap scum, faeces, hair and/or tissues. Sometimes the blockage originates in the stormwater system or sewer line. Our emergency plumbers in Canberra and Queanbeyan use the latest equipment to pinpoint blockages and unblock drains.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are potentially life-threatening if not dealt with immediately. If you smell gas or sense a gas leak, you should organise for a gas fitter or emergency gas plumber to attend your property ASAP. As a leading emergency gas plumber in Canberra, Benchmark Plumbing is licensed to detect and fix household gas leaks.

In the event of a gas leak, you should turn off any gas appliances, extinguish any flames, refrain from using electrical devices (including mobile phones) and open the windows. You should then leave the property – turning off the external gas meter along the way. Once you’re a safe distance from the property, please call us on your mobile phone or neighbour’s phone.

Benchmark Plumbing provides residential excavation services in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Our hardworking team uses a 2-tonne mini excavator and 3-tonne tipper truck. Whether you’re laying turf or installing a water tank, we’ve got you covered for residential excavation services in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Benchmark Plumbing is fully insured in the ACT and NSW.

Benefits of our Excavation Services in Canberra

We’re proud of our unique value proposition for excavation services in Canberra.

• Fully insured.
• Competitively priced.
• Commitment to quality workmanship.
• Right-sized equipment for residential projects.

What’s more, we’re polite, friendly and honest to deal with.

Overview of our Excavation Services in Canberra

Our residential excavation services in Canberra and Queanbeyan cover three main areas.

Ground Levelling and Site Preparation

Many residential construction and landscaping projects require ground levelling and site preparation. We ensure that your site is levelled properly (to specification) and prepared for the next stage. We also take away the excess soil and organic matter (if required) – provided it can be accepted at an ACT Government Resource Management Centre or a licensed waste recycler.

Our excavation services in Canberra are suitable for the following projects:

Excavation in Confined Spaces

Our excavation equipment is suitable for smaller blocks and most confined spaces. As excavation professionals in Canberra, we understand the hazards and challenges associated with excavation work in confined spaces. Being plumbers too, we also understand the positioning of stormwater and sewer pipes, as well as other utilities (eg. gas and electricity). Your safety is our priority during the excavation process.

Our excavation services in Canberra are suitable for the following “confined space” projects:

Soil Removal and Disposal

Many landscaping and small residential construction projects involve soil removal and disposal. Our excavation services in Canberra include soil removal and disposal – provided the soil can be accepted at an ACT Government Resource Management Centre or a licensed waste recycler. In the ACT, soil is classified as either virgin excavated natural material (VENM) or contaminated soil.*

* With respect to contaminated soil, please note that we only dispose of soil comminated by acceptable forms of organic matter.

Benchmark Plumbing is a licensed gas plumber / gas fitter in Canberra (ACT) and NSW. We work with natural gas and install new copper piping (to replace old, galvanised piping). Our friendly team is experienced in all facets of domestic gas fitting in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Your safety is our overriding priority.

Gas Appliance Installation

Our Canberra gas plumbers install a wide range of gas appliances, including cooktops, ovens, stoves, hot water systems, dryers, fireplaces and outdoor barbeques / pizza ovens. We focus on ensuring that your gas appliance is installed properly, and that your family’s safety isn’t compromised.

Important Note: gas appliances need to be installed by a licensed gas fitter / gas plumber in Canberra to ensure both legal and insurance compliance.

Gas Leak Detection

A gas leak is a plumbing emergency that requires the services of a licensed gas plumber or gas fitter in Canberra. Failure to act on a gas leak can lead to explosions, chronic health issues and even death (asphyxiation). Our gas plumbers / gas fitters in Canberra are available to attend gas leaks on an emergency basis. We also conduct routine or “proactive” testing of gas lines to ensure they’re not leaking.

Gas Fitting

Benchmark Plumbing provides general gas fitting services in Canberra and Queanbeyan. We install domestic gas meters (Jemena approved), copper pipes (to replace older galvanised ones), gas pressure regulators, and on-premises gas piping. We also perform gas conversions: natural gas to electricity and electricity to natural gas. Our experienced gas plumbers / gas fitters provide gas fitting services in Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounding areas.

Gas Hot Water Systems

Our gas plumbers supply, install and repair a wide range of gas hot water systems in Canberra and Queanbeyan. We have access to equipment from all the big names in gas hot water, including Rinnai, Dux, Vulcan, Rheem, AquaMAX and Bosch. Our gas plumbers in Canberra have hands-on experience with both gas storage and gas continuous flow systems.

Most gas hot water systems in Canberra and Queanbeyan require a general service every few years. Our gas plumbers can check your gas hot water system to ensure that it’s functioning properly and not leaking. It’s fair to say that regular servicing reduces the likelihood of more costly repairs later on. Homeowners with any concerns about their current gas hot water system should contact us for a free, no-obligation chat.