Blog
-
NZ’s Lead-Free Plumbing Rules Are Now In Effect – Here’s What You Need To Know
Read moreFrom 1 May 2026, the rules around what can be installed in your home’s plumbing have changed in a significant and important way. New Zealand now requires that all plumbing products that come into contact with drinking water must be lead-free. In practice, this means a lead content of no more than 0.25%. Whether you’re … Continued
-
Rental Property Plumbing Compliance In NZ – What Is Required From Landlords
Read moreAs of 1 July 2025, all private rental properties in New Zealand must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards under the Residential Tenancies Act. The standards cover five areas: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping. Of these, the moisture ingress and drainage standard has the most direct plumbing implications for landlords. … Continued
-
The Complete Guide To Water Filtration Systems For Christchurch Homes
Read moreChristchurch tap water is safe to drink. But safe and great are two different things. If you have ever noticed a faint chlorine smell when you fill a glass, seen limescale build up around your taps, or wondered what exactly is travelling through your pipes before it reaches your family, you are not alone. Water … Continued
-
5 Signs Your Hot Water Cylinder Is Leaking – Christchurch Guide
Read moreA leaking hot water cylinder doesn’t always announce itself with a flood. In most Christchurch homes, it quietly adds money to your power bill for weeks before anyone notices. There’s a specific reason Canterbury homeowners need to pay extra attention: Christchurch’s groundwater supply has higher chlorine levels than other New Zealand cities, which accelerates corrosion … Continued
-
Comprehensive Guide To Modern Plumbing Systems
Read moreYour plumbing system silently and efficiently facilitates the delivery of much-needed fresh water and ensures the hygienic removal of waste. While most occupants in a building only interact with faucets and handles, it’s the network behind the walls that does the heavy lifting. Understanding, repairing and maintaining these complex systems is what your plumber does, … Continued
-
The Essential Guide To Hot Water Temperature Regulations In NZ
Read moreMaintaining the correct water temperature in your home is about far more than just personal comfort during a morning shower. In New Zealand, the way we heat, store, and use water is a matter of public safety and legislation. If you own a home or manage a property, understanding the intersection of the NZ Building … Continued
-
How To Shut Off Your Water Mains Valve In An Emergency
Read moreIn a plumbing emergency, minutes matter. Knowing how to shut off your home’s water mains supply is the difference between a quick mop-up and thousands of dollars in restoration costs. Here is everything you need to know to find and kill the water flow before the damage spreads! Why The Shut-Off Valve Is Your Best … Continued
-
A Homeowner’s Guide To Gas Safety
Read moreGas appliances are the backbone of comfort and convenience in many New Zealand homes. They provide instant, efficient hot water, deliver that perfectly controlled flame for cooking, and keep our lounges cosy throughout the chilly winter months. However, faults in gas systems can introduce serious, invisible hazards into your home. That’s why regular professional maintenance … Continued
-
8 Eco-Friendly Plumbing Tips To Save Water, Energy And Money!
Read moreIn New Zealand, when we talk about having a sustainable home, we tend to focus on practices that help reduce our carbon footprint and preserve the planet’s natural resources. While you might first think of solar panels or recycling, your home’s plumbing system also plays an important role in sustainability efforts. From the water you … Continued
-
Ask A Plumber – Answers To Your Top 5 Plumbing Questions
Read moreWith over 50 years experience as residential plumbers, here at Whitehead Plumbing we have seen it all! Everything from blocked pipes, leaky taps and floods to broken hot water cylinders and more!Over the years, one thing has remained the same, we have noticed that homeowners often have the same core questions about their plumbing systems … Continued
-
What Constitutes A Plumbing Emergency?
Read moreKnowing the difference between a plumbing problem and a plumbing emergency isn’t just about avoiding inconvenience, it’s about safeguarding your home from potentially serious damage and saving money on repair costs. So let’s clarify what differentiates a ‘plumbing emergency’ from a ‘standard plumbing problem that needs attention’ and take a look at the tell-tale signs … Continued
-
Top 5 Most Common Plumbing Problems And How To Spot Them Early
Read moreIssues with your plumbing will undoubtedly be cause for concern for any homeowner. The key to avoiding huge plumbing bills is that while many issues may start small, they can save you considerable time, money, and stress if noticed early! So let’s dive into the 5 most common plumbing problems encountered in New Zealand households … Continued
-
Hot Water Cylinder Replacement – What You Need To Know
Read moreHot water is something we tend to take for granted. We turn on the tap, take a nice hot shower and wash dishes and laundry without giving it a second thought. That is, until there is none! This is why the good old hot water cylinder is actually one of the most important household appliances! … Continued
-
How To Choose A Plumber You Can Trust
Read moreWhen faced with an unexpected plumbing issue, finding the right plumber for the job is going to be essential for a successful resolution. Whether it’s a plumbing emergency or routine plumbing maintenance, professional, qualified and reliable plumbers will not only ensure the problem is fixed but also help prevent future issues from arising. With so … Continued
-
Plumbing Maintenance Tips
Read moreKeep on top of your house maintenance and avoid costly plumbing repairs in the future by maintaining your plumbing with our top 5 expert plumbing maintenance tips! Whitehead Plumbing and Gas Ltd have put together this handy troubleshooting checklist to help you maintain your plumbing. 1. Look For Leaks Dripping taps or leaky joints in … Continued
-
Residential And Commercial Plumbing Repairs
Read moreWhitehead Plumbing & Gas Ltd offers exceptional service to residential, commercial and industrial clients. Whether you are installing a new system, renovating your property, have an emergency repair or require ongoing maintenance support, our qualified team understands plumbing, gas, drainlaying, solar, heating and backflow. We listen to your needs and offer helpful advice to ensure … Continued