Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions
Real answers to common plumbing issues across Hawke’s Bay
Plumbing problems are stressful, especially when you’re not sure whether something is serious or can wait. Below are some of the most common questions we get from homeowners around Hawke’s Bay, along with clear, practical answers.
Emergencies & Urgent Plumbing
How do I know if a plumbing issue is an emergency?
If water is actively leaking, causing damage, or you’ve lost essential services like toilets or hot water, it’s best treated as urgent. Burst pipes, overflowing toilets, leaking cylinders, and water coming through walls or ceilings should be looked at straight away to avoid further damage.
What should I do if a pipe bursts at home?
Turn off your water at the mains as quickly as possible - this is usually located near the front boundary and often called a 'water toby' or 'toby' here in New Zealand. Once the water is off, give us a call. Acting fast can prevent major damage to floors, walls, and cabinetry.
Do you do after-hours or emergency callouts?
Yes. We provide emergency plumbing support across Hawke’s Bay. Availability can vary outside normal hours, and emergency or weekend callouts have set fees. We’ll always explain this upfront before attending.
Hot Water Problems
Why is my hot water suddenly not working?
This can be caused by a few things, including a failed element, thermostat issues, pressure valve problems, or faults within the hot water cylinder itself. We’ll inspect the system and let you know whether it’s a repair or replacement situation.
Do you repair leaking hot water cylinders?
Yes. Not all leaks mean a full replacement is needed. Some issues, like valve or connection leaks, can be repaired. If the cylinder itself has failed, we’ll explain your options clearly.
Do you install new hot water cylinders?
We do. We install and replace electric and gas hot water cylinders and can help you choose the right size and setup for your household.
Do you repair Rinnai Infinity hot water systems?
Yes - we work with Rinnai Infinity systems and other major brands. If your system isn’t producing consistent hot water or is showing fault codes, we can diagnose and repair it.
Toilets, Drains & Taps
Why does my toilet keep running after flushing?
This is usually caused by worn internal parts inside the cistern. While it might seem minor, a running toilet can waste a lot of water. It’s typically a straightforward fix.
Do you fix blocked drains and toilets?
Yes. We clear blocked toilets, sinks, showers, and household drains. If blockages keep coming back, we can investigate the underlying cause.
Is a leaking tap something you can fix?
Absolutely. Most leaking taps are caused by worn cartridges or washers. It’s a small repair but can save water and prevent damage over time.
Why is my water pressure so low?
Low water pressure can be caused by old valves, pipe blockages, pipe leaks, or other issues within the plumbing system. We can test and diagnose the cause and recommend the best fix.
General Plumbing & Maintenance
Do you offer regular plumbing maintenance?
Yes. Regular checks can help catch small issues early, like slow leaks, worn valves, or pressure problems - before they turn into expensive repairs.
My shower goes hot and cold - what’s wrong?
This is often linked to a faulty mixer, pressure imbalance, or hot water system issue. We can assess the setup and get it running smoothly again.
