Some tasks are safe DIY; others are dangerous or illegal without a licence:
When in doubt, pay for a diagnostic visit — far cheaper than a botched repair.
Papakura: Updated for emergency plumbing papakura searchers.
A burst pipe, an uncontrollable leak, sewage backing up, no water at all, or a hot water system failure in winter. If water is spreading or services are down, call immediately and turn off the water at the toby (main shut-off valve).
Most towns keep 1-3 hour response windows for genuine emergencies; after-hours call-outs carry a surcharge. Calling early in the failure avoids overnight premiums.
You may replace washers and shower heads, but anything connecting to the pipework must legally be done or supervised by a PGDB-licensed plumber in New Zealand.