More plumbing fails...

Plumbing fails are by far the most prevalent as far as we can see! Here are a few more stellar examples. Read More...

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To renovate your bathroom, first you must destroy it...

Kirsten's bathroom renovation project continues - check out the 'before' photos and the beginnings of the destruction. Read More...

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Training courses for tradies: Sustainable trades

The Victorian Climate Change White Paper released last month included many plans for reducing the impact of climate change. One of the items included in that white paper was that the Victorian Government wanted to provide a central, authoritative source of knowledge about climate change and sustainability. They've done this with the launch of the Climate Communities website. Read More...

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My next project - a new bathroom

I’ve finished both the bedrooms, I’ve painted the hallway, there’s only one room left for me to tackle and then the whole of the upstairs is finished. The problem is that room is the bathroom. Now I thought about refinishing it rather than redoing it, but my bathroom is in an utter state. Read More...

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What does the Climate Change white paper mean for the trades industry in Victoria?

Businesses are really just a collection of people, and so many of the changes experienced as individuals will be experienced by trades businesses, especially with the extension of the Energy Saver Incentive scheme to small and medium businesses (previously only for households). But there is also a further effect to businesses who work in trades related to the actual delivery of the goals outlined in the white paper. Read More...

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How to reduce the impact of a slow economy on your small business

Recession times = luxury industries suffer. While Australia is no longer in a recession, things can be slow as consumers spend less on luxury and also become more price sensitive for essential items. This advice applies to all trades businesses but we've used plumbing as a specific example. Read More...

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The Victorian Climate Change white paper - what does it all mean for us?

The Victorian governments action plan for climate change is comprehensive. We've examined it from various perspectives - what it means for individuals, business, and industry. Read More...

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What does the Climate Change Action Plan mean for individuals?

The plan feels like a good combination of providing incentives and education about smart environmental choices. Here's the highlights of how the Climate Change Action plan affects us. Read More...

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Oven and hob features that make your Masterchef life easier!

Technology can bring you to tears with millions of appliances stacked away in your cupboards taking up space, or you can concentrate on one special appliance - your oven and hob. Here are some of the features you might want to investigate when you're next having your kitchen renovated or buying a new oven. Read More...

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The best type of ovens to be a Masterchef: Gas, Electric, Multifunction or fan ovens

Your choice of oven can make or break your budding career as a Masterchef. Knowing the ins and outs of each type of oven helps you to compensate for the quirks when using someone else's oven, but also helps you pick the best type for you! Read More...

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Best renovation books: List of top-rated renovation books

Renovating is a task that requires a lot of preparation, planning and knowledge. Your tradies will help and advise you along the way but if you're managing the project, you'll need to spend a significant amount of time planning. So, a book with advice, processes, tips, checklists etc can help you along the way a lot. Here are the best rated books on renovations, some from Australia, some from the rest of the world. Read More...

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Unblocking drains: High pressure cleaning

So once you've identified that your drain is blocked, how do you fix it? There's a DIY version and a professional one depending on the severity of the blockage. Read More...

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Plumbing emergencies: How to tell if your drain is blocked

Blocked drains are exceptionally annoying - they're messy to investigate and clean, hard to ignore and can become more complex than you expected. How do you tell that your drain is blocked? Read More...

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Plumbing emergencies: What causes blocked drains?

4 reasons why drains get blocked and prevention tips. Read More...

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What is solar power?

Solar power is the power that is generated by converting the sun's rays into usable current. No matter how much sun your property gets, you can use solar power to supplement the electricity you buy from your power provider or even replace it! How does solar power work? Read More...

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Tools of the trade: Mobile EFTPOS machines

Cash can be a pain. It's a risk, an effort to count, and when you've got cash in your wallet it disappears much faster than when you don't. More and more, your customers are requesting alternative payment channels other than cash - usually by bank transfer. Bank transfers have their own irritations - then you have to go check whether the deposit has been made, take their deposit on faith, or annoy your customers by asking for a printout of the payment confirmation. What is the alternative to all this hassle? Read More...

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Electrical and gas Compliance certificates - when do you need one?

Compliance certificates are like a warranty, and protects you against problems that arise later. For most electrical and gasfitting work in Australia, a certificate of compliance must be given to you. Read More...

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Plumbing price: Costs for plumbing work

Plumbing jobs can be exceptionally predictable or vary wildy in price - usually because a simple job can become complex once it starts. If your home is relatively new you'll find that there is less chance of costs escalating as the state of the plumbing is likely to be fairly stable and predictable, but in old houses some jobs can open up a can of worms. Now that we've completely terrified you, here's some info about how much plumbing jobs can cost - call out fees, hourly rates and extra costs. Read More...

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Is this what a green plumber does?

Recycling plastic bottles + creating gutters. Is this a green plumbing job? Doubt it! Read More...

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What to do in a plumbing emergency: Dealing with a burst pipe

Burst pipes are often not terribly serious and proactively stopping the water supply can make the difference between an irritating clean up and severe structural damage. Here are some steps to take when you have a leaking pipe. Read More...

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Tools of the Trade: The PIC launches eToolbox on 19 July - the online service portal for Plumbing Practitioners and Consumers

The PIC will launch eToolbox on their website on 19 July. eToolbox is an online resource for plumbers and takes the management of plumber's licences, registrations and inspections into the new age. Consumers will also be able to check licences and registrations online rather than asking a plumber directly for their licence card. Here's a quick overview of what you'll be able to do. Read More...

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8 tips on how to save water around the house

Guide to saving water around your home. Read More...

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10 Easy ways to Save money and help the environment

How to be eco-friendly whilst saving money through straight forward 10 tips. Simple things that you can start today. Read More...

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Pros and cons of different types of roofs

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house, and if you're building a new home or replacing your roof, you have several options. If you are buying a new house, the age of the roof is also an important consideration. The Service Central team has gathered info from our quality tradespeople and given you some advice on your roofing choices. Read More...

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Plumbing gone wrong!

Crazy pictures from around the world demonstrating the dangers of using an unqualified plumber. Read More...

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Tools of the trade: Using Google Maps to quote from your office

You'll remember our blog about Google Maps, the free online map service. But two of the features of Google Maps have far more benefits for some tradespeople than just a simple map. Here are some ideas on how to use the this free service to improve efficiency in your business. Read More...

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Saving Water around the House

In this day and age water is becoming recognised more and more for the precious commodity it is, especially here in Australia. With water restrictions in full force during both winter and summer, we are being asked to do everything we can to save water. Below are some simple tips to help you save water throughout the home. Read More...

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Gutter clean pricing: How much does it cost to get your gutters cleaned?

Keeping your gutters in good condition and clean is an important part of home ownership, more so if you live in a wooded area or have trees overhanging your property. The cost of gutter cleaning varies from place to place, but we’re just aiming to give you a rough guide here, so that you feel confident when you’re getting quotes from a professional. Read More...

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How to unblock a sink drain

A DIY guide to unblocking your sink drain. Read More...

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How to fix a leaking tap

A DIY guide to how to fix a leaking tap. Read More...

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Service Central helps repair storm damaged Melbourne

Melbourne has turned to Service Central to help repair the damage done by the massive storms that hit the city this Labour Day weekend. Service Central's army of tradespeople have helped Melbournians repair their hail damaged homes, fix leaking roofs, and mop up all of the water left after the weekends deluge. Read on for the full details. Read More...

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Video: Troubleshooting toilet problems

A down to earth video of common toilet problems and how to fix them. Read More...

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Autumn checklist for your home

Summer has flown by and its already time to start thinking about having the last evening bbq's with friends and family and preparing for the cooler months ahead. Shortly the leaves will start changing colour and falling to the ground as the days grow shorter and shorter. With the right preparation you can relax in the full knowledge that your home is ready for Autumn. Read More...

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How to fix a leaking tap

A video guide to how to fix a leaking tap. Read More...

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How to fix a toilet that won't flush

A video guide to how to fix a toilet that won't flush. You'll be back using that toilet again in no time. Read More...

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How to change a tap washer

A quick and easy video guide as to how to change a tap washer and put an end to those leaky taps around your home. Read More...

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Questions to ask a Tradesperson

A tradesperson's answers to your questions can give you a good sense of whether you could work with him or her. Here's a list of questions to help you work out which tradesperson is best for you. Read More...

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And the Top 10 Services for 2009 are ....

The results are in. Drum roll please ...... In 2009 Service Central generated 48,665 new jobs, read on to see which services were the most popular! Read More...

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Home Energy Guzzlers

A number of appliances around your home may be consuming too much energy, making your energy bills (and carbon footprint) higher than they should be! There are three main appliances that are responsible for the majority of people's energy costs, but with a few simple ideas you could notice big savings in your energy bills. Read More...

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Preparing for Christmas

Are you ready for Christmas? Hosting Christmas at your place can take months in preparation, especially if you're home isn't up to it. Is your kitchen big enough? Can your oven cook a Christmas meal for 20 people? Do you need a 2nd or even 3rd toilet? Is there somewhere for everyone to go outside? All these questions and more and addressed in this guide to preparing for Christmas. Read More...

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Tips to Reduce the Cost of Bathroom Renovations

While a complete bathroom renovation will add substantial value to your home, it can also cost you a lot of money. Here are a number of ways that you can help you to reduce the cost of your bathroom renovations. Read More...

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Guide to Bathroom Renovations

A bathroom renovation is one of the largest renovation projects that you can undertake and when done well can add substantial value to your home. The key to a successful bathroom renovation is thorough research and finding the right bathroom renovation company for you. Read More...

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Toilet Water is Good for You!

Did you know drinking toilet water is good for you? No? Well, neither did I but this video definitely seems to think so. Read More...

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Plumbing Secrets

This funny video of plumbing tips will let you in on a few of the Aussie tradies' secrets you never knew... Read More...

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Plumbing Advertising Gone Wrong

This plumbing commercial shows a different level of creativity I don't think I'd ever seen before... Take a look for yourself. Read More...

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How to find a Plumber

Finding a plumber is made easy with this simple video from Australia's Hottest Tradie... However if you'd like to save yourself the cost of the cement feel free to post a job here with Service Central. Read More...

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Plumbing Tips from a Hot Chick

A new face has taken to the stage in plumbing tip videos. This hot chick has all the answers, along with the plumber's crack. Watch this funny video and see for yourself. Read More...

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Common Drainage Abbreviations

Ever wondered what 'BV', 'CIP', 'JU' or 'SD' meant? Service Central provides you with this simple list of common drainage abbreviations to help you with your drainage projects. Read More...

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Easy Ways to Save Water

Saving water around your home couldn't be easier. With a few easy to implement changes you could be reducing your water consumption and saving both money and the environment in the process. Read More...

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Watertanks - Your Guide to Natural Water Harvesting

As the dry days continue it becomes increasingly important to harvest what rainwater does fall on your property. Capturing the water that falls on your rooftop and flows through your gutters with a professionally installed watertank is natural water harvesting at its best. Read More...

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9 Ways to Avoid Cowboy Plumbers

Avoid the 'cowboy' plumbers, Service Central provides you with 9 tips to make sure your plumber is a good one, starting with you asking them for a land line phone number as well as their mobile number. If they can't provide this information then you should look elsewhere. Read More...