5 New Year Plumbing Resolutions Every Aussie Home Should Make

A new year means new goals! Don’t forget to include these five practical plumbing resolutions to help protect your home, save money, and keep your plumbing in top shape.

A Fresh Start with Smart Plumbing Habits

As we kick off another year, Aussies everywhere are setting goals—from getting fit and saving money to giving the home a bit of TLC. While you’re making plans, don’t forget to give your plumbing system a spot on the list.

Your plumbing might not be the flashiest part of your home, but when things go wrong, it can quickly turn into a costly mess. So here are five simple (but smart) plumbing resolutions to help you start the year with fewer headaches—and fewer leaks!

1. Book Regular Plumbing Inspections

Whether you’ve just moved in, live in a charming older home, or are surrounded by big old trees, a routine professional plumbing inspection is a must. Ideally, have it done before winter or summer, when extreme weather can put extra stress on your pipes and fixtures.

Why it matters:

  • 💸 Save money: Spot small problems before they turn into expensive disasters.
  • 🛠️ Plan ahead: Know the age of your pipes and fixtures so you can budget for future replacements.
  • 🚨 Avoid emergencies: Well-maintained plumbing means fewer nasty surprises (and fewer emergency callouts at odd hours).
  • 💰 Boost value: A good plumbing report can even add value to your property.

2. Keep an Eye on Your Flexi-Hoses

Flexible braided hoses (you’ll find them under sinks, behind toilets, and near washing machines) are one of the most common causes of household flooding. They’re handy but not bulletproof—and they don’t last forever.

Flexi-hose tips:

  • ✅ Replace them every 5 years, even if they look fine.
  • 🔍 Check them every 6 months for signs of wear, rust, or fraying.
  • 🚱 Going away for a while? Turn off your main water valve. It’s a simple step that can save your home from a flood.

Bonus tip: Make sure everyone in the family knows where the water shutoff valve is—just in case!

3. Stop Flushing the Wrong Stuff

Your toilet isn’t a bin. Every year, thousands of Aussie households deal with blocked toilets thanks to wipes, sanitary items, paper towels, and other nasties that shouldn’t be flushed—even if the packaging says “flushable.”

Flexi-hose tips:

  • 🧻 Stick to the three P’s: Pee, Poo, and Paper (toilet paper only!).
  • 🚫 Toss everything else in the bin—yes, even “flushable” wipes.

A blocked toilet is more than just an inconvenience. It can lead to pipe damage and costly plumbing work.

4. Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures and Appliances

We all know how precious water is in Australia. Swapping out older appliances and fixtures for water-efficient models can make a big difference to your water usage and your bill.

What to look for:

  • 💧 WELS Ratings: The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) helps you compare products based on how much water they use.
  • 🚿 Choose low-flow showerheads, efficient taps, and dual-flush toilets.
  • 🌏 It’s good for the environment and your hip pocket!

5. Leave the Big Jobs to the Pros

There’s nothing wrong with being a handy person around the house, but when it comes to major plumbing work, it’s always best to call in a licensed tradie. Trying to DIY something beyond your skill level could lead to costly damage—or worse, safety risks.

Call a plumber if:

  • ❄️ Your pipes are frozen in winter (don’t risk bursting them!).
  • 🔥 You need a hot water system installed or replaced.
  • 🕳️ You’ve got multiple blocked drains—this could be a sewer issue, and that’s not a job for amateurs.

Start the Year Right with a Free Plumbing Check-Up

Small plumbing issues—like a slow-draining sink or a dodgy tap—can be early signs of a bigger problem. If you’re unsure what’s going on, don’t leave it to chance. Call in the experts.

At The Plumbing and Electrical Doctor, we offer free home plumbing inspections to give you peace of mind. Our licensed tradies will explain what’s going on and help you get ahead of any potential issues before they become disasters.

✅ Contact us today to book your inspection and start the new year with confidence.

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