A califont is a wall-mounted, gas-powered unit that heats water on demand. Unlike traditional hot water cylinders that store a limited amount of hot water, califonts heat water only as it's needed—meaning no storage tank and unlimited hot water (as long as gas is available).
The conversion process typically involves:
* Removing the existing hot water cylinder
* Installing a califont unit on an exterior wall (sometimes indoors with proper ventilation)
* Running gas lines (LPG or natural gas)
* Connecting water pipes to the new system
* Installing flue or venting, if required
* Complying with NZ gas fitting and plumbing regulations
* Endless Hot Water – Perfect for larger families or homes with high water use.
* Energy Efficient – Heats only what you use, reducing electricity bills.
* Space Saving – No bulky tank; ideal for smaller homes or renovations.
* Fast Recovery – Instant heating with no waiting time.
* Outdoor Installation – Keeps the unit out of sight and frees up indoor space.
We are qualified Tauranga plumbers and gasfitters—like the team at Mount Maunganui Plumbing & Gas—handle califont conversions safely and in line with NZ building and safety standards.
We recognise our RSA members for their service.
*On presentation of your current RSA membership card we offer 10% discount off the Labour rate.
- Not in conjunction with any other offers.
*On presentation of your Super Gold card we offer 10% discount off the Labour rate.
- Not in conjunction with any other offers.
"For the past six years, Shaw Builders Ltd have had the pleasure of working with our Mount Maunganui plumber Chris Clark. Shaw Builders Ltd is a construction company that is involved in the construction of multi million dollar projects. These projects are very complex and on average a two-year build. We have found Chris Clark to be very reliable and professional in his trade. Chris is always available when we need an on-site meeting, or phone call. Chris has worked on many of our large projects and we very much recommend Chris to future clients, and also intend to continue to support Chris in his new business venture."
"It is always a pleasure to have Chris undertake work for us. He has done large and small jobs, some of which have meant many hours under the house. We very much appreciate his sense of humour and his 'get on with it' attitude especially when the job is ‘not nice’. We look forward to continuing to use Mount Maunganui Plumbing & Gas."
"we renovated our whole ensuite from top to bottom. Chris was great to deal with every step of the way. I would highly recommend them"
Your hot water cylinder should be set to a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius.
If your house is fitted with a tempering valve this will deliver hot water at 55 degrees Celsius to your house.
If you have elderly, young children or people with disabilities the temperature should be adjusted to 45 degrees Celsius to prevent burns.
The first signs of a gas leak is a pungent smell similar to rotten eggs. This may be noticed either in a drawer or cupboard underneath a gas hob or in your hot water cylinder cupboard or around your gas fire place or any gas appliance in the house.
Secondly you may notice a high gas usage.
If you suspect you may have a Gas leak of any description - call Mount Maunganui Plumbing and Gas immediately to inspect and repair.
Which option is better suited for me?
Natural gas provides a reliable and continuous supply of gas for the whole house, this is installed from a main supply in your street and can be connected to your house.
LPG is supplied from a bottle which requires replacement once empty. This is more suitable if you are rural property or a property with no gas mains supplied to your street, or for a single appliance usage.
Turn OFF the water main immediately. This will be situated at the front boundary of your house, normally in a blue toby box for newer homes / older property's this could be in a round metal toby box again at the front boundary of the house.
Turn OFF the water to your Hot water cylinder to prevent the water draining out through the burst water main.
Turn OFF the power to your Hot water cylinder. This will prevent the element burning out if your cylinder drains.
Ring Mount Maunganui Plumbing & Gas immediately.
This indicates you have a blocked drain which could be one of two things. The gully trap could be blocked or worse case your drain is blocked further down the pipe.
Ensure children and animals are keep away from this area.
Call Mount Maunganui Plumbing and Gas immediately for repairs.
Mount Maunganui Plumbing and Gas is a local, family run business, servicing customers in the Mount, Papamoa, Tauranga , Te Puke and wider Bay of Plenty.
