Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

How much does a plumbing service call cost in Wellington?

We don’t want it to be a bummer when you need a plumber. When deciding on a local plumber in Wellington, it is important to choose a reliable plumber and preferably a plumber close by. When it comes to plumbing, we like to be forthcoming. We start with an agreed-upon service call before arriving at your property, which is inclusive of GST and travel charges. One price, no surprises. We include a portion of time in our service calls to provide you with an outcome. Materials are additional, and our Wellington local plumbers will always discuss any costs beyond the service call with you before proceeding.

How do we schedule urgent plumbing jobs?

We understand the urgency in an emergency. For the just-in-case, we always have some space where you need us to administer a cylinder, contain a leak from the rain. With just a swipe we can fix your pipe. So for the best mend, make sure we attend. We keep a portion of our schedule free for emergencies every single day so that we can attend your emergencies as fast as possible. As we cover all of Wellington, we are sure to have plumbers close by. We also schedule in such a way that we can take on larger emergency work such as hot water cylinders in 24 hours if not the same day.

How much does Wellington plumbing cost?

The cost of plumbing services and repairs in Wellington can vary depending on several factors, including the type and complexity of the job, the location of the property, and the experience and qualifications of the plumber. A plumbing service can start from anywhere between $80 to $150, it is important to keep in mind that these prices will depend on the expertise and the kind of plumbing job you are after. In Wellington, location also plays an important role in determining the plumbing charges.

When do we have to pay for the plumbing work?

Upon completion either by online banking or credit card. We would prefer it was not cash as there are increasingly fewer bank branches around. Payment is required at the end of the job that was agreed, either verbally or written price sent. An invoice will be sent as a matter of compliance and not a request for payment.

What guarantee do you offer on your plumbing work?

The Consumer Guarantees Act states that work must last a reasonable amount of time. The Building Act also applies which has a range of guarantees depending on where the piping is installed. If the piping is in a difficult place, i.e. in a foundation, it is 50 years. For maintenance items such as tap washers, there is a 1-year warranty. On visible piping, the guarantee is 5 years.

How often should I have my plumbing checked?

It is recommended to have your plumbing checked and serviced at least once a year. If you are experiencing plumbing problems or have an older plumbing system, then get your plumbing checked more frequently.

How do we know you're qualified?

A qualified plumber will be certified and registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) in New Zealand. You can ask us to see the registration or license.

Are you qualified to carry out plumbing, gas fitting and drainlaying?

Yes, as a qualified plumber, we are certified and registered with the PGDB to carry out plumbing, gas fitting, and drainlaying work in New Zealand. You can ask us to see the registration or license.

What do I do in the event of a plumbing, gas, or drainage emergency?

In the event of a plumbing, gas, or drainage emergency, it is important to turn off the water or gas supply, and contact a qualified and registered plumber immediately. Call Southern for your emergency on 0800 484 353.

Why a DIY fix isn’t feasible?

DIY plumbing fixes can be dangerous and can cause further damage if not done correctly. It is important to always hire a qualified and registered plumber to ensure that the work is done safely and to the up to building standards.

What is a Master Plumber?

A Master Plumber is a highly skilled and experienced plumber who has met the requirements set by the Society of Master Plumbers and has a licence with the PGDB, including passing a series of tests and having a certain number of years of experience and has the necessary insurance to cover you in case anything goes wrong and we are not we are not around to fix the problem. And may cover the deposit in some cases.

What is considered a plumbing emergency?

A plumbing emergency is considered a situation that poses an immediate risk to health, safety or property, such as a burst pipe, gas leak, or major sewer blockage.

Do you provide plumbing quotes?

Yes, we provide quotes for all of our plumbing services.

Are you available after hours?

Yes, we provide after hours services for emergency situations. If you have an emergency, then you can call our plumber on 0800 484 353.

Are you certified to do gas installations and maintenance work?

Yes, we are certified to do gas installations and maintenance work. You can ask us for our license.

Do you do bathroom renovations?

Yes, we offer bathroom renovation services and have experience in designing and installing new bathrooms in Wellington.

What areas do you cover in Wellington?

We offer our services in Wellington Central, Wellington City, Aro Valley, Brooklyn, Khandallah, Kilbirnie, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Newtown, Lyall Bay, Johnsonville, Karori, Oriental Bay, Seatoun, Paekakariki, Petone, Porirua, Raumati, Rongotai, Tawa, Te Aro, Kelburn, Berhampore, Churton Park, Days Bay, Eastbourne, Hataitai, Hutt Valley, Island Bay, Kelson, Maungaraki, Miramar, Mt Cook, Mt Victoria, Newlands, Ngaio, Normandale, Northland, Paremata, Pauatahanui, Crofton Downs, Thorndon, Titahi Bay, Vogeltown, Wadestown, Waiwhetu, Waterloo, Whitby and Wilton and other suburbs in Wellington.

What is considered as an emergency?

If you have:
No gas
Gas leak
Water leak
No hot water
Blocked drain
and more.
Then you can call us on our 24/7 emergency contact number, 0800 484 353.

What is the cost to install a gas oven or stove, including electrical setup for an electric oven?

Stoves vary in configuration. Some are upright cookers with a combined oven and cooktop, either gas or electric. Others have separate wall ovens and hobs. If you're changing from a gas oven to an electric one, the electrical cable may need upgrading, which requires an electrician to inspect. We recommend booking a service call to assess this first. Electricians will not connect a stove to an undersized cable. Pricing for the cable upgrade can be provided once assessed.

What does it cost to service a Braemar or Brivis central heating unit?

We have standard charges for servicing central heating systems. This includes checking the ducting, installation safety, and performing a pressure test to ensure there are no gas leaks. We're authorised Braemar service agents in Wellington.

What types of extractor fans are available?

Extractor fans come in various sizes and serve different purposes. Bathrooms, for example, often require ventilation by law, especially if there's no window. Fans are rated by air changes per hour, with bathrooms typically requiring 1–3 air changes per hour. Fans can be inline (quieter and often more powerful) or located at the intake grill. Mounting options include wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted units. Ceiling fans are ducted to the exterior via the roof or eaves. Roof discharges may require expensive flashings for waterproofing.

How do you prevent flooding in basements or downstairs rooms?

It starts with a proper drainage design to capture seepage. Once designed and approved, we can provide a quote for the work.

What are your charges for blocked drains?

We have standard pricing for drain unblocking and CCTV inspections. Toilet unblocking is also offered at a standard rate. Call us now for a quote.

What do I do if I have a leak?

We offer leak detection services for roof, pipe, and hot water cylinder leaks. Locating the source may require investigative work, especially when the entry point isn't obvious. A service call is typically the first step.

Can I get a quote to find a leak?

Quoting leak detection is tricky — it often requires uncovering the issue before a fixed price can be given. We begin with a standard service call or investigative work, then provide a quote once the problem is identified. Book your job today with us.

What about leaking toilets?

Toilet leaks are common, and often involve replacing connectors. You may also want to consider upgrading to a modern back-to-wall toilet with a soft-close seat for easier cleaning.

What if I hear a hissing sound under the floor?

That could indicate a burst pipe with a pinhole leak. Call us immediately.

What guttering and spouting profiles do you offer?

We supply a wide variety of gutter and spouting profiles from several manufacturers. For custom shapes like box gutters or rain heads, we fabricate to fit. Some older profiles, such as galvanized or copper quarter-rounds, may be discontinued.
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