According to the Queensland Government’s website, ‘One slowly dripping tap can waste 9,000 litres of water a year, while a visibly leaking toilet can waste more than 60,000 litres.’ This waste equates to higher than usual water bills, which means money out of your pocket.

While I don’t want to do myself out of a job, I do like to assist wherever possible, which includes providing tips on how you can prevent your taps from leaking. Even if you don’t find a leaking tap annoying or mind paying higher water bills, a leaking tap can be a sign of a more severe problem or can lead to more serious damage.

If you’re looking to save some money on your water bills – and plumbing repair bills – then continue reading this article. I will share with you some great tips to help prevent your taps from leaking.

Tighten the tap handles/lever

It may seem obvious, but a tap will leak if the handles/lever is not turned off tightly. If one or both washers are worn, and the tap is not tightly turned off, the worn washer will cause the tap to leak. Tightening the tap handles/lever may reduce the leak, but this is only a temporary fix. The washers will need to be replaced to fix the leak.

Invest in quality tapware

A sure way to prevent taps from leaking is to invest in quality tapware. A leaking tap, in most cases, is caused by a problem with the tap itself. It may be that the washer has worn, the cartridge or valve seat is damaged, or it could even have something to do with the type of tap.

There are many different types of taps, and some a more prone to leaking than others. Ball-type taps; those that use a metal ball to control the water flow, are much more prone to leaks than compression or disc type taps. You’ll find that most modern mixer taps are of the disc cartridge type; meaning they relay on a disc and cartridge to control the water flow; and a little tip, look for those with a ceramic disc cartridge. They are of better quality and provide higher longevity.

Hire licensed plumbers

Plumbing installations, including installing taps, should only ever be done by a licensed plumber. They know how a tap operated and will ensure the tap and pipework is installed and connected correctly.

Granted, anyone can replace an existing tap if they put their mind to it. But for peace of mind and for leak prevention, it certainly pays to have a licensed plumber replace a tap too.

Conduct regular inspections

We don’t have a crystal ball that tells us when a tap is about to start leaking. Therefore, we won’t know when a tap is about to start leaking until it starts leaking. However, you can limit the water waste and any potential damage by being diligent and performing regular inspections of all taps in your home, any including outdoor taps.

You can go the extra step by having a licenced plumber, such as iSpecialise, perform a plumbing inspection on your premises to review and identify any potential problems, well beyond a simple leaking tap. In a plumbing inspection, we systematically review all aspects of your plumbing to identify any leaks, preforming pressure tests of the sewer system, inspect drains with CCTV cameras, identify pipework locations, amongst other things. You can find out more on our plumbing inspection here.

Conclusion

Leaking taps are nothing if not a pain in the backside. The constant drip, drip, drip, is annoying, the wasted water can be costly, and if not attended to, a leaking tap can lead to more serious plumbing issues.

There are preventive measures to help reduce the chances of a tap leaking or to catch the leak before it turns serious. Such measures include tightening the tap handles, investing in quality tapware, hiring licensed plumbers and conducting regular plumbing inspections.

If you have a leaking tap in Auckland, then contact iSpecialise. We will happily provide you with a fixed price quote to stop your taps leaking. Call our office on 09-889 9553 today.

The post How to Prevent Your Taps From Leaking appeared first on iSpecialise.

As gas plumbers, the team at iSpecialise can take care of all your gas needed, including switching from electricity to gas; whether it’s just one appliance or the entire home. We are fully qualified to handle all gas installations and provide a satisfaction guarantee on all workmanship.

If you are considering making the switch to gas, then continue reading this article. Below, you will find the most common home uses for gas, which may just help you finalise your decision.

Cooking with Gas

Of course, when we think of home uses of gas, the first thing that comes to mind is a gas cooktop, and for good reason. Gas is the preferred cooking fuel for chefs and home chefs alike because it delivers instant heat, better temperature control, and much less electricity than an electric cooktop. The great thing about gas cooktops is that they don’t require a gas connection. You can get LGP gas cooktops that run off gas bottles, which is obviously cheaper to install.

iSpecialise commonly install gas cooktops in Auckland, both natural gas and LPG gas cooktops. Contact us to see which type of gas is best suited for your needs.

Hot Water

Next to cooking with gas is heating water with gas. Unlike standard hot water systems, which run off electricity, gas hot water units utilise natural gas. Therefore, water heats faster, and in turn, running costs are cheaper. However, as they require natural gas, a gas connection to the home is required.

iSpecialise installs all types of gas hot water units in Auckland, including continuous flow hot water and gas storage hot water. Both are economical; however, continuous flow units deliver hot water only as you need it and never runs out, whereas gas storage systems can only supply the amount of water held by the system.

Heating

Thankfully, it doesn’t get too cold in Auckland during winter. However, it is cool enough to need a heater, at least in the early hours of the morning. Electric heaters are not at all economically-efficient, but gas heaters are.

Gas heaters come in the forms of flued (natural) and portable (LPG). Then there are gas fireplaces. All are significantly cheaper to run than electronic heaters. They are also much better for heating an entire house compared to electric heaters.

iSpecialise install fueled gas heaters and gas fireplaces in Auckland, saving homeowners significantly on their heating costs. If you’d like to switch to gas heating, give us a call.

Clothes Dryers

Did you know a gas clothes dryer is 50% cheaper to run than an electronic clothes dryer? These running costs add up to significant savings. Moreover, they dry clothes quicker and are more gentle on fabrics.

Gas clothes dryer run off natural gas, and therefore require natural gas to be fitted to your home. If you’d like to make the switch to natural gas today, call iSpecialise.

Conclusion

For instant heat and more economically-efficient heating, you simply can’t beat gas. There are two options for home gas; natural gas, which connects to the main gas supply and LPG gas, which runs off gas bottles. Whichever you choose for your home, know you will avail significant savings. Just remember,  gas clothes dryers and gas hot water systems only operate on natural gas, and therefore require a connection.

If you’d like to switch to gas, give Auckland gas plumbers, iSpecialise a call on 09-889 9553.

The post 4 Home Uses of Gas, & Why You Need to Make the Switch! appeared first on iSpecialise.

I’ve heard my fair share of horror stories from customers, which depict terrible workmanship, bad attitudes and all-round lousy service. I can, however, assure you, you won’t experience anything of the kind should you choose a reliable plumber in Auckland, such as iSpecialise. But of course, I don’t expect you to take my word for it. I’m more than happy to provide you with everything you need to know so that you can tell a reliable plumber from a poor plumber. You can then use this information to size us up and see if you believe we are worthy of your business.

So, how do you find a reliable plumber in Auckland? Continue reading to find out.

Turn to Google

Google really does rule the world. I don’t know about you, but the first thing I do when I want to find something is to head to Google and perform a search. A simple search for “plumbers Auckland” will return hundreds of viable options. You then just need to narrow them down.

To filter the good from the bad, look at their Google Rating, which is out of 5. These ratings are formed from testimonies of real customers. There is no way to hide a poor rating; what you see is a true representation of their service. Any plumber in Auckland with a high (5) star Google rating will be worth a look-in, but also pay attention to the number of reviews that formulate this rating. A 5-star plumber with just one review may not be an accurate representation – it may have been left by a family member or mate. You want to look for a plumber that has a 5-star rating based on a larger number of reviews.

Ask a Mate

You know what they say, nothing’s better than a recommendation from a friend or family member, and when it comes to finding a reliable plumber in Auckland, I believe this is one of the best ways to go about it.

By seeking recommendations from friends and family, you can rest assured knowing they have already used the plumber, and that their workmanship and service has already been put to the test.

Facebook and the likes of, now make it very easy to seek recommendations too. Simply create a post asking for a recommendation for a plumber, and you’re sure to receive may suggestions.

Get on the Blower

If you’d prefer a more hands-on approach, another way find a reliable plumber in Auckland is to pick up the phone and give a few a call. A short discussion with the plumber or the plumber’s admin staff will give you a good feel for them and also how they communicate with their customers.

If you have a big plumbing job, ask if they can inspect the site/home and provide a fixed price quote. The telling factor here is a) whether they are happy to give up some of their time to provide you with a quote and b) turn up on time to the scheduled meeting.

Plumbers that are happy to provide an on-site quote and moreover, turn up on time, are likely to be reliable in all other aspects of your dealings with them.

Conclusion

It’s so easy to find a plumber in Auckland; there are literally hundreds of options. What’s not as easy is finding a reliable plumber in Auckland. Though they do exist! You just need to know how to find them.

For peace of mind when hiring a plumber, be sure to either search on Google and look for a plumber with a high star rating and a high number of reviews, get on Facebook and as friends and family for a recommendation, or pick up the phone and call a few plumbers and request an on-site quote. Alternatively, just call iSpecialise. Our ratings and reviews speak for themselves.

Contact our office to arrange a free quote.

The post How To Find a Reliable Plumber in Auckland appeared first on iSpecialise.

Knowing what to do in a gas emergency is vital. Your family’s safety is paramount. To ensure your family is safe, you need to know the symptoms of a gas leak and what to do in a gas leak situation. We look at these items in today’s article.

What are the symptoms of a gas leak

The first sign of a gas leak will be a strange smell in the air. If you’re not sure what gas smells like, it’s described best as a rotten egg-like smell or sulphur. It’s a distinctive smell that you will never forget.

Another symptom of a gas leak is a hissing or whistling sound. If you use Natural Gas, the sound will be coming from the gas line location. You may also see a white dust/cloud around the gas line location.

Bubbles in water are another sign of a potential gas leak as too are limp or dead house plants.

A damaged gas pipe is a clear indication of a gas leak.

You may also experience physical symptoms too. Such symptoms may include dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, breathing difficulties, headaches, irritable eyes and through, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, amongst others.

What to do in a gas leak situation

If you suspect you have a gas leak, you need to take every precaution to ensure your and your family’s safety. The first thing you need to do is to turn off the gas as your meter if you have Natural Gas or at the bottle if you have LPG Gas.

Next, go throughout your home and switch off all appliances that operate with gas; gas hot water storage units, gas ovens, gas cooktops, gas heaters, etc., including electrical appliances.

When you are sure your gas connection is turned off, and you have switched off all appliances, gas and electrical, then you should call an emergency gas detection company in Auckland, such as iSpecialise.

We will instruct you to open all windows and doors to increase ventilation (if it is safe to do so) and then exit your property and wait for us to arrive on the nature strip.

Call iSpecialise; your local gas leak experts!

iSpecialise provide a rapid-response gas leak detection and repair service to ensure your gas emergency is attended to and repaired as soon as possible.

We are fully licensed gas fitters and have specialised inferred cameras that enable us to detect gas leaks without causing additional damage to your home. Once we find the source of the leak, we can then repair the leak and make your home safe once again.

Conclusion

I personally have a gas connection in my home, and I couldn’t imagine life without it. It provides my family with hot water, heating, and instant flame power for cooking, and because I installed it myself, I know it is safe. However, gas leaks can happen. Therefore, you need to know a) what the signs of a gas leak are and b) what to do in a gas leak situation.

Symptoms of a gas leak include an egg-like smell in the air, hissing or whistling sounds, bubbles in water, dead or limp plants, along with a range of physical symptoms, which include dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, breathing difficulties, etc.

If you suspect you have a gas leak, turn off your gas connection, evacuate your premises, and give iSpecialise a call. As licensed gas fitters in Auckland, we have specialist inferred leak detection equipment that will locate the source of the leak for a safe and rapid repair.

Call our office today on 09-889 9553.

The post What To Do If You Have A Gas Leak appeared first on iSpecialise.

As a plumber and gas fitter, I tend to plumbing emergencies in Auckland on a daily basis, so for me, it’s just another job – no big deal. But to my customers, it is understandably a cause for concern. Often, they don’t know the cause of the issue, where it’s originating from, how long it will take to fix and how much it will cost to repair. And, in most cases, they also have no idea how to handle the situation. So today, I thought it would be a good idea to provide a reference guide on how to handle a plumbing emergency.

Continue reading to discover what to do in case of a plumbing emergency in Auckland.

Step 1: Determine the type of Plumbing Emergency

A plumbing emergency can be many things; it can be a burst pipe, blocked drain, broken hot water system, blocked toilet etc. And for plumbers like iSpecialise, who specialises in plumbing and gas works, it can also be a gas emergency.

The first step in handling a plumbing emergency is to determine what type of emergency you have on your hands; is it water-related or gas related? If it’s a water-related emergency such as a burst pipe, then the actions will be different from that of a gas-related emergency such as a gas leak.

It will also be helpful to the plumber if you could investigate the source of the issue so they can be prepared and have the correct fittings for the job ahead of arrival.

Step 2: Turn off the Mains Supply

The second step in a plumbing emergency is to turn off the mains. So, if it’s water-related emergency turn off your water supply at the meter and if it’s a gas-related emergency turn off your gas at your bottle or valve connection.

In the case where a water-related emergency has resulted in a flood, I also recommend that your turn off your electricity supply just to be safe. Water is a conductor of electricity, so things could quickly turn disastrous. It is also a good idea to turn on all taps to clear water from the pipes to reduce further damage.

Step 3: Call the Emergency Plumber

Once you have turned off the main supply, call iSpecialise emergency plumbers so they can attend to your property within a few hours. At this point, we will ask a few questions to assess the cause and severity of the problem and give you a definitive ETA for our arrival.

Step 4: Preparing for the Emergency Plumber

While you wait for iSpecialise emergency plumbers to arrive, and providing you have your mains turned off, you can clean up and take further measures to control the problem.

If you have had a water leak, you can tape around the leaking area and mop up any excess water. However, if you have a gas leak, evacuate the premises and wait for iSpecialise to arrive.

Conclusion

A plumbing emergency is never a good thing. Whether its water-related or gas-related, you need to know how to handle it to ensure safety and to minimise damage.

The first step to take in any plumbing emergency is to determine the type of emergency; is it water-related; i.e., a leak or blockage, or is it gas-related; i.e., a gas leak? Once you identify the issue, the next step is to turn off the mains; turn off the water supply for water-related issues and turn off the gas supply for gas-related issues. Then, call iSpecialise emergency plumbers immediately.

We have experienced emergency plumbers who specialise in both water and gas-related plumbing emergencies. In times of an emergency, you can count on us to prioritise your call and tend to your emergency promptly. Phone 09-889 9553 today.

The post How To Handle a Plumbing Emergency appeared first on iSpecialise.

The good news is, iSpecialise are experts at clearing blocked drains in Auckland, and can usually have a drain unblocked in under an hour. This quick turn around means your problem is solved faster, and the repair is cheaper… and who doesn’t love to hear that?

So, the question you want the answer to; how much does it cost to clear a blocked drain? Well, very little! Did you know, iSpecialise can have your blocked drains cleared for as little as $120? Yes, that’s right. While other Auckland plumbers may charge different and escalating fees based on the type of drain that’s blocked, iSpecialise doesn’t bill that way.

The cost for iSpecialise to clear a blocked drain

At iSpecialise, we assess each blockage based on whether it can be cleared using hand equipment such as a rod or plunger, or whether it requires specialist equipment like our high-pressure jetter.

The cost to clear a blocked drain using hand equipment

Often a blocked kitchen sink or shower drain can be freed with hand equipment, which you’re looking at onwards of $120.00 to clear. However, if the blockage is more severe, such as a blocked stormwater drain, a jetter will likely be required to clear the blockage.

The cost to clear a blocked drain using a high-pressure jetter

A high-pressure jetter pumps water into the drain at very high speeds of up to 5000psi to clear any blockage. It is the most efficient and effective way to clear a blocked drain. How it works is, with the power of a pump behind it, a high-pressure flow of water pumps through the pipes, taking with it any and all traces of debris, tree roots, grease, scum etc. When we use our high-pressure jetter, we then follow it with a CCTV camera inspection to make sure the drain is free of any further debris or obstructions. This ensures your pipes are clean and free from blockages.

A jetter is classed as specialist equipment and is, therefore, more expensive than the cost to clear a blockage using hand equipment. You’re looking at $350 for the first hour, then $200 per hour thereafter. However, as mentioned, more often than not; nine times out of ten, we are able to clear any blockage within an hour.

Conclusion

A blocked drain can be a real nuisance and can cause havoc to a home. In all cases, whether it’s a blocked kitchen sink, blocked shower drain, blocked stormwater drain, blocked toilet, or otherwise, it needs clearing fast!

Thankfully, in most cases, it doesn’t cost much to clear a blocked drain… that is; if you get iSpecialise on the case. We offer a very affordable blocked drain service. If hand equipment can clear the drain, then it can cost as little as $120 to clear. However, if the blockage is more severe and requires specialist equipment such as a high-pressure jetter, then we charge $350 for the first hour and then $200 per hour thereafter. However, rest assured, we almost always are able to clear the blockage in less than an hour.

If you have a blocked drain and need it cleared fast, pick up the phone and give us a call. Alternatively, if you’d like more information on our blocked drain server, you can visit our Blocked Drains service page or call our friendly staff to answer any questions you may have.

The post How Much Does it Cost to Clear a Blocked Drain appeared first on iSpecialise.

If you have blocked drains, you’ll know about it! But how do they occur? And, more importantly, are there preventive measures to prevent drains from blocking? These are two questions that we at iSpecialise are frequently asked.

So let’s look at the causes of blocked drains and how you can prevent such blockages from occurring.

Grease & Cooking Oils

You may wonder how cooking oil or even grease can cause blocked drains, but they can, and they are one of the main culprits. Grease, fat and oils enter drains in a liquid form, but as they cool, they harden, sticking to the walls of the pipe along the way, building up until the passage is blocked.

How to Avoid: To prevent blocked drains from grease and cooking oils, avoid washing such fatty materials down the kitchen sink as much as possible. It’s better for your drains and better for the environment!

Hair

Unless you’re bald, you cannot prevent hair loss in the shower. It’s a natural process that is accelerated when we wash our hair. As our hair sheds, it falls to the shower base and inevitably, down the shower drain. When combined with greasy soaps and washing liquids, it binds to form an obstruction which blocks the drain.

How to Avoid: Brush your hair before taking a shower to remove loose hair and after showering, remove any hair that the floor waste catches.

Tree Roots

Copyright Walter Siegmund

It doesn’t take much for a plant, dirt or tree root to invade a pipe and cause havoc. A small crack in an underground pipe is all it takes. Once a root occupies a pipe, it’s only a matter of time before the entire pipe is blocked.  I’ve seen some mammoth blockages with as much as 10 metres of piping blocked with tree roots.

How to Avoid: In many cases, there is nothing you can do to prevent this. However, it does pay to use services like “Dial before you Gig” to locate your stormwater and sewerage pipes. Knowing where they are, you can a) avoid planting large trees near them and b) avoid digging near them. Also, if you know you have old clay pipes, it may pay to have them replaces with PVC pipes.

Old Pipes

If your home is over 50 years old, then there’s a good chance that it has clay pipes for water and sewerage. Clay pipes were used in Australia till the early 1970s when they were replaced with PVC pipes. The clay pipes are susceptible to cracking, which in turn, welcomes tree roots and dirt, which cause blockages.

How to Avoid: See above

Excess Toilet Paper, Nappies & Sanitary Items

A toilet is not a garbage disposal unit. It is not designed to handle bulky items – it designed only for its intended use, and even then, it can become blocked. Excessive toilet paper, hand wipes, nappies and sanitary items are all common causes of blocked toilet drains, which are never pleasant.

How to Avoid: Only place toilet paper in a toilet, and not excessive amounts.

Conclusion

Blocked drains are one of the most common service calls for plumbers, and no home is immune to them. There are many causes of blocked drains, but the most common are grease and oil buildups, hair, tree roots, old pipes and excess toilet paper, nappies and sanitary items.

If you have a blocked drain in Auckland and need it cleared fast, call iSpecialise on 09-889 9553. We have specialist equipment to locate and remove the blockage swiftly and professionally.

The post 5 Causes of Blocked Drains appeared first on iSpecialise.

Plumbing provides essential services that NEED to be operational for us to operate normally in day-to-day life. A burst pipe will lead to flooding, which then leads to property damage, a clogged kitchen sink makes it near impossible to prepare meals and clean up after meals, and lets not even think about not having a working toilet, ewwww, or a broken hot water system, brrr!!

These plumbing issues are plumbing emergencies, yet they are only the tip of the iceberg – countless plumbing problems can disrupt everyday life.

So what is an Emergency Plumber?

Plumbing emergencies, being emergencies, need to be attended to swiftly and promptly. However, not all plumbers have the human resources to be able to allocate and shuffle staff to prioritise plumbing emergencies from standard plumbing jobs.

The ability to service plumbing emergencies as emergencies, and not slot the repair in the next available slot is the precise difference between a plumber and an emergency plumber.

In times of an emergency, you went a rapid response, and an emergency plumber, such as iSpecialise, will guarantee this.

When to call an Emergency Plumber

Let’s dive into plumbing emergencies a little further by looking at when and when not to call an emergency plumber. Knowing the difference will help determine when you need to search for an emergency plumber over a general plumber.

What to call an emergency plumber for:

• Blocked toilet
• Blocked kitchen sink
• Blocked shower
• Blocked drain
• Burst Pipe
• Blocked/burst/cracked sewerage drain
• Blocked/burst/overflowing stormwater drains
• Leaking tap (depending on the severity of the leak)
• Gas leaks
• No hot water or problems with hot water systems

What not to call an emergency plumber for:

• Installing a new tap/showerhead etc.
• Installing a new appliance
• Installing new piping
• All new installations
• New gas installations
• New hot water system installations

Call iSpecialise, your Auckland Emergency Plumber

At iSpecialise, we are fortunate to be one of only a few Auckland plumbing companies to have fully licensed plumbers and gas fitters. Thus, along with attending to any plumbing emergency, we can also attend any gas emergency.

Our dual licensing is particularly helpful if you have an emergency on your hands and you’re not sure if you need to call a plumber or a gas fitter. If you call the wrong tradesperson can waste vital time in an emergency and may even set you back a day in having the emergency resolved!

Conclusion

Plumbing is an essential service that we need to function on a daily basis. We cannot go without a working toilet, hot water system, or drainage system, and when they fail, they become plumbing emergencies. They also need to be attended to FAST. For fast rapid response in times of a plumbing emergency, an emergency plumber is needed.

Unlike general plumbers, emergency plumbers have the human resources to continue to service non-plumbing emergencies and still priorities emergencies. Situations like a blocked toilet, kitchen sink, shower, or drain, or a burst pipe, sewerage drain or stormwater drain call for immediate action, and this is what you can expect from the emergency plumbers at iSpecialise. Moreover, we also have licensed gas fitters and can tend to any gas emergency such as a gas leak.

If you’re facing a plumbing or gas emergency, look no further than iSpecialise. We service the entire Auckland and guarantee a rapid response for all emergency situations. Call our office today on 09-889 9553.

The post What Exactly is an Emergency Plumber, Anyway appeared first on iSpecialise.

What homeowners don’t realise is, building and pest inspections don’t look at any of the plumbing components. No check for leaks, damaged or cracked pipes, blocked drains, poor plumbing or otherwise. While you may have peace of mind that the house is structurally sound and free from termites, there is no reassurance what so ever in regards to the plumbing, and this can have disastrous results.

At iSpecialise, we are one of only a handful of Auckland plumbers who not only provide pre-purchase plumbing inspection but also inspect all gas fitting works as well – and include this service in the costing of our inspections. As licensed gas plumbers, we can investigate and review both areas to provide complete peace of mind and fantastic value for money.

Clearly, there are benefits to booking a pre-purchase plumbing inspection in Auckland. But what are the risks of not investing in a pre-purchase plumbing inspection? Let’s take a look:

Hidden nightmares will inevitably arise

Let’s take a look at what a standard building and pest inspection covers;

As you can see from the table above, there is a lot that a building report doesn’t cover. So let’s take a look at what a standard building and pest inspection doesn’t cover;

The lists above only touch the surface. Many other important areas are not inspected in a standard report. But let’s turn our attention purely to plumbing, drainage and gas fitting.

As concealed services, any plumbing, draining or gas fitting issue will be hidden from your eyesight when you inspect the home yourself, and even if they were visible, it’s not for the building and pest inspector to report. Moreover, think about the damage poor plumbing or gas work could do to your appliances; you may be up for plumbing/gas work repairs as well as all new appliances!

Hidden plumbing nightmares could even be the reason behind the homeowners selling the house. Don’t buy someone else’s problems! The risks of not investing in a pre-plumbing inspection simply aren’t worth it.

It may cost you tenfold in the long run

If you’re thought behind not booking a pre-purchase plumbing inspection is to save a few dollars, then it may come back to bite you in the long run. Potentially, you could be buying a home with thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars of repairs being needed.

Even if, at the time of purchase, there are no significant issues, a small leak or blocked pipe doesn’t get better over time. It only worsens and is likely to cause subsequential damage elsewhere.

The associated cost risks alone make booking a pre-purchase plumbing inspection an invaluable investment.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to buy a new home, then a pre-purchase plumbing inspection in Auckland is just as important as having a building and pest inspection. Unbeknown to many buyers,  building and pest inspections do not report on all areas of a home. Important areas, like plumbing, draining, gas fitting, water systems, even electrical works, are not inspected.

The consequences of not having such areas inspected can be severe and can end up costing you thousands of dollars. iSpecialise’s Pre-purchase Plumbing Inspection is a peace of mind investment. You won’t have to wonder what hidden nightmares may lie within your walls or underground in your pipes. You can rest assured you’re buying a home with no hidden plumbing, draining or gas fitting issues.

Find out more about our Pre-purchase Plumbing Inspection or call our office on 09-889 9553 to book your inspection today.

The post Risks of No Pre-purchase Plumbing Inspection appeared first on iSpecialise.

Whether you’re looking to switch from electricity to gas or building or renovating, connecting a home to gas is always a good thing. It’s better for the environment and offers long-term savings. However, as mentioned in last week’s article, the upfront installation costs are more expensive. But how much more?

As gas fitters ourselves, we are well equipped to answer this question as well as provide you with all the associated costs of fitting a home with gas.

So how much does a Gas Fitter Cost?

If you’re looking for a fixed set price for gas fitting, it doesn’t exist. The cost of a gas fitter depends on various factors, including whether it’s a new home or renovation, the accessibility, the location and the type of gas fitting work required. Other factors that determine the cost include the number of gas outlets, the amount of pipework, and the type of walls (plasterboard, VJ board, brick, etc.).

Given the fact that there is no fixed cost for gas fitting work, how do you then go about getting an estimate for budgets? Well, there are a few ways to go about this. You can work on a per hour cost basis or a quote basis.

After inspecting the site and taking into account all the mentioned factors above, good gas fitters in Auckland, including iSpecialise, should be able to provide a fixed price quote on gas installations. Alternatively, they should be able to provide you with an hourly rate, excluding fittings and parts.

How much do iSpecialise’s Gas Fitters Cost?

While we can’t give you an exact figure on our gas fitting services, we can certainly give you an idea of the costs you can expect to pay. iSpecialise strive to deliver real value for money in all our services, including our gas services. We welcome you to compare our rates with other gas fitters in Auckland.

We charge an hourly rate of $105 per hour, or you can refer to the list before for an estimate for our most common gas services.

• For gas cooktop replacements, prices start at $250.
• For gas storage hot water systems repairs, prices start at $180.
• For regulator replacement (for LPG Gas), prices start at $300.
• For appliance conversion (from LPG to Natural Gas or visa versa), prices start at $150
• For gas services and jet cleaning, prices start at $150.

After any gas work; whether it is installation, replacement, or repair,  iSpecialise commission the appliances and test the entire gas installation for leaks. This service is included in the estimated costings outlined above.

Conclusion

Making the switch from electrical to gas is always a good move; it’s better for the environment and cheaper to run long term. The only real down-side is the installation costs, which are more expensive than electricity. However, the reduced running costs more than make up for the installation costs.

If you’re wondering how much gas fitters costs, there is no set price – the cost depends on various factors including the type of job, amount of outlets required, accessibility etc. The best way to find out gas fitting costs is to get in touch with your local gas fitters, such as iSpecialise and request an on-site quotation. Alternatively, as for an hourly rate to compare against other gas fitters in Auckland.

iSpecialise provide cost-effective gas fitting services for all residential gas needs in Auckland; from gas installations to conversions and repairs. Call 09-889 9553 to get a fixed price quote today.

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At iSpecialise, we attend homes with blocked drains daily. While most customers are wise enough to leave the repairs to us, others have given it a good crack themselves only to worsen the problem. If you’re considering trying your hand at unblocking a drain, then I urge you to read this article and then you may reconsider.

Blocked drains should always be left to an expert to clear. Continue reading to find out why.

You may worsen the problem

Approaching a blocked drain as a novice/DIY enthusiast earns points for trying, but in the end, may come back to bite you. Each type of blocked drain requires a different approach. Unless you have the experience in knowing what tools and equipment to use for each kind of blockage, you’re likely going to foil your efforts.

For example, a blocked kitchen sink is different from a blocked sewer line. To try and clear a kitchen sink with the tools used for a sewer is overkill and will likely damage your kitchen, and vice versa, trying to clear a blocked sewer drain armed with a plunger isn’t going to do a thing.

Moreover, even if you manage to clear a blockage with MacGyver-like ways, you’re likely to leave part of the original obstruction behind. Any remaining obstruction will only attract more debris which in time will result in another blockage. Worse off, you may cause significant damage to pipes, and damaging pipes are very expensive and messy to repair – much more costly than hiring a plumber to clear the blockage!

You may injure yourself

A blocked drain may seem straightforward and harmless to fix. However, if you try to clear it with chemicals or equipment that you’re not experienced in using, the chances of causing self-injury are high.

If you turn to chemicals to unblock your drain, you risk chemical burns and possible blindness if the chemicals splash up and hurt it. There has even been a reported incident where a licensed plumber even received horrific acid burns trying to clear a blocked drain using a bottle of sulphuric acid.

Plumbers clear it fast and clear it right!

Even the most determined DIY’er will take considerable time to unblock a drain without experience or the right tools. There may be a lot of trial and error, all the while the blockage will be causing more havoc, more damage, and potentially lodging even tighter than before.

A plumber knows how to tackle a particular type of blocked drain to relieve the blockage swiftly, and with minimal damage to your property. In fact, here at iSpecialise, we almost always are able to clear any block – big or small, minor or sever – in under an hour. This includes blockages that require specialised equipment such as rods, jetters and CCTV cameras.

Conclusion

A blocked drain may appear to be a simple task to clear, but it really should be left to a professional plumber to clear.

There are plenty of dangers to DIY plumbing and using tools that you may not be experienced in using.  You may make the problem worse or injure yourself.

If a drain can’t be cleared with simple DIY measures such as a plunger, drain-O, or pouring hot water down the drainpipe, then leaving it to an expert, such as iSpecialise, to unblock is not only a wise decision but a safe one. As professional plumbers, we know how to clear a blocked drain fast and how to go about it the right way using the right tools for the job.

If you have blocked drains in Auckland and would like a professional to clear the blockage safely and quickly, pick up the phone and dial 09-889 9553.

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Gas is an alternative option to electricity, and in Auckland, it is a commonly preferred choice for cooking and heating. Gas cooktops and gas ovens offer many benefits over their electrical counterparts as to gas water heaters.

At iSpecialise, we specialise in not only plumbing installations but gas installations also. We are highly experienced in connecting new and existing homes to gas and would like to share the benefits gas offers so you can make the right choice for your new home. So continue reading to discover the benefits of connecting your home to gas.

Natural Gas Vs LPG Gas

Before we look at the benefits of gas, let’s take a look at the types of gas available: Natural Gas and LPG Gas. Natural gas is methane, while LPG is isobutane, propane, butane, or a mix of the three. Natural gas is supplied from a pipeline while LPG comes from via gas bottles.

In terms of installation costs, Natural Gas is the more costly option. It can be costly which is why so many homes (and appliances) run off LPG, which only requires a regulator, a changeover valve, and the pipework.

It’s important to decide which type of gas you prefer to use as this will determine the type of appliance also.

Gas for the Environment

Connecting your home to gas doesn’t only benefit you, the homeowner. It also benefits the environment. Electricity produces three times the emission of natural gas. Moreover, gas heaters produce a much as 80% fewer gas emissions than electric heaters.

Gas for Affordability

If you’re looking to create a cost-effective home, then connecting your home to gas will have you achieve this. Gas is much cheaper than electricity. You need only look at this comparison chart from canstarblue.com.au to see the running cost differences.

As you can see from the table above, the running costs are cheaper for gas cooktops, heaters, clothes dryers, and hot water systems. In fact, case studies have shown the total cost of LPG for cooking to be as much as half the cost of Natural Gas.

Gas for Longevity

If you’re looking for value for money and appliances that will last the test of time, then gas is the way to go. Gas appliances, particularly gas ovens and cooktops are manufactured with fewer parts, and therefore, have less chance of failing or needing maintenance.

Gas for Quicker Heating

If you’re looking for heat fast, then consider connecting your home to gas. Gas delivers heat much quicker than electricity, which is why gas ovens are the preferred choice for chefs. Unlike electricity, which has to build up the temperature, gas reaches maximum heat as soon as the burners are switched on.

Gas hot water systems may be more expensive to purchase and install initially, but they deliver instant hot water on demand, and you will never run out and have to wait for the water to heat again.

Conclusion

Gas, compared to electricity is cheaper to run, better for the environment, produces heat quicker, and gas appliances offer better longevity.  Gas may initially be more expensive to install, but it is well worth it for the longterm savings it provides.

If you’d like to install Natural Gas or install LPG gas appliances to your new home or renovation, contact iSpecialise. We service the entire Auckland and can provide you with a fixed quote for gas installations.  We are one of the few plumbing companies in Auckland that are licenced to conduct plumbing and gas work and welcome you to contact us for a no-obligation quote.

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