When it comes to looking after your home, prevention is always better than cure—especially with plumbing. Simple maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs, prevent emergencies and even lower your monthly utility bills.
I’m Matt Latham, owner of O'Brien Plumbing Perth, and these are the practical habits I use to keep my own home’s plumbing system running smoothly.
1. Keep Grease and Fats Out of Your Kitchen Sink
Pouring grease, oils and fats down your kitchen sink can quickly lead to stubborn blockages. These substances solidify inside your pipes and cause slow drains, bad smells or complete backups.
Dispose of fats in the bin instead to keep your kitchen plumbing clear and functioning properly.
2. Service Your Hot Water System Annually
A well-maintained hot water system uses less energy, lasts longer and performs more reliably.
An annual service helps:
- Improve efficiency
- Reduce your gas or electricity bill
- Prevent major system failures
Regular servicing ensures you’re never surprised by cold showers—especially in winter.
3. Inspect Your Flexible Hoses for Early Signs of Damage
Flexible hoses are one of the most common sources of sudden water damage in Perth homes. A hose can burst without warning, causing thousands of dollars in flooding.
Check the hoses:
- Under sinks
- Behind washing machines
- Beside toilets
- Under bathroom basins
Look for wear, rust, bulging or discolouration—these are all indicators a hose may fail soon. Early replacement is inexpensive and prevents major water damage.
4. Make Sure Your Outlets Are Waterwise
Water-efficient taps, showerheads and outlets don’t just help the environment—they also reduce your water and gas bills.
Ensuring your outlets meet waterwise flow-rate standards can make a noticeable difference to your household running costs.
5. Install a Whole-Home Water Filtration System
I personally use a whole-home filtration unit, and it’s one of the best upgrades I’ve made.
Benefits include:
- Cleaner, better-tasting water
- Reduced calcium buildup
- No more chalky stains on shower screens and tapware
- Longer life for appliances like kettles and hot water systems
It’s a simple improvement with big long-term benefits (and it keeps my wife very happy).
Proactive Plumbing Maintenance Saves Money
After more than 12 years working with Perth homeowners, landlords, property managers and strata clients, our team at O'Brien Plumbing Perth has seen how much stress—and money—can be saved through simple routine maintenance.
We always encourage homeowners to maintain their plumbing systems before small issues turn into costly emergencies.
Whether you’re looking for advice, repairs or a full plumbing inspection, our experienced Perth plumbers are here to help.
Call: 08 9291 4998