A rebuilt central city of apartments and commercial buildings, ringed by older suburbs: Merivale's cottages and infill, St Albans' mix of cottages, flats and apartments, and the railway and factory-era streets of Addington and Sydenham. We handle both. That covers sizing and placement, connecting to spouting and downpipes, pressure pumps, first-flush diverters, filtration and UV, frost protection, and any mains top-up with the backflow protection it needs.
Rainwater tanks for Central Christchurch's small sections and rebuilt homes
Central Christchurch is about as far from a typical tank property as you can get. Homes inside the Four Avenues and in Merivale, St Albans, Addington and Sydenham are on the council's town supply, and many sit on small sections or in apartment blocks. So when people here ask about a tank, it is almost always for the garden, the car or flushing toilets, rather than drinking water. Slimline tanks against a fence or under a deck are the usual answer.
There is a sound reason to consider one. Christchurch City Council charges households for use over a daily allowance, and summer garden watering is one of the easiest ways to go over it. Christchurch has also had summer water restrictions in past years, limiting sprinklers to certain days or hours. A tank fed from the roof lets you water a vegetable patch without touching the town supply.
Most central roofs are long run steel or newer materials on rebuilt homes, which suit rainwater collection. Older Merivale cottages may have heritage considerations if the tank is visible from the street, and we check whether the property is in a Residential Heritage Area before suggesting a position. If tank water is plumbed into the house for toilets or laundry, the system needs backflow protection so it cannot mix with the town supply.
On tight sites, tank placement must leave access for maintenance and not block drains or inspection points. We fit a first flush diverter and leaf screens, run the overflow into the stormwater line and install a small pump if you want pressure at a hose or toilet. We visit first to measure the roof and the space available. Overflow pipes are sized so a heavy downpour leaves the section cleanly.
Local tip: In a Merivale cottage, check whether your street is in a Residential Heritage Area before putting a tank where it can be seen from the road.
For anything else, see our plumbers in Central Christchurch.
Pricing: quotes are free, and every job gets a fixed price before we start, so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Water Tanks Jobs We Do in Central Christchurch
- Rainwater tank installation
- Tank top-up valves
Water Tanks Central Christchurch FAQs
Can I use rainwater to flush toilets in my St Albans home?
Yes, with the right pump, backflow protection and a top up from the town supply for dry spells. We design it so the two supplies never mix.
I am on a restricted supply. Can you work on my tank?
Yes, on the private side: the tank, pump and pipes to the house. Do not alter the council's restrictor, which is chargeable.
Can a tank supply my toilets and washing machine?
Yes. That needs a pump and usually a building consent, and the plumbing must be done by a licensed plumber.