Palmerston North's older inner-city housing has original clay drain pipes approaching end of life. Tree root intrusion in older suburbs is common, and the flat terrain can cause slow drainage in poorly designed systems. Here's what drainlayers charge in Palmerston North in 2026.
Palmerston North Drainlayer Rates 2026
| Service | Palmerston North typical cost |
|---|---|
| Call-out fee (weekday) | $63–$143 |
| Hourly rate | $88–$158/hr |
| Drain camera inspection | $240–$480 |
| High-pressure water jetting (unblock) | $190–$480 |
| Root cutting / clearing | $280–$680 |
| Drain repair (pipe patch, per metre) | $380–$880/m |
| Drain replacement (per metre, open cut) | $480–$1,150/m |
| Sewer lateral connection (new) | $2,200–$6,500 |
| Stormwater connection (new) | $1,900–$5,800 |
| Septic tank installation | $7,500–$19,000+ |
| Drainage report / pre-purchase inspection | $380–$850 |
All prices GST inclusive. Broadly regional.
What Requires a Licensed Drainlayer in NZ
All work connecting to the public sewer or stormwater network must be done by a PGDB-registered drainlayer. Verify at: pgdb.co.nz
Signs you need a drainlayer: Slow drains, gurgling pipes, wet patches over drain lines, sewage smells, or tree roots near old pipes. A camera inspection ($240–$480) diagnoses the problem before any digging.
Find Palmerston North drainlayers: Drainlayers Palmerston North | Post a Job Free
Related: Blocked Drain Cost NZ | Drainage Solutions Cost NZ