Plumbing FAQ

Questions frequently asked by Aussie home owners and business...

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Hot Water

One of many installations taking advantage of the Government rebate schemes. Water heated by solar, or heat pump, helps save our planet and saves you lots of money. Learn more about these on the hot water page...

Flood Prevention

An example of some larger scale specialised plumbing. We constructed a pump well with inlet weir and grating, with two large pumps on guide rails. In flooding situations the large influx of storm water could then be pumped outside the levee banks. See more on the portfolio gallery.......

STP and Distribution

Sewer from three homes and School amenities at an Outback School was run through 3 small Sewer Treatment Plants to this distribution well. What was once a dust bowl is now a green, grassed play oval of approx 30 x 50 metres.

Drain Repair

No relining this time. After CCTV inspection and diagnosis small sections of drains were replaced and sewer junctions with large diameter access risers were installed as a safer alternative to using access manholes.

Hydro-Vac

An example of hydro-vac excavtion. This high pressure gas main was suspected to be leaking. After setting up traffic control and emergency procedures it was carefully located by potholing. Following this the entire tee section and pipes were exposed for an easy and safe repair.

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Triple Whole House Filter

triple filter w/- stainless steel cover

The triple whole house filter removes all sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants from your water supply.

We can supply different configurations of filter cartridge, depending on water origin and quality.

These systems can be supplied with or without a stainless steel cover, although a cover is recommended. You can also choose between several different popular colorbond colours for the filter cover.

Drinking Water - 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis

triple filter w/- stainless steel cover

The first 4 stages totally remove everything from the water including taste, with the 5th and final stage replacing essential minerals. This water only dribbles through, but the system has a small storage tank from which you can dispense from an outlet at a low pressure stream

You can choose to upgrade to a fancier style outlet, and you can add other items to the installation, such as a water chiller for cool refreshing water in those summer months.

Drinking Water - Single stage Lab Puo

triple filter w/- stainless steel cover

This very special inovative filter removes all the nasties, leaving essential minerals, but with no great reduction in flow and pressure

Have constant access to delicious refreshing natural water, or just get that great tasting cup of coffee.

cartridge style tap repair

Plumbing Questions From Business And Home Owners

This page is a compilation of questions that business owners and homeowners are wanting the answers to here in Albury and Wodonga. These are questions about Plumbers and Plumbing, that people anywhere in regional Australia are asking.

We have done our best to answer these to your satisfaction and will add to them as questions arise.

General Plumbing Questions


Do you provide a written quote?

Yes - we can and do provide a detailed written quote. On a lot of occasions when the job is only a small one we give a verbal quote, which you can sign off on our jobbing app when we arrive at your site.

Do you charge a call-out fee?

A call out fee is really just to allow for some of the time travelling to your job site. When a Plumber invoices for his work by the hour, you should expect a fee that would account for at least 1/4 hour.

We keep it simple - no surprise fees, and all pricing is discussed before work begins. If you are outside of Albury-Wodonga Greater Cities, then there is a small travel charge per/km, of which we will also let you know in our quote.

How much does a plumber cost in Wodonga or Albury?

Rates in regional areas usually range from $120 - $180 per hour, depending on the job and urgency.

We provide clear upfront quotes. If the job could be complex, to save you money we provide a best solution, along with a staged estimate, depending on outcomes.

Are you a licensed plumber?

Yes - All plumbing work in Australia must be done by a licensed plumber ? and Renopipe is fully licensed and insured.

How do I find a reliable plumber near me?

Look for a licensed plumber with current insurance, clear quotes, and real local reviews.

In any online reviews, look for a ring of authenticity, to ensure they are not fake or AI generated. For example: do they list details, such as circumstances, times, what the problem was, what the plumber did etc.

Renopipe is based locally in Table Top. We are proudly rated by homeowners and businesses throughout Albury, Wodonga and the entire district.

Leaks, Taps & Toilets


Can you find hidden leaks?

We can - in most cases, but presently, when the problem is a complex one, this won't be as accurately or as quickly as a good technician can using electronic leak detection and or gas, to pinpoint even underground leaks. We will obtain that equipment soon, but for now, once we have scoped the problem, we will know whether that is needed, and if so will definitely refer you on to a business that can do this always keeping your cost efficiency foremost.

Why does my toilet keep running?

A faulty inlet or outlet valve is usually to blame. If it is simply the rubbers we replace them and test. Sometimes it is more economical to just replace the entire valve as these are usually not a whole lot more than the cost of the rubber kits. For example: an entire inlet valve is only about $25.00 whereas the rubber seal is around $4.00 We replace these same day in most cases.

Why is my tap leaking?

Usually from a worn washer or cartridge. Even if you have changed the washers or replaced the cartridge recently, you may still have a problem, which will most likely be a worn or damaged tap body seating. In almost all cases we can repair or replace it quickly without needing a full tap change. To read further about this check out our blog on tap washers

Hot Water Systems


How long should a hot water unit last?

Typically 10 - 15 years for electric storage water heaters and 12 - 20 years for gas instant and storage water heaters.

Do you install new hot water systems?

Yes — we supply and install electric, gas, and solar hot water systems from leading brands.

We prefer the all Australian 'SolarArk' which is so efficient, that it is one of the highest rating systems on the Renewable Energy Certificate scheme.

Why don't I have hot water?

  • If you have water at your cold water taps but no water at at your hot taps. Check that the inlet valve to the water heater is in the on position. This will be at the base of the water heater somewhere and will usually be marked as inlet on the heater itself.
  • If you have water but it is just not hot, Check the power or gas supply.
    • If it's Gas check that the isolation valve is on and that the isolation valve at the gas meter or top of gas bottles is on.
    • If it's Electric check at the power board for the switch marked hws and make sure it is on (switch in up position).
    • If those valves were ok, or you can't tell what type your system is, you definitely need to call a Plumber or Gasfitter.
    • If those switches at the power board were off and did not flick straight back off when you turned them on, you are probably ok. If they did flick straight off you will need to call an Electrician.
    • If you still have a problem - then your system may need servicing or replacement. Unsure? just give us a call anyway.

How do I know what type of hot water system I have?

If you see a storage tank approx 1700mm tall and 600mm wide with an electrical conduit going into it near the bottom, you may have an Electric Storage water heater.

If you see a storage tank approx 1500-1900 tall and only 400-450mm wide with no electric conduit and either a flue pipe going up from the top, or a grill section about 100mm high at the top on the side facing outwards you may have a Gas Storage water heater.

If you see a box on the wall approx. 300mm wide and 500mm tall by 250mm deep, with three pipes coming out the bottom you may have a Gas Instant water heater.

Otherwise just Google the Brand and Model number from the compliance label on the side of the tank or just inside the service panel.

Gas Fitting


How often should gas appliances be serviced?

Every 1 - 2 years for safety and efficiency.

Can you install gas hot water systems?

Yes - we handle the full installation, connection, and testing.

Do I need a licensed plumber for gas work?

Yes - only plumbers with gas-fitting endorsements can legally install or repair gas appliances. Renopipe is licensed for LP Gas-Fitting.

Emergency & After-Hours Plumbing


Do you charge extra after hours?

After hours rates apply, but we always discuss costs upfront.

What counts as a plumbing emergency?

Burst pipes, blocked drains, overflowing toilets, no water, or gas leaks are all plumbing emergencies.

Do you offer emergency plumbing in Albury and Wodonga?

Yes — we handle emergency call-outs after 5:00 AM and before 9:00 PM, day or night across Albury, Wodonga and surrounds.

Renovations & New Installs


Can you move existing plumbing?

Yes — though it may require concrete cutting or pipe rerouting. Using tools such as cctv drain a camera or a mini fibre optic scope do also aid in providing the most efficient cost effective solution.

Do you install or service water filters?

Yes — including fridge water lines, reverse osmosis, rainwater tank filters, under-sink filter systems and whole house filters.

Can you help with bathroom or kitchen renovations?

Yes — we handle rough-in, fit-off, and all final fixtures.

Rural & Regional Plumbing


Do you install or service septic systems?

Yes — including upgrades to meet health regulations. Quite often however, it is best to use the actual local service agent if you have an on site seconadry waste treatment system (like 'Ozzie Clean', 'Envirocycle', 'Taylex', Etc.

Can you plumb rainwater tanks to my house?

Absolutely — we can connect rain water tanks to toilets, gardens, and washing machines. We can also install, repair or replace your pumps and rainwater filters.

Do you work on rural or farm plumbing systems?

Yes — we service residential plumbing, water tank, and septic systems, for rural properties. In fact working in the smaller towns and rural properties is a favorite.

Blocked Drains


Should I use drain cleaner?

No — chemical cleaners can damage older pipes or even worse, they could harm you. Call us instead for a safe, lasting solution.

Can you clear blocked sewer lines?

Yes — in fact I have over 45 years experience clearing drain problems, so it's not likely there will be one that I can't fix. I use various methods including, high-pressure water jetting and including in conjunction with a CCTV drain camera when needed.

Why does my drain keep blocking?

Tree roots, fat build-up, or cracked pipes are common causes.

To read further about why and how drains block up and also what to do about it read our blog, can roots get into pvc pipes

How do I know if my drains are blocking up.

Toilet pan filling higher and slower to go down, Toilet water sucking out of pan after flushing, A bad smell from drains, Gurgling noises etc. Read more on our blog about drain blockages.

Trust & Service


Why choose Renopipe for my Plumbing job?

From Renopipe - we give prompt Service, friendly effective Communication, quality Workmanship, sharp Diagnostic skills and innovative ideas. My motivation is the satisfaction of doing what I do as best as it can be done.

You know what it is you are looking for. If those things mentioned strike a cord with you then visit the About Renopipe page, or check Our Reviews page and make sure to click the button, 'Show All Reviews'

How can I book a job?

You can book your job online on our website, or just call or text us. 

Renopipe has online  booking on our home web page, our drain clearing page, and our contacts page. Simply click the button, and fill out a few necessary details in the online form — we’ll confirm your booking.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes — all workmanship and materials are guaranteed under Australian consumer law.

Service Areas


Do you only work in Albury and Wodonga?

No we don't only work in Albury and Wodonga - In the past 3 years for example we have completed jobs as far North as West Wyalong and Griffith and South to Mt Beauty and Alexandra. We have helped clients with their plumbing problems from Tumbarumba and Harden in the East, to Deniliquin and Kyabram in the West. 

What area does your business service?

We proudly serve Albury, Thurgoona, Lavington, Jindera, Culcairn, Wodonga, Tallangatta, and surrounding rural districts. Check out Renopipe's Albury Wodonga Service Areas page or District Service Areas page for a full list.

How will I know if you work in my area or will travel there?

You can just give me a call and ask, or go check out our Service Areas web page

Submit Your Own Plumbing Question

If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to submit it to us on this simple form below.

It is not obligitory, but please provide your name and email to help us know this is a legitimate question, and so we can thank you too. Your locality as in City, Town, or even General Area of Australia would also be much appreciated to give relavance, or context to your question. Thank You!





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