How often should Melbourne homes get a sewer inspection?

It depends on risk factors. Low-risk properties (PVC drainage, no large trees nearby) can wait 10 years or until symptoms appear. Moderate-risk properties (clay pipes, some trees) should inspect every 5 years. High-risk properties (large trees within 5m, clay pipes, recurring blockages) should inspect every 2-3 years.

Is a sewer inspection necessary before buying a Melbourne property?

Yes, strongly recommended for any Melbourne property over 30 years old. A CCTV sewer inspection costs $350-$600 and can identify drainage issues worth $10,000-$30,000 to fix. It is the best value due diligence a buyer can do and should be completed before the cooling-off period expires.

What does a CCTV sewer inspection find in Melbourne homes?

CCTV sewer inspections in Melbourne most commonly find tree root intrusion (especially in older suburbs with clay pipes and mature street trees), cracked or offset pipe joints, grease and scale build-up, collapsed sections, and damage at the boundary trap connection. All of these affect drain performance and can lead to sewer overflow if not addressed.

How Often Should You Get a Sewer Inspection in Melbourne?

Unlike hot water systems (which have a predictable lifespan) or gas appliances (which have a mandated 2-year service cycle in rentals), sewer drain inspection frequency depends on your property’s specific risk factors. Here’s how to assess yours.

Low Risk Properties — Every 10 Years or After Symptoms Appear

If your Melbourne home has:

PVC drainage (modern, typically post-1990 construction)
No large trees within 10m of the sewer line
No history of recurring drain blockages
Good drain performance across all fixtures

…then a CCTV sewer inspection every 10 years, or when symptoms appear (multiple slow drains, gurgling, sewage smell), is a reasonable schedule.

Moderate Risk Properties — Every 5 Years

Consider inspecting every 5 years if your property has:

Clay or terracotta drainage (typically pre-1980 construction in Melbourne)
Medium-sized trees within 5–10m of the sewer line
One or two drain clearing events in the past 5 years

High Risk Properties — Every 2–3 Years

Inspect every 2–3 years if your Melbourne property has:

Large established trees (willows, poplars, figs, liquid ambers) within 5m of the sewer line
Old clay or terracotta pipes known to have root intrusion history
Repeated drain blockages (same section blocking every 12–18 months)
A sewer line that has previously been relined — inspection confirms the lining remains intact

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Always get a CCTV sewer inspection before purchasing a Melbourne property over 30 years old, regardless of the risk profile. The $350–$600 cost is the best value due diligence you can do on a property purchase when drainage issues can cost $10,000–$30,000 to fix.

Investment Properties

For Melbourne investment properties, a 3–5 year inspection cycle is a sound property management practice. Detecting and relining a compromised section proactively ($3,000–$6,000) avoids emergency sewer overflow situations that create urgent repair obligations and potential tenant compensation claims.

Sedcon Plumbing carries out CCTV sewer inspections across Melbourne with honest written reports and recommendations. Call 0468 013 012 | VBA Lic. 120392