Tales From The Trenches

Hot Water Repairs, Replacement & Installation in Geelong – Tomlinson Plumbing

January 29, 2026

Hot Water Problems? Here’s How Tomlinson Plumbing Can Help in Geelong & Torquay A broken or inefficient hot water system can disrupt your entire household. At Tomlinson Plumbing, we specialise in hot water repairs, replacement, and installation for homes and businesses across Geelong, Torquay, Jan Juc, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads & surrounding areas. Whether it’s … Read more

Signs Your Backflow Device May Be Failing (And What To Do Next)

January 29, 2026

Signs Your Backflow Device May Be Failing Backflow prevention devices are a vital part of keeping our drinking water safe. They stop contaminated water from flowing back into your home or business water supply. Like any mechanical device, they can wear down over time – and sometimes the problems aren’t obvious. In this blog, we’ll … Read more

Water Filters | Torquay | Ocean Grove | Geelong | Tomlinson Plumbing

January 12, 2026

If you’re concerned about your drinking water’s taste and smell, check out an under-bench water filter by Puretec The PureMix Z7 inline water filter effectively reduces unwanted elements in your water, including sediment, chemicals like PFAS, chlorine, and unpleasant tastes and odours, while also protecting against Giardia and Cryptosporidium down to approximately 1 micron. Additionally, … Read more

Common toilet problems & how to fix them

December 12, 2025

Toilets are one of the most used fixtures in your home, so it’s not surprising that they sometimes need repairs. Here are the most common toilet problems homeowners face and how they can be fixed: Constantly Running Toilet Often caused by a faulty valve, or poor float adjustment. A plumber can replace or adjust these … Read more

How to Reduce Your Hot Water Energy Costs | Tomlinson Plumbing Torquay

December 8, 2025

Hot Water Unit Repairs & Installations in Torquay, Geelong & Ocean Grove Hot water makes up a big part of your household’s energy use – often around 20-30% of your power bill. The good news is that a few simple changes can dramatically reduce your energy costs without sacrificing comfort. Here are some practical ways … Read more

Outdoor showers | Torquay | Geelong | Ocean Grove | Barwon Heads

December 1, 2025

A classic copper & brass outdoor shower completed for a client in Geelong on the first day of ‘Summer’. Now all we need is the weather to sort itself out! Give us a call on 5261 2422 to arrange a free, no obligation quotation for outdoor showers in Torquay, Geelong, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads & … Read more

Trouble shooting a gas log fire that won’t stay lit

December 1, 2025

There’s nothing more frustrating on a cold evening than turning on your gas log fire, only for the flame to go out after a few seconds. It’s a common problem we get called out to, and in most cases, it comes down to a few key issues inside the unit. Here’s a few things that … Read more

TMVs in Aged Care, Hospitals and Schools: Why Compliance is Non-Negotiable

November 24, 2025

Thermostatic Mixing Valves are especially critical in environments where people are more vulnerable to scalding, such as aged care facilities, hospitals, schools and daycare facilities. Why TMVs Are Essential in These Settings: Aged care: Elderly residents have thinner skin and slower reaction times, making them more susceptible to burns. Hospitals: Patients may be bedridden or … Read more

Backflow Devices and Water Meters: What’s the Connection?

November 17, 2025

Backflow Devices and Water Meters: How They Work Together to Protect Our Water Supply If you’ve ever looked at your water meter and wondered what all the pipes and devices around it do, you’re not alone! Many property owners don’t realise that backflow prevention devices and water meters often work closely together to keep your … Read more

Why It Pays to Choose a Licensed Plumber for Hot Water Work

November 11, 2025

When your hot water system stops working, it can be tempting to get a “handy” friend or relative to help – but it’s not worth the risk. Hot water installations involve plumbing, electrical and gas components, and Australian law requires licensed plumbers for this work. Here’s why it matters: 1:  Safety First Incorrect installation can … Read more

The Potential Fire Hazard in Your Gas Heater

November 10, 2025

Gas Heater Safety Checks When you think of fire hazards around the home, things like candles, overloaded power boards, or unattended stoves probably come to mind. But one potential risk is hiding in plain sight – inside your gas heater. What You Can’t See Can Still Be Dangerous Over time, dust, lint, and pet hair … Read more

How Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) Protect Against Scalding: The Science Behind the Safety

November 7, 2025

Hot water can be dangerous if not properly regulated. TMVs are designed to automatically maintain water at safe temperatures, even when hot or cold water pressures fluctuate. TMVs blend hot and cold water using a thermostatic element that expands or contracts depending on temperature. If the water gets too hot, the valve reduces the hot … Read more