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The Best Plumbers in Dunedin

Updated 8 May 2023
Summary:
  • ​Homeowners all over Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin. 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:
  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.

Reliable Dunedin Plumbers Available Right Now


​Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Dunedin and Mosgiel. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within the Dunedin area, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and other data points.

Gas & Water Ltd

Areas served: Dunedin and across the wider region
Base: Glasgow St., Dunedin
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m
Urgent/After Hours Available? Not specified
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Facebook Page: None
Website: Gas & Water Ltd
​Email address: Not specified
Phone: 03 455 4946
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Responds quickly with client’s inquiries 
  • Provides quality workmanship 
  • Explains the problems to the client well
  • Provides a considerate and reliable solution
  • Tradesmen are well-trained and work professionally
 
Pros:
  • Master Plumbers and Gas Fitters guarantee 
  • Provides free online quote 
 
Cons:
  • Not operating on weekends 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Gas & Water Ltd is a locally-owned business that was founded in 2003
  • Registered plumbers, gasfitters and drain layers 
  • Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board accredited 
  • Recommends trusted suppliers like Rinnai and Oakleys
  • Installs and repairs all kinds of gas fitting 
  • Provides gas and water installation, maintenance and repairs to residential and commercial customers.
  • Identifies and resolves any drainage problem

Foleys Dunedin

Areas served: Dunedin area including Waikouaiti, Waihola, Middlemarch and Otago Peninsula
Base: Kenmure, Dunedin
Hours: 24/7
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Facebook Page: Foleys Dunedin
Website: Foleys Dunedin
​Email address: craig.foley@foleys.co.nz
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 the cable car

iPlumb NZ Ltd

Areas served: Dunedin area
Base: Green Island, Dunedin
Hours:  Mon to Fri 8:00 a.m - 4.30 p.m
Urgent/After Hours Available?  Yes
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: iPlumb NZ Ltd
Website: iPlumb NZ Ltd
​Email address: sales@iplumb.net.nz
Phone: 03 568 8223
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Quick and efficient in finishing a job 
  • Friendly and professional in addressing client’s concerns 
  • Responsive to client’s inquiries
 
Pros:
  • Recommends trusted suppliers 
  • Available 24-hour call-out 
 
Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Helps with behind the scenes pipework 
  • Assists with new drains and septic systems installations
  • Upgrades gas continuous flow, infinity hot water heating or underfloor heating for bathroom.
  • Repairs hot water cylinder, burst pipe, blocked toilet, etc.
  • Installs, services, tests and certifies all gas appliances
  • Deals with blocked sewer drain, gully traps, overflowing sewerage leaks and tree root problems

Mains Plumbers 2004 Ltd

Areas served: Dunedin areas
Base: Burnside, Dunedin
Hours:  24/7
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: Mains Plumbers 2004 Ltd
Website: Mains Plumbers 2004 Ltd
​Email address: mainsplumbers@xtra.co.nz
Phone: 03 488 6000
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Responsive to the client’s concern 
  • Gives reliable information for future references
  • Customer Service is helpful and accommodating 
 
Pros:
  • Master Plumbers guarantee
  • Offers 24 hours and emergency services
 
Cons:
  • None
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Comprehensive Plumbing Services since 1947
  • Founded originally in 1947 by Mike Mains’s grandfather
  • Handles renovation projects 
  • Offers urgent repairs and maintenance 
  • Installs fireplace, washing machine, dishwasher, taps, etc.
  • Provides plumbing services to and residential areas

McNab Plumbing

Areas served: Dunedin areas
Base: Belleknowes, Dunedin
Hours:  Mon to Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm 
Urgent/After Hours Available? Yes
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Facebook Page: McNab Plumbing
Website: McNab Plumbing 
​Email address: blair@mcnabplumbing.co.nz
Phone: 03 455 0899  
  
 Customer Feedback:
  • Honest, skilled and reliable team of plumbers
  • Finished the job on time 
  • The job is done right on the first time 
  • Prompt service and easy to work with 
 
 Pros:
  • Available for emergency call outs 
  • Highly experienced plumbers
 
 Cons:
  • Quite busy to take on smaller jobs 
 
 Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • McNab Plumbing provides all plumbing-related services, heating, gas fitting and drainage solutions. 
  • They already have a decade of experience in the plumbing industry.

Where to buy plumbing supplies in Dunedin 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):
⚠️​ 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.