How to Handle Plumbing Issues in New Zealand Homes

Have you ever noticed a leaking tap or a toilet that won’t stop running? Annoying, right? Yes. And if you leave these minor problems unaddressed, they can quickly escalate into major, expensive ones.

The good news? You don’t need to be a plumber to keep your home’s pipes in good shape. With a few simple checks and fixes, you can prevent most plumbing issues from worsening.

Let’s look at the most common plumbing problems in New Zealand homes and how you can handle them without stress.

7 Common Plumbing Problems and How You Can Fix Them

Plumbing issues can be stressful, but most of them start small. If you spot these early, you can often fix them yourself or know exactly when to call for help. Let’s break it down:

Your Tap Won’t Stop Dripping
Does your kitchen or bathroom tap keep dripping no matter how tight you turn it? That little drip might seem harmless, but it can waste litres of water every day.

What’s happening: The washer inside your tap has likely worn out.

What you can do:
Turn off the water supply under the sink. Use a spanner to unscrew the tap. Replace the washer with a new one (you can get these for a reasonable price from any hardware store). Screw the tap back together and turn the water on. This simple fix can save you money and stop that annoying sound for good.

Your Sink or Shower Drains Slowly
When water pools around your feet in the shower or your sink takes ages to empty, it’s a clear sign of a clogged drain. Hair, food scraps, and soap scum are usually the troublemakers.

What you can do:
Start with a plunger to loosen the blockage. If that doesn’t work, try a drain snake (a flexible tool that you push down to remove hair or gunk). For light blockages, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Wait 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.

Tip: Use a drain strainer to prevent debris from entering in the first place.

Your Toilet Keeps Running
Does your toilet sound like it’s refilling hours after you flush? That’s not normal, and it’s a waste of water.

What’s happening: The flapper valve inside your toilet tank isn’t sealing properly.

What you can do:
Lift the lid off your cistern and check the flapper. If it’s worn or loose, you can buy a replacement flapper and swap it out in minutes. Also, check the float. It may be set too high, causing water to continue flowing. Adjust it to the right level. You’ll save water and stop that constant noise.

Leaks Under the Sink
Notice a puddle under your kitchen or bathroom sink? Leaks here can cause damage to your cupboards fast.

What you can do:
Look under the sink while the tap is running. If you see water dripping from a pipe joint, try gently tightening the connections with a wrench. If the leak persists or you notice rust or cracked pipes, don’t wait. Seek professional help.

Weak Water Pressure in Your Shower
A weak shower can ruin your morning. If your water trickles out instead of giving you a nice flow, here’s what could be wrong.

What you can do:
Check the showerhead for mineral build-up. Unscrew it and soak it overnight in a bowl of vinegar to dissolve limescale. If the pressure is still low, check if other taps are affected. If so, it might be a bigger issue, such as a leak or blocked pipes; it's time to call a plumber.

No Hot Water
You turn on the tap, and… cold water comes out. Frustrating, right?

What you can do:
Check if your hot water cylinder is on and hasn’t tripped a switch. If you have a gas system, check the pilot light. Sediment build-up might be the problem, which requires draining and flushing.

Strange Noises in Your Pipes
Do your pipes bang, rattle, or gurgle when you run the taps? That’s called a “water hammer”, and it can damage your pipes over time.

What you can do:
Turn off your main water supply and then turn it back on slowly. It can reset air chambers in your pipes. If the noises persist, consider calling a plumber to install a water hammer arrestor.

Why Call Oncore NZ for Your Plumbing Needs?

Dealing with plumbing issues can be time-consuming and stressful, especially when minor problems suddenly turn into big, expensive ones. That’s why having a trusted professional makes all the difference.

At Oncore NZ, we help take the pressure off you. You won’t have to Google “how to fix it” or spend hours struggling with tools. We thoroughly inspect your entire system to identify hidden problems before they cause damage. That means fewer surprises for you and a healthier home.

With Oncore NZ, you can sit back, relax, and let us do the hard work for you.