Commercial plumbing in Melbourne covers offices, retail premises, restaurants, warehouses, multi-tenancy buildings, and industrial sites. While the fundamental principles are the same as residential plumbing, commercial work has different regulatory requirements, higher compliance obligations, and greater complexity.
How Commercial Plumbing Differs from Residential
- Backflow prevention: Commercial premises are required to have registered backflow prevention devices to prevent contamination of the potable water supply. These must be tested annually by a licensed plumber
- Grease traps: Food premises (restaurants, cafes, commercial kitchens) are required by Melbourne Water to have grease traps (interceptors) that prevent fat, oil, and grease from entering the sewer. These require regular servicing
- Hydraulic design: Larger commercial premises require hydraulic engineering design for plumbing systems — beyond the scope of on-the-fly residential installation
- Hot water compliance: Commercial hot water systems must maintain temperatures that prevent legionella growth (60°C minimum in the cylinder)
- Trade waste agreements: Businesses that discharge trade waste (non-domestic wastewater) to the sewer require a Trade Waste Agreement with Melbourne Water
Common Commercial Plumbing Services in Melbourne
- Backflow prevention device installation and annual testing
- Grease trap installation and servicing
- Commercial hot water system supply and installation
- Fit-outs for retail, office, and hospitality premises
- Blocked drain and sewer clearing for commercial properties
- Emergency plumbing for commercial premises
- Roof plumbing for commercial buildings
Backflow Prevention in Melbourne — What Businesses Need to Know
If your Melbourne business has a connection to the potable water supply, you likely need a registered backflow prevention device at the meter. This applies to most commercial premises. The device must be:
- Installed by a VBA-licensed plumber
- Registered with your water authority
- Tested annually by a licensed tester
- Records kept and available for inspection
Non-compliance with backflow prevention requirements can result in your water connection being shut off.
Sedcon Plumbing provides commercial plumbing services across Melbourne including backflow testing, grease trap servicing, and emergency repairs. Call 0468 013 012 | VBA Lic. 120392