Gas hot water in Wellington
Certified gasfitters for gas hot water installation and replacement, across Wellington and the Hutt Valley
Get a quoteGas hot water heating is a viable alternative to electric or air to water. PGM can help you with installation and repairs of gas hot water systems across Wellington, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.
Gas hot water installation and replacement
There are two ways to heat your water with gas. A califont mounts on an outside wall and heats the water as you use it. A gas hot water cylinder stores it in a tank, the same as an electric cylinder, but heats it with gas instead of an element.
We install and replace both, whether it is a brand new gas hot water system, a replacement for an ageing unit or a conversion from a cylinder to a califont. We handle the whole job: mounting the unit, the gas line, the flue and any new pipework and valves it needs.
Gas work is regulated, so it has to be done by certified gasfitters. We are certified for both the plumbing and the gas work, so the whole installation is handled and certified by us. Every job ends with commissioning, testing and a Gas Safety Certificate.
Get a quoteWhat is a califont?
A califont is the New Zealand name for an instant gas water heater: a wall-mounted unit that heats water as it passes through, only while a tap is running. There is no tank, so it takes up no cupboard space and it cannot run out of hot water.
A gas califont only burns gas while hot water is actually being used, and the unit itself is a compact one that mounts on an outside wall.
The Rinnai Infinity is the best known califont and the unit most Wellington homes have. Most of the replacements we do are Rinnai Infinity units. If yours is 15 years or older, runs hot and cold or cuts out mid shower, replacement is normally the right call.
A like for like swap usually takes half a day. The new infinity hot water system goes onto the same wall, gas line and pipework, and we commission and test it before we leave.
What gas hot water costs in Wellington
The price of gas hot water depends on the unit, the gas supply and what your plumbing needs to run it at mains pressure:
- Gas supply: whether the line to the unit needs extending or upsizing, and LPG vs natural gas.
- The flue: where the unit is going and what venting it needs.
- Pressure: converting from a low pressure cylinder means bringing the plumbing up to mains.
Both ranges include the unit itself.
Get a quoteRinnai Infinity, cylinder to califont conversion
$2,800 to $4,000 +GST
Rinnai Infinity replacement, like for like
$1,500 to $2,500 +GST
Gas, electric or heat pump?
We install all three, so the advice is straight. Whether staying on gas stacks up depends on your house, your gas connection and how much hot water you use. Have a look at hot water heat pumps in Wellington and hot water cylinders in Wellington, or ring us on 021 607 658 and we will give you a solution that best suits your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Rinnai Infinity cost to install in NZ?
Our Wellington range is $2,800 to $4,000 plus GST for a Rinnai Infinity supplied and installed, including converting from a low pressure cylinder to mains. A straight like for like swap costs less, and we will price yours once we have seen it. The flue, the gas line and any pipework changes are what move the price.
How much does a califont cost?
For a hot water califont supplied and installed in Wellington, expect $2,800 to $4,000 plus GST if you are converting from a cylinder. We quote the whole job before we start.
What is a califont and what does it do?
A califont is the New Zealand name for an instant gas water heater, a wall-mounted unit that heats water as it passes through rather than storing it in a tank. It only runs while a tap is open, so it cannot run out of hot water. The Rinnai Infinity is the best known example.
How long does a califont or Rinnai Infinity last?
Around 15 to 20 years is typical for a well maintained unit. Past that age, replacement is usually better value than further work on it, because parts get harder to find and efficiency has moved on. If yours dates from the 2000s, it is worth pricing a replacement before spending anything on the existing unit.
Thinking about gas hot water?
Tell us what you have now and we will come back with a straight answer and a price.
Califonts are one part of our certified gasfitting in Wellington work. Staying electric? See hot water cylinders in Wellington for repairs and replacement. Tempted by the running costs? Compare a hot water heat pump in Wellington.