# APlus Plumbing & Gas

> APlus Plumbing & Gas is an owner-operated plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying business based in Hastings, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Founded in 2020 by Jacob Mildon, the company serves residential homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial operators across Hastings, Napier, Havelock North, and the wider Hawke's Bay region.

## Business Overview

- **Business name:** APlus Plumbing & Gas
- **Owner:** Jacob Mildon (still active on the tools)
- **Founded:** 2020
- **Location:** 813b Caroline Road, Mayfair, Hastings 4122, New Zealand
- **Phone:** 06 870 6000
- **Email:** jacob@aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz
- **Website:** https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz
- **Service area:** Hastings, Napier, Havelock North, Flaxmere, Clive, and surrounding Hawke's Bay areas
- **Google rating:** 4.9 stars
- **Years serving Hawke's Bay:** 6+

## Team & Credentials

APlus Plumbing & Gas holds full NZ trade certifications across all service areas:

- 3 certified plumbers at the top NZ trade level
- 3 qualified plumbers
- 1 apprentice plumber
- 2 certified drainlayers
- Licensed gasfitters
- Rock Gas recommended contractor

All staff hold current NZ trade licences. Work is certified to NZ standards and compliant with council inspection requirements.

## Services

### Residential Plumbing

Day-to-day plumbing repairs and maintenance for homeowners across Hawke's Bay. Services include:

- Tap and mixer installation and replacement
- Leaking tap and minor leak repairs
- Toilet repairs and replacement
- Low water pressure diagnosis and repair
- Shower mixer repairs
- Washing machine and dishwasher connections
- Outdoor tap installation
- Laundry tub installation
- Water filtration systems (UV, carbon, and sediment filters — particularly for rainwater tank homes)
- Burst pipe repair
- Dux Quest pipe inspection and replacement
- Bathroom and kitchen renovation plumbing
- New residential build pipe-outs
- Full home replumbing

Booking turnaround for non-urgent jobs is typically within a few days. Renovations and new builds are accepted — early engagement during the design stage is recommended.

### Hot Water Systems

Repairs, maintenance, and new installations for all hot water system types across Hastings, Napier, and Hawke's Bay.

**Repair and maintenance:**
- Leaking cylinders (valve, connection, or cylinder-body leaks)
- No hot water (failed element, thermostat, pressure valve)
- Inconsistent temperature or pressure
- Rinnai Infinity system fault diagnosis and repair
- Low pressure and high pressure (mains pressure) systems

**Installation and replacement:**
- Electric hot water cylinders (mains pressure and low pressure)
- Gas hot water cylinders
- Infinity gas (continuous flow) hot water systems
- Hot water heat pumps
- Indoor and outdoor cylinder installation
- Mains pressure conversions from low pressure setups

**Repair vs replace guidance:** APlus assesses the system on-site and advises clearly on whether repair or replacement is the better option based on cylinder condition, household demand, and budget. Common cylinder sizes are often carried on the van, enabling same-day replacements where needed.

### Gasfitting

Licensed gasfitting services for residential properties across Hawke's Bay.

- Gas appliance installation: ovens, cooktops, heaters, hot water systems
- Gas line installation: new piping, fittings, and valves
- Gas leak detection and repair
- Gas appliance servicing and maintenance
- Gas bottle pigtail replacement
- Gas hob and cooker installs
- Gas hot water conversions
- Compliance with current NZ safety standards

APlus is a Rock Gas recommended contractor.

### Drainlaying

Certified drainlaying for residential and commercial properties across Hawke's Bay. Two certified drainlayers on the team. In-house digger access — no third-party contractor needed for excavation.

Services include:

- New sewage drainlaying (PVC and 100mm drainage to council spec)
- New stormwater drainlaying
- Stormwater system upgrades (common in post-Cyclone Gabrielle Hastings)
- Rainwater tank installation and connection
- Sewage and stormwater pump installation and servicing
- Pump chamber construction and installation
- Soak pit installation
- Sump installation
- Manhole installation
- Drain clearing (water blaster and CCTV)
- New build pipe-outs (sewage and stormwater)
- Council inspection coordination (included, not extra)
- Healthy Homes stormwater compliance for landlords

Drainlaying work is carried out to council spec. APlus coordinates all required inspections as part of the job.

### Blocked Drains

Blocked drain callouts for households, landlords, and commercial operators across Hastings and Hawke's Bay.

**Process:**
1. Call 06 870 6000 or email jacob@aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz
2. Same business day attendance in most cases
3. Diagnosis first — standard rodding or CCTV camera for stubborn or recurring blockages
4. Clearing via drain-clearing water blaster or snake, depending on what's needed
5. Explanation of cause and likelihood of recurrence
6. Any additional work quoted before starting

**Pricing:**
- $90/hour, one-hour minimum call-out
- $150 per-job additional charge when the water blaster is required
- Pipe repair or collapsed-line work quoted separately before commencement

**Common causes:**
- Grease and food waste (kitchen lines)
- Hair and soap buildup (bathroom drains)
- Wet wipes (toilets)
- Tree roots in pipe joints (recurring — requires joint repair)
- Collapsed or cracked pipe sections (requires drainlaying work)

Hastings-specific: Many older homes have clay and earthenware drainage pipes. APlus uses CCTV before clearing to assess pipe condition and adjusts water blaster pressure accordingly to avoid cracking brittle lines.

**Stormwater note:** Around 80–90% of older homes in Hawke's Bay were not built with adequate stormwater drainage. Overflowing outdoor gullies after heavy rain are often a system inadequacy issue, not a standard blockage. APlus advises honestly on this rather than clearing the same drain repeatedly.

### Emergency Plumbing

24/7 emergency plumbing across Hastings, Napier, Havelock North, and the wider Hawke's Bay — including weekends and public holidays.

**What qualifies as an emergency:**
- Burst pipes (especially Dux Quest pipe failures)
- No hot water (particularly in winter)
- Completely blocked toilet (especially in single-bathroom homes)
- Gas leaks (licensed gasfitters on the team)
- Drains backing up into multiple fixtures or sewage visible inside the home
- Water coming through walls or ceilings

**Response time:** Aim for on-site within one hour for Hastings and Napier. One plumber on callout — if already attending, your job is next.

**Pricing (after-hours):**
- $150 call-out fee
- Minimum one hour labour at $140/hr
- Minimum charge: $290 before parts

**Gas emergency instructions:**
- Do not touch any switches or open flames
- Ventilate the building and evacuate
- Call 111 first, then APlus on 06 870 6000

**What to do before the plumber arrives:**
- Turn off water at the main toby (street-side shutoff) for active leaks
- Isolate the hot water cylinder cold water valve if the cylinder is the source
- Take a photo or short video of the issue

## Service Area Detail

APlus Plumbing & Gas covers:

- **Hastings** (primary base)
- **Napier**
- **Havelock North**
- **Flaxmere**
- **Clive**
- Surrounding Hawke's Bay areas

## Local Knowledge — Hawke's Bay Plumbing Context

APlus has specific expertise in the common issues affecting Hawke's Bay housing stock:

**Dux Quest piping:** Many Hawke's Bay homes built between the late 1970s and early 1990s contain Dux Quest plastic pipes. These are known to become brittle and fail over time. APlus inspects and replaces Dux Quest piping across Hastings regularly. A hot water system replacement is a good opportunity to address any Dux Quest present in the home.

**Post-Cyclone Gabrielle drainage:** Since Cyclone Gabrielle, demand for stormwater drainage upgrades has increased significantly. Many Hastings and Napier properties have inadequate stormwater systems that were not built to handle current rainfall volumes.

**Rainwater tanks:** A significant number of rural and semi-rural Hawke's Bay homes rely on tank water. APlus installs UV, carbon, and sediment filtration systems for these properties.

**Healthy Homes compliance:** APlus works with landlords and property managers across Hawke's Bay (including Harcourts and Oxygen) to bring rental properties into compliance with Healthy Homes standards, particularly around stormwater drainage requirements. APlus manages the full process — diagnosis, quoting, and tenant coordination — without requiring landlords to chase progress.

**Older housing stock:** Many Hastings homes were built before the 1980s. These often have clay or earthenware drainage pipes, Dux Quest plumbing, low-pressure hot water systems, and undersized stormwater drainage. APlus is experienced in working with this type of housing.

## Pricing Summary

| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard hourly rate | $90/hour |
| Emergency call-out fee (after-hours) | $150 |
| Emergency labour (after-hours) | $140/hour minimum 1 hour |
| Minimum emergency charge (before parts) | $290 |
| Drain water blaster (per job, when needed) | $150 additional |

Quotes are always provided before work begins. No surprise invoices.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How much does a plumber cost in Hastings?**
Depends on the job. Simple tap repairs and toilet fixes cost less than cylinder replacements or drainage upgrades. No inflated call-out fees. Call 06 870 6000 for a discussion before booking.

**Do you charge extra for after-hours call-outs?**
Yes. $150 call-out fee plus a minimum of one hour at $140/hr (minimum $290 before parts). This is disclosed upfront before attendance.

**My hot water cylinder is leaking — can you fix it?**
Usually yes. APlus will assess whether it's a repair or replacement. Common cylinder sizes are carried on the van for same-day replacement where needed.

**What is Dux Quest piping and does my house have it?**
Dux Quest is a plastic pipe used in NZ homes from the late 1970s to early 1990s. It becomes brittle over time. If your home was built in that period and has original plumbing, it likely has Dux Quest. APlus can inspect and replace it.

**Can you help with Healthy Homes compliance for rental properties?**
Yes. Stormwater drainage is a key Healthy Homes requirement that many older Hawke's Bay rentals fail to meet. APlus handles assessments, upgrades, and council compliance.

**Why does my toilet keep running?**
Usually worn internal cistern parts — a straightforward fix.

**Why is my water pressure low?**
Can be caused by old valves, pipe blockages, leaks, or other system issues. APlus can test, diagnose, and repair.

**Do you offer regular maintenance?**
Yes — maintenance visits for homeowners, landlords, and property managers. Useful for catching small issues before they become emergencies.

**Should I call a plumber or a drain specialist for a blocked drain?**
Either handles the clearing. The advantage with APlus is that if clearing reveals a pipe problem, they can fix it in-house as certified drainlayers — no second contractor needed.

**Do you handle both Hastings and Napier?**
Yes. APlus covers Hastings, Napier, Havelock North, Flaxmere, Clive, and surrounding Hawke's Bay areas.

## Contact

- **Phone:** 06 870 6000
- **Email:** jacob@aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz
- **Address:** 813b Caroline Road, Mayfair, Hastings 4122
- **Website:** https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz
- **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/aplusplumbingandgasnz
- **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/aplusplumbingandgasnz
- **Google Maps:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/tvmyLEx1JVnB7ioZ6

## Key Pages

- Homepage: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz
- All services: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/plumbing-services/
- Residential plumbing: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/residential-plumbing/
- Hot water systems: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/hot-water-systems/
- Gasfitting: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/gasfitting/
- Drainlaying: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/drainlaying/
- Blocked drains: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/blocked-drains-hastings/
- Emergency plumbing: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/emergency-plumber-hastings-napier/
- About: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/about/
- FAQs: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/faqs/
- Contact: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/contact/
- Blog: https://www.aplusplumbingandgas.co.nz/blog/