Gas Fitter Ilam

Ilam's mid-century family homes and student flats on LPG

Ilam grew up around the University of Canterbury from the mid 20th century, so much of the housing is solid family homes from that era, along with student rentals and later infill. These houses usually have timber floors, accessible ceilings and decent-sized sections, which suit adding a pair of LPG bottles and a new pipe run.

Student flats raise a specific point. With several unrelated adults sharing, hot water demand peaks hard in the morning, and gas continuous flow is popular because it does not run out the way a small cylinder can. The catch is bottle consumption: a busy flat on gas hot water can work through bottles quickly in winter, so we often recommend larger capacity or a bulk tank, plus an automatic changeover so the flat is not cold when one bottle empties. We also put isolation valves where tenants can find them.

Ilam is close to the airport, and cold air settles on the flat plains around it on calm winter nights. LPG releases vapour more slowly from a chilled bottle, so supply sizing takes the coldest mornings into account. For owner-occupied homes being renovated, we find old pipe from earlier heaters, cap it, and run new copper where the new kitchen or fireplace needs it. All work is leak tested before the appliances are lit. Landlords get the certificate for their records, which helps when a property changes hands.

Local tip: In an Ilam student flat, agree who orders replacement LPG bottles before winter so the household does not run out on a frosty morning.