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Chances are, you've never thought about what a roof plumber does. After all, as long as your roof is in good condition without leaks, why would you need to know? However, roof plumbers are essential in Australia.
If you're a homeowner or property owner in Australia, you must know a little about roof plumbing, roof plumbers, and what they do. After all, you don't know when you'll need to call on their services if you want an emergency roof repair.
In this post, you will uncover more about roof plumbers and their specialty areas. You will also learn more about selecting a good roof plumber to work on your roof projects. Keep reading.
What do roof plumbers do?
Roof plumbers are specially trained plumbing professionals who deal with all sorts of roof-related issues. Some of the most common problems that roof plumbers are called on to solve include the following:
- Leaking roof repairs
- Measuring, calculating, installing, and fabricating eaves, skylights, storm water disposal systems, roof vents, among other things
- Building of stop ends, angled gutters, ductwork joints, and roof flashing
- Damaged roofs
- Solar water heater system installations and plumbing
- Securing and placing the metal roof sheets safely
- Faulty guttering, downpipe problems, and drainage systems repairs
- Roof insulation issues
- Roof plumbers also design and install efficient rainwater collecting systems, like rainwater tanks
- Ascertaining that all necessary roof installation components have been ordered
- Working with your roofing contractor to plan the project
- Keeping track of the items needed, such as pipe size and material type
Of course, this is just a tiny sampling of the problems that roof plumbers are skilled to help with. If you have any major issues with your roof, no matter how big or small, a roof plumber can help you out.
How to tell if you need a roof plumber
Gutters are sagging or pulling away from your roof
If gutters are sagging or pulling away from your roof, this is usually a sign they're full of debris and need to be cleaned. However, it could also signify more severe damage, such as damage to the brackets or supports holding your gutters. In either case, it's best to have a professional roof plumber take a look.
Downpipes are blocked
Blocked downpipes could cause your gutters to overflow, which could again lead to water damage and extra costs. If your downpipes seem to be draining slower than usual, it's time to call in a professional roof plumber.
Yard is flooding
If you've noticed pools of water forming in your yard after heavy rains, it could be due to blocked or damaged roofing drains. A roof plumber could help you diagnose and fix the problem to ensure that your yard stays dry.
Water damage on your ceiling or walls
One of the most common—and obvious—signs that you need to call a roof plumber ASAP is if there is water damage on your ceiling or walls. This could be signified by anything from stains and discolouration to actual water dripping from the ceiling.
If you notice any water damage, you must call a roof plumber immediately. This is mainly because it could indicate a bigger problem, such as a leaky roof or clogged gutters.
Roof plumbing and regular plumbing differences
When it comes to plumbing, there are two main types: roof plumbing and regular plumbing. Most people are familiar with standard plumbing, which involves the pipes that carry fresh water into your home and wastewater away. On the other hand, roof plumbing is a concept that most people understand far less.
Here's a summary of the differences between these two types of plumbing.
- Standard plumbing is what most individuals think of when they think of pipes and plumbing. As mentioned above, it refers to the system of pipes that brings fresh water into your home and carries wastewater away. In contrast, roof plumbing is the system of pipes and drains that collect rainwater from your roof and lead it away from your home.
- Roof plumbing requires more maintenance than standard plumbing. Because it's constantly exposed to the elements, it's more likely to develop leaks or other problems over time. That's why it's crucial to have a professional roof inspector check your roof plumbing at least once a year to ensure everything is in good working order.
- Solar water heaters have gained popularity. These solar panels are installed on your roof and require careful maintenance. A roof plumber will install these units on your roof and ensure the pipe fittings are well secured. A regular Brisbane plumber, on the other hand, will ensure that heated water from your plumbing system is available for use in the house.
- Roof plumbers utilise the technical drawings of a roof to comprehend and interpret the layout to aid them in building roof drainage systems, frequently at varying angles around homes. Roof plumbers also construct water tanks. Additionally, they determine the proper pitch and size of your roof to ensure that your water tanks collect the most amount of rainfall.
- If you have plumbing and gas pipes installed beneath their roofs, you'll occasionally need a roof plumber to climb onto your roof and make repairs. You need competent and experienced roof plumbers to handle things when you need a gas line that is placed on the roof maintained or fixed. They will always provide the best services for you and be able to solve any issues you might be experiencing. A regular plumber, on the other hand, will make sure the gas piping effectively services your kitchen burners and space heaters.
Qualities of good roof plumbers
Certification
A state licence is a must-have for all experts in roof plumbing. Roof plumbers are knowledgeable professionals with strong technical skills. They are often expected to have extensive field experience and pass state-approved tests to get their certification or licence. However, standards differ between states.
The majority receive their training through programs that combine in-class education with on-the-job training. For instance, a roof plumber will require a Certificate III in plumbing to get a trade qualification, which will offer them the knowledge and expertise they need to apply for a plumbing licence.
Mechanically inclined
When troubleshooting, a roof plumber should be able to comprehend the mechanics of the plumbing system. Additionally, they should be able to use their analytical skills to identify the issues and find solutions.
Knowing the fundamental principles of how a specific valve operates, the kind of tubing required within a particular application, and other mechanical or technical principles is essential for roof plumbers.
Respectful
Even though a roof plumber can work in your house for six or eight hours a day, you still have to live there. Professionals should respect your home in various ways, including removing their shoes before entering and covering their work boots with plastic booties before treading on your carpet.
Additionally, they should safeguard the area in which they are operating in your home. Even if the homeowner isn't using the room, a real pro should always clean up their work area at the end of each day. This kind of attention to a client's property is encouraging for the quality of the job.
Good communications skills
Plumbers must be able to explain to their customers the nature of the problem they are dealing with and the suggested solutions. Additionally, they should listen intently to understand the issue presented to them by you. The likelihood of misunderstandings and potential disputes will be lower with clear communication.
Insured
When picking a roof plumbing contractor, be sure that the firm has liability insurance before beginning any work. This is important because it ensures that in the event the plumber causes damage to your house, the company's liability insurance will pay the charges.
Even if you are confident that you are employing a plumbing business that will not cause harm to your home, there is no way to guarantee that no accidents will occur and cause damage.
Are you in need of a roof plumber?
As you've read in this post, roof plumbing issues and installs aren't something you can typically do by yourself, as some, if not most, problems require knowledge and competence. If you choose to do the task yourself, you might need your DIY restored roof to be dealt with by an expert, which is somewhat counterproductive and expensive.
Always employ a professional roof plumber when dealing with any roof plumbing issue. Contact a reliable roof plumbing service near you to obtain the professional assistance you want.