The Best Plumbers in Christchurch

Updated 6 September 2021

​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?
  
• 10 Trusted Christchurch Plumbers
  
• Where to buy plumbing supplies in Christchurch for DIY repairs​
  

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.

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. 

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.

​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. 

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 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.