At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we provide certified drainlaying services by licensed professionals. We install new drains, upgrade existing systems, and complete council-approved connections for residential and commercial sites.
Poor or incorrect drainlaying can lead to serious problems like slow wastewater flow, pipe failures, surface flooding, and ongoing compliance issues. Improperly installed pipes can also affect toilets, kitchens, stormwater systems, and future plumbing upgrades. If drainlaying isn’t completed to code, it may result in costly rework, fines, or failed council inspections—especially during property developments or renovations.
In residential builds, incorrect drain connections can delay final sign-off and cause long-term drainage issues. On commercial sites, poor drainage layout increases the risk of blockages, system overload, and future damage. Getting it right the first time protects your investment and ensures your system works properly for years to come.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides certified drainlaying services across residential and commercial projects. Our licensed team is registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board and holds the New Zealand Certificate in Drainlaying (Level 4).
Drainage systems that are incorrectly installed, outdated, or damaged can lead to costly issues and council non-compliance. Whether you’re building, renovating, or facing recurring problems, these signs often point to the need for certified drainlaying work.
Frequent Overflows or Slow Drainage
Water that drains slowly or backs up often is a sign of poor pipe layout or incorrect fall. This means waste and stormwater can’t flow through the system properly. Over time, it causes blockages, flooding, and water damage. It often means the drainage needs to be replaced or rerouted.
Pooling Water Around the Property
If water pools near your home after rain, your stormwater system may be blocked, damaged, or incomplete. This can lead to flooding, erosion, or damage to your foundation. Proper drainlaying fixes the issue by safely redirecting surface water away from your property.
Adding New Bathrooms, Kitchens, or Plumbing
If you’re building or renovating, your existing drains might not handle the extra load. Without proper upgrades, you risk blocked toilets, sewer smells, and plumbing failures. These problems often show up after the work is done. New drainage lines are needed to support added fixtures.
Old Clay Pipes or Repeated Blockages
Older clay or earthenware pipes can crack, collapse, or shift underground. These pipes often cause tree root intrusion and constant blockages. Even if cleared, the problems will keep returning. Replacing them with new drains is the only reliable solution.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to have your drainage assessed by a licensed professional. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, our certified team provides fully compliant drainlaying for new builds, upgrades, and repairs. We’re registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, and we ensure every job meets NZ standards—from layout and installation to inspection and sign-off.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we carry out every job using licensed drainlayers with current practising licences and recognised New Zealand drainlaying qualifications. Whether for a new build, upgrade, or repair, proper installation ensures your drainage system works efficiently and meets all compliance requirements.
Proper drainlaying is a smart investment that prevents damage, reduces future costs, and ensures your drainage system performs for years to come. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we bring the skills, knowledge, and qualifications to get the job done right—meeting the standards set by the Drainlayers Board and the New Zealand building code.
We follow a structured and compliant process to deliver professional drainlaying services for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re building new, upgrading existing systems, or replacing failed drains, our licensed team ensures the job meets all local council requirements and New Zealand industry standards.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas is trusted by builders, homeowners, and developers for fully certified drainlaying services. We deliver accurate, code-compliant drainage systems that perform reliably and meet all council requirements.
Malcolm RossTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very prompt on the Friday after hours call out as Landlords we appreciate such service and very good work on a major project during the year. Very professional approach Md. HasanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. You are best plumbing service. Thank you so much for servicing David AllpressTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't praise Tuffnells enough for the quality of their work. They are utterly reliable and so prompt in dealing with anything needing urgent attention. My thanks to a superb team! Gordon FletcherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from a professional tradesman. Thank you. Annette MeadTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great people to deal with they help Us out with a water leak carol symeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very prompt and reliable service.100 percent recommend.
Incorrect or non-compliant drainage can cause costly delays and long-term issues. Book expert drainlaying with Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas to ensure your system is installed right and meets all council requirements.
The cost of drainlaying work typically ranges from $100 to $150+GST per hour, depending on the complexity of the job, location, and materials used. Full installations, drain repair services, or work on pipes and wastewater system servicing can range from $1,500 to $10,000+, depending on site size and project scope.
We provide clear, itemised quotes for labour, equipment, and materials, with no hidden fees. All work is performed by licensed professionals registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Our team follows industry standards to ensure your project is completed safely, correctly, and within budget.
Our drainlaying services include installing, repairing, and extending pipes that carry wastewater, stormwater, or sewage away from your property. This covers new builds, renovations, toilet connections, soak pits, and stormwater control for both residential and commercial projects. We also assess site conditions, manage compliance forms, and coordinate with local authorities when needed.
All work is done by certified tradesmen who hold a current practising licence and have completed a New Zealand Certificate in Drainlaying (Level 4). You’ll get clear communication, expert advice, and results backed by industry knowledge and experience.
Most drainlaying jobs are completed within 1 to 5 days, depending on the scale and site conditions. A small repair might be done in a few hours, while a full drainage system installation for a new property can take a week or more. Factors like ground conditions, weather, and permit approvals can affect the schedule. We always provide a start date and expected completion timeline before work begins. Our goal is to complete your project efficiently, with minimal disruption to your home or business.
Yes. All drainlaying work must be completed by a licensed drainlayer registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board in New Zealand. Our team holds valid drainlaying qualifications and complies with building codes and council requirements.
We submit all necessary paperwork and ensure the job passes inspection. You’ll receive documentation confirming compliance and workmanship standards. This gives you peace of mind and protects your property’s long-term value.
We handle all major setup and project preparation, but we do ask for clear site access to the work area. If there are vehicles, fences, or landscaping in the way, it’s helpful if these are moved before we arrive. We’ll also confirm service locations and pipe routes with you before digging begins.
Our team brings all necessary tools and safety gear to the site, and we work to keep the project area clean and safe. If any council consent or drainlaying forms are needed, we’ll take care of that as well.
Providing trusted plumbing, drainage, and gasfitting solutions across the Nelson and Tasman regions for over 110 years.
Our team of licensed professionals is committed to fast, reliable service backed by industry expertise and local knowledge. Whether you need emergency plumbing, hot water repairs, or expert drainage solutions, we’re here to help — whenever you need us.