Back to Blog

No hot water? Here's what to do next

No hot water shows up in one of a few ways: nothing comes out of the hot tap, water comes out but stays cold, or it's only lukewarm and runs out fast. A leak, a tripped switch, a fault on the power network, a failed part inside the cylinder or a build-up of scale can each cause it. Below are the checks in the order a plumber runs them, what each result points to, and where the job needs someone licensed.This guide is for electric hot water cylinders. If you're not sure what you've got, look at t...

Hot Water Cylinder Leaking? What It Means, and Whether It Needs Replacing

A leak on a cylinder comes down to one of two things. Either a part on it has failed, which is usually a repair, or the tank itself has corroded through, which means a replacement. Turn the water and the power off to it and get a plumber to have a look before you do anything else.The part that catches people out is where the water shows up. People ring me certain a pipe has gone, because that is where they see water running from. Half the time it is the hot water cylinder....

How to Turn Off Your Water Main in an Emergency

When a pipe bursts or a tap suddenly lets go, every second counts. Water can cause serious damage fast - flooring, cabinetry, walls, and even electrical systems can all be affected if the water isn’t stopped quickly.One of the most important things every homeowner should know in a plumbing emergency is how to turn off their water main. It’s simple, but in a stressful moment, not knowing where it is or how it works can make a bad situation worse.In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly...

Plumbing Inspections Before Buying a House in Hawke's Bay

Usually worth it, if the house was built before about 1990. You won't get a formal document out of it. What you get is a plumber on site telling you things about a house that nobody else looking at it will.Want a plumber through a house before you commit?Call Jacob on 06 870 6000.Pre-purchase and maintenance inspections from $250 + GST, Hastings to Napier.Last updated August 2026It's worth setting expectations properly first, because a lot of pages on this subject don't. Plumbing work in New Zea...

Dux Quest Plumbing in Hawke's Bay | Risks & What to Do

If you live in an older home in Hastings, Napier, or anywhere around Hawke’s Bay, there’s a type of plumbing that can quietly cause big problems - Dux Quest.Most homeowners don’t realise they have it until something goes wrong. A sudden leak. Water damage behind a wall. Or a plumber turns up for a “small job” and flags a bigger risk hiding in the pipework.This article isn’t here to scare you — it’s here to explain what Dux Quest plumbing is, why it fails, and when it becomes...

What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

Emergency plumbing guide for Hastings, Napier & Hawke’s Bay homesWhen a plumbing emergency hits, it usually happens at the worst possible time - right before work, late at night, or when you’ve got guests around. Water everywhere, stress levels up, and no clear idea what to do next.The good news is there are a few simple steps you can take before the plumber arrives that can prevent further damage, keep your home safe, and help the repair go smoothly. You don’t need to be handy - you j...