Recently an Owner had Redcliffe Plumbing attend to replace the anode in their water heater.
Here we show the anode that was removed from the water heater. It is well and truly come to the end of its life.
Many Lot Owners have not yet had their sacrificial anodes replaced and it is well past the recommended time to do so. Many units have cabinetry installed above their heaters, making it impossible to change the anode in place. For these the best option would be to engage a plumber to disconnect all piping to the heater. Then empty the heater and tilt it so that access to the top can be had. The wiring may be switched off and left connected as it is flexible.
Failing to maintain the heater could lead to its early failure and to leakage.
Your Hot Water Unit
Waves was built with Vulcan electric storage hot water systems. This shows a typical unit.
These heaters contain a sacrificial magnesium alloy anode, that is designed to corrode away ahead of any corrosion attacking the tank itself.
Vulcan and plumbers recommend replacing the anode each 5 to 8 years. These HWS units, if original, are now 9 years old. I know the anode in mine has never been replaced, so I recently set about the task.
Heater Top
The New Part
I got the new anode from Preece’s Plumbing in Clontarf. It was about $62 with GST.
Then I read on line the tools needed. A 27mm socket was recommended, and there was also a suggestion that a 28mm Tap Spanner would work. The Tap spanner would have worked, but for the turning bar being too thin, and just bending when I tried undoing the existing anode. The 27mm socket with half-inch drive is needed along with a socket handle and some form of extension so you can get enough force to unscrew the old anode. ( If you get brave and plan to change your HWS anode, you can contact John Griffiths U15 to borrow the socket and handle )
Items/Tools You Need
the new anode
a hacksaw
small screwdriver
strong G-Clamp
the 27mm socket, handle and handle extender
heat resistant gloves
some old rags
The Part
The Sockets
Cut New Anode
The new anode will likely be too long to be able to slide into the HWS as the ceiling height restricts it. I determined that if I cut off 25 cm I could get it in.
Use a hack-saw, and NOT an angle grinder. If you try using an angle grinder you will create a massive problem with burning sparks of magnesium. The magnesium will burn and you could create mayhem.
There is also an option to buy a segmented anode which will be easier to install where clear space above your heater is not available. These are like a string of sausages and can be fitted more easily if need be. However, I suspect getting the old anode out will be a job where several cuts will be needed.
The whole replacement process tales some preparation and planning. At least 24 hours before you plan to do it, (or get it done by a plumber/handyman), turn off the electricity to the HWS in an attempt to get it a little cooler for the job.
On the day of the job, turn off the supply line to the HWS and the master valve to your unit.
Release the pressure in the piping by turning some taps on…
Too Long
Remove Old Anode
Once you loosen and unscrew the old anode, it will lift straight up. But will likely hit the ceiling.
Now you need your G-clamp to hold it up so you can make a cut in it. Use the gloves as it is still hot. Lift it up until near the ceiling and place the clamp at the heater top to hold it up.
Next, hacksaw through the old anode being careful not to cut the whole way. When it is nearly cut through, it should be able to be bent at the cut and broken off. Then lift the clamp with the remainder of the anode out.
You are now ready to insert the new one. Add some thread-tape to the new rod, which may have thread tape on it already.
Clean around the thread inside the heater with a rag, and slide the new rod in. Tighten firmly.
Extended Socket Handle
All Done
You can now turn the water supply back on, and check for any leak. Don’t forget to turn the power to the HWS back on.
This image shows the corrosion on the old anode. It is not too bad, and should look like this or worse. Its purpose is to prevent corrosion of your tank and your heater element.
Old corroded anode
Time taken
From start to finish, this task took less than an hour, and that was with some learning along the way.
Remember to start cooling your HWS the day before.
Note the date of the change on the bung on top of the heater. That will help in the future.
TPG Has a great offer at present for new subscribers to the Fibre To The Building (FTTB) here at Waves Redcliffe. There is a discounted 24 month offer. Check out their offer Here.
Click the image to see the TPG site where this offer is available. You will need to pay a $10 delivery fee for a new WiFi modem they will supply.
As more units get connected to the TPG FTTB, we will possibly have the fibre connection upgraded to be capable of 500 Mbps, but for now the maximum available speed at Waves is 100 Mbps. And that’s plenty fast enough.
You may be locked into a contract with your existing internet provider
You may be using an email address bundled with your existing NBN provider.
You may have an existing Mobile phone bundled with your existing NBN provider
You may be getting some other bundle add-ons from your existing NBN provide
Another thing to consider is your use of a “landline” phone number. The packages offered by TPG offer a new phone number, and differing levels of included calls, from pay-as-you-go to included. If you want to retain the landline number you may currently use, then the number can be “ported” across to TPG in lieu of getting a fresh number. To port the number to TPG, you will need to speak to their Sales Dept on 13 14 23
If you only use a mobile phone, then the free included phone line with the TPG-FTTB packages may be ignored.
DISCOUNT COUPONS
There is also a secret TPG Coupon you may be able to use that will waive your first month charge.
The coupon to try is FTTBFREE1 note: coupon may have expired
If you are an iiNet NBN customer, then you can sign up with them. They have a promo code at present of ULTRA6 for 6 months @ $79.99. This may be only for new iiNet customers – not sure…
If you have not already done so, you need to apply and set up a new account with Energy On for your Waves Electricity service.
This Article is about a change in the Waves electricity supplier — from Altogether to Energy ON. It explains that customers must set up a new account with Energy ON to continue receiving service and to ensure any government concessions or rebates (such as Seniors or other concession discounts) are properly applied.
For those who have not yet set up a new account, here’s a concise breakdown of what it means and what you need to do:
Identification: Upload a photo of your driver’s licence or passport to verify your identity.
Concession and rebate forms: Complete and submit the forms if you received from Energy ON for any concessions (e.g., Seniors, Pensioner, or Health Care Card). You only need to provide the concession card number—no photo is required.
Deadline: Submit everything by 15 April 2026.
Why this change: Altogether’s daily service charges were increasing significantly, and moving to Energy ON is intended to reduce ongoing costs for residents.
Assistance: If you need help filling out or submitting forms, the Committee can assist you.
Physical Alternative Application
Many residents may not feel comfortable lodging the required information on-line, so below we show a link where you may download a PDF form that you may complete and physically mail or email to Energy On.
The Clothes Dryer that would have come with your Unit purchase is regarded as a fixture and thus part of the Unit you bought.
A Unit “Fixture”
Laundry Room Dryer
As part of the Development Approval for the Waves building, the Developers supplied each Unit with an electric clothes dryer. Unit buyers should expect an installed and working clothes dryer in any Unit purchased.
Under the By-laws, it is the Owner’s responsibility to maintain the clothes dryer in good working order, and leave it in place when a unit is sold.
By-law 6 stipulates that the Development Approval must be complied with.
Here we show the three types of Garage Remotes that you might have been issued. Also we show what battery they may use.
When your battery gets low, the indicator light that shows when a button is pressed will blink or flicker. That signifies it is time for a new battery. A steady light will show the battery is okay.
Type-1
Type-1 Remotes
This shows the original style of the Garage Remotes. Ignore the orange colour of the buttons as the more recent PTX5V2 versions had grey button areas. This style takes a CR2032 lithium button battery.
Type-2
Type-2-reverse
Type-2 Remotes
This shows the second type of remotes we issued. They are a good design but the attachment can fail at an early stage.
To open for battery (Type A23 battery) replacement, see the small access screw on the back. The screw may be beneath a label.
Type-3
Type-3 remote
This shows the third style of remotes we have provided. These are more robust and have a sliding protective section.
Access to change battery ( CR2032) is the 4 small screws on the reverse.
On Monday 22 Sept a group of Waves residents ventured to Toowoomba on a bus tour. The day was organised by Lena Nizeti. Many thanks to Lena for organising the day out.
Lena takes a break in the Winners Flower Garden
On the tour were Lena, Candace, Jill, John, Kathy and Lynne. Midge and Mike had planned on joining in but had to cancel at last minute.
Jill, Lynne, Lena and Kathy at Picnic Point Lookout.
After an early 7:00am start, followed by several pick-ups between Redcliffe and Taigum, we were finally on our way. Coach driver Mark made a stop in Marburg, right at the edge of the Black Snake Creek where some morning teas and cakes were enjoyed. Luckily no one saw any black snakes.
B S Creek, Marburg, QLD
I estimate that several months of planning and research found this underwhelming location for a Morning Tea. It was just a short stroll across the local Skate Park to the toilets, shown in the background.
Then it was off to Picnic Point, Toowoomba for the first “Flower” stop. On a clear day there you can see for miles. Luckily it was a clear day.
After Picnic Point, the tour stopped at the home of the winner of the Festival home garden competition.
The front garden area of the home on Burke St had every square cm filled with different flowering plants. It was very colourful. A plea from the Owner for some regular volunteer gardeners did not elicit any takers.
Next stop was at Queens Gardens where we parked near the Botanic Gardens.
There were many very colourful garden beds around the Botanical Gardens area.
Many garden beds had carefully placed plants with attractive designs.
Next Stop- Lunch
Ten minutes back on the bus and we were at the “Blue Mountain Hotel” for our included lunch.
Lunch was served “alternate-drop” and you got either a chicken schnitzel and chips, or a few slices of roast pork with vegies.
Those with the Chicken Schnitzel mostly managed to stretch the meal to three mouthfuls. Those with the roast pork were able to separate the pork to show three slices.
After Lunch
The next and final “flower” stop was at Laurel Bank Park. Here many more flowering attractions than were at the Botanic Gardens. We had an hour here to explore the many garden beds and attractive grounds. In the south-west corner of the park were some garden beds with several different coloured tulips.
There was a wide variety of plantings at the Laurel Bank Park. An hour here passed quickly as there was a lot to see, and it is a large area. Luckily it was not very crowded and there were many shaded seating spaces.
Back on the Coach
Now as 3:15pm approached, it was time to get back on the coach and head home. we managed to hit the City area right on 5pm so traffic was considerable. We had several drop-off stops starting in Aspley, then Taigum, Sandgate, Brighton, Clontarf, Margate and finally to the Redcliffe stop at 6:10pm. It had been a longgg day and most were exhausted.
The tour was provided by Red and White Tours, Sandgate. Our driver was Mark and he was assisted by Abigail.
Thinking of replacing some carpet in your Waves Unit?
If so, then please be aware that there are fire safety requirements issued by Building Codes Australia.
Waves is a Class-2 building. We do not have fire-sprinklers within Units.
This extract from the Minimum CRF table as provided by Building Codes Australia shows that Units should have carpets/floor coverings with a CRF of at least 2.2
The Brochure from Building Codes Australia can be downloaded here:-
You should advise any retailer of the 2.2 CRF minimum when selecting carpets.
Installing a carpet that does not meet the recommended standards places you at risk in case of a fire. It would not impact other units within the building.
Due to a large area of balcony tiles tenting a few weeks ago, and an inspection by a Tiler to assess the best option for repair, we opted to do a complete retile. Our unit is on the North of Waves and gets significant sun in the winter. Tiles expand more than the concrete slab beneath and they become un-stuck. The unit directly below us had the same issue a few years ago and had to do a complete retile of their balcony.
We found a nice grey replacement tile at Tile Merchants, in Virginia. Size is 450mm square. The colour is slightly darker than the original tiles, and very close to the shale-grey used around the Waves building.
Step one was to have the air conditioner disconnected and stored away from the balcony. This proved more costly than anticipated, but was necessary.
Then we had to clear the balcony of all our furniture and plants and storage boxes. Luckily we had room in our parking bay for some of this temporary relocation of “stuff”.
The start day arrived and we had a skip bin delivered to get rid of the old tiles and dust. This was an extra expense we were advised of as we had to organise the bin.
Having previously had bathroom renovations, we were mindful of protecting our flooring. We found a roll of temporary floor protection at Bunnings. We had a path from the lift to the balcony doors.
Jack hammering started about 8:00am on Monday. By about 11am all the tiles had been lifted. The crew left that afternoon and cleaned up the tiles the next morning and dumped them in the skip bin.
Next stage was to sweep the area ready for grinding. They only ground back to the glue/screed layers ready for levelling and application of waterproofing. Two applications of waterproofing were applied over two days using “Hydra Ban Slurry”.
The waterproofing was done with 2 coats of Hydra Ban Slurry. It looked very effective once it had soaked in and dried.
Here we show the waterproofed area during drying, ready for some levelling fill and then the new glue and tiles.
Three rows along the balcony edge are done on Day-4. Looking great.
A closer photo of a completed area, ready for grout on Day-5.
As I post this article we are at the end of Day-4. Tomorrow will be the grouting of the tiles, which should be done by lunchtime. Then on Day-6 they plan to return to finish off with some sealant around all the edges. All in all it took less time than expected and the workmanship is great.
Should you want a quote for your balcony then the contractor we used was “Starsh”, and his phone number is 0431 165 919. He was recommended to us by “Tile Merchants” where we bought our tiles.
Following approval by Owners at the Annual General Meeting held August 2024, the Committee has now had the new set of approved By-Laws incorporated into our Community Management Statement (CMS). Those new By-Laws were drafted in consultation with our lawyers so that they fully comply with current Body Corporate legislation in Queensland.
Owners should make themselves aware of the new By-Laws.
The latest CMS was registered by the Titles QLD in September 2025. There was a minor change to two allocated Exclusive Use Areas in September that require a new CMS be registered.
There was no change to by-laws in the latest version of the CMS.
Below we provide a download button so that Owners may obtain their own copy of the latest CMS.
There is a chance that the Cyclone Alfred will be a direct hit on Redcliffe around Thursday 6th March-Friday 7th March 2025.
Here are some path predictions as at Sunday 2nd March:-
The images show the forecast path. The dashed line shows the closeup location where the cyclone is aiming at the Redcliffe Peninsular.
Be Prepared
A near miss with a cyclone (Oswald) happened on Australia Day weekend 2013. Winds were very strong at Waves and most items on balconies were blown away. This included chairs and tables. a glass balcony panel was shattered. All from remnants of a cyclone that went ashore north of Bribie Island.
This time we are in the firing line.
Some Recommended Actions:
Either bring all balcony furniture inside or Gather furniture items together and tie them to a balcony column with strong rope.
Remove any items hanging on balconies.
Plants should be brought inside, or taken to your parking bay
Ensure your sliding doors and windows are fully closed and latched. This is important as when fully closed, the doors and frames interlock for added strength. Do not leave doors open even a few millimetres. Our doors and windows are built with glass rated for strong winds.
We detail here several examples of how scammers may try and get money from you.
Believe it or not, several of these methods have been successfully played out by scammers against Waves residents who have been victims of some of these scams.
The examples given have all been successful against Australians of all ages, even those aware that such scams exist.
Never act in haste when making deals or making payments.
You just ordered something online (Amazon, JB, etc.) and you get an email saying there is a Address / ID / tracking issue. You're expecting something so click through because you're distracted.
You've been having issues with your PC/Internet (which you don't understand at all) and you get a call from someone saying they've identified the issues and can help you fix it.
You're selling something expensive online and the person says they're happy to transfer the full amount into your Paypal or bank account first so you can verify you have all the money. (You still get scammed in the end)
Never do a deal where you are asked to buy gift cards to make a payment or to keep your money safe. It’s a scam every time.
A family member/friend send you a text message that they have dropped their phone in the toilet and need some cash right away. They can’t talk to you as the phone is not working. Don’t send money, it’s a scam.
You do a deal with someone from another city/state for a car/caravan/pure-bred dog/cat. They ask for $xxx now with the balance paid when you collect/receive the item. Don’t send money, it’s a scam.
You're looking to get an AirBNB and hit a good value listing. They send back a cancellation (double booked) but with some similar alternatives that are also great value. You click the email provided link to a fake AirBnB site unknowingly.
You answer a phone call and the caller knows your first name. Then they ask you to tell them your details so they can confirm they are talking to the right person. They could be from NBN, Telstra, a Bank, Credit Card company (Visa/Mastercard) etc. Next they ask you to download and install some needed software so they can fix your problem. Don’t do it. Hang-up, it’s a scam.
You saw a great deal on Facebook by someone you have not dealt with previously and that deal expires today. Click the link and make the payment with your Visa/Mastercard. Goodbye money. You may receive a package with a rock in it.
You have been conversing with a business via email and get the final request from them with bank payment details. Turns out the companies email account was hacked and that last email came from the hackers.Maybe this next one will not happen here as we have few who work.
Your "boss" emails you out of hours and says he wants to get everyone gift cards as a small bonus for this Friday. Could you get some gift cards from the shops this evening and email him the numbers? Please use the company credit card.
If you are planning some overseas travel in the future, you might consider signing up for a WISE account.
WISE is not a Bank, but an international money system with a Visa Debit card. The card has a micro-chip and works as a contact-less payment card. Just wave it near the payment terminal presented to you when making a purchase. You can load almost any foreign currency onto the card and the exchange rates are way better than Visa/Mastercard or Bank rates. You load the card initially with Aussie dollars, and convert however much you want to spend in the foreign currency using the app on your phone. You will need internet or Mobile Data at the time of transfer. Easy.
I travelled recently to USA and relied heavily on my Wise card for shopping, sightseeing and transport. It worked better than I expected.
Some benefits are
the great exchange rates and no MCD/Visa 3% rate surcharge,
being able to choose almost any currency,
paying very small charges.
There is a $10 fee for your physical Wise card, but if you use the affiliate link I have for you below, you will be offered the physical card free.
Here is the link to sign-up and get a free Wise card:- Sign Up To Wise
Convert Currency
Got Home with Money Left Over
So after your travels, you have some Euros, GB Pounds, Vietnam Dong, Indonesian Rupees, and whatever left on your Wise card.
Easy, using the App just convert the foreign balances back to Aussie dollars and spend the money at Woolworths. Coles, Aldi etc.
The tiles inside your Unit and on your balcony are your responsibility and you should check them regularly and maintain them.
They will mostly look after themselves so it is not a big task. Failure to maintain them can cause you significant expense.
Maintenance involves ensuring that pooled water is swept to the nearest floor drain. Any missing grout should be replaced as soon as possible.
In your shower areas, always make sure that all water drains away after use. This is important to minimise water seeping into the screed layer beneath the tiles.
If you see any yellowing or oozing near the silver strip at the bathroom doorway, you have a problem that will only worsen.
Here is a sample of the problem area:
Tile Edge Oozing
The primary objective should be to minimize water build up and pooling on the shower floor. This can be achieved by wiping up any residual water with an old towel after each use. If the shower floor drains as designed and all water drained away within say, 15 minutes, then towel drying the floor should not be needed and you are probably not seeing any of the tell tale signs described above.
Another suggested action is to have the tile grout lines in the shower stall treated with a quality sealant, thus minimising water penetration.
If your bathroom floors have degraded to the degree of the one shown above, then the only viable fix is a complete re-tile of the floor, which would entail new membrane applications, new screed and tiling. Several Units have already gone through this process and at the same time have fully modernised their bathrooms.
The money spent will always be recouped any time the unit might be sold.
The old yellow house on the corner of Marine Pde and Ella St looks set to be replaced soon with an 8 storey 24 Unit apartment building.
The property shows it was recently sold for the second time this year. It had Development Approval (DA3833) for the new building.
On 27th September 2023 there was a large drilling truck there with a team drilling deep test holes.
The design shows 8 levels, with 3 Lots on each level, and 2 levels of below ground parking. Most lots have two stacked parking bays and bicycle storage.
There is no indication of when the development might begin.
Background: At a nearby group of strata units, a recently widowed elderly gentleman, lets name him Harry, headed off on a lovely cruise around Australia.
The cruise was about three weeks. Whilst gone, one of his neighbours noticed they had not seen him for a couple of weeks and they alerted the local police.
Police visited the home and could not arouse anyone inside, because they were gone for three weeks.
Then the concerned police broke down the front door of the unit and discovered that it was vacant and there was some travel information on a table.
Harry arrived home a few days later to find that his home had been invaded by the police, and door had been temporarily fixed.
Moral of the Story
This recent story shows how it is important to let your neighbour(s) know when you will be gone travelling, and an approximate return date.
In cases such as this, it is up to the Owner/Resident to repair all damage done when emergency services make a forced entry.
Oh, and don't forget to isolate the water to your Unit. Make sure all un-needed appliances are turned off/unplugged.
The doors to your balcony have an aluminium strengthener bar at the opposite end to the door handle.
This should not be used as a handle to slide the door, as I found out. The beam is there to weatherproof and strengthen our doors in the case of a cyclone, or strong winds. It is only held in place at the top and bottom by two small stainless steel screws.
I used it once too often to slide the door open, and the lower screw came out of its anchor point. Luckily I was able to re-attach the beam at the bottom by carefully locating the screw in its original anchor hole.
Alum. Brace Beam
The small stainless steel screw is at the bottom. Just under that is the hole for roller height adjustment.
