plumbing

As New Zealand’s largest and most populous urban area, Auckland faces its fair share of plumbing challenges. From leaky pipes to low water pressure, households experience a range of issues. Understanding the most common problems enables Auckland homeowners to complete simple repairs themselves or seek professional help when needed. Here is a handy guide to frequent regional plumbing troubles and solutions.

Blocked Drains

Clogged drains are a notorious nuisance in the Auckland area. Sinks, tubs, and toilets backing up makes a smelly, unhygienic mess. Common culprits are hair, grease, toys, dirt, and tree roots infiltrating exterior drain lines. Start by carefully trying a plunger or drain snake to dislodge debris. If unsuccessful, reach for an enzyme cleaner to dissolve organic material. For extensive jams or outdoor blockages, call a professional plumber to inspect with cameras, hydro jet pipes or remove damaged sections if necessary.

Leaky Faucets

The continual drip of a leaky faucet drives water bills up significantly. Auckland’s hard water also leaves heavy calcium deposits that erode washers and seals. Start by shutting off water under the sink, then taking the faucet apart to inspect washers, O-rings, springs, and valves. Replace any cracked or loose parts to stop minor leaks. For calcified fixtures with no visible damage, soaking components overnight in vinegar often cleans away hard water buildup so parts reseal properly.

No Hot Water

Lack of hot water for showers, laundry and dishes makes Auckland life rather unpleasant. Electric hot water cylinders and gas geysers each face unique issues. Power cylinders tend to leak as elements age and tanks rust. Gas systems more often have damaged thermocouples or problems with the gas line and pilot light. In either case, begin troubleshooting yourself by checking power supply, monitoring error codes and testing discharge water temperature. If unsure of the cause, request an assessment from your trusted local plumber.

Water Hammer

Loud banging in pipes when faucets turn on or off frequently plagues Auckland plumbing. Water hammer occurs when valves close too quickly, sending shockwaves through the system. To reduce noise, install air chambers or small cushions in the system to absorb pressure spikes. Adjusting the water pressure regulator, securing pipes to rafters, and replacing worn washers also helps quiet noisy pipes.

Low Water Pressure

Inadequate home water pressure results in weak flow from Auckland fixtures. Causes range from regional supply issues and undersized main lines to internal obstructions and pressure regulator failure. Check pressure at outdoor spigots first to determine if the problem lies at the city connection or within your household plumbing. Next inspect filters and aerators for trapped debris. Finally, consider replacing faulty regulators, boosting pressure with pumps or re-piping corroded galvanized supply lines if needed.

Burst Pipes

During New Zealand’s chilly winters, frozen pipes and joints pose bursting risks when ice expands inside plumbing components. PVC exterior lines and copper indoor piping are both susceptible. Insulate external pipes and outdoor faucets to prevent freezing. Indoors, allow warm air to circulate around walls by moving furniture away from the exterior. During extreme cold snaps, let faucets slowly drip overnight to relieve pressure buildup. If pipes freeze or rupture, anyway, immediately shut off the water supply and call emergency plumbers to contain any leaking and flooding damage.

Leaking Toilets

A constantly refilling toilet tank drains money directly down the drain on your Auckland water bill. Start troubleshooting by checking the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper valve. Often the chain gets out of alignment, preventing a complete valve seal after flushing. Other times the flapper seal wears out or gets mineral deposits that prevent closure. Replacing the entire flapper assembly takes minutes, requires no tools, and commonly resolves leaks. Seek professional help if problems continue despite replacements.

Septic System Issues

For rural Auckland properties on private septic tanks instead of public sewer lines, issues with the household wastewater system often arise. Slow draining fixtures, gurgling sounds, visible surfacing seepage or foul odors indicate septic trouble. Begin by having the tank pumped to remove full sludge and scum accumulation. For ongoing problems, inspect tank components for cracks and test field drainage. Repair or expand fields and filtration systems if excess waste is overloading the existing setup and preventing proper wastewater processing before ground absorption and dispersal.

Final words

Knowing Auckland’s most frequent plumbing troubles helps homeowners address problems proactively. Follow preventative habits like installing hair screens, avoiding oil and grease in drains, and insulating pipes properly. Undertake minor repairs and maintenance yourself whenever feasible. Contact us at MGP for timely professional assistance for major blockages, burst pipes, no hot water, or septic failures to prevent costly water damage and contamination. Staying informed and vigilant keeps household plumbing operating smoothly for your family’s health and convenience.