Serious flooding in an inner-city Christchurch suburb is now under control.

Christchurch City Council is working as quickly as possible to repair a major pipe failure in St Albans.

Maintenance manager Tim Drennan says they have shut off the main and contractors are working to clear storm-water drains before starting repairs.

He says the water has reached a few driveways and gardens on Cranford and Knowles Street - but it doesn't look like there is been any property damage.