huddosplumbingservice

Huddo’s world record tree root extraction from sewer

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:06:23 GMT

Tree roots can cause all sorts of problems with your sewer when ignored. Extracting this massive tree root from a residential property in Maitland proved even the biggest blockages can be solved.

The Naked Truth about Showerheads

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:05:10 GMT

Showering is one of the basic hygiene habits that most of us do in our daily routine. There is nothing better than stepping under the warm shower jets, using your favourite coconut scented shower gel, making yourself feel clean and fresh and relaxed.

Ironically, our showerheads harbour potentially infectious bacteria. YES! The warm, damp surface area of the showerhead is the perfect breeding ground for microbial life.

Norman Pace, a top US microbiologist at the University of Colorado, led a study where 45 showerheads across America were analysed for bacteria. It was concluded that 30% of the showerheads harbored significant levels of Mycobacterium avium, a bacteria that can cause a lung ailment called non-tuberculous mycobacteria disease or NTM. It was also found that metal showerheads were significantly less likely to carry the bacteria as compared with those made of plastic. So while having bacteria spray all over your body (ewww!), we can also inhale the micro-organisms from the water, that is turned to steam and inhaled into our lungs.

Before you get too alarmed though, people of fair-to good health are extremely unlikely to ever get sick from this bacteria. So instead of ditching bathing altogether and opting for “au naturel”, just clean your showerhead well with white vinegar solution once a month. 1 cup of white vinegar to 3 cups of boiling water, and scrub scrub, scrub.

5 indications you need to replace your Hot Water System

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:03:30 GMT

Hot Water Systems can be very tricky. Sometimes it requires trial and error fault-finding, for even the most experienced of plumbers! Generally, the life span of a hot water system is approx 10 to 12 years. If you Hot Water System is showing any of the following symptoms, regardless its’ age, your Hot Water System may me about to fail. Call Huddo’s Plumbing Service before it’s too late!

Irregular temperature
This can be one of the first signs that your HWS is on its way out. You can be standing under the shower, it’s nice and warm, goes cold then returns warm again, goes cool again.
Delay in water heating up
With this one, you probably have to turn on the taps, and wait a few minutes before stripping off and jumping into the shower.
Noises coming from the system, like hissing, grumbling & groaning
An orchestra of eerie music coming from the Hot Water System. The noises all mean something different too! Hissing could be that the tempering valve may just need replacing.
Sludge or rust around the fittings
Corrosion and sludge around the hot water system fittings is a sure sign of water leaking.
Rusty water
Coming from the hot tap of any of the taps inside your home. Your hot water heater could be rusting away on the inside.

5 Questions to Ask to Pick the Best Plumber

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Are you a licenced plumber and do you have insurances covering public liability?
How many years experience do you have in plumbing?
Have you carried out this type of work before?
Can you give me an approximate cost for this work?
If I have any further problems can I call you?

If they have answered YES to all of the above, you have likely picked a reliable trade.

5 foolproof plumbing tips for the home handyman

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:51:00 GMT

The home handyman sometimes tinkers too much with things that might not be running “just right”, then they break it. Wives: don’t winge too much about the small things, lol.
Foul odour coming up out of the floor waste in your bathroom? Try this: Pull off the floor grate and top up the water seal with approx 1Litre of water. There is water in the pipes below the floor grate. Over time this water will eventually evaporate and cause an odour if it’s not topped up.
Wipe up immediate spills on gas cooktops. The spill can get into the gas jets and clog them up. This will prevent gas from flowing through the jet to the burner, resulting in no cooking on that burner. If you have a spill on your gas cooktop, let it cool then immediately disassemble the top of the burner and wipe over with cloth in warm soapy water. You will be cooking again in no time!
Did you know your toilet can be leaking and you do not even know it? This is a quick way to check. Use a 15cm piece of toilet paper from the roll. Scrunch it into a loose ball and rest it inside the toilet bowl against the back edge, above the water line. If the cistern is leaking into the bowl the paper will get wet. Call Huddo’s Plumbing Service, we can fix it & save you money.
If you don’t know how to fix it – Call Huddo’s Plumbing Service, one call does it all! Leave Plumbing to the experts to fix your plumbing problems. This will save you time and money.

Why Your Drains Keep Blocking (And How to Stop It)

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 03:08:40 GMT

A slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a bad smell from your pipes; blocked drains are one of those problems that creep up on you and then suddenly demand urgent attention. For homeowners, renters, and businesses across Maitland, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley, they’re not only frustrating but often recurring. So why do drains keep blocking, and how can you stop it from happening again?

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Everyday Build-Up

Kitchen sinks collect grease, oils, and food scraps that harden inside pipes, while bathroom drains trap hair, soap scum, and small items. Over time, this build-up restricts water flow and causes blockages.

Tree Roots and Outdoor Issues

In areas like the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens, tree roots often invade underground pipes. Once inside, they expand and catch debris. Outdoor drains also block easily with leaves, dirt, and stormwater run-off.

Foreign Objects

“Flushable” wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products, and even dental floss can tangle together, causing stubborn clogs. These are common culprits in both homes and businesses.

The Cost of Ignoring a Blockage

It’s easy to delay dealing with a slow drain, but the risks add up:

Health hazards from stagnant water and bacteria.
Property damage caused by leaks and water overflow.
Higher costs from temporary DIY fixes that don’t solve the root problem.

The longer you wait, the more serious (and expensive) the damage can become.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains

Watch What Goes Down

Avoid pouring oils, fats, or coffee grounds into sinks, and use drain guards to catch hair in bathrooms. Small daily habits make a big difference.

Regular Maintenance

Like servicing a car, drains benefit from regular check-ups. For businesses, especially restaurants and cafés in Newcastle or Maitland, scheduled cleaning prevents grease build-up that can halt operations.

Professional Solutions

Hydro jetting clears even the toughest blockages, while CCTV cameras show exactly what’s happening inside pipes. These tools ensure problems are properly fixed, not just pushed further along.

When to Call a Professional

If your drains keep blocking despite your best efforts, it’s usually a sign of a bigger issue, such as cracked pipes or tree roots. Licensed plumbers have the tools and expertise to fix the problem properly and prevent it from coming back. For households and businesses across Port Stephens, Maitland, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley, calling in expert help saves money and avoids ongoing stress.

Don't Wait

Blocked drains are inconvenient, but by understanding their causes and making small changes, you can reduce how often they happen. And when they do, getting professional help quickly ensures lasting results and peace of mind.

Need help now? Call 0447 575 970 for reliable plumbing across Maitland, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley.

Can you smell gas?

Thu, 18 May 2017 04:46:41 GMT

Winter is on its way, and out comes the trusty old gas heater for the season. Protect your family from possible gas leaks in the home by having your gas heater serviced before the cold winter chill hits.

We recommend getting your gas heater serviced before the start of each winter by an experienced, licensed gas fitter. This way you are protecting your family by preventing an accident resulting from a gas leak. Any gas appliance in your household can develop a leak, so it is important to trust your nose.

If you think something smells a little “off”, well it probably IS. Don’t ignore the signs. A gas leak in your home can be expensive on the gas bill and also quite dangerous. Gas, is odourless, colourless, & smells a little like a “rotten egg”.

Maybe you’ve noticed a rise in gas consumption, or dollars on your gas bill. Don’t take the risk, have your gas heater serviced before use this winter to make a safer environment for you, and for the ones you love.