How often have you considered how essential it is to maintain your plumbing systems to avoid costly repairs and ensure longevity? Proper upkeep of pipes, valves, taps, and other pipeline accessories is crucial for efficient operation and durability. In this blog, we will explore maintenance strategies for various products available at Waterworks, such as Europress systems, gate valves, PVC products, and stainless steel fittings. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to care for your tools and batteries to keep everything running smoothly. By following these guidelines, you can extend the life of your plumbing systems and prevent unnecessary issues. While this may seem trivial or like stating the obvious, in today's fast-paced world, a little reminder can go a long way.

New Zealand has been actively working to improve and maintain healthy water systems across the country. The government has committed to enhancing water quality within five years and restoring waterways to a healthy state within a generation. This ambitious initiative involves reducing pollution from urban and rural sources, addressing water allocation issues, and implementing new regulations.

An Introduction to Vis-Lok Vis-Lok stainless-steel twin ferrule compression fittings are rapidly becoming the industry standard for reliability and strength. In the realm of twin ferrule compression fittings, the qualities of robustness, strength, reliability and performance are of paramount importance. These critical attributes ensure the safety and integrity of piping systems, providing a dependable foundation for sustained operations under all conditions. This is especially important in industries and applications where failure can result in significant hazards. Twin ferrule fittings such as Vis-Lok are designed to withstand the rigours of extreme conditions, providing reliable, secure, leak-proof connections that will maintain system efficiency and minimise operational downtime.

In a hygienic environment such as a food or pharmaceutical production facility, cleaning plays an important part in the day-to-day operations. While different plants have different processes and standards that apply depending on what a plant may be producing, the one thing they all have in common, which is critical to their trading ability and maintaining a strong brand reputation, is maintaining a high hygiene standard.

Piping systems play an important role in residential, commercial, and industrial construction and their comfort and environmental safety, rely on their effectiveness. Over the years, piping systems have evolved to include new materials and techniques for conveying liquids. Initially, it involved the use of concrete channels and relied solely on gravity to move. In modern piping and pumping systems more effective materials such as UPVC and CPVC, have been developed to suit various applications. In this article, we will be discussing the difference between UPVC and CPVC piping systems with the intention of helping you make the right choice for your specific application.

When it comes to piping systems, tapping bands play a crucial role in ensuring a reliable connection between two pipes and safeguarding against troublesome water leaks.

Available in both stainless steel and carbon steel, the Europress Pressfit Piping System offers a fast, easy, and risk-free solution for your pipeline needs. Europress is a modular piping system that offers top-of-the-range European engineering and a manufacturer-backed 25-year product guarantee.

A non-return valve (NRV), also known as a check valve, is a mechanical device used to allow fluid flow in only one direction. These valves contain a movable element that blocks the flow in the opposite direction, eliminating backflow.

Stainless steel press-fit has gained significant popularity in various industries due to its efficient and reliable joining method. It offers numerous advantages over traditional welding techniques and existing piping systems. This makes it an attractive option for an extensive range of applications, including hot and cold water systems, compressed air systems, oil lines, and more. However, when it comes to gas-related applications, how does stainless steel press-fit perform? In this blog, we cover the positives and negatives of using this system for gas.

Known for its exceptional durability and corrosion-resistance, stainless steel is used in a vast range of applications. From kitchen appliances to buildings and bridges, this versatile alloy is everywhere. Stainless steel is often used for press-fit piping because its unique properties make it a reliable option for various applications and environments. In this article, we unpack what press-fit is and which applications are most suited to stainless steel press-fit.

Compressed air is a vital utility used in a wide range of applications. Pipework is an essential component of any compressed air system, designed to carry compressed air to its point of use. The question is, which material is right for your compressed air pipes? In this article, we outline the key details of each piping material used in compressed air systems. We explain which materials are safest and most reliable so you can ensure your system operates as efficiently as possible.

Swimming pools are a common feature in many homes and communities, providing a place for recreation, fitness, and relaxation. As such, ensuring the proper functioning of these pools is of the utmost importance to keep them safe, clean, and usable. One of the most vital components of a pool’s plumbing system, and therefore its continued operation, are the valve systems, which control the flow of water in and out of the pool. At Waterworks, customers often ask us what type of valve is best suited to a swimming pool application. In this article, we break down the following factors so you can find the right valve for your swimming pool system: The basics of swimming pool systems Different valve configurations Valve materials

When looking for butterfly valves in New Zealand, it can be difficult to determine why some are more expensive than others, as they may appear similar at first glance. However, the price difference is generally dependent on the materials used to manufacture them, and the type of valve you need. In this article, we break down the various features of butterfly valves and explain the factors that contribute to their varying prices.

In our many years of supplying customers with effective solutions, people have often asked us what type of valve is suitable for effluent and wastewater. Given the variable and corrosive nature of these liquids, and often the presence of debris, it is a crucial decision. In this article, we outline four common materials used for valves in wastewater and effluent systems. For each, we also provide details on the different configurations available, including pros and cons.

Are you installing a potable water system? To ensure your water supply is safe, pipes, fittings, and materials must meet strict safety regulations.

As technology and manufacturing processes change, as well as customer attitudes, it is essential to stay informed of core industry knowledge. Seasoned professionals understand the core differences between PE and PVC pipe, but there’s always more to learn.

As New Zealand’s leading supplier of pipeline solutions, customers often ask us “Why should I choose stainless steel pipework over copper?” and, “What are the benefits of stainless-steel vs copper pipework?” In this blog we’ll highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the two piping systems.

When it comes to PVC piping, it’s critical to have complete confidence in the joins and fittings. Choosing the right glue and primer products to connect your PVC pipes plays a crucial role in the integrity and reliability of the entire piping system.

People often install a piping system in a particular size because that’s what they have always done, or because that is what was there. But getting pipe sizing wrong can lead to poor system performance or failure, higher than needed installation costs, or frequent maintenance.

Press fit piping solutions are a fast, safe and effective way to produce joints for a range of piping applications. We’ve discussed these benefits in a previous article so while some believe this solution would cut out the need for a skilled welder, we’re here to tell you why press fit solutions can actually help you in the face of a skilled labour shortage and give you and your business more space to grow. With press-fit piping, your recruitment strategy can move from requiring a specialist skillset to a competent installer skillset. You can utilise your specialist skillsets for specialist applications while using competent installers for the less specialist applications. Your team will be more efficient and available for more projects than before. Your customers will be willing to pay for the value that comes with fast, quality and time-tested press fit pipe fittings.

Waterworks is all about making the work of New Zealand pipeline installers easier through fast and easy access to high-quality pipeline products. From our guaranteed same-day dispatch to our support and liaison throughout your project, our team understands that finding and implementing the right piping solution doesn’t need to be a challenge. Our new website embodies this ethos and makes it even simpler for our clients to understand the options available from Waterworks, helping you to find your solution faster and exactly when you need it.

We often get asked if either welded stainless-steel tube or press-fit stainless-steel tube is more cost-effective, but the answer isn’t as simple as some may think. Both pipe joining methods have different cost factors which can increase or decrease the cost of a pipeline project depending on a range of factors and, simply put, some applications favour one over the other. In any piping project, the ultimate aim is to ensure it’s cost-effective, time-efficient, and long-lasting which is why we thought we’d explain the different cost factors for each system type so you can ascertain which is the best fit for your next project and unique requirements.

Steel is an incredibly versatile and useful material for piping solutions in a variety of applications. Steel’s properties including its strength, rigidity and relatively low cost make it a very popular choice for piping solutions across the globe. But not all steel is the same. Each different type of steel has its own unique characteristics, advantages, and applications. Carbon steel is just one type of the broader category of steel and is often preferred over other kinds of steel, but why is this? In this article, we’re going to explain just that. We’ll cover in, a general sense, what exactly carbon steel is and its benefits, then dive down into what key applications carbon steel using the press-fit jointing method is best suited toward. Simply read on to discover some important considerations for carbon steel pipework.

For all pipeline trade professionals, connecting pipes efficiently and to a high standard is a vital component of every project. Traditionally, welding has been a reliable and proven jointing method, however, there have been developments such as press-fit solutions that equally have their place in the market. Both press-fit and welded piping installation methods offer various advantages which we will shed some light on in this article. We will also outline the key differences between press-fit and welded piping, key applications, and the pros and cons of either option.

Across an array of commercial and industrial applications, compressed air systems are an integral service. Compressed air systems can be very complex and intricate so it’s critical to have a full understanding of what piping system will provide you with the best long-term results, both financially and in terms of system operation efficiency and longevity. There are a range of considerations in a compressed air system, from upfront costs, operating and management costs, the efficiency of the system, to the added production value. For these reasons, it’s imperative that you make an informed decision and select the piping solution that will offer the best outcome.

The use of PE pipe has significantly increased across New Zealand over the last 10 years, with quantities increasing sixfold. It’s a high-quality piping solution for your liquid and gas transfer requirements that can be used in both pressure and non-pressure applications. It’s highly popular across agricultural, civil, commercial, and industrial applications - and for good reason. This widely-used material brings with it various benefits, such as reduced installation costs, durability, and proven performance. To dig a little deeper into PE pipe, this article will explain its material composition, favourable properties, common applications, as well as the benefits of using it for your next piping project.

As one of the most universal and versatile types of plastic piping to exist, PVC piping is employed in a multitude of different applications globally, specifically across the agricultural, industrial, commercial, and civil markets. In comparison to their metal piping counterparts, PVC pipes are lighter giving easier installation, offer greater chemical resistance, and in particular when compared to mild steel, offer greater corrosion resistance. However, they do have a risk of succumbing to thermal expansion or contraction. So while PVC will be the perfect solution for many applications, metal will suit others, and it’s important you know when one is more suited than the other. PVC pipes are offered in a variety of sizes with numerous fittings available and are safe for use in cold and warm water (operating temperatures of 4-40°C with temperature spikes up to 60°C) applications.

In today’s market, there are many and varied piping materials to choose from and every material has pros and cons. Waterworks has been distributing the Europress stainless steel press-fit piping, a European manufactured system, for over eight years now and with the increase in stainless steel being used in both health and aged care facilities throughout New Zealand, I wanted to outline some of the key benefits stainless steel pipework offers this sector for both hydraulic and mechanical services.

Health and Safety is a rapidly changing area, and one which businesses and individuals need to be fully aware of their responsibilities. I would firstly like to preface this discussion paper by saying that the below discussion points are not intended to provide guidelines but rather promote awareness around hazards which impact the pipeline installation industry. Waterworks fully endorses seeking professional advice when reviewing H&S policies.

In today’s dynamic world we frequently hear the statement “the only constant thing at the moment is change” and how true this is. More than ever before we are being confronted with change almost on a daily basis whether it be the way we live, our work, the way we travel, the way we buy, the way we communicate, the list is endless. As with any change there are those who jump at the opportunity to try something new and embrace it. There are those who hold back without rejecting the change but would rather wait until it has been proven and learn from the positive or negative impacts of change from others. Then of course there are those who just straight out refuse change saying, “if it ain’t broke why fix it.” The unfortunate reality for the latter is in some way, shape, or form we will have to change.

Europress carbon steel press-fit piping system is becoming increasingly popular for closed circuit heating systems. Engineers, consultants, installers, and asset owners are reaping the benefits of using this high-quality product. The Europress offers significant advantages such as:

PVC first began to be manufactured in the 1940’s used for Drain-Waste-Vent piping during the reconstruction of Germany and Japan following World War Two. Having been around for 80 years PVC has proven itself to be a reliable piping system. As with any piping system, understanding the limitations of the selected piping material and following key design principles can significantly improve the life expectancy of a piping system.

Written by Waterworks Accounts Receivable Co-ordinator Mariana Melo

Bracketing plays an important role in giving you the maximum or even extending the expected life of your pipework. There can be many and varied causes for pipe failure, but one common cause is poor selection and installation of bracketing. Issues such as using brackets of dissimilar metals or placing a bracket too close to a change in direction are common factors which can lead to failure. The following quick guide will give you an insight into correct bracket support, selection, placement, and anchoring.

Written by Waterworks Accounts Receivable Co-ordinator Mariana Melo

Not all copper alloys are created equal - so it’s important to verify their composition when using them in raw water applications.

What is the correct PVC Cementing Process, and Why should I use Primer?

If you haven’t used Europress yet, it’s probably because you’re not sure what it costs or if it has proven benefits, and you really don’t want to talk to a sales rep. You’re not alone. Engineers are often surprised to find that:

A few cows to global powerhouse in 200 years.

Some of us are familiar with situations where stainless-steel pipelines have corroded, or more specifically cracked, on the welds. But we didn’t know it had a name, let alone why it happened or how to avoid it.