What to Look for When Hiring a Drainlayer in NZ
- Current drainlayer licence
- Council pre-approval for new connections
- Drain camera inspection before any major work
- Drainage design with fall calculations
- Backfill and compaction specification
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Doesn't mention council approval for connections
- No fall calculations in quote
- Won't camera inspect existing drains
- Can't provide licence number
Typical Costs Across NZ
$90β$130/hr. Simple drain connection: $800β$2,500. Septic system: $8,000β$20,000+
Costs vary significantly by city β Auckland and Queenstown are typically the most expensive, while Invercargill and Dunedin are among the most affordable.
Licensing Requirements
Must be registered and licensed under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006. Check the register β