Roof plumbing is a separate class of plumbing licence in Victoria — it covers gutters, downpipes, rainwater heads, and stormwater drainage rather than water supply and sewerage. Many homeowners don’t realise it’s a distinct trade until something goes wrong.
What Is Roof Plumbing?
Roof plumbing in Victoria covers:
- Gutters (installation, replacement, re-alignment)
- Downpipes (installation, replacement, extension)
- Rainwater heads and collectors
- Metal roof sheeting and flashings
- Box gutters and concealed gutters
- Stormwater connection from downpipes to drainage
Note: cleaning gutters is not licensed work and can be done by anyone. Installing, replacing, or significantly modifying gutters and downpipes requires a VBA-licensed roof plumber with a Certificate of Compliance.
Common Roof Plumbing Problems in Melbourne
Overflowing gutters
Melbourne’s autumn brings significant leaf fall (particularly plane trees and liquidambars), which blocks gutters rapidly. If gutters overflow despite being clean, they may be undersized, incorrectly pitched, or have blocked downpipe connections at the base.
Downpipe blockages
Debris accumulates at the downpipe-to-stormwater connection. Signs: water pooling at the base of downpipes during rain, or gutters backing up despite being clean.
Leaking box gutters
Box gutters (concealed behind parapets or within roof structures) are higher maintenance than open gutters and are the most common source of ceiling water ingress in commercial and multi-storey residential buildings in Melbourne.
Roof Plumbing Costs in Melbourne
- Gutter replacement (standard house, per lin m): $60–$120/m including labour
- Downpipe replacement: $300–$600 per downpipe
- Box gutter repair/reseal: $400–$1,500 depending on extent
- Stormwater connection repair: $300–$700
Sedcon Plumbing holds a roof plumbing endorsement and covers gutter, downpipe, and stormwater work across Melbourne. Call 0468 013 012 | VBA Lic. 120392