Hazelbrook is firmly in the colder half of the Mountains. Frost is real here, and a few mornings each winter can be hard on plumbing. Pipes in the roof space, under the floor or along an outside wall are the first to go. If you leave a house empty over winter, whether it is a holiday place or a rental between tenants, drain what you can and know where the main tap is. Our guide to burst and frozen pipes lists what to do before the cold sets in, and what to do when a pipe has already gone.
Cold weather also makes a hot water system work harder. Incoming water is colder, so a tired tank struggles to keep up, and the first sign is often a shower that runs out sooner than it used to. If the unit is getting on, replacing it on your terms is better than doing it in the middle of a freezing week. Hot water repairs and replacement explains the main choices for a cold-climate home.
Many Hazelbrook households heat with gas. Some streets have mains gas and others use bottled LPG, so check which you have before you book any work. Heaters, cooktops and hot water units on gas must be installed by a licensed gasfitter. If you smell gas or feel unwell, get outside and call 000. For a leak at the meter or the bottle, call the gas network or your LPG supplier. Our page on gas fitting has the safety steps and explains what a licensed job covers.
Steep blocks and wet weather
Hazelbrook blocks often slope toward bush gullies. In heavy rain, water moves quickly across the surface and can end up against the house or under a deck. Gutters choke with leaves and downpipes overflow at the worst moment. Clean gutters before the wet season and check where your downpipes discharge.
Whatever the weather, know where your main water shut-off is. If a pipe splits, turning it off limits the damage while you call.
Service area
Hazelbrook is inside our service area. Lawson is next door, up the line toward Katoomba, and Woodford is the next town back toward Sydney. Tell us your street when you call and the plumber will talk through timing.
Need a plumber in the Blue Mountains?
Call 0495 053 644Hazelbrook plumbing questions
What should I do before a Hazelbrook winter to stop pipes freezing?
Lag exposed pipes, cover or drain outdoor taps, and check under-floor and roof-space runs. Know where your main shut-off is so you can stop the water quickly if a pipe splits.
My Hazelbrook house has bottled gas. Who can fit a new heater?
A licensed gasfitter. They can connect to your bottles, check the flue and regulator and give you a compliance certificate once the work is done.
Why does my hot water run out faster in winter?
The incoming water is colder, so the unit has more to heat. An older tank loses capacity as sediment builds up. A plumber can test the unit and tell you whether it needs repair or replacement.