Frequently Asked Questions

You can attempt to plunge the line, but use gentle, controlled pressure to avoid damaging your pipework. Vigorous plunging may crack pipes or loosen fittings.

We strongly advise against using chemical drain cleaners or acid-based products. These don't effectively break down food scraps and can corrode your pipes from the inside, creating safety risks for our plumbers and potentially leading to costly repairs down the track.

If plunging doesn't resolve the blockage, contact K & B Plumbing NZ to arrange a visit. Our experienced plumbers have the right tools and expertise to clear stubborn blockages safely and identify any underlying issues with your drainage system.

If your water bill seems higher than usual and you have received a notice from Watercare, below are a few tips to check for leaks.

* Check for any dripping taps, inside and outside (hose taps).

* Check all toilets, are they running continuously?

* Check your hot water system. Is there water dripping more than normal from the hot water overflow on the roof?

* Walk around your property outside, look for wet patches, is the garden/grass looking very lush in one particular area, check your gardens for excess water, puddles.

* Check your water meter and water main connections. There could be excess water sitting in your water meter box.

* Listen for running water.

Our team specialise in locating and repairing water main leaks. If the leak is located on the Council side of the meter, we cannot touch it, but we will report the leak to Watercare on your behalf. Any other issues on your property, please reach out to our friendly team.

Is your hot water system leaking? Even minor drips can lead to significant water waste and higher bills over time. We recommend contacting us as soon as you notice any leaks, whether they're small or substantial. We recommend that you turn off the power, shut off the water to prevent flooding, and give our team a call. Our experienced plumbers will thoroughly inspect your system, identify the source of the problem, and discuss the best repair or replacement options for your situation. Don't wait—early intervention can save you money and prevent further damage to your home.

Pipes make noise for several common reasons. Moving water, trapped air, and high water pressure are the usual culprits. When you turn on a tap, water rushes through the pipes at speed. If the pressure is too high, it causes the metal or plastic to vibrate against your walls, ceilings, or under your house.

The most common noise is water hammer. This happens when you quickly shut off a tap — the moving water crashes into the closed valve like a car hitting a wall, sending shockwaves through your pipes.

Other causes include loose pipes that rattle as water flows through them, or faulty taps and non-return valves.

If you're hearing persistent pipe noise, give us a call. We'll send a plumber to investigate and sort it out for you.

* Ensure no water is used at all in the home before reading your meter.

* Locate your water meter (normally located near the front boundary of your property)

* Lift the lid (normally black/blue) and look for the reading dial (sometimes under a flip cover)

* Read the meter and write down all the numbers (read from right to left)

* Wait one hour then read the meter again and write down all the numbers (DO NOT use any water in the house during this period)

* Subtract the first set of numbers from the second set of numbers, if they are significantly different, then you have a leak.  Give us a call and arrange a time for our plumber to attend.

There are many different brands of taps/mixers available and most have a specific cartridge.  Not all cartridges fit all taps.  Give us a call and arrange a time for our plumber to service your tap/mixer.