How Much Does a New Hot Water System Cost on the Sunshine Coast?
As a guide, the unit alone costs about $550 to $2,100 for electric storage, $850 to $1,900 for gas, $2,800 to $5,200 for a heat pump and $3,800 to $7,500 for solar (2026 supply prices). Installation, removal of the old unit, a tempering valve and any changes to plumbing or power come on top. Like-for-like […]
Heat Pump vs Solar vs Electric vs Gas Hot Water: Which Suits a Sunshine Coast Home?
For most Sunshine Coast homes, a heat pump is the best all-rounder: it costs more upfront than an electric tank but uses far less power, works day and night in our mild climate, and qualifies for rebate certificates. Solar suits homes with a clear north-facing roof. Electric storage is cheapest to buy but dearest to […]
How to Unblock a Drain Safely, and When It’s Time to Call a Plumber
For a single slow sink or shower, start with the simple fixes: clean the strainer or trap, use a plunger, then hot water or a drain snake. Skip harsh chemical cleaners. If more than one fixture is slow, the toilet gurgles, or water comes up through the gully outside, the blockage is in the main […]
Water Efficiency Certificates for Queensland Rentals: What Landlords Need to Know
In Queensland, a landlord can only pass water consumption charges to a tenant if the rental is individually metered and water efficient. That means internal cold taps and showerheads flow at no more than 9 litres a minute and toilets are dual flush (6.5 L full, 3.5 L half). A plumber’s check and certificate is […]
How Long Do Hot Water Systems Last? Signs Yours Is Failing
Most hot water systems last about 8 to 15 years. Electric and gas storage tanks usually sit at the lower end, while solar and heat pump systems can run longer with servicing. Rusty water, leaks around the tank, rumbling noises and running out of hot water sooner are the signs a system is near the […]
Plumber Call-Out Fees and Hourly Rates in Queensland: What You’re Paying For
Most plumbers charge a call-out fee to cover travel and the first stretch of time on site, then either an hourly rate or a fixed price for the job. As a national 2026 guide, call-out fees run about $80 to $250 and hourly rates $80 to $200, with higher after-hours rates. Ask for the pricing […]
Flexi Hoses: Why They Burst, Where to Find Them and When to Replace Them
Flexi hoses are the braided hoses connecting taps, toilets and appliances to your water pipes. They’re under constant mains pressure, and when the inner rubber perishes or the braiding rusts they can burst without warning, flooding a home in minutes. Check them yearly and replace any that are rusty, kinked, bulging or more than about […]
How to Find a Water Leak: The Meter Test, Hidden Leak Spots and What to Do Next
Turn off every tap and water-using appliance, note your water meter reading, and check it again after at least an hour without using any water. If the numbers have moved, you have a leak somewhere after the meter. Check toilets and taps first; if they’re fine, a licensed plumber can find hidden leaks under slabs, […]
Who Fixes What: Unitywater vs Your Pipes
Unitywater looks after its water mains, meters and sewer network. Pipes on your side of the meter, and the private sewer drains on your property, are the owner’s responsibility to maintain and repair with a licensed plumber. If you’re not sure where a problem sits, call a plumber to locate it. The short answer Unitywater […]
Stormwater Drainage and Blocked Downpipes: A Sunshine Coast Wet Season Guide
Stormwater drains carry rain from your roof, downpipes and yard to the street or council drain. On the Sunshine Coast, heavy wet season downpours quickly find blocked gutters, downpipes and pits. Clear gutters before summer, check downpipes flow freely, and call a plumber if water pools near the house or bubbles out of pits. How […]