Where is my toby and what do I do if I can’t find it?
If your water supply is connected to the council water main, the toby (aka stopcock or isolating valve) is usually located at the boundary of your property under a metal or plastic cover.
Just lift the cover and turn the handle to off (usually clockwise).
At times, the toby may be buried or completely covered, making it difficult to locate.
Here are some helpful tips for finding your Toby:
- Check the driveway, garden, and areas under vegetation, rocks, fences, or even spa pools.
- Look for a slight dip in the lawn, which often indicates the location of the lid.
- It may be in line with an outside tap on the house.
If you're on the council mains and can't find your toby, give your local council a call.
What should I do if I smell gas?
The smell of gas could be a sign of a leak from an appliance or damaged gas pipe.
First, follow these safety precautions:
- Ensure all gas appliances are turned off.
- Extinguish cigarettes, matches, lighters, and open flames.
- Do NOT turn any electrical switches or appliances off or on (including mobile phones) near the gas leak.
- If it’s safe, open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
If there are sparks or flames or you hear gas ‘hissing’ – get out and call 111
If it’s safe to do so, turn off your gas supply:
- If you smell gas around the meter, immediately shut it off and contact your gas provider (e.g., Genesis, Contact, Nova, Mercury).
- If you have a metered natural gas supply, turn the meter valve handle to the horizontal position. You may need a spanner to do this.
- If you have bottled LPG gas, turn off the valve on top of the cylinder.
Before turning your gas back on, contact an authorized Master Plumbers gasfitter to inspect your property. Do not restore your gas supply or use any appliances until they have confirmed it’s safe to do so.
Our partners at Powerco have a webpage dedicated to everything you need to know if you’re faced with a gas related emergency or issue: https://www.powerco.co.nz/safety/gas-emergency
Why do I need to get my gas appliances serviced?
Gas appliances should be serviced at least once a year. Improper maintenance can lead to potential gas leaks, inefficient operation or carbon monoxide buildup (?). Gas appliance servicing must be done by a licensed gasfitter, and you can find someone using a Find a Master Plumber Tool, and filter by trade and your region.
Can I fix a blocked drain myself?
Simple blockages may be cleared simply with a plunger or drain cleaner, but more serious issues may require a professional plumber and/or drainlayer with the right tools and expertise. Kiwis love having a go, but most sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work is restricted and illegal to do yourself. That’s because there are health and safety risks, mistakes are costly, and of course, your insurance probably won’t cover the work of an unauthorised tradesperson.
Do I need a certified gasfitter to install gas appliances?
Yes, it's illegal to install or alter any gas appliance yourself.
Only certified gasfitters can legally perform gasfitting work in New Zealand. Find a Master Plumbers registered gasfitter here (hyperlink to Find A Plumber tool).
Why would my plumber refuse to install a plumbing product I purchased?
Plumbers may refuse to install certain fixtures due to safety, quality, or regulatory concerns. They are obligated to avoid products that could cause harm or damage, and members are advised not to install defective, faulty, or non-compliant items. To prevent issues, consult with your plumber before purchasing fixtures, especially if buying international products, which may not be compatible with New Zealand Building codes and standards.
Bargain fixtures could be costly if they fail or damage property, requiring replacement and additional installation. If you’ve purchased a product and are determined to go ahead with its installation, the plumber may assk you to sign a waiver, limiting their liability and shows you acknowledge the risk.