At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we offer fast, non-invasive trenchless repair solutions—designed to fix underground pipes without digging up your property. Whether it’s a cracked sewer line or damaged stormwater pipe, we restore your drainage system efficiently, with minimal disruption to driveways, lawns, or landscaping.
Digging up driveways, gardens, or floors to repair underground pipes is time-consuming, messy, and expensive. Trenchless repair is a no-dig solution that lets us fix broken or collapsed drains from the inside—saving time, reducing disruption, and avoiding full excavation. It’s ideal for sewer and stormwater lines that are damaged but still accessible internally.
Trenchless methods are perfect for homes, commercial properties, and worksites where digging isn’t practical or permitted. Whether you’re dealing with cracked pipes, joint failures, or root damage, trenchless repairs allow for a faster fix and less impact on your property. It’s a
cost-effective, long-term solution that meets industry standards and minimises downtime.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides trenchless pipe repair using advanced equipment and proven methods. We restore drainage function quickly while preserving your landscape, flooring, or hard surfaces. Here’s what we do during a trenchless repair job:
Underground drain damage often goes unnoticed until it starts causing serious problems like flooding, backups, or recurring blockages. Signs such as slow drainage, gurgling noises, or wet patches in your yard often point to cracked, collapsed, or misaligned pipes. Identifying the issue early can help you avoid major excavation work and costly repairs.
Frequent Blockages in the Same Area
If you’re dealing with the same blocked drain over and over again, there may be a break or defect in that section of pipe. Temporary fixes won’t hold if the pipe is damaged underground. This is a strong indicator that part of the system needs structural repair.
Gurgling Noises and Air Bubbles
Strange gurgling sounds or air bubbles in toilets and sinks often mean that water is struggling to move through the line. These signs are commonly caused by a partial collapse, root intrusion, or pipe displacement underground. Left unchecked, they often lead to full blockages.
Water Pooling or Damp Areas on the Lawn
Soft ground, puddles, or wet patches in the yard without recent rain can indicate a leaking or cracked drain pipe. This is often seen when wastewater escapes through a damaged section. These are early signs that part of the system may need trenchless repair.
Foul Smells Coming from the Ground
Persistent sewage smells near outdoor drains, lawns, or garden areas often mean wastewater is leaking underground. This usually points to a cracked, separated, or broken pipe. If the smell doesn’t go away, it’s likely time for a professional inspection and repair.
If you’re noticing these problems, there could be hidden damage in your underground pipes. While digging may seem like the only option, trenchless repair is a faster, low-disruption solution that restores function without excavating your property.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we carry out drain repairs using CCTV inspections and trenchless technology to accurately locate and fix damaged pipes. Whether it’s a root damage or joint failure, we’ll restore your drainage system quickly—without the mess or cost of traditional excavation.
Damaged underground pipes can cause wastewater leaks, property damage, and serious environmental impact if not repaired early. Trenchless repair is a faster, less invasive way to restore damaged sewer or stormwater lines—without digging up your property. It’s the ideal solution when environmental considerations, liquid waste containment, and cost-effective performance matter most.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we use advanced trenchless technology to repair broken or leaking drains with precision and care. Whether it’s a collapsed sewer line or a cracked stormwater pipe, we restore flow, protect the environment, and extend your system’s life—without the mess, cost, or delays of full excavation.
We use trenchless technology to repair underground pipes quickly and with minimal disruption. This no-dig method is ideal for fixing damaged sewer lines, stormwater drains, and other buried infrastructure—without tearing up your yard, driveway, or landscaping.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas is your trusted specialist for fast, non-invasive trenchless repairs. We combine advanced technology with proven expertise to fix underground pipes without the damage or disruption of traditional excavation.
Trenchless repair is a fast, low-disruption solution for fixing cracked or broken pipes underground—ideal when you want to avoid damaging driveways, landscaping, or finished surfaces. If you’re dealing with leaks, recurring blockages, or old pipework, call Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas for efficient, no-dig drain repairs before the damage gets worse.
The average cost for trenchless drain repair in New Zealand ranges from $1,200 to $4,000+GST, depending on the pipe length, depth, location, and severity of damage. Minor relining jobs cost less, while large or deep sewer repairs can cost more.
Trenchless repair is often more cost-effective than traditional excavation because it avoids major digging and surface restoration. We provide a clear quote after inspecting the pipe using CCTV drain cameras. There are no hidden charges, and we’ll explain all costs upfront before starting
any work.
Most trenchless repair jobs are completed in one to two days, depending on the pipe length, condition, and preparation work. A simple relining job may be done in just a few hours. If drain maintenance services such as cleaning, inspection, or drying are needed beforehand, it may
take longer.
Our team uses specialist equipment to ensure a smooth and efficient process from start to finish. Compared to traditional methods, trenchless repair saves time and avoids delays due to excavation and backfilling.
Trenchless repair includes a CCTV inspection, drain cleaning, pipe relining or patching, and final testing. We first locate and assess the damage using camera technology. Then we clean the pipe and insert a liner or patch that bonds to the existing pipe without needing to dig it up. After curing, we run a second inspection to confirm the drain repair. You’ll receive a summary of the work and advice on long-term care and maintenance.
No major preparation is required on your end. We only need access to existing drain openings or inspection points, usually at the boundary or inside the home. There’s no need to dig up driveways, lawns, or landscaping, which is the main benefit of trenchless work. If you have pets or special access concerns, we’ll coordinate with you in advance. Our team handles the full setup and clean-up so there’s no hassle on your part.
Yes. All trenchless repairs are completed by qualified, licensed professionals following New Zealand standards and local council compliance requirements. We use approved trenchless systems that are durable, long-lasting, and environmentally safe.
Every drain repair service comes with a workmanship guarantee, and the materials used in the relining process are built to last 30+ years under normal conditions. We also provide post-repair inspection footage for peace of mind and future reference.
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.
