Hot water cylinder replacement in Christchurch, made simple

Fully installed pricing from $4,075 incl. GST. Choose your system and we'll send your quote and book an installer site visit. Backed by Butterfield Bathrooms.

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TWO SYSTEMS. ONE PROCESS

Two systems. One straightforward process.

Most Christchurch homes are replacing or upgrading from an electric cylinder. We make it simple. Choose the system that suits your home, and we'll quote, visit to confirm the setup and handle the rest.

Mains pressure replacement

From $4,075 incl. GST · fully installed

Add $750 if we're moving your system from inside to outside. A travel charge applies outside Christchurch metro.

A straightforward replacement for homes where a standard cylinder is the right fit. Lower upfront cost and a simpler swap-out path.

Best for:
Homeowners who want a straightforward, lower-cost replacement done quickly. A reliable choice for most Christchurch homes.

Heat pump upgrade

From $7,990 incl. GST · fully installed

A travel charge applies outside Christchurch metro.

A more efficient long-term option. Up to 73.9% less energy to heat your water (Rheem’s figure for the AmbiPower 280e). Qualifies for all major bank green loans.

Best for:
Homeowners who want lower power bills and the long-term value of a more efficient system. Pays itself back through reduced running costs.

Is a heat pump worth it?

Up to 73.9% less energy to heat your water (Rheem’s figure for the AmbiPower 280e). For most Christchurch homes, that's around $1,000 in power savings every year.

Power Savings

Standard electric cylinder

Approx. $ 1,350 per year

Heat pump

Approx. $ 350 per year

You keep approximately

Approx. $ 1,000 every year

Based on a 3 to 5 person household and the current North Canterbury electricity rate of $0.339 per kWh (Powerswitch, July 2025).

Green loans cover the upgrade

Westpac 0% for 5 years for Westpac home loan customers (conditions apply). Other major banks offer green loans too. Check with your bank. On an $7,990 install over 5 years at 0%, your loan repayment is around $133 per month and your power savings are around $85 per month. After 5 years the loan is paid and the savings continue for the life of the system.

Backed by a 12-month service inspection

One service inspection at 12 months, with a corrosion check and free anode replacement if needed, and a reminder at 5 years when the next service is due. Plus the manufacturer's warranty.

Clear starting prices from the start

You should know what your replacement will cost before you commit to anything. Here's where standard installs start.

For standard installs, this is the price we aim to honour. If we identify anything outside a standard install, we’ll let you know before work begins.

HEAT PUMP UPGRADE

$7,990

incl. GST

Rheem or Rinnai heat pump system, fully installed. Includes a site assessment before install day to plan the spot and pipe route, an initial water test, removal and disposal of the old cylinder, seismic restraint, a new electrical circuit with code of compliance, commissioning to code, and one service inspection at 12 months, with a corrosion check and free anode replacement if needed, and a reminder at 5 years when the next service is due.

A travel charge applies outside Christchurch metro.

MAINS PRESSURE REPLACEMENT

$4,075

incl. GST

Dux mains pressure cylinder, fully installed. Includes an installer assessment before install day to confirm the setup, removal and disposal of the old cylinder, supply and install with seismic restraint and a tempering valve to current code, connection to existing water, power and drainage, commissioning, and a 10-year warranty on the tank.

Add $750 if we're moving your system from inside to outside. A travel charge applies outside Christchurch metro.

No surprises on the day

For standard installs, the price shown is the price we aim to honour. The vast majority of Christchurch homes fit a standard install.

What’s included as standard

  • Removal and disposal of existing cylinder (where possible)

  • New system supplied and installed

  • Standard plumbing reconnections

  • Compliant electrical reconnection and Code of Compliance certificate

  • Manufacturer’s warranty

  • Tidy-up before we leave

What could change the price

  • Long pipe runs or restricted access

  • Switchboard upgrade or non-standard electrical work

  • Asbestos or remedial work in the cylinder area

  • Pre-existing plumbing issues that need addressing

If anything outside a standard install is identified, we'll explain it clearly and confirm any change with you before work begins.

Moving a mains pressure cylinder from inside to outside adds $750. Heat pumps are installed outside as standard, with no move charge. A travel charge applies outside Christchurch metro.

How it works

From here to a confirmed install in four steps.

01

Choose your system

Use the assessment or check our pricing directly. Fully installed pricing for every option.

02

Quote and site visit

We'll send your quote and book an installer site visit to confirm everything.

03

Deposit after the visit

A 50% deposit is invoiced after the site visit. Nothing to pay before then.

04

Installation

We complete your replacement or upgrade. The balance is invoiced on completion.

Backed by Butterfield Bathrooms

Butterfield Bathrooms has been working in Christchurch homes for years, handling everything from full bathroom renovations to hot water system upgrades. Butterfield Hot Water Systems is a focused service built on that experience.

When you book through us, you get the same team, the same systems, and the same standards. Just for hot water.

  • Local team

    Christchurch-based, working in Christchurch homes every week.

  • Established business

    The Butterfield team has the systems, the trades, and the experience to do this properly.

  • Real experience

    A vast number of cylinder replacements and heat pump installs across Canterbury.

Frequently asked questions

A few of the common questions homeowners ask before replacing or upgrading their hot water system.

Ready to get started?

Check our pricing to see what your replacement or upgrade will cost. Or use the assessment if you're not sure which system suits your home.

Compare systems and prices