Why is Queenstown harder to book than Dunedin?
Demand and housing: the Lakes have more work than trades most of the year, and many businesses are quoting weeks out. Putting your dates and flexibility in the request is what gets a usable answer rather than silence.
Is a drainlayer different from a plumber?
Yes. Drainlaying is separately certified in New Zealand and covers the pipes outside and under the building. A plumber handles the pipework inside it. Describe the problem and the right trade will answer.
My drain keeps blocking. Why?
A drain that blocks repeatedly usually has a cause: roots, a broken section, or a fall that is too flat. Clearing it treats the symptom, so a camera inspection is usually cheaper than the third callout.
Who is responsible, me or the council?
Generally you own the pipes on your property and the council owns the network beyond the boundary, though shared private drains between properties complicate it. A drainlayer will tell you which side of the line the problem is on.
Can a pipe be fixed without digging?
Often, with relining, which is less disruptive and can be cheaper once you count reinstating a driveway or garden. Ask for it to be quoted alongside excavation where both are possible.