At Paramount Plumbing & Gas, we know that choosing the right pipes for your home can feel like a big decision—but it does not have to be a confusing one. As your reliable plumber in Wellington, we bring years of hands-on experience across Wellington and the surrounding suburbs, and we’ve seen the impact the right plumbing choices can make.
Your pipework might be hidden behind walls and beneath floors, but it plays a vital role in the comfort, safety, and efficiency of your home. The right piping system ensures reliable water flow, consistent pressure, and a longer-lasting plumbing set-up, all while helping you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Whether you are planning a full renovation or simply replacing part of your plumbing, we’re here to walk you through your options and help you make the best decision for your property. As a fully licensed local team, we’re always happy to offer practical advice, explain what materials suit your set-up best, and get the job done to the highest standard.
Understanding the Basics: What Type of Pipes Are Best for Homes?
When it comes to choosing pipes, homeowners often ask us what materials we recommend for different areas of the house. In New Zealand, there are four common types of piping used in residential plumbing: PVC, copper, PEX, and galvanised steel. Each comes with its own set of advantages and best-use scenarios.
PVC pipes are lightweight, cost-effective, and ideal for wastewater or cold water lines—perfect for drainage or vent systems. Copper pipes, on the other hand, have been around for decades and are still a top choice due to their long life and resistance to heat and corrosion. Then there’s PEX, a flexible and modern solution that’s popular in new builds and retrofits alike—easy to install and well-suited for tight spaces.
Galvanised steel pipes were once widely used, but we rarely recommend them now due to corrosion risks and difficulty in working with them over time. In Wellington’s varied climate and terrain, we often assess each situation individually, but we find that PEX and copper tend to perform best overall, depending on the needs of the home and the location of the pipework.
What to Consider When Choosing Plumbing Pipes
Choosing plumbing pipes is not just about picking a product off the shelf. There are several important factors that we take into account when helping Wellington homeowners decide on the right system. One of the first things we look at is the water pressure and flow required for your household. High-pressure systems demand stronger materials like copper, whereas low-pressure systems might work well with PEX or PVC.
Another factor is the pipe’s location—some materials are better suited for underground work, while others are ideal for internal walls or ceiling spaces. Cost is always a factor too, but we encourage customers to consider the full lifespan of the pipe.
Cheaper materials may cost you more down the track in repairs or replacements. We also stay on top of council regulations and the New Zealand plumbing code, so you can be confident that every installation meets compliance standards. It is all part of the service we provide at Paramount Plumbing & Gas.
PVC vs Copper vs PEX: Choosing the Right Plumbing Pipes
Copper Pipes: Durable and Proven
Copper pipes are one of the most durable plumbing materials we work with, and they’ve stood the test of time in New Zealand homes. Their natural corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures make them ideal for hot water supply lines and areas where strength matters.
That said, copper pipes do come with a higher price tag, and because they are rigid, they require more fittings and labour during installation. We often recommend copper when longevity is a top priority—especially in homes where access is easy or where high water pressure is a concern. If you are looking for a solution that will last for decades and you do not mind investing a little more upfront, copper is a very solid choice.
PVC Pipes: Lightweight and Affordable
PVC pipes are an economical and efficient option for many Wellington homes, especially when it comes to cold water lines and waste drainage. These pipes are lightweight, easy to work with, and resistant to most chemical corrosion, making them a great fit for non-pressurised applications.
However, they do not hold up well under high temperatures or direct sunlight, so they are not suitable for hot water supply lines. At Paramount Plumbing & Gas, we often install PVC for stormwater or sewer lines where flexibility and affordability are key. While not suitable for every part of your plumbing system, PVC plays a useful role in the right locations.
PEX Pipes: Flexible and Easy to Install
PEX piping has become increasingly popular in Wellington homes over the past decade, and for good reason. Its flexibility means it can easily be installed around corners without needing extra fittings, which reduces the chances of leaks and speeds up installation time. It is also resistant to freezing and bursting, which is helpful in colder parts of the region. We frequently use PEX for hot and cold water supply lines in both new builds and renovations, as it balances durability with efficiency.
Insulation is important with PEX to maintain water temperature and protect the pipe, but when installed properly, it offers a long service life and minimal maintenance. For many modern homeowners, PEX offers the best all-round solution.
Factors We Consider When Replacing or Installing Pipes
New Build vs Renovation: Pipe Selection Strategy
When we’re working on a new build, our approach is all about future-proofing. We consider not just what your home needs now, but what it might need five, ten, or twenty years from now.
That means choosing materials that can handle changing water demands, increased usage, or future extensions. Renovations are a little different—here we need to work with the structure that already exists, often navigating older pipework, tight access points, and other hidden surprises.
Our team will assess the current system and recommend the most compatible materials to bring your plumbing up to standard without blowing the budget. Whether you are building new or upgrading, we’re focused on getting your plumbing right from day one.
Water Quality and Pressure in Wellington
Wellington’s water supply is generally high quality, but the mineral content and water pressure can vary between suburbs. That is why we always take local conditions into account when selecting pipes. In areas like Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt, where water pressure can be higher, we may lean towards copper for key lines.
In parts of Porirua and other coastal areas, where moisture and salt in the air are more prevalent, corrosion resistance becomes a major factor. Having worked on homes across the region, we know what materials hold up well under local conditions, and we will always tailor our recommendations based on what’s right for your area.
How to Know When to Replace Old Pipes
Signs Your Pipes Might Need Upgrading
Most homeowners do not think about their pipes until there is a problem—but by then, you might already be dealing with water damage or reduced water quality. Some of the warning signs we look for include discoloured or rusty-looking water, reduced pressure from taps and showers, unexpected leaks or puddles, and strange banging or whistling sounds in the walls.
These can all be indicators that your pipes are starting to fail or have reached the end of their life. At Paramount Plumbing & Gas, we’re trained to spot these drain blockage issues early and give you honest feedback about whether a repair or full replacement is the best option. Our goal is always to keep your plumbing safe, efficient, and stress-free.
How We Handle Pipe Replacement Projects
If your pipes do need replacing, our team will walk you through the entire process—from the initial assessment right through to final testing. First, we carry out a thorough inspection and map out your current plumbing layout. Next, we help you choose the right materials for your home and budget, making sure everything complies with NZ standards.
During installation, we keep disruption to a minimum and update you regularly so you know exactly what is happening. After the work is complete, we test everything thoroughly to ensure optimal performance and durability. Our customers trust us because we are clear, communicative, and committed to doing the job right the first time.
Let Us Help You Choose the Right Pipes for Your Home
Choosing the right pipes is not something you need to do on your own. With the right advice, you can avoid costly mistakes and enjoy a plumbing system that works exactly the way it should. At Paramount Plumbing & Gas, we take the time to understand your home, your water use, and your long-term plans so we can recommend the best solution.
Our team are here to offer honest guidance, quality workmanship, and a genuine commitment to helping Wellington homeowners get the best result. Every home is different—but with the right pipes in place, you can enjoy better water flow, stronger pressure, and long-term peace of mind.
Get in Touch
For friendly advice or to book a visit, get in touch with the Paramount Plumbing & Gas team:
Phone: 04 974 8332
Email: info@paramountplumbing.nz