The Best Plumbers in Christchurch

Updated 2 May 2024

Summary:

• ​Homeowners all over Christchurch know the sinking feeling of finding a leaking pipe, faulty hot water heater, blocked sink, toilet or bathroom drainage. Not only is a plumbing problem inconvenient, but it's also an almost-certain extra expense. The next step involves finding a reliable and trusted plumber in Christchurch who can fix the problem as quickly as possible.
• To help you and put you in the strongest position, we've handpicked a list of reliable, affordable and trusted plumbers in Christchurch to save you time and money. Our list of prices for various plumbing jobs helps pre-empt what you can expect to pay.
• Many minor plumbing issues, such as blocked sinks, toilets and pipes, can be solved with DIY tools from Mitre 10 or Bunnings Warehouse. We outline three must-have items you can pick up for under $30 in total and avoid calling a plumber if you're happy to sort out the problem yourself. 

Our Christchurch plumbing services guide covers:​​

• How much do plumbing services & repairs cost?
• Trusted Christchurch Plumbers
• Where to buy plumbing supplies in Christchurch for DIY repairs​

​

How much do Christchurch plumbing services and repairs cost?

You may have a recommended plumber‘s contact stuck on your fridge, but that’s no indication of the cost. We have put together a useful guide to help you estimate what typical quick-fix plumbing services should cost you in and around Christchurch. Please note, the prices are for guidance only and quotes will vary based on the specific plumbing situation and individual work performed.

Kitchen

• Clearing a blocked kitchen sink: $175 to $250
• Installing a new basin: $175 to $300
• Replacing a tap or a leaking pipe: $150 to $250

Bathroom

• Clearing a blocked toilet:  $150 to $250
• Installing a new toilet:  $250 to $550
• Repair of a toilet: $150 to $300
• Installing a new basin: $175 to $300
• Replacing a tap or a leaking pipe: $150 to $250
• Installation or replacement of faulty shower set: $200 to $350

How does a plumber charge me?

A bill from a plumber is usually made up of a number of factors:

1. Labour charge - this is a set rate, exclusive of GST, often between $90 and $120 per hour. There will usually be a minimum first-hour charge. 
2. Parts and materials - if the plumber has the parts in their van, or if they need to pick up something from a plumbing store, you will be charged for what's required. There may be a markup as well.
3. Specialist equipment costs - if your job requires non-standard tools such as TV cameras, concrete cutters, wet back vacuums and similar, you will most likely pay an hourly charge on those.
4. Travel cost (this may be included in the labour charge) - if the plumber charges travel costs, this is usually charged from the time the plumber leaves for your home, to when they arrive back at their base after the job. This will also include the time it takes to visit a plumbing store to get any parts. 
5. GST - the total of 1, 2, 3 and 4 above will be added, and GST (15%) charged on the total.

If you require a plumber to visit after hours (i.e. outside of 7am to 5pm), you will most likely pay either a call-out fee or a higher hourly charge. 

Plumbing problem fixed itself? You will still need to pay.

• If you call a plumber and they accept the job, you have committed to the service.
• If the plumbing problem resolves itself before the plumber arrives at your property, you will still need to pay for the first hour, or whatever the minimum time the plumber charges per their terms of trade. 

​How can I get the best price for my plumbing work?

1. Turn off your water mains if there's a leak - this gives you full control of the situation, and minimises the risk of urgently calling up the first plumber you find and getting ripped off.
2. Shop around - plumbing issues often lead to homeowners panic buying. Instead, approach a plumbing job like you would when buying a phone or car - be calm. Have a ring around and explain your plumbing needs, and ask for an estimate of the job, as well as the hourly cost, travel cost and parts markup percentage.
3. Know that prices and quotes will usually exclude GST - be sure to check - our GST calculator shows the total amount you'll pay if you're quoted 'GST exclusive'.
4. Find a local plumber - plumbers often charge travel time, so the closer to your home is to the plumber and a plumbing store (if needed), the cheaper the labour cost. For this reason, you will also pay more if you are in an out-of-town property.
5. Know that an out-of-hours visit (i.e. 6pm to 7am, weekends) will often be more expensive than standard hours - check with the plumber before. If the job can wait, don't pay a weekend or late-night surcharge if it can be sorted the next day.

How do I pay a plumber?

Most plumbers accept a range of payment methods, including

1. Direct Credit (internet banking)
2. Cheque
3. Cash with invoice
4. Credit Card via the plumber's website (a surcharge may apply)
5. On-site Eftpos

Plumbers usually have strict payment terms, with 7 or 10 days standard.

The Best Christchurch Plumbers Available Right Now

​Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Christchurch (but not the wider Canterbury region). We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Christchurch, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, BuildersCrack, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.

​Inline Plumbing Ltd

Areas served: Christchurch area
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch
Hours: 24/7
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: Inline Plumbing Ltd
Website: Inline Plumbing Ltd
​Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 377 5806
 
Customer Feedback:

• Provides helpful and reliable information to resolve client’s concerns
• Responds to a client with credible resources 
• Tradesmen are well-trained, experienced and knowledgeable to finish a job 
• Responds quickly to resolve emergency job
• Provides informative solutions to resolve issues 
• Quotes the client with reasonable service rates

 
Pros:

• Mater Plumbers accredited 
• Site Safe member
• Offers reliable 24/7 emergency services 

 
Cons:

• None

 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:

• Inline Plumbing Ltd is established in 2008 by Johnny Gardner
• Members of Master Plumbers NZ, bringing the industry's highest standards of expertise
• Locally owned and operated Christchurch based business
• Employs its building, electrical, plumbing and gas fitting staff
• Offers a full floor to ceiling bathroom, laundry and kitchen renovation services
• Handles every aspect of new build plumbing, gas fitting, electrical and drain laying
• Help with repairs and maintenance including, insurance work, blocked drains, roofing repairs, electrical, gas fitting and building repairs or maintenance.

ACF Plumbing Solutions

Areas served: Christchurch area
Base: Burwood, Christchurch
Hours: 24/7
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: ACF Plumbing Solutions
Website: ACF Plumbing Solution
​Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 847 3007
 
Customer Feedback:

• Handles emergency services calmly and efficiently 
• Provides reasonable services rates
• Responds to inquiries quickly and reliable 
• Finishes a job with outstanding results
• Goes the extra miles to fix complex jobs 
• Sends professional, certified and friendly tradesmen

 
Pros:

• IQP registered 
• Operating 24 hours 
• Wide range of plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying services

 
Cons:

• Master Plumbers guarantee not specified 

 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:

• Owned and established by Alex Fedoruk, an experienced and licenced plumber with 15 years o expertise 
• Renovates bathroom and kitchen
• Replaces and repairs hot water cylinder, leaking taps, leaking pipes, toilets, blocked drains, etc.
• Installs sink and vanity
• Upgrades new hot water system

Dewaters Plumbing & Gas

Areas served: Christchurch and the surrounding areas
Base: Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m
Urgent/After Hours Available? Not specified
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Facebook Page: None
Website: Dewaters Plumbing & Gas
​Email address: Not specified
Phone: 021 908 480
 
Customer Feedback:

• Responsive to client’s inquiries 
• Identifies the issue quick and reliable 
• Tradesmen are professional and well-trained to fix a job 
• Finishes a job with quality result
• Gives the client assurance that the scheduled job will be done efficiently 

 
Pros:

• Member of Master Plumbers
• Recommends trusted suppliers 

 
Cons:

• Not operating on weekends 
• Emergency services not mentioned on the website

 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:

• Certified Christchurch plumbers and gas fitters
• Offers a range of residential and commercial plumbing, drainage and gas fitting services
• Specialises in all areas of residential and commercial plumbing
• Provides gas fitting services from earthquake repair work and general maintenance, right through to new home builds and installation of reticulated gas systems
• Installs continuous flow gas hot water conversions and gas-powered kitchen appliances
• Filters chlorinated Christchurch water and connect it to existing tap
• Offers gas hot water conversion

Custom Plumbing Services Ltd

Areas served: Christchurch areas
Base: Burnside, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:00 a.m – 8:30 p.m
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: Custom Plumbing Services Ltd
Website: Custom Plumbing Services Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 441 904
 
Customer Feedback:

• Provides a prompt and effective solution to a concern
• Responsive to client’s inquiries 
• Shows confidence and quality workmanship
• Provides competitive services rates 
• Arrives early on scheduled job
• Staffs are accommodating and friendly, which build good communications

 
Pros:

• Provide a free online quote 
• Certifying plumbers 
• Emergency service is available 
• Provides online plumbing-related advice

 
Cons:

• None 

 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:

• Wim Van Sande is the owner of Custom Plumbing Services and a certifying plumber
• He won the Most Inspiring South Island Apprentice Award during his study
• Offers domestic plumbing repairs, maintenance and renovations and new home builds
• Provides plumbing option for your budget
• Provides advice on more efficient ways to utilise a plumbing
• Offers maintenance or upgrade for small commercial plumbing

Plumb Fast Ltd

Areas served: Christchurch and North Canterbury
Base: Mairehau, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 a.m – 5:00 p.m
Urgent/After Hours Available? Not specified
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: Plumb Fast Ltd
Website: Plumb Fast Ltd
​Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 524 352
 
Customer Feedback:

• Responsive to client’s inquiries
• Works fast and efficient even in a complex job
• Provides reliable information for future reference
• Answers inquiries with helpful solutions 

 
Pros:

• IQP registered 

 
Cons:

• Not operating on weekends 

 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:

• Founded in 2005 by Registered Certifying Plumber Glen Fifield
• Rated one of the top 8 plumbers in Christchurch, by Handman Reviewed
• Offers domestics and commercial plumbing services 
• Provides plumbing services to Health & Aged Care Facilities, Restaurants, Hospitality, Office Buildings, Schools, Churches, Real Estate Property Management and general contract maintenance
• Renovates kitchen and bathroom
• Replaces alloy-coated hot water cylinder heating 

Dominex Plumbing & Gas

Areas served: Christchurch area
Base: Beckenham, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m
Urgent/After Hours Available? ​Not specified
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Facebook Page: Dominex Plumbing & Gas
Website: Dominex Plumbing & Gas
​Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 178 3601
 
Customer Feedback:

• Addresses all client’s inquiries and concerns 
• Provides a variety of options to meet client’s budget
• Works efficiently in finishing even the complex job 
• Provides proper explanation regarding the issue 
• Finishes job timely with quality workmanship

 
Pros:

• Provides free online quote 
• Has Public Liability Insurance
• Operates longer during weekdays 

 
Cons:

• No weekends operation 
• Emergency service is not specified on the website 

 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:

• 100% Kiwi owned and operated
• Registered with the Plumbers, Gas Fitters & Drainlayers Board
• Inducted with the major Dairy Factory’s in New Zealand
• Provides plumbing services for industrial, commercial and domestic
• Offers plumbing alteration
• Hold preventive maintenance programme
• Troubleshoots hot water issues
• Repairs and installs hot water heater
• Installs hot water cylinder and tapware

Rea Plumbing & Renovation

Areas served: Christchurch suburbs
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m
Urgent/After Hours Available? Not specified
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Facebook Page: None
Website: Rea Plumbing & Renovation
​Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 390 1009
 
Customer Feedback:

• Shows expertise in accomplishing the job 
• Provides trusted services and products to the client
• Provides reliable options to resolve client’s concerns 
• Works with efficiency and quality workmanship 
• Charges client with reasonable price
• Accommodates client- professionally

 
Pros:

• Provide timely service for any plumbing needs
• Master Plumbers accredited

 
Cons:

• No weekends operation 

 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:

• Aims to provide excellent customer service by accurately assessing client’s plumbing needs
• Supports non-profit communities 
• Provides plumbing services for residential, commercial and industrial
• Offers residential plumbing maintenance and replacement
• Handles commercial plumbing contracts and maintenance 
• Installs Atlantis shower, roofs, drain, etc.
• Replaces and maintains drainage, roof, etc.
• Troubleshoots drain problems

Foleys Christchurch

Areas served: Christchurch metropolitan, North to Amberley, South to Dunsandel, West to Glentunnel and Springfield, East to Banks Peninsula
Base: Wigram, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Facebook Page: Foleys Christchurch
Website: Foleys Christchurch
​Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 30 35 30
 
Customer Feedback:

• Well-trained and knowledgeable tradesmen 
• Arrives timely to inspect client’s concerns 
• Provides prompt and considerate solutions 
• Responsive to client’s inquiries 
• Communicates professionally and politely to client

 
Pros:

• 24/7 service is available 
• Licenced and registered plumbers and gas fitters 

 
Cons:

• Limited area of service 

 
Important Must-know Facts on Services:

• Foleys was established in 1934 by Albert Foley
• In the late 1980s, when the company had grown to a staff of 24
• Provides simple to complex plumbing services
• Handles electrical work for new homes
• Installs, services and repairs gas-powered appliances
• Handle any drainage issues
• Designs, installs & maintains industrial & commercial heating & ventilation systems
• Offers pre-purchase inspections for new homes
• Supplies, installs, repairs and services commercial or domestic water filters
• Installs new backflow prevention devices
• Provides a design and build option for cable car

Laser Plumbing Christchurch East

Areas served: Christchurch suburbs and surrounding locations
Base: Woolston, Christchurch
Hours: 24/7
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Facebook Page: Laser Plumbing Christchurch East
Website: Laser Plumbing Christchurch East
​Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 376 5322
 
Customer Feedback:

• Responds promptly to client’s inquiries
• Finishes the job fast and efficient 
• Provides helpful alternatives to client
• Arrives quickly to fix urgent services 
• Provides the client assurance of quality workmanship
• Meets and frequently exceeds client’s expectation

 
Pros:

• Offers emergency services

 
Cons:

• None

 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:

• Formerly trading as Prestige Plumbing Ltd, owners Chris Dick and Carol McCann joined the Laser Group in April 2007
• The Laser Guarantee accredited
• Installs new roof and spouting 
• Repairs existing roof
• Installs gas continuous flow, hot water, underfloor heating, etc.
• Provides drain laying and drainage system services 
• Provides gas fitting services 

Smartflow Plumbing and Gas

Areas served: Christchurch areas
Base: Beckenham, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m
Urgent/After Hours Available? Not specified
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: Smartflow Plumbing and Gas
Website: Smartflow Plumbing and Gas
​Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 390 0011
 
Customer Feedback:

• Deals with the concern proactively and professionally 
• Provides comprehensive quote and reasonable price
• Responsive to the client’s concern 
• Gives reliable information for future references
• Customer Service is helpful and accommodating 

 
Pros:

• Provides free online quote 
• Reliable skilled professionals

 
Cons:

• After hour service is not specified on the website 

 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:

• With over 17 years of experience in the plumbing and gas fitting field
• Provides commercial and residential plumbing and gas fitting services 
• Renovates kitchen and bathroom
• Installs and replaces hot water system
• Installs and fits hot water systems, gas cooking and other gas-powered heating.

Where to buy plumbing supplies in Christchurch for DIY repairs

If you are happy for a bit of DIY, in many cases it can be very easy to resolve minor plumbing work and avoid the expense of a plumber. For example, a loose tap, blocked sink or toilet, or leaking shower head can be surprisingly easy to fix. The main tools you’ll need are:

1. Plunger – don't muck around with a small one, get the biggest there is - more size = more pressure = faster problem solving  when it comes to unclogging sinks and toilets.
2. Wrench – to loosen and tighten pipes and taps
3. Plumber’s tape – to quickly seal minor leaks

​You can buy these plumbing supplies, and many other DIY pieces, from these plumbing stores (both online and in-store):

• Bunnings Warehouse - stores in Rangiora, Riccarton and Shirley
• Mitre10 - stores in Hornby, Papanui, Beckenham and Ferrymead

⚠️​ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no financial or otherwise relationship with any businesses listed on this page. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. No provider has paid to appear on our website, and this list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.