66 | Quality work brings more business Some installations now use CO2 heat pump technology, which replaces conventional refrigerants with carbon dioxide, while operating on the same heat-transfer principle Wright Plumbing and Drainage T T Russell Fredric CONTRACTING Three decades after opening its doors, Wright Plumbing and Drainage continues to build on its well-earned reputation across Dunedin, delivering residential plumbing, drainage and energyefficient hot water solutions. Established by Peter Wright in the mid1990s, the family business is now led by his son, Dan Wright, who has gradually taken over day-to-day operations during the past few years. Peter is largely retired, but remains connected to the company. “He’ll come on a Thursday and Friday to help us out, and every second week he comes to help out for a few days,” Dan says. Dan joined the business in 2013 and completed his apprenticeship under his father before stepping into the director’s role. “This is my 13th year in the business now and it’s just flown by,” he says. “We’ve still got a lot of Dad’s older clients around town, but I’ve also brought in a few builders and project managers I know as well. In Dunedin, word gets around pretty quickly. If you do a good job, builders will keep coming back.” The company operates with a small team of three tradespeople, including qualified plumber Regan Cairns and apprentice Caide Bezuidenhout, allowing the business to remain flexible while maintaining close relationships with builders and project managers. Most work centres on residential plumbing for new homes and renovations, although drainage has become a significant part of the workload in Dunedin, where terrain and ground conditions can complicate underground services. “Drainage can be one of the trickier areas of work in Dunedin,” Dan says. “You’ve got 100-year-old-plus buildings that have original drains, tight access, and usually steep terrain to work with. You’ve got to plan carefully and think cautiously when organising some drainage jobs around the town.” Alongside plumbing and drainage work, the company installs hot water systems, water mains and sanitary plumbing. Changing technology during the past decade has influenced the systems homeowners are choosing, with hot water heat pumps becoming more common as an energyefficient way to heat water. Heat pump hot water systems use ambient air to heat water, cutting energy consumption by 60-75% compared with conventional hot water cylinders, while providing sustainable, low-emission heating. Some installations now use CO2 heat pump technology, which replaces conventional refrigerants with carbon dioxide, while operating on the same heat-transfer principle. “We’re doing heaps of hot water heat pumps now and getting a lot of inquiries about them,” Dan says. “With power prices going up, people are looking for more efficient ways to heat their water and cut down their power bills.” Material technology has also evolved, with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping now widely used in modern plumbing systems. The material is resistant to corrosion and internal scaling, and is widely used in new residential builds and renovations and is “a far better pipe product than standard polybutylene”. With an experienced team and a strong base of returning builders and homeowners, Wright Plumbing and Drainage continues to focus on the dependable work that has kept the family business operating for three decades. CUT OUT THE MIDDLEMAN AND BUY DIRECT Serving the Otago region for 85 years Visit us at 78 Maclaggan St, Dunedin PAVING STONES 100% LOCAL PRECASTDUNEDIN.CO.NZ SUMPS + GRATES SUMPS & SLABS FIRE HEARTHS Call us today 027 474 2274 E: drainclearingotago@gmail.com • Drain Clearing • Drain Laying • Blocked Drains • CCTV Drainage Inspection • Mini Excavation Your local drain cleaning specialists
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=