Hot water is an essential part of any home, especially during a Melbourne winter, but did you know that without temperature control, it can pose serious safety risks? In Victoria, tempering valves and thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) are required by law for specific installations,...
How Much Does a Plumber Charge in Melbourne? 2025 Melbourne Plumbing Cost Guide Whether you're dealing with a plumbing emergency or planning a renovation, it’s important to know what to expect when it comes to plumbing costs in Melbourne. Understanding typical rates and factors that...
Do you need a plumber and are confused by the legitimacy of the search results when you type things like find a Plumber Near Me or find a local Plumber? Many of those who appear at the top of search results have either paid...
I love cats. I’m a self-described crazy cat lady. I’m even named Cat. I love everything about furry, fluffy felines. Well, I don’t love cleaning the kitty litter out. But all you need to do is bag it up and bin it, right? Isn’t...
As we age or face mobility challenges, everyday tasks can become more challenging. Simple bathroom and kitchen routines may need a bit more support and, thankfully, with the right plumbing modifications, these spaces can be made more comfortable, safe, and accessible. For the elderly,...
We’ve spoken at length about who can legally complete plumbing tasks in Victoria; including the difference between licensed and registered plumbers, and what tasks handymen can complete. What we haven’t talked about is what DIY plumbing tasks can be completed without the use of a...
Will we or wont we enter into a recession in Australia this year? Whether we do or not, one thing is certain; the cost of goods and services has increased significantly this year and everyone is trying to reduce their spending and DIY as...
Frost protection valves in West Melbourne In most homes in West Melbourne that have solar hot water services, frost protection valves have been installed. If they don’t have these, we always suggest that frost protection valves be installed. Frost protection valves are designed to protect...
Backflow Prevention Plumbers Melbourne - Reduced Pressure Zone Device 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...
What are the main causes of a blocked toilet? A toilet blockage can disrupt your daily routine and cause unnecessary stress; it usually occurs when you are heading out for the day, or on a weekend just to test your patience. My intention of writing...
Bathroom Renovations in Melbourne Does your bathroom need a makeover and you don’t know where to start? Click on this link for a read of our bathroom renovation e-book which is full of handy hints on the first stages of a renovation, budgeting, styling, planning and fixture and fitting...
Save this Postcard for Later How do I turn my gas off at the mains? Follow these steps: Find your gas meter. In suburban homes, it will almost always be near your front boundary line. For apartments, it may be in a bank of meters at...
Save this postcard for future use. How do you turn your mains water supply off? Follow these steps: Find your water meter. For detached suburban homes, it will be in your front garden near the boundary line. For units, the water meter may be out the...
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....
Save this Postcard for Later Instructions for How to Isolate a Leaky Tap Step 1: Locate the Isolation Valve (Mini Stop Valve) Each major plumbing fixture in your home—such as sinks, toilets, and washing machines—should have its own isolation valve. This valve, also known as a mini...
Hot water is an essential part of any home, especially during a Melbourne winter, but did you know that without temperature control, it can pose serious safety risks? In Victoria, tempering valves and thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) are required by law for specific installations,...
Save this Postcard for Later What do I do if my roof is leaking? Don't panic Clear the area (move children, pets and important belongings) Contain the water (protect floor damage with buckets, towels, bowls) Relieve water pressure (if required, poke a hole in any small sagging ceiling bulge...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
Save Postcard for Later 1 – Make Sure Your Hot Water System has a Frost Protection Valve In West Melbourne, most homes with solar hot water services have frost protection valves installed to safeguard the system’s solar panels from freezing temperatures. These valves activate when the outside air...
Save Postcard for Later Spring Plumbing Checklist Inspect Outdoor Taps and Hoses Winter’s freezing temperatures can cause outdoor taps and hoses to crack or leak. Now that spring has arrived, reconnect any hoses that were stored and inspect for leaks or drips. Tip: Run water through your outdoor taps...
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,...
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...
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 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: 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...
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...
Save Postcard for Later Check Your Flexi Hoses. Flexi hoses are flexible, stainless steel braided hoses that reduce stress on pipes and are commonly used to connect plumbing fixtures such as sinks, dishwashers, and toilets. They are affordable and easy to install, but should be...
Save Postcard for Later Summer Plumbing Checklist Cool Sips and Icy Dips: Fridge Plumbing Installation for Icemaker Fridges. As the mercury climbs, the desire for a cold beer or icey G&T grows stronger. If you’ve upgraded to an icemaker fridge, you’ll need to ensure it’s properly...
When it comes to plumbing work in Victoria, you’ll come across both registered and licensed plumbers, each bringing distinct skills and qualifications to the table. But how do you know which type is best suited to your plumbing needs? And can both do plumbing...
