Plumbing Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have exceptionally high power bills?How do I tell if I have low pressure hot water?
Why is there water dripping out of a pipe on my roof or gully-trap?
How can I make my hot water use more eco-friendly?
What does it cost to upgrade to mains pressure?
Does Turner Tap hold all the relevant qualifications?
How do I improve the water pressure in my shower?
My Waste Disposal Unit doesn’t work. What’s wrong?
How much does it cost?
Does Turner Tap supply the fixtures or should I buy them myself?
Why do I have exceptionally high power bills?
There could be a fault with one or more of the valves on your hot water cylinder. This needs attention immediately and may require a new diaphragm, washer or total replacement. The best thing you can do to reduce your bill is call us to fix the problem as soon as possible. The water that is leaking from your cylinder has been heated and paid for by you, hence the high power bill.
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How do I tell if I have low pressure hot water?
Turn on your hot water at the kitchen sink, then compare this to the cold water. If there is a noticeable difference in pressure, you have a low pressure hot water system.
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Why is there water dripping out of a pipe on my roof or gully-trap?
It is normal to have occasional, small amounts of water dribbling out as your cylinder releases excess pressure. However, if the water is constantly dripping or gushing, then you have a problem with one or both of your valves, which will require immediate attention. Call us today to get the problem sorted as soon as possible as this fault is costing you money every day.
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How can I make my hot water use more eco-friendly?
Heating your hot water makes up a significant portion of your energy usage (approx 40%), so it is important to optimise your use of this power. Modern hot water cylinders are extremely well-insulated and designed to be eco-friendly, so if your cylinder is only 4-5 years old, there should be no need to further insulate it.
If you have a choice, locate your cylinder near the kitchen, so that you are minimising the amount of water you have to run through before it comes out hot. The kitchen hot water tap is typically the most-used in the house.
Consider a modern heat-pump style hot water cylinder such as the new Rheem system, which uses ambient heat to assist in the heating of your water, utilising air-conditioning technology.
You may also consider switching to an instantaneous gas hot water system such as a Rheem or Rinnai, which eliminates the energy used in keeping the water hot in your cylinder.
We are happy to discuss your options with you and come up with the most effective solution for your home.
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What does it cost to upgrade to mains pressure?
Typically the cost is between $2000 - $2500. Mains pressure cylinders are steel and cost more than low pressure, and you will also require a new set of valves. The advantage of mains pressure is particularly noticeable in large family homes, where the hot water pressure remains nice and high when multiple taps or showers are being used simultaneously. It also increases the pleasure you’ll get from your morning shower, there’s nothing worse than being dribbled on by low pressure water.
Call us for more information, to discuss your options or for a quote.
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Does Turner Tap hold all the relevant qualifications?
Paul Turner is a Craftsman Plumber and Gasfitter, registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Please see www.pgdb.co.nz for details of the various industry qualifications. Limited Licence and Registered Plumbers or Gasfitters must work under the supervision of a Craftsman to comply with the current legislation.
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How do I improve the water pressure in my shower?
Unfortunately, there is little that you can do for water pressure, without changing your cylinder for mains pressure or instantaneous gas. Upgrading an old shower head may give you better flow and the impression that things have improved, so might be worth a shot, but ultimately won’t fix the problem.
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My Waste Disposal Unit doesn’t work. What’s wrong?
There are a few common problems with in-sink waste units. If it’s blocked, water and muck will be backing up into your sink. Your unit is probably clogged with dried food scraps in the waste pipe and will require a professional to unblock and clean.
If the blades are stuck, you will hear a humming noise but it’s not mincing your waste. Again, you’ll need a professional to fix the problem.
If there is no motor running at all, check the bottom of the unit for a recessed switch, which is the trip switch, and flick it on. You may find that fixes it without needing to call us. If not, it's best to get us on the job.
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How much does it cost?
Monday to Friday 7.30am – 5.00pm our standard rates apply. All rates below include GST:
- $90 for the call-out, which includes the first hour. There is no separate vehicle or mileage charge. Please note time starts from when the plumber departs Ellerslie.
- Subsequent hours are charged at $75 per hour for plumbing. Gasfitting is charged at $100 per hour. Due to the large variety of fittings and materials used in plumbing, it is common for the plumber to make a trip to a plumbing merchant for supplies. Time away from your house for this purpose is of course charged to the job.
- After hours, weekends and public holiday call-outs are charged at $150.00 per hour, with a two-hour minimum charge.
- Valve replacements on low-pressure hot water cylinders range between $200-$275.
- Tap replacement approx $90 - $150, excluding tap and materials.
- Leaking toilet inlet valve approx $140 including materials.
- Leaking toilet outlet valve washer change approx $95 including materials.
Does Turner Tap supply the fixtures or should I buy them myself?
Turner Tap works with all the major plumbing retailers, and can point you in the direction of the best showrooms in town, so that you have a wide variety of fixtures to choose from. When choosing your toilets, vanities, showers, taps and other fittings, tell the merchant that you are a customer of Turner Tap’s, so that they extend the best possible deal to you. If you have received a quote from a merchant before contacting us, we would welcome the opportunity to match it.
If you do purchase your fixtures through Turner Tap, the advantage to you is that we will not only look after the delivery and quality control, but we will guarantee everything that we have provided. Our guarantee on the products is one year, or the duration of the manufacturer’s guarantee, whichever is longer. This means that if there is any need for us to repair or replace something, there is no cost to you for us to come out and see to it.
If you purchase your fixtures yourself, or provide second-hand fixtures, these are not guaranteed by Turner Tap. We will of course come out to repair items if necessary but you will be charged for the labour and would need to contact the manufacturer directly for any reimbursement that may or may not apply.
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Phone: (09) 525 2686
Fax: (09) 525 2683
Mobile: 027 230 6758
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