Frequently asked questions about water and water systems

For all enquiries about maintaining equipment, for example draining pressure tanks or changing UV lamps, please contact us as different systems can have very different maintenance requirements.

How much water pressure do I need in my home?

The water pressure in your home really comes down to what your expectations are or what you'd like to have. Most modern households have about 40 to 60 psi but we can supply pumps that will operate at over 100 psi (6.89 bar, 690 kPa) if required.

How do I find out if my water is safe to drink?

You will need to have your water tested by a laboratory. Depending on what you are testing for you may need a sterile container. Drop your water sample into our shop, we can manage this process run through the results with you, or alternatively you can drop it into a local laboratory.

What are some common signs of bad water?

Hawke's Bay has notoriously hard water. It is quite common in many homes to have lime deposits on taps, in the kettle, and in electric hot water cylinders. While hard water can be safe to drink, it causes problems such as the premature failure of hot water elements and blocks taps. The presence of harmful bacteria, or heavy metals, is dangerous to your health. They are difficult to detect without getting a water test. The most common indication of bad water is sickness in the household. If your water tastes or smells unusual, or you have staining in any area water is used, we strongly recommend an immediate water test.

I've had my water softened, and now it feels slippery and I can't wash soap off. Can you decrease the hardness?

This is great news – it means your water softener is working perfectly. Many people have this reaction after water has been softened. Softened water is actually more efficient at producing a lather with less soap – it simply feels softer against the skin. We advise you to stick with it for about four weeks to get used to the feeling. And using less soap and detergent is much better for anyone with a septic tank. You'll love having soft water after a few weeks.

How often should I change my water filters?

We recommend you change your filters every six months if you have a rain water supply. We run through a maintenance schedule for any system we install, but call us if you need some advice.

What is the process for installing a new residential water system?

We begin most jobs with a site visit. The first step is to establish the best water source available to you. Then we evaluate your options, provide good advice, and discuss what is required to build a system. We test your water for quality and supply a quote for the build. On confirmation, the system is then installed, and maintained as required.

What is the process for installing an industrial or farm supply?

The process is the same as putting in a residential system, although we account for factors such as stock loading, drought prone zones, the demands of intensive farming, paddock sizes, and farming trends. Industrial solutions are also tailored to the specific needs of each industry.

What is the difference between Validated UV vs Standard UV?

Standard UV systems are suitable for single-family homes or small private supplies where only basic germicidal disinfection is needed, but if your system provides water to more than one household, such as a shared bore or community supply, then regulatory requirements are much stricter, and you may use validated UV. Validated (class A) systems are tested under prescribed protocols to ensure high-level inactivation of waterborne pathogens under real-world operating conditions, and they often include continuous monitoring, alarms, and fail-safe features to protect public health on a larger scale. Essentially, when you become a “supplier” to multiple users, standard UV isn’t sufficient - validated UV (with third-party certification) is often required by health regulations to demonstrate both safety and compliance.

Do you stock water filter cartridges?

Yes, we keep a range of water filter cartridges, including Puretec brand, in stock. Whether you're replacing sediment, carbon, or specialty filters, we have the right product for your filtration system, with expert advice on compatibility and installation.

Can I get a water softener system in NZ that also removes iron and manganese?

Absolutely. We offer water softener systems NZ-wide that are designed to reduce hardness as well as target specific issues like iron and manganese. These are ideal for bore water applications and rural properties in Hawke’s Bay where mineral content is often high.