Drainage
Blocked drain in Auckland: who do you call first?
Blocked drain in Auckland? Learn when to call Watercare, Auckland Council or a plumber, how to check your gully trap, and who pays to clear it.
Read the guidePlumbing guides
Straight answers forAuckland properties.
What to do when a pipe bursts, who to call about a blocked drain, how to find a hidden leak, and the paperwork landlords and building owners need. Each guide is checked against official sources and lists them.
Emergencies
Burst pipe: what to do in the first 10 minutes
Burst pipe at home? Step by step: turn off the water at the meter, switch off the hot water cylinder, keep electrics safe and take photos for insurance.
Read the guideLeaks
How do you check for a water leak at home?
Check for a water leak with Watercare’s meter test, a toilet dye test and the signs of hidden leaks, plus how Watercare’s leak allowance works.
Read the guideHot water
Hot water cylinder replacement: what do you need to know?
Hot water cylinder replacement explained: repair or replace, low or mains pressure, gas or heat pump, sizing, consent rules and safe temperatures.
Read the guideCompliance
Backflow testing in Auckland: what owners and managers must do
Who must test a backflow device in Auckland, how annual IQP testing works, how it fits your BWoF and Form 12A, and what Watercare does if you miss it.
Read the guideLandlords & tenants
Who pays for plumbing repairs in a NZ rental property?
Who pays for plumbing repairs in a NZ rental property: landlord duties, urgent repairs, tenant damage versus fair wear and tear, and water charges.
Read the guideGas safety
What gas certificate of compliance paperwork should you get in NZ?
What a gas certificate of compliance and gas safety certificate are in NZ, who can issue them, when they are due, and how to check your gasfitter.
Read the guide
Looking for seasonal maintenance tips?
Read the Stately blog