Older homes in Riccarton and Fendalton, 1940s to 1960s subdivisions in Ilam, Avonhead and Burnside, homes beside industry in Hornby and new subdivisions at Wigram. 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 West Christchurch: dry plains, large gardens and new builds
West Christchurch sits on the drier side of a dry city. Christchurch Airport, on the western edge, averages about 618 millimetres of rain a year, which is low by New Zealand standards, and summer nor'westers dry gardens quickly. Fendalton and Riccarton have large established gardens, and Christchurch households pay extra for water used above a daily allowance, so a tank for garden watering is a practical choice here.
Larger sections in Fendalton and Riccarton have room for bigger tanks, often placed out of sight behind garages or hedges. Mature trees in these suburbs mean leaves in gutters, so we fit gutter guards, leaf screens and a first flush diverter to keep the tank clean. In Burnside, post war homes on modest sections usually suit slimline tanks along a side fence.
Wigram's new builds on the former aerodrome are ideal for planning a tank in from the start, with the base, overflow and pump power designed with the house. Ilam rentals sometimes benefit from a garden tank so tenants can water without pushing up the landlord's water bill. Hornby's commercial sites may collect rainwater for washing vehicles or equipment.
The western suburbs also see hard frosts, especially near the airport where nights below zero are common in winter. Exposed tank pumps and pipe can freeze and split, so we fit insulated pump covers and explain how to empty the system before a cold snap. Where the tank also feeds indoor fixtures, backflow protection keeps it separate from the town supply. A first visit covers roof size, space and access before we price it.
Avonhead homes, built from the 1940s on subdivided homestead land, often have generous back yards with room for a mid sized tank tucked behind a shed. We check that the overflow can reach the stormwater line without crossing a neighbour's boundary.
Local tip: In Fendalton or Riccarton, fit gutter guards along with a tank, because leaves from mature trees are the main cause of poor tank water quality.
For anything else, see our plumbers in West 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 West Christchurch
- Rainwater tank installation
- Tank top-up valves
Water Tanks West Christchurch FAQs
Is a rainwater tank worth it on a Burnside section?
For a garden or car washing, yes, especially in a dry summer. A slimline tank fits most sections and cuts council water use.
Can I drink rainwater from my tank?
It can be made safe with good roof and tank maintenance, a first-flush diverter, filtration and UV treatment.
Do I need backflow protection if my tank has a mains top-up?
Yes. Any connection between a tank and the council supply needs backflow protection so tank water cannot flow back into the main.