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How did anyone survive the Christchurch gas explosion? See an aerial video of the Northwood house destroyed in a gas explosion in 2019.

Gas experts say a suspended gas bottle seen on The Block NZ set in Kingsland, Auckland, is non-compliant for a number of reasons. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board says it has been made aware of this incorrect installation and will be following up the issue.

For the second time, property owners are being warned not to fall into the trap of using unlicensed people to conduct work on renovation projects, or they risk invalidating their insurance.

The 80-year-old pensioner was cleaning up raw sewage bubbling up through her shower pipes. It's the worst case of "cowboy" operators endangering homeowners Martin Sawyers can remember in his years as chief executive of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).

Jacinda Ardern has been an unwitting - but effective - publicist in the dangers of do-it-yourself renovations to homes. But the danger remains for many unknowing DIYers who may out themselves at risk financially or in a health and safety way.

Many of the nation's baby boomers are selling their baches in exchange for a motor home or caravan - but a sting in the tail has prompted a $50,000 consumer warning. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) has reported an upsurge in complaints about unauthorised gasfitting of motor homes, camper vans and caravans.

Water filters have become increasingly common in our houses and offices but it's not well known they need to be installed by a licensed plumber. Most water filter companies have websites in which a long list of potentially harmful substances presented as a reason to install filters. But installing the filters carries a sting in the tail - they have to be fitted by a licensed tradesman; failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $10,000.

There's a new class of tradesmen cropping up in Auckland - fix-it men. No, not handymen who do odd jobs around the house - tradesmen who fix mistakes by the "cowboys" originally hired to do a professional job.

Unsuspecting homeowners can lay themselves open to “major grief”. Here are the top 8 reasons why you should never hire an unlicensed "cowboy" operator and should always ask tradesmen to produce their licence card.