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Plumbing hints and tips

The STS Plumbing blog

Straight answers on drains, hot water, roofs, bathrooms and waterproofing, from the plumbers who do the work.

The 1% Rule: What a Sydney Home Really Costs to Keep

Set aside about 1% of your property's value a year for maintenance and renovations. What it covers, how long things last, and the 40% trap with run-down houses.

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Fixing a broken sewer without digging up the driveway

Pipe relining can repair cracked or collapsed sewers under driveways and gardens without excavation, but it's not the answer every time.

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Water leaking into the unit below: who pays, the owner or the strata?

When water drips through to a downstairs unit, working out who's responsible means finding the source first, then checking the by-laws.

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Bathroom Renovation Plumbing Checklist: What to Plan Before You Start

Bathroom renovations are one of the most popular upgrades for Sydney homeowners. A well-designed bathroom improves comfort, increases property value, and…

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Strata Bathroom Renovations: Plumbing Considerations for Apartment Bathrooms

Renovating a bathroom in an apartment building involves more than choosing tiles and fittings. Because apartment buildings share plumbing systems between…

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Half-Round Gutters vs Quad Gutters: Which Is Better for Sydney Homes?

Not sure whether to choose half round or quad gutters? Expert advice on gutter replacement in Sydney and the Lower North Shore.

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What Is a Back Tray and Why Does Your Roof Need One?

Leaking skylight or metal roof? Discover how proper back tray roofing prevents water damage. Professional roof back tray installation on the Lower North Shore.

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7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber for Your Bathroom Renovation

Planning a bathroom reno? Ask these 7 essential questions before hiring a Sydney bathroom renovation plumber and avoid costly mistakes.

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How sewer pipe relining works (and why it could save you thousands)

Discover how sewer pipe relining works, why Sydney homeowners choose trenchless plumbing, and how STS Plumbing can save you thousands.

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The truth about $99 blocked drain deals. What Sydney homeowners need to know

Tempted by a $99 blocked drain deal? Discover the hidden costs of cheap plumbing and why Sydney trusts STS Plumbing for lasting solutions.

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When Tree Roots Attack: The Hidden Threat to Your Sewer Line

Tree roots crushed a sewer line on Sydney's North Shore. See how STS Plumbing found the damage and fixed it, and how to protect your own line.

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Why Heat Pump Hot Water Systems are a smart choice for Sydney homeowners

Considering a hot water upgrade? Discover why heat pump systems are an energy-efficient choice for Sydney homes with STS Plumbing.

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Why Summer Is the Best Time to Get on Top of Plumbing Maintenance in Sydney

Summer is the perfect time to tackle plumbing maintenance in Sydney. Learn expert tips from STS Plumbing to avoid costly problems later.

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Colorbond vs tiles: which roofing solution is best for your Sydney home?

Replacing your roof? Compare Colorbond roofing and tile options for Sydney homes. STS Plumbing breaks down durability, cost, and performance.

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Planning a bathroom renovation? Avoid these 5 common plumbing mistakes

Renovating your bathroom? Avoid common plumbing mistakes with expert tips from STS Plumbing, trusted across Sydney’s North Shore.

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Why your last bathroom leak repair didn’t work (and what to do now)

Tired of your bathroom leak coming back? Learn why many repairs fail and how STS Plumbing properly diagnoses and fixes bathroom leaks.

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How STS Plumbing fixed a home’s recurring bathroom leak

Discover how STS Plumbing solved a recurring bathroom leak. Expert diagnosis, repairs and waterproofing done right the first time.

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Choosing the right hot water system for your family: gas, electric or heat pump?

Need a new hot water system? Learn the pros & cons of gas, electric and heat pumps from STS, your trusted hot water plumber on the North Shore

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What’s the difference between a blocked drain and a blocked sewer?

Blocked drain or blocked sewer line? Learn the key differences, common causes, and expert repair options from STS Plumbing.

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How to prepare your roof and gutters for summer in Sydney

Protect your Sydney home this summer with expert roof & gutter care. Spot issues early with STS Plumbing, the trusted roof plumber on the North Shore

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Why you should book a roof inspection before installing solar panels

Planning solar panels? Make sure your roof is ready with a professional inspection. STS Plumbing identifies issues before installation begins!

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After the Festive Flush: The Hidden Cost of Blocked Drains in Sydney Homes

Ignoring a blocked drain can cost Sydney homeowners thousands. Learn the risks, hidden costs, and why timely STS Plumbing repairs save money.

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Unblocking Drains: The Methods and Materials Professional Plumbers Use

Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing emergencies we fix for our clients. Here are some tips on how to unblock a drain safely.

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How to unblock a drain safely

Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing emergencies we see; but they don’t have to be. Here's how to unblock a drain safely.

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Signs of a blocked drain: what you need to look out for

If you’ve never had one, you may not know the signs of a blocked drain. Here, we take you through the key signs you've got a problem

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Strata Plumbing: What you need to know

Live in an apartment? In this article, we discuss some of the finer points of what you need to know about strata plumbing.

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What is commercial plumbing? STS explains

What is commercial plumbing and how is it different from residential plumbing? STS Plumbing covers what you need to know.

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Waterproofing a Laundry: Can I DIY?

In this article, we cover the key information to show you why waterproofing a laundry yourself could mean more cash down the track.

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Waterproofing Balconies: Australian Standards

In this article, we outline what you need to know when waterproofing balconies to Australian standards.

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Waterproofing Bathrooms: Australian Standards

In this article, we outline the Australian Standards for waterproofing bathrooms and why you’re better off avoiding the DIY approach.

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What To Do When Your House Floods

There are a few key things you need to know about negotiating extreme weather and flood waters in your home.

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Balcony waterproofing: what you need to know

Exposed to the elements, your balcony is vulnerable to a range of water damage. Here's what you need to know about balcony deck waterproofing

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Do I need to waterproof my Laundry?

Do I need to waterproof my Laundry? Failing to waterproof any wet area in your home can result in water damage and result in serious expenses

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How to Waterproof a Bathroom: everything you need to know

When it comes to how to waterproof your bathroom, understanding the why and the who is equally important in order to get the job done right.

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Australian standards for waterproofing below ground

Australian standards for waterproofing below ground is a much searched topic, likely as there is no AU standard. So what do you need to know?

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Looking for a North Shore Roof Plumber? Here Is What to Ask

What a roof plumber actually does, why it is different to a roofer, and the questions worth asking before anyone gets on your roof.

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North Shore Plumbing Companies: What Your Suburb Needs to Know

Sydney's North Shore is a lovely place to live, but the lush trees can lead to plumbing problems. North Shore plumbing companies have you

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Where's My Local Plumber - Literally...

Where's my local plumber?! Some top tips on how to pick a reliable, technology-savvy plumbing service you can trust.

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How to Choose a Local Plumbing Business

Get top quality results by hiring top quality professionals. Learn how with this guide on how to choose a local plumbing business.

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How to Find the Best Local Plumber Near Me

Searching for 'the most qualified and reliable local plumber near me'? Explore key considerations that will help you make a stress-free decision.

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STS Plumbing, Your Local Plumber in the North Shore

Who to ring when a pipe bursts, and why it pays to work that out before it happens. STS Plumbing has been on the North Shore since 2007.

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Can you add a bathroom on a slab?

Are you renovating a house that is built on a concrete foundation and wondering if you can change the floorplan and add a bathroom?

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Roof Repairs Sydney? We Have You Covered

Looking for Roof Repairs Sydney? STS Plumbing is an expert roofing plumber and can provide expert advice and service for all your needs.

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Roofing Repairs Sydney? Should you DIY?

Looking for Roofing Repairs Sydney? STS Plumbing is an expert roofing plumber and can provide expert advice and service for all your needs.

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Keeping Warm in Winter

There are a number of home heating options you can explore to make sure you are warm and comfortable this winter.

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Checking your Hot Water System

To help prevent cold showers on a winter morning because of hot water system problems, consider these tips.

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Wet Weather Plumbing Tips

Times of heavy rain on roof can often highlight plumbing problems. Here's how to identify them before they become major issues.

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Our Top Plumbing Tips for Autumn

We’ll be treated to nature’s amazing colour palette as deciduous trees begin to change leaf colour, but keep on top of the gutter leaves!

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Kitchen Renovations

Planning kitchen plumbing renovations can be a major project, so it pays to plan accordingly. Here's our top tips.

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Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Summer

We've got you covered with plumbing maintenance tips for summer so you can keep cool and save cash. Let our expert team help

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The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Most people don’t pay plumbing a second thought when all is well, but plumbing maintenance can save you from disaster.

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The Benefits of Gas

When comparing whether gas or electric heating cheaper, you should also know that gas is a clean, green option saving you money!

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Bathroom Renovations

At STS Plumbing, we have many years of experience planning bathroom renovations and we’re licensed to carry out every stage of your project.

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Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Spring

We've got your covered with plumbing maintenance tips for spring – that wonderful season that evokes flowers and sunshine and warmth.

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The Perils of DIY

It’s tempting to have a crack at DIY plumbing, but most people simply don’t have the skills or tools to tackle the problem.

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Turning off your Water Main

In the event of a plumbing emergency do you know the water main location in your house and how to turn it off? This article can help.

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Are you going to be warm enough this winter?

It’s the time of year when the comfort level of your home is important. There are many options to stay warm in winter for you and your home.

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Beware of a bargain!

Why is there such a big difference in plumber cost? Here's what to watch out for when hiring a plumber for your place.

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Is your house stormproof?

Extreme weather means the possibility of roof leaks, drain blockages and flooding. Some damage is avoidable with storm preparation

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Do you have a blocked drain emergency?

Blocked drain problems are a common problem, but must be dealt with quickly. This article outlines how to clear blocked drains at your place.

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How do you save money on hot water?

Everyone loves to have a hot bath during winter, but have you ever thought how much it actually costs you? Or how to reduce electricity bill?

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Is your Camphor Laurel tree ruining your sewer line?

Tree roots in sewer line can cause a great deal of damage. Here's how to know if you've got a problem with yours.

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Need a local plumber?

Ring the office and we will tell you what it usually is, what it usually costs and when we can be there.