What plumbing should I check before buying a Melbourne property?

Key checks: hot water system age and condition (over 10 years = factor in replacement cost), flexi hoses under sinks and behind toilets, drain speed at all fixtures, gas appliance service records, water pressure at multiple outlets simultaneously, and under-sink cabinets for signs of past leaks.

Is a plumbing inspection worth it when buying a Melbourne home?

Yes, particularly for properties over 30 years old. Older Melbourne suburbs often have clay drainage, galvanised steel supply pipes, and unserviced gas appliances. A dedicated plumbing inspection including CCTV drain inspection ($400-$700 total) can identify issues worth $10,000-$30,000 to fix before you're committed to purchase.

What is the most common plumbing problem in older Melbourne homes?

Tree root intrusion into clay or terracotta drain pipes is the most common hidden problem in Melbourne homes built before 1980. Properties in leafy inner suburbs (Richmond, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Northcote, Preston) with mature street trees are particularly susceptible.

New Home Plumbing Checklist for Melbourne Buyers — What to Check Before You Buy

A pre-purchase building inspection typically covers the structure, roof, and visible faults — but plumbing is often superficial. A property can pass a standard inspection and still have $10,000–$30,000 worth of plumbing issues lurking under the floor or in the walls. Here’s what to check.

Before the Inspection: What to Ask the Agent

When was the hot water system last replaced? (Ask for the installation date — it’s on the unit)
Is there a history of drain blockages or flooding?
When were gas appliances last serviced? (Mandatory every 2 years in rentals; ask for the gas safety certificate)
Are there any known water leaks, past or present?
Has there been any insurance claim for water damage?

During the Inspection: What to Check Yourself

Hot Water System

Find the installation date on the unit’s label (typically on the side of the tank)
Gas storage systems: lifespan 10–12 years. Electric: 10–15 years. If it’s over 10 years old, factor in replacement cost ($1,500–$3,000)
Check for rust or corrosion at the base or on fittings
Run the hot tap — does hot water arrive within a reasonable time?

Water Pressure

Turn on multiple taps simultaneously. Pressure should remain reasonable. Very low pressure at multiple fixtures may indicate undersized pipes, a failing pressure limiting valve, or a shared meter issue in older properties.

Drains

Run every sink, shower, and bath to drain speed
Flush all toilets — look for slow drainage or gurgling after flushing
Check under every sink cabinet for signs of past leaks (swollen particle board, staining, mould)

Flexi Hoses

Check under every sink, behind every toilet, and under any laundry or dishwasher connection. Look for flexi hoses with braided stainless covering that’s fraying, discoloured, or kinked. Any hose over 10 years old should be replaced — average cost $80–$150 per hose.

Gas

Smell around gas appliances for any sulfur odour (added to gas for leak detection)
Ask for the last gas safety certificate if the property was a rental
Check the gas meter is accessible and not corroded

Pre-Purchase Plumbing Inspection

For properties over 30 years old, or any Melbourne home in older suburbs (Richmond, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Preston, Northcote, Brunswick, Essendon and surrounds), a dedicated pre-purchase plumbing inspection including CCTV drain inspection is worth the $400–$700 cost. Clay and terracotta drainage, galvanised steel supply pipes, and unserviced gas appliances are common in these properties.

Better to know before the contract of sale is signed than to discover a $15,000 drainage problem after settlement.

Sedcon Plumbing carries out pre-purchase plumbing inspections across Melbourne. Call 0468 013 012 | VBA Lic. 120392