Why Your Home, Your Choice Matters to All Victorians: A Call for Balanced Energy Solutions
As the owners of a plumbing and gasfitting business, we've spent years helping homeowners make informed decisions about their energy options. Earlier this year, Dave and I had the privilege of completing a study tour of the UK, funded by the Wylie Trust Scholarship....
Gas Safety Checks in Melbourne: Protect Your Property and Tenants
Since the Victorian Residential Tenancies Regulations came into effect in 2021, all rental providers in Victoria must conduct regular gas safety checks in Melbourne to ensure the safety of their tenants. Whether you’re a rental provider, homeowner, property manager, or real estate agent, these...
Introducing the Gas Priority Services Program: Supporting Vulnerable Victorians
As proud members of the Master Plumbers Association, we are excited to announce that we’ve been approved as a trade panel partner for the Gas Priority Services Program, launching in Victoria on Thursday, 19th September 2024. This initiative, in collaboration with the Australian Gas...
How to Isolate a Leaky Tap
Dealing with a leaking pipe or plumbing fixture can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that you don’t always have to turn off the water supply to your entire home (if you have a burst pipe scenario, and need to turn off your...
Your Essential Melbourne Spring Plumbing Checklist
As the chill of winter gives way to the warmer, breezier days of spring, now is the perfect time to check up on your home’s plumbing. The winter months can be tough on pipes, and roofs, so a thorough inspection helps prevent any unwanted...
My Roof is Leaking, What Should I Do?
It may have been 30 odd years ago but I still remember my primary school social studies lesson in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (kudos to Mrs. Farrer!). At the bottom of this pyramid lies our very basic physiological needs of air, water, food, and...
What is a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) and Why do I Need One?
Tradies often get a reputation for the unnecessary upselling of products when they get their foot in the door of your home; their standover tactics can be intimidating for homeowners who have lay knowledge of the trade and feel pressured to say yes to...
Why is my Gas Bill So High? 20 Tips to Reduce Your Gas Bill and Save Money
I’ve mentioned in a previous article that I like to prepay my utility bills to avoid bill shock; I divide what my usual bimonthly bill is into a weekly amount and then set up weekly automatic direct debits to my energy provider for that...
Preventative Drain Clearing in Melbourne: Reducing the Risk of Blocked Drains
Preventative Drain Clearing Melbourne Albert Einstein once suggested that “intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them”; given he famously stated that if he had chosen a career all over again he would’ve been a plumber, we think he must’ve been talking about preventative plumbing in this...
The W. H. Wylie Trust 2024 Scholarship UK Industry Tour – Final Report for Master Plumbers Association
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In June 2024, we undertook a comprehensive tour of the United Kingdom, funded by a $15,000 bursary from the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia’s The W.H. Wylie Trust. Our primary objectives were to deepen our understanding of modern plumbing practices,...
Comparing New Hot Water System Quotes: Beware of Hidden Costs and Upsells
We’ve always valued honesty and transparency with our pricing at McCarthy Plumbing Group. We have never been a fan of trickery or cheeky sales tactics like $0 callout fees with hidden costs, or cheap base rate products with loaded upsells when the technician is...
Your Essential Melbourne Winter Plumbing Checklist
Top Five Plumbing Tips for Winter Ah, Winter. A season of splendid transformation, where the world is blanketed in a frosty embrace and the air grows crisp and invigorating. It is a time, dearest reader, to prepare one’s home for the chill of winter’s touch,...
How to Avoid an Airbnb Plumbing Emergency
Minimise Plumbing Emergencies at Your Airbnb Property Owning or managing an Airbnb property comes with its unique set of challenges, and one of the most critical aspects to manage is plumbing. Plumbing emergencies can cause significant disruption to your guests' stay, leading to negative reviews...
What does CPD mean for the future of the plumbing industry?
Continuing Professional Development for Plumbers The Victorian plumbing industry is in the midst of a big change. We, as plumbers and plumbing professionals, have a choice to make; decide to stick with the current CPD model (Continuing Plumbing Demise) or embrace the new model of...
Who is a Suitably Qualified Person according to the EPA: A Guide for Remedial Notices and Directions from the EPA
Receiving a remedial notice or directions from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) can be a daunting experience for property owners and managers of commercial and industrial facilities in Melbourne. These notices indicate that there are plumbing defects or issues on the property that require...
Plumbing Solutions for Melbourne Home-Based Food Businesses: Ensuring Compliance with Australian Food Standards
How do I Start a Food Business from Home? Are you considering starting a home-based food business in Melbourne? Whether you're passionate about baking, cooking, drying dog treats or crafting artisanal snacks, it's essential to ensure that your kitchen meets the stringent requirements outlined by...
Why Does My Toilet Keep Blocking?
5 Reasons Your Toilet Is Getting Blocked and How You Can Prevent Future Blockages A reddit user recently asked ‘What’s one of the most infuriating 1st World problems?’. Some of the responses included: ‘When automatic sinks don't sense your hand at the right time’ ...
Are there Plumbers with Pensioner and Seniors Discounts in Melbourne?
At McCarthy Plumbing Group, we are committed to serving our community with excellence, and part of that commitment involves offering special concessions to those who need it most. We understand that certain circumstances may warrant additional support, and we're proud to extend a helping...
Can You Flush Tissues?
I have confession to make. I have a very bad habit, emphasis on very considering I am a plumber’s wife. It’s something I have always done and I am consciously trying to break this habit (it takes 66 days to do so apparently…). While I would...
Falling Like Dominoes: Is the Australian Building Industry Collapsing?
I remember watching a segment on ABC’s Four Corners last year called ‘House of Cards: Inside the broken business of building’ thinking it correlated with everything that I felt was happening in my industry; to our peers and in our own business. The feature...
Your Local Plumber Point Cook: McCarthy Plumbing Group Love Your Local Wyndham
Plumber Point Cook - Why McCarthy Plumbing Group are your genuinely local plumbers in Wyndham At McCarthy Plumbing Group, we pride ourselves on being your reliable and honest plumber in Point Cook. With over a decade of experience serving both commercial and residential customers, our...
What is the Difference Between Registered and Licensed Plumbers?
“I’m a qualified plumber, I can do all types of plumbing except for roofing and drainage” “I’ve almost got my plumbing licence, I’m qualified that’s all that matters” “I have my plumbing registration so I can do toilets and change taps without a licence”. You may...
How to Get a Plumbing Apprenticeship in 2024
How to get a plumbing apprenticeship in 2024 It’s the beginning of the year, and the end of of school for many young people, coinciding with an entrance into adulthood. Opportunity. Growth. Responsibility. It is also the time many Apprenticeships become available as companies pounce on...
Can I Plumb in a Fridge Myself? – Fridge Plumbing Installation in Melbourne
Fridge Water Connection Point Installation Melbourne As the weather warms up (very slowly if you live in Melbourne…), the desire for a cold beer or ice on demand grows stronger. If you’ve upgraded to an icemaker fridge, you’ll need to ensure it’s properly installed with...
Summer Plumbing, Had me a Burst… A Melbourne Summer Plumbing Guide
Ah, summer is bliss in Melbourne! Genuine sunshine (the kind that a Melbourne Spring and Autumn promises, but doesn’t quite deliver), BBQs, and lazy afternoons in the backyard. As the temperatures rise, so do the chances of encountering some unexpected plumbing issues. In this...
Case Study – EPA Site Improvement Notice on Dangerous Chemical Storage
How to assess and maintain controls to reduce environmental pollution risks at your commercial premises Site Improvement Notice given by Environmental Protection Authority Victoria How do you safely store over 5 million litres of expired hand sanitiser, one of the waste products of the Covid Pandemic?...
Which Hot Water System is Right for Me? – The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Hot Water Systems
A faulty hot water system is pretty much the last thing we all want to spend our hard-earned income on, especially with the rising costs of living, however none of us really enjoy having cold showers after the end of a hard day at work either! A...
Property Management Plumbers Melbourne
Are there Property Management Plumbing Specialists in Melbourne? We understand the demands on Property Managers; the stress of landlords wanting value for money and tenants wanting their repairs carried out immediately. When plumbing issues arise in rental properties, finding reliable property maintenance plumbers is essential....
Do I Need to Convert My Gas Hot Water System to Electric? Understanding the Victorian 2024 Gas Ban
It’s been two months since Dan Andrews and his Government announced, without consultation with the Master Plumbers Association I might add, that Victoria is taking immediate steps toward a sustainable future with the Victoria 2024 Gas Ban. His ambitious plan aims to transition away...
What are Drain Flies and How to Get Rid of Them
They're tiny, annoying, and seemingly come out of nowhere. Drain flies, also known as sewer flies, or moth flies, can quickly become an unwelcome presence in your home. They are relatively harmless, however have the potential to carry bacteria. In this blog, we'll delve...
Fake it ‘til you make it – How to Speak Like a Plumber Using Our Handy Plumbing Terms Glossary
An Australian Plumbing Jargon Glossary: Decoding Our Language Plumbing can often feel like a language of its own, filled with technical terms, acronyms, and industry-specific jargon. At McCarthy Plumbing Group, we believe that understanding the language of plumbing can empower homeowners and clients to...
Maintenance and Long-Term Efficiency: The Key to Sustainable Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Investing in a heat pump hot water system is a smart move for any homeowner looking to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. However, the benefits of these systems can only be fully realised with proper and consistent maintenance. At McCarthy Plumbing Group,...
Embracing a Customer-Centric Approach When Installing Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
At McCarthy Plumbing Group, we understand that investing in a heat pump hot water system is a significant decision for your home. Our commitment goes beyond just providing premium products; we focus on ensuring that every step of your experience with us is tailored...
Heat Pump Hot Water System Refrigerants and Their Environmental Impact
Refrigerants and Their Environmental Impact: What You Need to Know As the world moves towards greener and more sustainable energy solutions, the role of refrigerants in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) systems has come under increasing scrutiny. Refrigerants, while essential for the operation...
Navigating Installation Challenges for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Melbourne
Navigating Installation Challenges for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Victoria As Victoria continues to transition towards a more sustainable energy future, the installation of heat pump hot water systems has become increasingly popular. These systems offer significant energy savings and environmental benefits, but their...
The Importance of Heat Pump Hot Water System Efficiency
The Importance of Heat Pump Hot Water System Efficiency: Maximising Savings and Sustainability As Victoria moves towards its ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 28 to 33% by 2025, as part of the gas substitution roadmap, the adoption of energy-efficient technologies is more...
Understanding Heat Pump Hot Water Systems: A Comprehensive Guide
As Victoria's energy sector undergoes a rapid transformation, embracing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 28 to 33% by 2025, heat pump hot water systems are becoming an increasingly popular choice for both residential and commercial properties. But what exactly is a...
What is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?
How to avoid an emergency plumber call out fee Being the victim of a plumbing emergency is about as fun as being the designated driver at the Christmas party. In the world of plumbing, emergencies can strike at any moment, leaving homeowners and renters feeling...
Case Study – Navigating EPA Compliance Advice on Stormwater Legal Point of Discharge in Victoria
Case Study - Navigating EPA Compliance Advice on Stormwater Legal Point of Discharge During a recent engagement with an industrial client in Laverton North, McCarthy Plumbing Group encountered a complex scenario, where our stormwater expertise was required in assisting our clients in addressing Environmental Protection...
How Cleaning Your Gutters Can Save You Money AND Earn You QANTAS Points
What Do Gutter Cleans Have To Do With Frequent Flyer Points? As mentioned in my last blog, I'm a sucker for collecting QANTAS frequent flyer points. From credit card payments, flying QANTAS and Jetstar, downloading the QANTAS points prompter as a browser extension, converting my...
How You Can Earn QANTAS Points Just By Checking Your Flexi Hoses
I’ve been on a mission this year to collect QANTAS frequent flyer points any way I can, in the hope I can score some seats for a family holiday next year. From using my QANTAS credit card (wisely…), downloading the QANTAS points prompter as...
How to Get a Plumbing Apprenticeship in 2023
How to get a plumbing apprenticeship in 2023 It’s the end of term 2 and for year 12’s, our future leaders, there’s less than 6 months left of their secondary education. The end of school coincides with an entrance into adulthood. Opportunity. Growth. Responsibility. It is...
Is it Safe to Drink from the Hot Water Tap?
Growing up, my sisters and I weren’t allowed to swim in the irrigation channel like the other kids in town because of my Dad’s extensive fear of us getting amoebic meningitis from the water. We also had to hold our nose in swimming pools...
Can Hot Water Systems Explode?
The Danger Lurking in Faulty PTR Valves: A Guide to Hot Water System Maintenance My two kids were watching MythBusters last night after dinner. When I got back from having my shower, my husband’s face was like a stunned mullet looking at the screen. ‘You...
Who does Aged Care Facilities Plumbing Maintenance in Melbourne?
Aged Care Plumber Melbourne When it comes to the plumbing maintenance needs of aged care centres and commercial facilities, reliability and expertise are paramount. At McCarthy Plumbing Group we specialise in providing exceptional plumbing maintenance services specifically designed to cater to the unique requirements of...
How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
As winter approaches, it's crucial for homeowners to prepare their homes for the changing weather conditions. While insulation and heating systems are often prioritized, one essential aspect that shouldn't be overlooked is gutter cleaning. Neglecting this vital maintenance task can lead to severe consequences,...
Plumbing Now, Pay Later: Convenient and Affordable Plumbing with Flexible Payment Options
McCarthy Plumbing Group: Meeting the Growing Demand for Flexible Payment Option Plumbing Amid Rising Interest Rates and Inflation. In the current economic climate, Australians are facing the challenges of increasing interest rates, high inflation, and tighter budgets. McCarthy Plumbing Group recognizes the financial strain these...
Introducing Zip Pay and Zip Money: Flexible payment options with McCarthy Plumbing Group
In today's fast-paced world, convenience and flexibility have become paramount in various aspects of our lives. This includes how we manage our finances and make payments. McCarthy Plumbing Group is excited to announce that we are now offering Zip Pay and Zip Money as...
High water bill? Here are 20 tips to reduce your water bill and save money
Reduce Your Water Bill It’s no secret the rising cost of utilities, fuel, interest rates combined with inflation and the fear of recession is making us grip our purses tighter and find other ways to either make or save money. If you’re like me, you’ll...
A Local Plumber Hoppers Crossing Residents Can Trust?
Are you in need of a reliable plumber in Hoppers Crossing? McCarthy Plumbing Group are your local experts dedicated to delivering premium customer service and unparalleled workmanship on your plumbing tasks. With over a decade of experience serving both residential and commercial clients, our...
From Pipedream to Passion: Why I Chose to be a Melbourne Plumber
Becoming a Melbourne Plumber - My Story Saturday 11th March is World Plumbing Day, The World Plumbing Council initiated World Plumbing Day to spread awareness of the importance of plumbing in protecting public health. We discuss the day and the types of things we do in our...
Your Essential Melbourne Autumn Plumbing Checklist
Your Essential Autumn Plumbing Checklist I love Autumn, It’s a season of change. The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing colour, and it's time to start preparing your home for the winter months ahead. It’s a time for cosying up your home...
Which is better, a fixed priced plumber or hourly rate plumber?
Which is better, a fixed priced plumber or hourly rate plumber in Point Cook? We believe that hourly rate plumbing is the better option for customers, for several reasons we’ll be discussing below. Firstly, hourly rate plumbing allows for greater transparency and accountability. With hourly rate...
Installing Eyewash Stations And Safety Showers In Melbourne – Crucial Workplace Compliance Plumbing
Australian Eyewash stations and Safety Showers Requirements The Wyndham, Brimbank and Hobsons Bay municipalities are home a plethora of factories, tertiary education campuses and laboratories, many of which involve manufacturing (or training/learning) with harmful substances. Each of these workplaces must comply with WorkSafe regulations...
McCarthy Plumbing Group: Your Trusted Melbourne Industrial Plumbers for Preventative Maintenance Programs
Melbourne Industrial Plumbers When it comes to industrial plumbing needs in Melbourne, McCarthy Plumbing Group is the go-to solution. With years of experience and a dedicated team of professionals, they have earned a reputation as a reliable and experienced industrial plumber. McCarthy Plumbing Group specializes...
Draining the Swamp: How to Spot Toxic Tradies and Red Flag Employers
We have been recruiting for Melbourne plumbers since just before Christmas to join our growing team, which involves the usual fun and games of the recruitment process (luckily, we found some great guys we think will fit our team well). Our process involves the...
What is an RPZ Device and how does is help Backflow Prevention?
Backflow Prevention Plumbers Melbourne When it comes to maintaining a safe and clean water supply, backflow prevention is of utmost importance. Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction, causing contaminants to enter the water system. To prevent this, the installation of RPZ (Reduced...
All I Want for Christmas is a Pastel Coloured Basin… 2024 Plumbing Trends
2024 Plumbing Trends I’ve co-owned a plumbing business for ten years now (it was our anniversary this year), and in that time have seen some of the most luxurious fixtures and fittings that I didn’t ever need but now really, absolutely want in my life....
Santa Baby, Here Are Some Tips to Avoid a Christmas Plumbing Emergency
Michael Bublé is warbling, the ham’s just been carved, roast potatoes are out of the oven (those yummy, crispy, half-smashed Jamie Oliver kind) and the mango pavlova is in the fridge patiently awaiting its big reveal. You’re ready to go, the lunch that you’ve...
What is a Home Water Filtration System and What Are the Benefits?
Clean Water vs Pure Water Last week, Melbourne was crowned Australia’s best city for tap water. The title was judged by the Water Industry Operators Australia and the prize is based on colour, clarity, odour and taste. By all reports, it tasted delicious! But just...
Are Flushable Wipes Actually Flushable?
Flushed Away...The Flushable Wipes Conspiracy No-one would really argue that we now live in a throwaway society, where convenience items rule our purchase list. Think disposable nappies rather than terry towelling cloths, coffee pods over instant coffee, or yoghurt pouches instead of needing a bowl...
10 Reasons Why Plumbing Inspections Are Essential When Purchasing a Home
What is a pre-purchase plumbing inspection report? It’s 2024, interest rates have risen rapidly over the past 12 months yet buyers are still in the market, looking to secure a property of their own. When purchasing a home for your family, a building inspection is...
10 Tips to Help You Find A Good Melbourne Plumber
How to choose an honest and reliable Melbourne plumber Need a Plumber? It’s always a need and never a want unfortunately, don’t worry we won’t get offended. Plumbing maintenance is a necessity that most of us will need assistance with at least once in...
Why are Plumbers in Melbourne so Expensive?
Business expenses are expensive business Gulp. Make yourself a coffee, I’m going to lay it all bare and give you utter and complete transparency on our business operational costs. Why? To try and give you some more information on why plumbers charge the way they...
Can a Handyman Do Plumbing in Victoria?
“Plumbers are so expensive! Why should I use them and not someone from AirTasker to do my plumbing job?” I want to start out first and foremost by saying this isn’t an anti-handyman blog. We work with handymen and handywomen every week on projects and...
McCarthy Plumbing Group: Your Local Plumber in Wyndham Dedicated to Community Support
At McCarthy Plumbing Group, we're more than just a plumbing company; we're a local plumber deeply committed to our community in the City of Wyndham. Owned by Cat and Dave McCarthy, our company's core values revolve around trust, integrity, and the importance of supporting...
How often should I replace my flexi hoses? Tips for avoiding water damage to your home
What are flexi hoses? A flexible hose, commonly known as a flexi hose, is a stainless-steel braided hose that encases a rubber pipe. They are extremely common and found in almost all suburban homes across West Melbourne. Flexi hoses will be installed beneath your kitchen...
Case Study – When Aquatherm pipes fail; replacement of piping systems within large industrial sites
What is Aquatherm and why does it fail? Aquatherm is a German plumbing invention of the 1980’s, and is a fusiotherm® polypropylene pipe system for both potable water and heating. The product had a reputable for reliability in its homeland, before being imported to Australia....
In hot water…choosing the right hot water system
A faulty hot water system is pretty much the last thing we all want to spend our hard-earned income on, especially with a recession imminent, however none of us really enjoy having cold showers in the middle of winter either! A hot water system will...
Case Study – EPA Compliance Inspections and Stormwater Management Plans
How to assess and maintain interim controls to reduce environmental pollution risks at your commercial premises In early 2022, approximately 12,000L of chemicals from an industrial facility filtered through a stormwater drain into Cherry Lake, Altona and as a result of the pollution killed hundreds...
What is a frost protection valve and why is it leaking?
What is a Frost Protection Valve? In the first episode of Game of Thrones, the ill-fated protagonist Ned Stark delivered a rousing speech to motivate his people to brace themselves for the difficult times he foresaw; Winter Is Coming. While its only mid-Autumn, Winter is...
What is preventative plumbing maintenance? A guide to commercial plumbing maintenance in Melbourne
Commercial Maintenance Plumbing Melbourne In around 1500, Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus stated that prevention is better than cure. 522 years may have passed, but good old Desiderius is still correct; prevention is always the best way to remain safe from any problem. This is true not...
How do I turn off my water at the mains?
Burst Pipes can be stressful and are always a huge shock to our clients. If you have a burst pipe or water leak in your home or garden, our team of plumbers at McCarthy Plumbing Group can repair your pipe fast to minimize any...
Can I Install a Bidet Myself?
What are bidets and hand sprayers? Bidets and hand sprayers are becoming increasingly popular in Victoria, particularly in municipalities high in residents from diverse cultures and backgrounds such as ours in Wyndham. Bidets are a French invention, dating back to the 1700’s and throughout history...
What do I do if my roof is leaking?
Help! My roof is leaking in Point Cook! Firstly, don’t panic. Point Cook roof leaks have been quite prevalent in the recent storms. McCarthy Plumbing Group are your experts for roof leaks in Point Cook. Here are a few steps you can take if water...
Guest Blog – Why we choose JMVBS as our Virtual Assistants
At McCarthy Plumbing Group we have a team of administrators including an Accounts Manager and Client Relationship Manager who deal with the day-to-day admin tasks of our family-owned plumbing business in Point Cook. This works well for us to have permanent staff members based at...
Binge-Learning; 7 business lessons I’ve learnt from the couch watching Netflix in order to be the best Melbourne Plumbers
I love watching TV. I love talking to friends and workmates about what ‘show’ they’re currently watching and get their advice on what I need to watch next. My husband and I always watch TV together at night, with a cup of tea. That...
Bathroom Renovation tips – Blog 3
The next step in our bathroom renovation planning series (read part 1 and 2 here) is the fun part; the dream. It's where all of those hours watching The Block, trawling Pinterest and following Instagram influencers finally pays off! The best way to work out...
Who is the Best Plumber in Wyndham?
McCarthy Plumbing Group are Servicing Point Cook, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, and Surrounding Suburbs When it comes to reliable plumbing services in the Wyndham area, McCarthy Plumbing Group is your go-to choice. As your dedicated Wyndham plumber, we take pride in delivering premium services tailored to...