Hospitals must provide safe and clean water since patients are more susceptible to illnesses. A Brisbane hospital engaged RTL Trades to construct an innovative chlorination dosing unit. This specifically designed unit was built off-site in a 10-foot container and delivered to the hospital to be seamlessly installed into the building’s water reticulation system.

The Requirement for Water Safety 

Significant dangers are associated with waterborne organisms like Legionella in medical environments. Chlorination dosing units are examples of sophisticated solutions that are required within the Water Risk Management Plan of a Hospital to meet requirements under the Public Health Act. The chlorine dosing unit in this container was designed to maintain precise levels of clean safe water for the entire facility.

The Requirement for Water Safety 

Significant dangers are associated with waterborne organisms like Legionella in medical environments. Chlorination dosing units are examples of sophisticated solutions that are required within the Water Risk Management Plan of a Hospital to meet requirements under the Public Health Act. The chlorine dosing unit in this container was designed to maintain precise levels of clean safe water for the entire facility.

The Custom-Built Unit’s Features 

Tailored Design: The unit was created expressly to satisfy the hospital’s safety and water use regulations, guaranteeing consistent levels of chlorination and meeting health guidelines. 

Container Housing: The unit was manufactured and tested off-site, reducing any interruptions to hospitals operations during manufacture and installation. It is housed within a 10-foot container. 

Cutting-Edge Technology: Fitted-out with state-of-the-art sensors, automation, and pumps the device continually checks and modifies the level of chlorine in real-time to ensure constant water quality. 

Expert Coordination: The unit seamlessly connected to the hospital’s existing water system because it was designed and built to connect to the reticulation pipes already in place.

Transportation and Installation 

From design to installation, every step of the process was carefully planned and executed: 

Off-Site Construction: To provide comprehensive testing and quality assurance, the hydrology engineer and designer worked together with RTL Trades to construct the unit in a controlled environment.

Transportation: The completed unit was transported in its container to the hospital. An important part of this operation was the safe unloading of the container upon arrival by a 20-tonne Franna Crane. 

On-Site Installation: The device was carefully placed at the hospital and linked to the current water delivery system. The seamless transfer was guaranteed by the simpler integration, which reduced downtime. 

Final Commissioning: To ensure the unit’s dosing levels were accurate for the supply distances involved, it underwent on-site testing to complete the commissioning process.

Benefits for Patients and the Hospital

Enhanced Water Safety: Patients and staff may rest easy knowing that the hospital’s water supply is now safer thanks to the automated chlorination dosing unit. 

Operational Efficiency: By reducing the requirement for monitoring, automation frees up hospital staff to concentrate on providing patient care. 

Cost-Effective Solution: By building the chlorination unit in a container off-site resulted in lower cost to build by significantly reducing the amount of travel required. 

Flexible and Scalable: The containerised solution is highly adaptable and may be moved, scaled, upgraded or altered as needed.

Why RTL Trades? 

The RTL Trades will work with your consultants for build only, or you can design and build custom water systems with our consultants. Introducing cutting-edge water treatment technologies whether you are medical facility, building owner or facilities manager with a large number of building occupants, can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you are meeting your obligations to your tenants.

Call RTL Trades on 1300 000 785 today

The post Specialised Chlorination Dosing Unit Installed at a Brisbane Hospital was first featured on RTL Trades and was written by James Bealey

At RTL Trades we strive to provide a safe and healthy workplace with a great culture. As part of this, we take mental health seriously and take pride in being part of mental health events, such as the QLD Government’s Mental Health week seminars and the Walk for Mental Health.

We engage in a monthly toolbox meeting and serve up a brekkie bbq, along with end of month drinks and pizza to help foster relationships where our staff feel confident asking and answering important questions such as “R U OK?”. This simple question can start a conversation that could change a life.

Another fantastic way we acknowledge mental health is by purchasing TradeMutt shirts which enables the Company to fund mental health support service TIACS.org which can be accessed by anyone doing it tough, for free.

This Is A Conversation Starter (TIACS) is the name of the not‐for‐profit mental health support service funded by TradeMutt. TIACS is a text and call service providing access to mental health clinicians in a free and easy to use way, helping to remove the physical and financial barriers that prevent so many Australians from reaching out for help when they need it. So far TradeMutt has funded 2160 hours of support, and we are just getting started!

For further help or questions, contact us today!

Got a question?

Give us a Call – 1300 000 785

Send us an Email – sales@rtltrades.com.au

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The post Mental Health Check In was first featured on RTL Trades and was written by James Bealey

Flexi Hoses are commonplace in our homes, but do you know what they are and why we all have them?

Flexible Water Hoses (Flexi Hoses) are just that – flexible water hoses to connect water to tap fixtures. They are fabricated steel that have been used to replace copper pipe installations. The flexibility they have allows for the pipes to be bent into the shape required for the necessary shape.  Whilst this flexibility far surpasses that of the copper pipes they are replacing, the flexi hoses to have a life span.

So how can you prevent them rupturing at your property?

1. Have a Plumber install them

There are many issues when installing a flexi hose that need to be avoided, and the only way to do that is by employing a plumber to do it. If the hose is too loose or too tight then it is very susceptible to rupturing. It is also important to note that these hoses are easy to overtighten or cross thread which can fracture the rubber seal connection – causing a big issue in the near future

2. Check the hoses every few months

Firstly, be aware of where in the house you have flexi hoses – are they under all of your basins or only some? They could be installed all over your house. Once you are familiar with the location of your flexi hoses, it is important to inspect them regularly. You can start by visually inspecting them and seeing if there are any rust patches or bulges in the pipe.

If you notice any of these things occurring, call RTL Plumbing IMMEDIATELY to prevent flooding your house.

3. If you are unsure, have a Plumber check them

The most important part of Flexi Hoses is being sure they are in good working order. If you are unsure or are not confident in your ability to check them, then get a plumbers opinion! If you don’t know whether they were installed correctly to begin with or how old they are, we recommend you have a plumber come out and ensure they are functioning well

4. Make sure your Insurance covers flooding

Flexi hoses are known for rupturing and often cause floods throughout homes – especially if they are not checked on and burst suddenly. If the worst case scenario happens and you do need emergency help, make sure your home insurance covers it so you do not have a costly repair you have to fund out of nowhere!

For further help or questions, contact us today!

Got a question?

Give us a Call – 1300 000 785

Send us an Email – sales@rtltrades.com.au

Check us out on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RTLTrades

Check us out on Twitter – https://twitter.com/rtl_plumbers

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The post What you need to know about Flexi Hoses was first featured on RTL Trades and was written by James Bealey

World Plumbing day is an international event, initiated by the World Plumbing Council, held on 11 March each year to promote and recognise the critical role plumbing plays in societal health and amenity.

In Australia and many other developed countries, we tend to take our plumbing, water and drainage infrastructure for granted. We have clean drinking water on tap (pardon the pun), we have long cold showers in summer and even longer hot showers in winter, we flush the toilet on autopilot and we water the plants perhaps a little longer than we should. We are all guilty of taking our plumbing systems for granted, until, something goes wrong and we have to call a plumber!

Here are some facts from the World Health Organisation that should put things into perspective in terms of just how much we take our plumbing and water for granted in developed countries:

• Every 15 seconds a child dies from a water-related disease
• Patients suffering from water-related diseases occupy half of the world’s hospital beds at any given time
• 1 million children die every year from water-related diseases
• 1 billion people do not have access to a safe, reliable water supply
• 6 billion people do not have access to a sanitary toilet system

What are RTL Trades doing to support World Plumbing Day?

At RTL Trades we ensure all our tradesmen and apprentices are well up to speed with the latest legislations and licenses, health and safety and technology in plumbing through training and communication.

RTL Trades have a preventative maintenance plumbing program for Facilities/Service Managers looking after Schools, Universities, Hospitals, Aged Care Facilities etc. and is now starting to be implemented in the Property Management field by companies who are well and truly ahead of the curve. This is to ensure plumbing systems are working at optimum capacity to reduce the risk of unexpected equipment breakdown.

What can you do to support World Plumbing Day?

There are a few small things you can do to help support world plumbing day.

• Using a broom instead of a garden hose to clean your driveway will save 11 liters every minute you clean.
• Putting food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the bowl, without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it could save over 3000 liters a month.
• Use a hose nozzle while you wash your car. You will save up to 378 litres every time!
• Use a licensed and experienced plumber – RTL Plumbing – for any problems. Don’t DIY!

Got a question?

Give us a Call – 1300 000 785

Send us an Email – sales@rtltrades.com.au

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The post World Plumbing Day 2022 was first featured on RTL Trades and was written by James Bealey

With so much plumbing information readily available it is hard to know what is right and wrong. There are so many different sources of information – what myths are true? RTL Trades has found some of the most common myths and myth busted them for you!

If water is going down the drain, there is no problem

Wrong! Just because water is draining does not mean that all is well. If your water is draining slowly, if the drains make unusual noises or if the toilet is not flushing as normal, you’re probably have a problem. Drain clogs can still be developing – don’t wait until it is too late. Contact a plumber before the drain is completely clogged and it is a bigger issue than it needs to be.

My leaking tap can wait

It is just a drip… a bit annoying, but an insignificant annoying drip that you can fix at any time, right? Wrong! Not only does the leaking tap increase your water and power bills by wasting significant amounts of water, it can also damage the tap. Whilst it may just be an annoying drip to you, it may create a world of damage for your home. It is always a good idea to get that leak looked at as soon as possible.

Plumbing systems don’t require maintenance

Unfortunately this is a common and very dangerous myth to believe. People often go years without checking their equipment and then wonder why an extremely costly problem such as tree roots appears. Your plumbing equipment is the all-important water delivery and waste removal system in your house – it needs to be maintained as a priority!  Regularly inspecting and maintaining these items will ensure that you do not incur sudden, unexpected and expensive repairs to your home. Always fix small problems before they turn into large ones!

Toilets make a great garbage disposal.

Actually, no they don’t! Even if it is advertised as a disposable wipe or something to flush – it is not! The only thing to be flushed down toilets are toilet paper and human waste. Adding anything else will cause clogged toilets, water overflowing and lots of cleanup! So avoid these issues by placing a bin in the bathroom and using it! And don’t forget to regularly check for leaks and corrosion on the toilet pipework – be vigilant before a small problem turns into a big one!

All plumbers are exactly the same.

Unfortunately, not all tradespeople are the same. Their experience, knowledge and training can all vary significantly which may impact the quality of the work severely. It is very important to pick a well-respected and experienced company like RTL Trades to ensure you receive the expertise, quality and service that you deserve.

Got a question?

Give us a Call – 1300 000 785

Send us an Email – sales@rtltrades.com.au

Check us out on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RTLTrades

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The post Plumbing Myths was first featured on RTL Trades and was written by James Bealey

Causing thousands of blockages every year in Queensland and causing expensive bills for residents, invasive tree roots are the worst offender for blocking sewers! Queensland Urban Utilities revealed they clear over 3,500 blockages in sewer pipes every year and the cause is tree roots. That number doesn’t include any of the plumbing and drainage companies who also clear blockages caused by tree roots!

Tree roots are of course always on the hunt for water and nutrients, so sewers are the ideal target.
Particularly after a very long dry spell then sudden rain, RTL Trades have seen a huge number of cracked
and broken pipes with many body corporates, real estates, and residential customers calling for
assistance.
During the traditional drought periods over winter, the tree roots would be targeting the pipes more
than usual in order to get their nutrients. With some tree roots being as thin as a strand of hair, they can
creep through the smallest of joints between pipes, and within a matter of weeks, a mass of roots form
in the pipe, causing a serious blockage that is difficult to remove.
If left unattended, the roots can crack pipes and grow to be many meters long, causing thousands of
dollars’ worth of damage for homeowners.

What are the offending trees for blocking drains and sewers?
Queensland Urban Utilities spokeswoman Michelle Cull said “any tree can cause issues but some species
are more problematic than others. The worst offenders are those who love to seek out water, such as
figs, bottlebrushes, and paperbarks”

What trees have less invasive root systems?
Tulipwood, native gardenia, and lemon myrtle.

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The post Queensland Urban Utilities reveal worst offending trees for tree root evasion in drains was first featured on RTL Trades and was written by James Bealey

UPDATED 11:45 AEST – 24/03/2020    

In light of recent measures being implemented by our federal government to curb the spread of Covid-19 Coronavirus we would like to keep our customers and clients informed on what RTL Trades are doing to help play our part in preventing the spread of this virus and what you can expect from us in the coming weeks and months.Here are some common questions we are currently fielding with some regularity that will help clear things up:Are you open for business? We absolutely are. Thus far, Plumbing has been recognised as an essential service with blocked toilets, burst pipes, no hot water, leaking roofs, gas leaks etc. all potentially posing a serious risk to the health and wellbeing of those affected by, or in contact with, any of the above plumbing issues.We are dedicated to ensuring we can make your lives as easy as possible during this time of heightened stress and uncertainty and will be available to attend to your plumbing issues in a timely manner. Is it safe for RTL workers to enter my office/home?Yes. All of our work team have been provided excess masks, gloves, clothes, PPE and hand sanitiser that they have readily available and can utilise on request. All of our work team have been educated in the correct hygiene protocols for the current climate and when they arrive to site you can be assured they are clean, sanitised and ready to work. We have also insisted that anyone feeling unwell immediately leave work and be tested for the Covid-19 virus and not return to work until a clearance certificate has been provided by their treating doctor.Members of our office team who have the ability to work from home have been sent home to do so until further notice. Staff required to work from the office have had their work stations separated well over the recommended 1.5m social distancing recommendations and have surplus hand sanitiser and disinfectant readily available. We are also conducting a once a day deep clean of the entire office using a specially formulated sanitising product.We have also attained a Certificate of Acknowledgement from the Australian Government Department of Health in Infection Control Training – Covid 19.Is there anything we can do prior to your arrival to help make the process easier?Absolutely. If you are requesting a quote from us for something relatively straight forward like a HWU replacement, blocked drain, leaking tap/toilet it is likely you will be able to prevent a site visit from one of our staff by sending through photos of whatever it is you would like replaced and any other information pertinent to the install. Obviously we will still need to attend to inspect a lot of quotes however by working together through email and photos we can do our bit to prevent unneeded human contact.Please advise us immediately if you are aware of anyone being unwell at any of the sites you have asked us to attend and we will reschedule the site visit for a later date.Can you please attend to our Preventative Maintenance?Absolutely. Now is a perfect time to bring forward/carry out all preventative maintenance tasks like Backflow & TMV inspections, Roof Audits, Pump Maintenance, Gutter Cleans, Hot Water Unit inspections etc. With most work places now working in a limited capacity, now is the ideal time for preventative maintenance to be carried out as the disruptions to building and site occupants will be minimal.If you have any other queries or questions relating to RTL and the current Covid-19 issues we are all facing please feel free to come back to me with any questions or queries and I will address them accordingly.As a side note: Through all of this I think it is incredibly important to try and remain positive and upbeat until we are out the other side of these unprecedented and uncertain times. There is a tonne of negative energy in the atmosphere at the moment and it is clear that the negativity is breeding heightened levels of stress, anxiety and agitation. By working together and creating a positive environment for those in our immediate vicinity the world is going to be all the better for it.Let’s stick together and be kind guys.

Kind Regards,

RTL Trades

UPDATE 08:30 AEST – 18/03/2020

It’s business as usual for RTL Trades

You can still expect the same high level of operations and customer service that you’ve come to expect.

RTL Trades are taking all precautions in regards to COVID-19 Coronavirus, and are following Government and health official guidelines.

We have been proactive in undertaking protective measures to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus in Australia and to protect our staff and clients.

• We are strictly following any protective measures set out by our clients with regards to visitors and Tradesmen on site.
• Our systems are cloud-based and our Office teams are able to work from home if required.
• All our Tradesmen have access to gloves and hand sanitiser at all times and are minimizing contact with each other, office staff and the public.
• Anyone with flu-like symptoms is taking advice from their Doctor and self-isolating at home.
• We have postponed all internal and external face-to-face meetings.

We will update you as the situation changes. We thank you for your ongoing support during this time.If you have any questions or concerns about what RTL Trades are doing to protect our teams or clients, please don’t hesitate to touch base: 07 3399 2203.

All the best.

RTL Trades

The post COVID-19 – An update from RTL Trades was first featured on RTL Trades and was written by James Bealey

During the Covid-19 Global Health Pandemic and recent toilet paper shortages in Australia, we calmly remind you to please:

ONLY flush the three P’s – Pee, Poo and (toilet) Paper.

For the health of our Plumbing systems, do not  flush any of the following items down your toilets. These items do not break down like toilet paper does, and causes significant blockages, either in your own toilet, drains and even your back yard, to further down the line in South East Queensland’s sewers:

• Facial tissues
• Kitchen paper
• Paper towels
• Baby wipes 
• Make up wipes 
• Wet wipes
• Antibacterial cleaning wipes
• Nappys 
• Female sanitary items: tampons and pads
• Paper
• Plastic and plastic bags 
• Food items
• Condoms
• Rags, fabric and reusable toilet paper

These items should be placed in rubbish bins. 

Plumbers are benefitting from hysteria around toilet paper – aka ‘White Gold’!

The shortfall of your favourite toilet paper during #ToiletPaperGate has seen a significant increase in the use of wet wipes being utilised as an alternative, and Plumbers are rubbing their hands together…

​The number of blocked drains we have attended to in the last 2 weeks has absolutely skyrocketed and it is 100% due to an increase in the use of wet wipes causing issues in sanitary drainage systems.

Regardless of what it says on the packet, these wet wipes take forever to breakdown and any underlying issues that you may not be aware of in your drain such as tree roots or cracked or broken pipes cause the tougher than toilet paper wipes to catch and stay put until a full on blockage occurs and you have got sewerage running across your back yard or even worse, through your carpark or house…

If you are mass purchasing toilet paper – please stop, there’s no need for it at all. Most manufacturers of the products you’re buying off the shelf locally are here in Australia and they have assured the public there will not be a shortfall so chill out and stop panic purchasing.

Secondly, refrain from reverting to wet wipes to handle your business. The untold damage you may cause to your drainage system can reach well in to the thousands of dollars to repair. At a minimum you will be looking at a cost of approx. $400-$500 to have the drain cleared and a camera inspection carried out. There are alternatives, please try to use them and save yourself some money in the process.”

The post Coronavirus and Toilet Paper Shortages was first featured on RTL Trades and was written by James Bealey

Here’s how it works:

Pick up and Drop Off Locations:

The post RTL Trades sponsor the Red Bag Appeal to support families in need this Christmas was first featured on RTL Trades and was written by James Bealey

A natural progression in the evolution from RTL Plumbing to RTL Trades, we are pleased to announce our Electrical arm of the business.

Lead by Department Head Liam Tallon, Liam brings over 25 years experience in the Electrical Industry, ranging from managing small and large scale residential and commercial projects, as well as a strong focus in the Maintenance field. Alongside his Electrical experience, Liam brings to RTL his strong business acumen, WHS knowledge and experience leading a team.

RTL Trades Electrical Services
Services include but are not limited to;

• General Electrical Repairs and Installations
• Hot Water Unit Connections
• Electrical appliance installation
• Ceiling fan installation, swap over or new fan installs
• Safety Switches (RCD) – testing and installation
• New or replacement indoor and outdoor power points
• New lights and light globes
• Light repairs
• Test and Tag electrical equipment
• General electrical inspections & Electrical safety checks
• New swimming pool wiring
• Pump connections
• Spa power installation
• Pool lighting
• USB Sockets
• Switchboard repairs and upgrades
• Smoke Alarm Installation, Testing and Compliance
• Preventative Maintenance
• LED strip lighting and LED upgrades
• Smoke alarm installation
• Bathroom exhaust fans
• Wiring repairs and re-wiring
• Energy efficiency
• 3 phase power
• Landscaping lighting
• Emergency lighting
• Mains upgrades and Meter Box Relocations
• Sensor lights and security lights
• Electrical Stoves – Installation and Repairs

The post RTL Trades Launch Electrical Services was first featured on RTL Trades and was written by James Bealey