Top 10 Reliable Plumbers in Christchurch

Updated 25 February 2020

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?

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: $125 to $200
Installing a new basin: $125 to $250
Replacing a tap or a leaking pipe: $100 to $200

Bathroom

Clearing a blocked toilet: $100 to $200
Installing a new toilet: $200 to $500
Repair of a toilet: $100 to $250
Installing a new basin: $125 to $250
Replacing a tap or a leaking pipe: $100 to $200
Installation or replacement of faulty shower set: $150 to $300

How does a plumber charge me?

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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?

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.
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.
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'.
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.
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

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

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

10 Reliable 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.

No plumbing company has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any plumbing company below.

Inline Plumbing Ltd

Areas served: Christchurch area
Base: Sydenhan
Hours: 24/7
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 5.0
Rates on website? Yes
Website: Click here
Phone: 03 377 5806

Revolution Plumbing & Gas

Areas served: Christchurch suburbs
Base: Somerfield
Hours: 24/7
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 5.0
Rates on website? No
Website: Click here
Phone: 03 960 9727

Rex Beazer Plumbing

Areas served: Christchurch area
Base: Shirley
Hours: 24/7
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 5.0
Rates on website? No
Website: Click here
Phone: 0274 571 323

Dewaters Plumbing & Gas

Areas served: Christchurch and the surrounding areas
Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Urgent/After Hours Available? Not specified
Google Review rating: 5.0
Rates on website? No
Website: Click here
Phone: 021 908 480

Canterbury Plumbing and Gas Ltd

Areas served: Christchurch and Canterbury region
Base: Akaroa Road
Hours: Not specified
Urgent/After Hours Available? Not specified
Google Review rating: 4.7+
Rates on website? No
Website: Click here
Phone: 027 738 8886

Plumb Fast Ltd

Areas served: Christchurch and North Canterbury
Base: Mairehau
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 5.0
Rates on website?
Website: Click here
Phone: 021 524 352

A1 Plumbing

Areas served: Christchurch area
Base: North New Brighton
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Urgent/After Hours Available? Not specified
Google Review rating: 4.6+
Rates on website? No
Website: Click here
Phone: 0800 217 586

Richard Rea Plumbing Ltd

Areas served: Christchurch suburbs
Base: Sydenham
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Urgent/After Hours Available? Not specified
Google Review rating: 4.8+
Rates on website? No
Website: Click here
Phone: 03 390 1009

Foleys Christchurch

Areas served: Christchurch, Amberley, Dunsandel, Glentunnel, Springfield and the Banks Peninsula
Base: Wigram
Hours: 24/7
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 4.6+
Rates on website? No
Website: Click here
Phone: 03 343 0763

Laser Plumbing Christchurch East

Areas served: Christchurch suburbs and surrounding locations
Base: Woolston
Hours: 24/7
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 4.7+
Rates on website? No
Website: Click here
Phone: 03 376 5322

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:

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.
Wrench – to loosen and tighten pipes and taps
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 relationship, financial or otherwise, with any of the companies listed on this page. Quotes and final bills for individual plumbing jobs vary, and our pricing guide is for guidance purposes only.