25/04/2026
We’re starting to see this more often this time of year 👇
Mice nesting inside gas califonts 🐭
This client’s hot water system had been playing up — turns out a mouse had made itself at home inside the unit and used the internal circuit board as a toilet…
👉 Result: faulty operation + circuit board replacement required
⚠️ Why this happens:
As the weather cools down, mice look for:
Warm, sheltered spaces
Protected enclosures (like califonts)
Dry areas near homes
Unfortunately, gas appliances tick all those boxes.
❗ What it can cause:
Intermittent faults
Complete system failure
Expensive component damage
Potential safety issues
✔️ What to watch for:
Hot water cutting in and out
Error codes / unit not firing
Scratching noises (yep… seriously)
💡 Tip:
If your califont is external, it’s worth:
Keeping the area clear
Checking for signs of nesting
Getting it looked at early if something feels off
Installed and repaired the Customised Plumbing and Gas way — sorted properly, not patched.
📍 Nelson / Tasman
📞 Get in touch if your hot water system isn’t behaving