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Browse or search below for our previously answered questions. If your question has not been asked, please fill in the form below and we will do our best to help you out.And if you need help from a specialist, check out our Find A Plumber page where you can search trade listings to find a local plumber.
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Thread seal tape (also known as PTFE tape, Telflon tape, or plumber's tape) is a multipurpose tape used specifically by plumbers to wind around pipe threads, helping to seal the joint. It can be used to aid the joining of pipes with threaded joints, or to facilitate installation of products such as tapware or showers which attach to the threaded water pipe protruding from the wall. The tape lubricates, allowing for a deeper installation, a better seal, and an easier removal as they prevent the pipes from sticking when disassembling the joint. We have an extensive range of BOSTON Tapes and Sealants. Our water thread sealing products including standard and high-density pink tape or the trade-quality, high-density blue tape. Our yellow gas tapes are all AGA Approved and can be used with all common gases and liquids. Our range also features a high-density grey thread sealing tape which conveniently seals both water and gas threads. ,
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A FIX-A-TAP Anti Vandal Garden Tap Key is designed for operating vandal proof taps. Anti-vandal taps are installed in areas where water access is needed, but these taps are specifically designed to prevent anyone without a key from using them. The key is an essential component as this is the only way to operate the tap to use water or for general maintenance. The key is temporarily placed on top of the anti-vandal tap and acts as a handle enabling the user to turn the tap on and off for water usage. Unfortunately, due to the removable nature of these keys, they can become lost, rendering the tap unusable. Our FIX-A-TAP Anti Vandal Garden Tap Key suits four different spindle types, allowing convenient access.
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View our handy garden tap diagram
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The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) manages and administers the national WaterMark Certification Scheme, which requires some types of plumbing and drainage products to be certified and authorised for use in a plumbing or drainage installation. This mandatory testing ensures that all WaterMarked products are fit for purpose, and held to high Australian health and safety standards. Examples of products that require approval include hot water systems, toilets and sanitary ware, tapware, recycled water systems, and any product that comes into contact with drinking water, including fixtures, valves, pipes and fittings. For these items, registered plumbers are required by law to only use WaterMarked products in their installations, and consumers should also look out for these markings to protect themselves from poor quality or unsafe products. You can tell if a product has been approved for Australian use by looking for the WaterMark logo, and the ABCB database can be used to look up products.
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According to a 2019 report by Suncorp Insurance, approximately 17% of all new Suncorp insurance claims are related to water damage, so what is causing these statistics and what can you do to protect your home? Recent data released from insurers such as NRMA, IAG, QBE, and Budget Direct, show that flexible braided hoses that have leaked or split are the number one cause of internal flooding. IAG found that 22% of their flood claims were due to this one cause, and NRMA have estimated that the average claim for escape of water in 2016/2017 was $4,818 (excluding excess and GST), but there have been reports of some claims costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. To avoid these claims, it is recommended that all flexible hoses be replaced every 5 years, regardless of visible wear and tear. FIX-A-TAP have a large range of water connectors to suit most purposes. for more details click here. Another cause of flooding is burst washing machine or dishwasher hoses. Whilst these should also be replaced every 5 years, we have a range of products specifically designed to protect your home, such as the Boston Flood Guard hose or the Boston Burst Alert. These hoses have a dual layer for extra protection, so that if the internal hose does spring a leak, the water will be contained within the external hose, preventing your home from flooding. In addition, the Flood Guard will automatically shut off the water supply if an internal leak is detected. for more information click here. It is still recommended that the water supply to a home should be turned off whilst the occupants are on holidays. Other common causes of flood damage could be from blocked drains or gutters. Remember that toilets are only intended to flush waste and toilet paper - flushing any other items could cause a blockage. Place food scraps and waste in the bin, not down the kitchen drain, and ensure that gutters are regularly cleaned to avoid leaf and debris build-up.
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Water pressure can often be caused by valve problems, deposit build-ups and other blockages. Check with your neighbours to see if their water pressure has been affected, or ask a plumber to check for major blockages that could be lowering pressure in your home.
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Broken water lines can cause excessively high-water bills, running water sounds and low water pressure. Turn off all of the taps in your home and ensure that no water is being used by your appliances, then go check your mains water meter (usually located on the outside of your home). Take a note of your meter reading, and see if the reading is changing to indicate water flow. For minor leaks, you may need to wait for an hour or two before seeing if the reading has changed. Common locations for obvious leaks include tapware, showers and toilets. Check the water connectors and hoses under your sinks or leading to the toilet, or the hoses connecting the water supply to the dishwasher and washing machine. Other leaks may be more difficult to determine. Look for wet, warped or discoloured areas on your ceilings, floors, walls and woodwork (such as the bottom of cabinets), or areas in your garden that permanently have a wet spot or where the grass is unusually green or well-watered. We recommend you contact a local plumber by using our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry.
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In an older house pipes are likely to be the number one feature that is likely to be outdated. Many homes built before the mid-1940s and even until the 1960s used galvanised steel or iron pipes for their water supply. The problem is that over 45-60 years, these pipes can corrode, leaving rust which will reduce the water quality and flow. Some very old homes may still have lead piping which can cause contamination of the water supply, leaving it hazardous for drinking water and common usage. The second issue is root damage, where a large or old tree can cause water problems due to roots growing in the pipes. This can cause frequent blockages or leaks. Other potential issues include roofing or gutter leaks, or problems with the waterproofing around wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries. Many properties are painted prior to selling which can temporarily mask existing leak issues.
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1) Look for holes or cuts in the concrete around your home. Most likely, these are areas where examinations have been done in the past. This could be one way to track the repair history of your old house to ensure if a problem was already resolved or could potentially re-occur. 2) Pay attention to your water supply. A slight change in water colour may indicate a foreign substance in your pipe. Supply interruption can also indicate developing problems, or a constantly flowing meter could indicate an undetected leak. Noting these will help detect issues early and can also prevent health hazards to you and your loved ones. 3) Note the age of your water system. Hiring a specialist to predict its life expectancy will help you determine when a repair or replacement is most likely to take place. This can also help prevent unexpected damage and expenses due to a catastrophic failure. 4) Replace all hoses throughout your home every 5 years. This can include braided water connectors, dishwasher hoses and washing machine hoses. The problem is that these connectors and hoses are frequently hidden under sinks, or behind toilets or appliances, so spots of rust or discolouration may go unnoticed until they burst, often with disastrous consequences. 5) Hire reliable companies for repairs or renovations. It takes skill to detect small problems before they become big problems. Find a licensed plumber you can trust so you can be confident that every repair or renovation you spend for will last a long time. You can locate a licensed plumber by using the PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to search for a plumber in your local area.
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If you have any serious problems or blockages, we suggest you contact a licensed plumber who will help identify the issue & provide solutions to fix it. Please be aware that you should also check your local regulations before commencing any DIY work, as it some states it is actually illegal to perform common plumbing tasks such as changing a tap valve. You can find a plumber in your local area by using our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry
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Your mains are usually located close to the front boundary of your property.
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Unfortunately we don't sell direct to the public however most hardware or plumbing stores can order products in for you if they don't currently have the item in stock. You can find a stockist on our website to search for local retailers of our products.
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Our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry caters for a large number of locations throughout Australia. These listings are provided for your convenience and we recommend you do your own checks prior to engaging service providers listed on the site.
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Our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry is free and is a great way to increase your web presence promote your services to our customers and potentially improve your Google search rankings.
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The filter washer is best placed between the tap and the washing machine hose. The mesh points inwards, facing towards the tap. It may seem logical to place it the opposite way so that it is curving in the direction of the water flow, but that could mean that any debris collects in the centre of the filter, blocking the water flow. The best way is to have the curve pointing towards the tap, as this way the centre remains free for water flow, and any debris will collect around the edges.
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The first idea would be to try an FIX-A-TAP Anti Hammer Tap Valve. These valves contain springs to prevent the water pressure changing so quickly that it causes a banging sound. Our FIX-A-TAP Hammer Relief Valve works along the same lines (by preventing the water pressure changing so quickly) but it is much stronger and is specifically designed for washing machines and dishwasher taps. If both of these fail to fix the problem we recommend that you use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to locate a licensed plumber.
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It could be that grime has gotten into the valves and are therefore preventing them from functioning correctly. The FIX-A-TAP Hammer Relief Valves are not designed to be cleaned therefore once worn the valves would need replacing. It could also be that the saddles holding your pipes together have come loose and need tightening. If both of these fail please consult a licensed plumber. You can locate one by using our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry.
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One of the most common reasons for a dishwasher to have standing water in it is because food debris has clogged up the drainage system within the appliance itself. It is sometimes possible to fix the issue yourself. Some things you could try are cleaning out the strainer basket or any filters and giving them a good wash under the tap then place them back into the dishwasher. Try checking the pump seal dishwasher door electrical source drain hose and anything else that could be potentially causing a blockage or issue. If none of these work we recommend that you use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to locate a licensed plumber.
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Expandable hoses offer the ultimate in convenience in that you only need to expand the hose to the length you need it to accommodate to. Perfect for laundries where space is at a minimum.
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Filter washers are a great way to prevent debris from entering your inlet hoses. The FIX-A-TAP filter washer is best placed facing up so the mesh is facing the tap end.
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A mixer cartridge is a small cartridge that is inserted into your mixer tap. It generally features a lever which moves in an up/down or forward/back motion to regulate water flow and controls temperature with a left/right motion. If your mixer tap has started leaking, or if it is very stiff and hard to move, the problem could be solved by replacing your cartridge.
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The FIX-A-TAP Mixer Tap Spanner Set is designed to loosen or tighten mixer taps. Mixer taps are frequently installed then left for many years, which can cause the nuts to become stiff and difficult to open, especially when in a tight area. The Mixer Tap Spanner Set is suitable for most mixer taps, and suits hex sizes 9mm, 11mm, 12mm & 13mm.
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We have several replacement options available including flat and raised cartridges, water saving cartridges designed for more sustainable water use, as well as the anti-scald cartridge that protects against scalds and burns from accidental hot water use. View our range of FIX-A-TAP mixer tap cartridges and use our stockist search function to locate a retailer in your local area.
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Try using WD40 and leave to lubricate the joint. If the tap handle still can't be removed, you could try purchasing a Tap Handle/Faucet Puller which should be available from your local hardware store. If this doesn't work, you may have to contact a licensed plumber. It may be cheaper to call a plumber from the outset, as they can easily fix the issue rather than you risking damage to your pipes by trying to DIY.
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Vandal proof taps require a special type of spanner to undo the nut at the base of the handle. Try the FIX-A-TAP Vandal Proof Indoor Tap Spanner and Nuts Set. If you still have problems, try using some form of lubricating oil such as WD40, or consult your local plumber who will be able to remove it for you. If you don't have a plumber, we recommend you use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to search for one in your local area.
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FIX-A-TAP have a wide range of tap valves, the most popular of which are listed below: Soft Turn® tap valves - rounded design for a drip free seal Delaware® tap valves - heavy-duty long-lasting washer Duro® tap valves - hard wearing industrial valve Sealtite tap valves - Dome profile, great for arthritis Leaklock® tap valves - seals at 2 contact points Premium Nylon tap valves - premium sealing washer Nylon tap valves - economical valve Dexine® tap valves - entry level copper valve
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FIX-A-TAP have a wide range of tap valves, the most popular of which are listed below: Soft Turn® tap valves - rounded design for a drip free seal Delaware® tap valves - heavy-duty long-lasting washer Duro® tap valves - hard wearing industrial valve Sealtite tap valves - Dome profile, great for arthritis Leaklock® tap valves - seals at 2 contact points Premium Nylon tap valves - premium sealing washer Nylon tap valves - economical valve Dexine® tap valves - entry level copper valve
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The FIX-A-TAP Delaware® tap valve is Australias number one selling trade tap valve. This tap valve has a hardwearing washer and copper body for excellent durability. Made with heavy-duty, long-life polyurethane, this tap valve suits hot and cold-water taps, is Australian made and WaterMark approved.
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If your sink and tap are misaligned, it can cause overspray, with water constantly splashing over the edges of the basin. This problem is easily fixed with the addition of a new aerator. Our affordable FIX-A-TAP swivel aerators are easily installed by screwing onto the end of the tap, they feature a stylish and inconspicuous appearance, and are designed to adjust your water angle at a touch. Simply press the inner panel to change your water angle up to 10 degrees.
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Taps turn off by pressing a rubber tap valve washer onto a flat piece of metal to stop the water flow. This piece of metal is called a tap seat, and after many years, it can become rough and worn. When this occurs, it may damage new tap valves by causing them to constantly scrape over a rough surface, or it may prevent a seal being formed, leading to a dripping tap. A tap reseater refinishes tap seats to a near new condition by gently grinding down the metal to a smooth finish. Reseating can cause costly issues if done incorrectly. For this reason we have 3 versions - the Handyman Reseater which uses abrasive cutting discs similar to sand paper and is less likely to cause damage; the Tradesman Reseater which uses carbon steel blades to achieve a smoother finish on badly damaged tap seats; and the Premium Reseater which fits onto a cordless drill and should only be used by skilled professionals.
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FIX-A-TAP Aerators are designed to reduce water flow from your bathroom, kitchen and laundry taps. Our range includes standard aerators, WELS rated aerators for increased water efficiency, and swivel aerators which can change the direction of your water flow. Aerators are available with both male and female fittings to suit all taps.
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You can find FIX-A-TAP Recycled Water Taps at your nearest hardware store. to view our recycled water taps & accessories, then search for a stockist in your local area.
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Do you have a dripping or leaking tap? Use the FIX-A-TAP drip calculator to work out how much water you could be wasting. You can find out how much water is wasted on a daily/monthly/yearly basis in your household.
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Recycled water taps are coloured purple to distinguish them from drinking water taps, as set out in standard AS3500. This is part of a set of plumbing standards which set out the rules that plumbers must follow to ensure that Australia's water supply remains safe. To comply with standard AS1319, these taps must also be marked with a warning sign: Warning, recycled water, do not drink. Our FIX-A-TAP Recycled Water Tap features an anti-vandal key to prevent unauthorised water use.
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We have a comprehensive range of FIX-A-TAP plumbing tools to help fix your bathroom, kitchen and laundry plumbing issues. This category includes pipe cutters, wrenches for tightening and loosening pipes, tube bending tools, tap reseaters for restoring tap seats and plumbing kits which contain all the tools you need to fix those leaking taps and showers.
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A mixer tap is a one piece tapware that uses one handle to control the flow of hot and cold water simultaneously usually found in the kitchen and bathroom in more modern homes. It is commonly used in place of the older style taps which had separate handles for both hot and cold taps.
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Each mixer tap is different however here are some ideas on the most popular style. Before you do anything please insert the plug into your basin / sink just in case you drop anything. Turn off your water supply to the house and have a dry rag handy. Behind the Hot and Cold Indicator is a grub screw loosen a little and the handle should lift off. Then you remove the bell housing which will reveal a brass locking nut. Remove this nut and then your old mixer cartridge. Clean the inside ensure that the old cartridge matches your new one and then install your new mixer cartridge and reassemble your tapware. Turn on your water supply and be sure to inspect for leaks. We have a full range of FIX-A-TAP mixer cartridges. We feature photos showing the top and bottom of each of our cartridges to help you determine which valve you should purchase to match your current cartridge. View our how to replace a mixer cartridge installation guide.
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We have a how-to-fix section located on our website here you can see our guides to fix a tap, fix a shower, fix a loo, and much more. You can view our how to Fix A Tap Video Tutorial on our website. Please note that it is currently illegal to change a tap valve in Western Australia without using a licensed plumber
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If your tap is inside it is generally a 13mm washer that you would require. If your tap is outside it could be a variety of sizes. Victoria South Australia Northern Territory and Tasmania generally use 13mm tap valves for their garden taps. In NSW Queensland and ACT there are a mixture of sizes with some taps taking 13mm valves and some taking 15mm valves. View our full list of FIX-A-TAP tap valves to work out which style of valve is right for you.
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Once you replace a valve it can take up to 2 weeks for them to settle in. As the rubber is quite tough it needs a little while to get worn in and become soft. If the issue has not ceased within a month we recommend that you use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to locate a licensed plumber.
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The first idea would be to try a FIX-A-TAP Anti Hammer Tap Valve. These valves contain springs to prevent the water pressure changing so quickly that it causes a banging sound. Our FIX-A-TAP Hammer Relief Valve works along the same lines (by preventing the water pressure changing so quickly) but it is much stronger and is specifically designed for washing machines and dishwasher taps . If both of these fail to fix the problem we recommend that you use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to locate a licensed plumber.
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If you have purchased new taps they should come with instructions as to how to install them. In most states tapware is required to be installed by a licensed plumber therefore if you install it yourself you may void the warranty.
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Is there water access to the rest of your taps? If not it could be that the water is turned off to the entire property or that the Waterboard is carrying out maintenance works. If it is just the one tap we recommend checking to see if the tap has as a separate water supply such as a mini tap. If you are unable to determine if this is the case you may have to contact a licensed plumber. Use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to find one in your area.
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Unfortunately your question requires a licensed plumber to be contacted. Use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to find one in your area.
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No unfortunately our FIX-A-TAP Spindle Bonnet Extenders do not support ceramic valve taps. We recommend you try your local hardware or plumbing store and ask for a Ceramic Spindle Extender.
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Yes all aerators can be removed from the spout by unscrewing them. It can be difficult unscrewing them which is what you appear to be finding. We recommend that you wrap a soft cloth around the aerator and use a small shifting spanner to rotate the aerator in an anti-clockwise direction.
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It could be that the Fibre Body Washer is no longer sealing. We recommend you replace the fibre body washers with the FIX-A-TAP Fibre Body Washer which comes in both 13mm & 15mm sizes. They are designed to suit both hot and cold water taps. If that doesn't work then we suggest you call a licensed plumber as there could be a hairline fracture in the sink. Use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to find one in your area.
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It is possible that it will not push fully in considering it is an older tap or you may have a shallow depth seating area causing the issue. Our FIX-A-TAP Reseating Kits are only available in 13mm sizes.
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We provide a range of FIX-A-TAP Tap Valves with the base made out of either 100% copper or nylon. The brass tap valves are of a higher quality material and they do wear better over time.
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If you installed the screw in tap seats they can be removed using the hex key to unscrew them. If the installation was of the push in seats they can become jammed in. The best way to get them out is with a large size screw extractor or possibly by using a Dynabolt that goes through the centre of the push in seat. Be sure not to drop the Dynabolt through the tap seat tighten the nut so that the other end grows larger under the seat. Use pliers to pull both the bolt and the tap seat out.
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The problem could be with your tap seats (ie the metal part of your tap that creates a seal with the tap valve). You could try a product such as our FIX-A-TAP Handyman Tap Reseater which will gently grind the metal to a more smooth surface. If this does not work you may have to contact a licensed plumber for a more thorough tap reseating (or to investigate if another problem is causing the issue). We recommend that our other tap reseating tools should only be used by professionals due to the damage that can be caused if they are used incorrectly.
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We recommend you try our FIX-A-TAP Trouble Domes Wall Flange Extensions designed for walls vanities cupboards and showers. The height is approximately 17mm.
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Need a plug for your sink or basin? Look no further as we have over 30 plugs sized from 25mm to 65mm. Our BOSTON range consists of rubber and PVC plugs, brass/chrome plated plugs, waste disposal plugs. Which plug you need will depend on the usage. Caravans are most commonly 25mm, vanity basins 32mm or 38mm, baths and laundry tubs are usually 50mm. Unfortunately these are guides only, and you may find that your outlet could be a different size. For that reason, our Classic Series also features an array of less common sizes, such as 35mm, 41mm & 44mm. If in doubt, bring in your previous plug, or try one of our multifit plugs which fit numerous outlet sizes.
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A slow draining sink is very common, especially in bathroom sinks. The problem is usually caused by hair and soap scum that can get caught and clog the drain. We recommend using the BOSTON Drain Auger to clear the debris, then an eco friendly drain cleaner to refresh your drain. For stubborn blockages, try a caustic drain cleaner for faster action.
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The washer should be placed above the sink to create the seal.
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The problem could be that your trap washer needs replacing. We have a FIX-A-TAP Trap Washer Kit available in 3 sizes 32mm 38mm and 50mm. If that is unsuccessful we recommend you use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to find a plumber in your area.
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We recommend that you use the rubber gasket provided.
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For most modern toilets there are two main components: an inlet valve and an outlet (or flush) valve. You can easily open the lid to your cistern (ie the outer casing) to see how they work in practice. When you push the flush button the outlet valve lifts up a rubber seal at the bottom (called a seating washer). This causes water to run out from the cistern into the bowl of your toilet pan to 'flush' the waste down into the sewers. When the water level drops it lowers a float on the inlet valve. The inlet valve will then open to bring new water into the tank until the level of the water raises the float enough to shut off the valve.
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A clogged toilet is probably one of the most common toilet problems you'll encounter but in most cases there is no reason to call a plumber. A specialised toilet plunger with an internal cup or flange will handle most clogs. Try the BOSTON EZY Plunger designed for clearing blocked sinks basins toilets and floor wastes. Stubborn clogs may require a special drain snake tool called the BOSTON Drain Auger.
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We recommend the Hygenix Soft Close Toilet Seat which features a one push quick release button designed for easy cleaning and an antibacterial surface for maximum hygiene.
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There are many features and benefits to look for when choosing your new toilet seat such as: fit, soft closing, quick release for easy cleaning, bidets for added hygiene, raised seats for extra support, anti-vandal seats for commercial use, family seats for toddler training, blind fixing for close coupled pans.View our full range of FIX-A-LOO Toilet Seats and see what toilet seat suits your needs.
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If your toilet seat is cracked discoloured ill-fittings or broken it is time for a new toilet seat. View our full range of FIX-A-LOO Toilet Seats and see what toilet seat suits your needs.
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If you have a D Shaped or Oval Shaped pan there are three easy steps to measuring for a new toilet seat. 1: Take off your existing toilet seat. Measure the space between the holes (closest to your cistern) measure from the centre of the left hole to the centre of the right hole. 2: Measure the width of the pan (from the widest part in the middle of the pan). 3: Measure the length from the centre of one of the holes closest to your cistern all the way to the very edge or front of your pan.
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Depending on your brand of toilet you can do this many ways. You can reduce the amount of water you let in via your inlet valve by decreasing the height of the float. If you have an old outlet valve you can replace it with a new valve which contains a full flush and a half flush. Finally with many outlet valves you can adjust the amount of water which is let out. Please contact the manufacturer to see if your valve can be adjusted.
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Depending on your model you can adjust the height of the inlet valve to reduce or increase the amount of water in your cistern. Many new outlet valves also allow a level of control to the flow rate. It is best that you refer to your installation manual.
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We recommend you view our video tutorial on how to fix a leaking toilet. Please be aware that in Western Australia all plumbing work must be completed by a licensed plumber.
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Try turning the water tap connecting water to your toilet - reducing or increasing the flow of water may quieten the noise. If the water flow is too high, you may be experiencing noise from water hammer, as the pipes jolt from the sudden influx of water. If the water flow is too low, you may experience a whistling noise as the water tries to pass through a small gap. Another issue could be dirt or grit getting stuck in the inlet valve, which can cause a noise as the valve opens and closes. Try turning off your water supply to the toilet, remove the inlet valve, and clean the headseal washer. If the noise continues (and you have an older inlet valve), it may be that the rubber washer has deteriorated. In this case, you may need to replace your headseal washer, or the inlet valve.
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If your Caroma Duo-Set toilet is leaking, it could be an issue with the Duo-Flo outlet valve. Replace the seating washer with the FIX-A-TAP Seating Washer Suits Caroma Duo-Flo and FIX-A-LOO Thunderflush
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We call the valve in this type of old-fashioned toilet an "A Valve". The spindle component is product code 208316. We also feature FIX-A-LOO A Valve Lifter Brass, or you can purchase a FIX-A-LOO Brass A Valve Complete
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The FIX-A-LOO Plastic Cistern Ball Float can be purchased separately. It is also possible to replace this old style of inlet valve with a new style inlet valve such as the FIX-A-LOO Hush Flush. This modern inlet valve was designed specifically to replace old style inlet valves.
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When choosing a new outlet valve, the button location is the most important part. Toilets usually work by having rods beneath the buttons, which must press the correct paddles on the outlet valve. If your button is positioned in the middle of the lid, our Endura outlet valve or the Duro outlet valve should be suitable. If the buttons are to the front of the cistern, the Thunderflush should be suitable. Remember to check the height and width of your cistern to ensure that the new valve would fit. It can be helpful to take the old valve into a store to ask for advice, and to check that your new valve will fit correctly. We have a range of cistern outlet valves
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It sounds like they are two different problems. The main toilet issues are usually caused by the rubber components, which get worn out over time, especially as they are constantly sitting in water. Your cistern consists of two valves. There is an inlet valve which allows water to enter the tank when the float is in a low position, and which stops the water flow when the float is in the high position. There is also an outlet valve, which allows the water to leave the cistern when the button is flushed. It sounds as though your initial issue could have been a faulty inlet valve, which was not shutting off properly. This would cause the water to constantly enter the tank, exiting via the overflow tube on the outlet valve. If the new inlet valve is running occasionally, it sounds as though you also have an issue with the seating washer on the outlet valve, which may be allowing water to escape. This would cause the inlet valve to refill when the float gets too low. To test this theory, place some toilet paper around the back of the toilet pan (where the water comes through when you flush the toilet). If it starts to get wet, the seating washer of the outlet valve that is not sealing fully. You can purchase new seating washers from most good hardware stores. A new rubber seal is often enough to get an old outlet valve working as new.
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The type of screws needed will depend on the type of floor the screws are going into. FIX-A-TAP pan screws are designed for fastening cistern pans to either concrete or timber floors. You can view our range by clicking
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A blind fixing kit is designed to easily fit a toilet seat to a concealed blind fixing pan. The FIX-A-TAP Toilet Seat Blind Fixing Kit. fits most pans and has snap off tabs for a clean finish. It is inserted into the holes in your pan from above, to provide a tight nut within the hole. This means that you can then attach a seat from above using a bolt to fasten the seat to the hidden nut.
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Some modern toilet pans feature a new D shaped design which can streamline the look of your bathroom, and make cleaning easier. Unfortunately part of this involves hiding the bolts which fix your toilet seat. Firstly remove the seat to see how it is fitted. For some seats, they will have a quick release button on the inside of the lid. Frequently the bolt heads are covered with some kind of panel or metal cover which can be easily removed. There are different types of blind fixing kits which will allow you to add a nut to the holes in your pan. The FIX-A-TAP Toilet Seat Blind Fixing Kit fits most pans and has snap off tabs for a clean finish . The other type of blind fixing kit features a rubber ball which can be squashed to fit through the hole, and which then expands to hold the nut tight against the seat. To remove this type, use pliers to pull it back through the hole.
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The pipe that connects a toilet pan to the wall or plumbing is called a flush pipe, and the rubber part on the end is called a flush cone. You can replace these parts with FIX-A-LOO Flush Pipe Replacement Parts if they are broken or start leaking.
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The term 'dual flush' refers to the ability of most toilets to have a smaller 'half flush' button in addition to the regular 'full flush' button. In your toilet, there are two main valves; the inlet and the outlet. The outlet valve, also known as the flush valve, used to only have one button to release water into the pan to flush away the waste. With Australia suffering through numerous droughts over the years, manufacturers have made a conscious effort to try to reduce water wastage, by giving customers the option of a reduced flush if the full flush is not required. Most older toilets can be converted to dual flush, by replacing your outlet valve with a new dual flush valve such as our FIX-A-LOO Hush Flush Outlet Valve
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If you have water leaking from the shower arm, head, handpiece or hose, the most frequent cause is that the sealing washers are damaged. These small washers can be easily replaced by turning off your water supply, unscrewing the separate parts and replacing the washers contained within. Whilst you have your showerhead in pieces, this is a great opportunity to soak and rinse the shower head, which can become blocked over time. You can also replace the water saving disc, usually found between the shower head and the hose or shower arm. If your shower is still dripping, it could be caused by the tap valves located within the tap handles.
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What you have tried is the normal rectification for a leaking shower. It is possible that the seats could be completely worn. As you mentioned that you have already used a reseating tool and it is still leaking we recommend that you use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to locate a licensed plumber.
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Unfortunately your question requires a licenced plumber to be contacted. Use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to find a plumber in your area.
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What you need is a ceramic spindle extender. If you go to your nearest hardware or plumbing store they should be able to help you. Find a stockist.
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Unfortunately your question requires a Licensed Plumber to be contacted. Use our PlumbConnect Plumbers Registry to find one in your area.
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There is a product called a FIX-A-TAP Spindle Bonnet Extender designed for extending wall spindles for proper tapware installation. It's made from a durable plastic material and can be cut to your required size. This product can be found at most hardware or plumbing stores or you can ask your local store to order one in for you.
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The best drain cleaner depends on what type of cleaning you are wanting. If you have a blocked drain that won't clear, then you're probably looking for a caustic drain cleaner. The Drain Away Heavy Duty Drain Cleaner is specifically designed to easily remove blockages from your kitchen, laundry and vanity wastes. Fast acting and made in Australia, it is ideal for breaking down the hair, soap scum and food stuffs that can cause blocked drains. Available in 1 litre bottles for simple jobs, and 5 litre bottles for larger jobs or work places. Our range consists of Drain Away - a powerful caustic drain cleaner, and Drain Refresh - an environmentally friendly eco-enzyme drain cleaner aimed at preventative maintenance and controlling bad odours. Plungers and drain augers are also available. View our range of BOSTON Drain Cleaning Tools & Chemicals
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Visit our how to fix blocked drains guide which will show you step by step instructions how to unblock a toilet or sink.
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BOSTON Drain Refresh is an environmentally friendly drain cleaner that is designed for use in drains to unclog blockages, breaking down food stuff while leaving behind a fresh eucalyptus scent. Perfect for controlling bad odours, and suitable for septic tanks, this Australian made product is available in either a 1L bottle or a 5L bottle ideal for large homes or trade. A combo kit which includes a drain auger is also available.
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We recommend our Boston Eco Enzyme Drain Cleaner which is used to clean drains and control odours leaving behind a eucalyptus scent. This product is available in a 1L bottle or a 5L bottle ideal for businesses or large homes.
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Water Saving Discs are small discs that are inserted into the wall pipe leading to your shower, or with hand showers, they can be installed between the hose and the hand piece. These discs restrict the water flow rate, saving water. FIX-A-TAP discs come in flow rates of 6.5 litres per minute (LPM) or 8.5LPM. They are suitable for most shower arms and shower hoses and are also suitable for 13mm (1/2") tap spouts. FIX-A-TAP Water Saving Discs are WELS rated and WaterMark approved to show that they are water efficient and that they comply to Australian standards.
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Water is a precious and expensive resource. FIX-A-TAP is committed to developing water saving initiatives to ensure all households can save water and help the environment as well as saving money. It could be as simple as installing a new water saving disc a new aerator or a new outlet valve. See our Water Saving Tips
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While showers and baths use large amounts of water. The toilet typically uses the most water in the home. This is because it is the most frequently used. To keep your water bill low. Always ensure that all toilets are working properly by checking for water leaks.
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You can use our Drip Calculator to work out how much water is wasted on a daily monthly or yearly basis in your household.
