Older suburbs such as Linwood and Woolston, riverside streets in Burwood, 1960s and later homes in Parklands, and beachside homes in New Brighton and Sumner, many repaired or rebuilt after the earthquakes. 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 in the east: high groundwater, sandy ground and coastal homes
In East and Coastal Christchurch, where a tank sits matters as much as how big it is. Burwood, New Brighton and parts of Linwood and Woolston have ground that took heavy damage in 2010 and 2011, high groundwater in places and, near the rivers, flood risk. An above ground tank needs a level, compacted base that will not settle, and an underground tank can be pushed upward by high groundwater if it is not designed and anchored for it.
That is why most eastern tank installs are above ground, on a compacted gravel or concrete pad sized for the full tank weight. On sandy sections in New Brighton and along the spit, we excavate and compact properly so the base does not slump over time. Where the property is in a flood management area, we keep pumps and electrical connections above likely flood levels.
Near the sea, salt air shortens the life of pumps, fittings and exposed pipe, so we choose materials suited to the coast. Woolston's mix of homes and industry means some properties collect rainwater for washing vehicles or equipment, which needs a different setup from a household garden tank. If the water is plumbed into a house or business, backflow protection keeps it separate from the council supply.
Many eastern homes were repaired or rebuilt after the earthquakes, and new roofs and spouting make good catchments. We fit leaf screens and a first flush diverter, connect the overflow to the stormwater system and check that downpipes are sound. A tank is a practical way to water the garden without adding to your council water use in summer, when Christchurch households can exceed the daily allowance. We also set the overflow so it drains away from the house foundations.
Local tip: In New Brighton or Burwood, ask us about the base before you buy a tank, because a pad that settles will tilt the tank and stress every connection.
For anything else, see our plumbers in East and Coastal 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 East and Coastal Christchurch
- UV for tank water
- Tank pump setups
Water Tanks East and Coastal Christchurch FAQs
Can we put an underground tank on our Burwood section?
Possibly, but high groundwater can push a tank upward. We check the site and only recommend underground if it can be designed and anchored for the conditions.
How do I stop my tank pump freezing?
House the pump in an insulated cover, lag the exposed pipe and fit drain points. In a hard frost, a pump left exposed can crack.
Do I need consent for a rainwater tank in Christchurch?
Not always. A simple outdoor-use tank may be exempt, but one connected to internal plumbing or with a mains top-up normally needs consent. We check with the right council first.