Category: Maintenance Tips

A manufacturing site runs on more than machinery. Behind every production line there’s a network of pipes moving process water, carrying wash-down to the drains, feeding gas to burners and boilers, and protecting the drinking water supply. When that network is planned and looked after well, your team can stay focused on making great products.

Industrial plumbing is the specialist side of the trade that looks after all of this. If you’re an operations manager or plant engineer, here’s a friendly overview of the main systems on a manufacturing site, the compliance basics in Victoria and how to keep everything running smoothly around your production schedule.

What makes industrial plumbing different?

Plumbing in a factory has a lot more going on than in an office or shop. Pipes are often larger, flows are higher and the water itself may carry oils, chemicals, food solids or fine sediment. Many sites also run around the clock, so work needs to fit neatly into shutdowns and changeovers.

That’s why manufacturing plumbing is usually planned as a whole system rather than one job at a time. A good industrial plumber will want to understand your processes, your peak production periods and how your site is expected to grow.

Manufacturing plumbing for process water

Clean, reliable water is at the heart of most manufacturing. It’s used for cooling, cleaning, mixing and rinsing, and each use can have its own pressure and temperature needs. Industrial plumbing work here often includes:

• Water supply mains and branch lines to equipment
• Pressure boosting and pumps for high-demand processes
• Hot water and steam connections for cleaning and production
• Isolation valves so individual lines can be serviced without stopping the whole plant

Clear labelling and a current site plan make a big difference. They help your team find the right valve quickly and make future upgrades easier to plan.

Backflow prevention

Wherever process water could flow back into the mains, backflow prevention keeps the public drinking water supply protected. Yarra Valley Water’s backflow containment guidelines explain that properties with a medium or high hazard rating need a suitable containment device at the boundary, and that testable devices are checked by a suitably qualified person.

For most manufacturers, that means an annual test and a report lodged with your water corporation. It’s a simple item to build into your yearly maintenance calendar.

Trade waste and drainage

Liquid waste from industrial processes is known as trade waste. Yarra Valley Water asks food and industrial businesses that discharge this waste to the sewer to have a Trade Waste Agreement in place. The agreement sets out the treatment equipment and maintenance your site needs.

Depending on what you make, that equipment might include grease traps, silt traps, oil separators or pH correction. Keeping drains and pits clean helps everything flow as designed. Our commercial drain cleaning service uses high pressure jetting and CCTV cameras to keep trade waste lines, floor drains and stormwater running freely.

Industrial gas

Many manufacturing sites rely on gas for ovens, kilns, dryers, boilers and process burners. Larger appliances like these are often classed as Type B appliances, and Energy Safe Victoria’s gas acceptance scheme treats work on them, along with the piping that feeds them, as complex gas installation work.

That simply means a little more planning and paperwork before gas is connected. Our commercial gas fitting team can design, install and service industrial gas systems and help with the acceptance process along the way.

Planning maintenance around production

The best manufacturing plumbing maintenance fits neatly around your production schedule. A few ideas that help sites stay on track:

• Book larger jobs into planned shutdowns or quieter shifts
• Group backflow testing, drain cleaning and gas servicing into one visit where possible
• Keep spare parts for critical valves and pumps on hand
• Hold a running record of service reports, test results and site plans

A tidy maintenance history is also handy when auditors, insurers or your water corporation ask for evidence of servicing.

A quick site walk checklist

Next time you’re walking the floor, these are worth a quick look:

• Floor drains and pits draining freely after wash-down
• Valves clearly labelled and easy to reach
• Backflow devices with a current test tag
• Gas appliances with clean, steady flames
• Water meter readings in line with production levels

If anything catches your eye, it’s a great prompt to get an industrial plumber in Melbourne to take a closer look.

Working with an industrial plumber in Melbourne

Vic Plumbing & Drainage looks after factories, warehouses and processing sites across Melbourne, from new fit-outs to ongoing maintenance. Our industrial plumbing services cover process water, drainage, backflow prevention, gas fitting and water harvesting. All of it is delivered by one team that gets to know your site.

Book an industrial site assessment

Whether you’re planning an expansion, preparing for an audit or simply want a fresh set of eyes on your systems, we’d love to help. Our team will walk your site, talk through what we find and put together a clear plan that suits your production schedule.

Call us on 03 9012 5111 or email estimating@vicplumbing.com.au to book your industrial site assessment.

Commercial drains handle a lot every day. In busy restaurant kitchens, grease and food waste can build up in pipework, while shopping centres, factories and industrial facilities deal with everything from heavy foot traffic to sediment and debris.

Keeping these systems clear is essential for avoiding disruptions, preventing blockages and maintaining efficient drainage.

Two common methods are traditional mechanical drain cleaning and hydro jetting. Both have their advantages, but the right choice depends on the condition of your pipes, the type of blockage and your site’s drainage requirements. Here’s how they compare.

How Traditional Drain Clearing Works

Traditional cleaning uses a mechanical drain cleaner, often called an electric eel. A flexible steel cable with a cutting or auger head is fed into the pipe and spun to break through a blockage and open up a path for water.

It’s a reliable, well-established method, and it shines in a few situations:

• Clearing a single, localised blockage close to an access point
• Smaller-diameter pipes, such as basins and floor wastes
• Quick call-outs where you simply need water moving again
• Pipe sections with tight bends where a cable can work its way through

How Hydro Jetting Works

Hydro jetting is a form of high pressure drain cleaning. A hose with a specially designed nozzle is fed into the drain, and water is pumped through at high pressure. Rear-facing jets pull the hose along the pipe while scouring the walls, and forward jets cut through whatever is in the way. Everything loosened is flushed downstream.

Because the water reaches right around the pipe wall, it’s great for:

• Grease, fat and soap build-up in commercial kitchen lines
• Silt, sand and sediment in stormwater and factory drains
• Tree roots that have made their way into joints
• Longer runs and larger-diameter pipes
• Leaving the pipe clean enough for a clear camera inspection

Hydro Jetting vs Traditional Cleaning: How They Compare

Both methods can be effective for clearing commercial drains, but they work differently and offer different benefits. Understanding how they compare can help you choose the right approach for your drainage system.

Traditional Drain Cleaning	Hydro Jetting
Thoroughness	Breaks through localised blockages to restore water flow.	Cleans the full circumference of the pipe, removing built-up grease, sediment and other debris.
Speed	Often quicker for isolated blockages close to an access point.	Can be more efficient for longer pipe runs or widespread build-up.
Pipe Condition	Suitable for many pipes in good condition, although damaged or fragile pipes require extra care.	Pressure can be adjusted to suit different pipe materials, but damaged or deteriorating pipes may not be suitable.
Ongoing Maintenance	Useful for occasional blockages that need immediate attention.	Well suited to scheduled maintenance, particularly for commercial kitchens and industrial sites prone to recurring build-up.

Ultimately, neither method is better for every situation. A professional assessment can help determine which approach will provide the safest and most effective results for your drainage system.

Which One Suits Your Site?

Restaurants, cafés and commercial kitchens

Hydro jetting is often a practical choice for commercial kitchens, because it scours away the fats and oils that settle along kitchen lines. It works hand in hand with your grease trap.

Yarra Valley Water explains that grease traps are pumped out periodically by an EPA licensed waste transporter, so pairing those pump-outs with regular high pressure drain cleaning keeps the whole system in great shape.

Shopping centres, schools and offices

With lots of amenities in use, a mix of both methods often works best. A quick mechanical clear handles one-off blockages, and planned jetting keeps the main lines clear.

Factories, warehouses and industrial sites

Larger pipes, wash-down water and sediment make jetting a natural fit. Our industrial plumbing team regularly looks after drains on manufacturing and processing sites.

Older buildings and established trees

Where roots have found their way into older pipe joints, Hydro jetting with a suitable root-cutting nozzle can help clear root intrusions. A camera inspection afterwards shows exactly how the pipe is looking.

Start with a Camera Inspection for The Clearest Picture

Not every blockage is caused by a simple build-up of debris. Tree root intrusion, damaged pipes and collapsed sections can all affect drainage performance, and cleaning alone won’t always resolve the underlying problem.

A CCTV drain inspection can help identify what’s causing the issue and determine whether mechanical cleaning, hydro jetting or pipe repairs are the most appropriate solution. If the inspection reveals damaged pipework that needs replacing, our drainage contractors can assist with excavation and new pipe installations.

Choosing a High Pressure Drain Cleaning Operator

High pressure water is a powerful tool, so it’s well worth choosing a team that follows the relevant Australian safety standards for safe operation of high pressure water jetting systems (AS/NZS 4233.1).

There’s also a national training unit for operating a drain cleaning system that covers jetting stormwater, sewer and trade waste drains. A good operator will happily walk you through their safety procedures before they start.

Book Commercial Drain Cleaning

Whether you’d like a one-off clean, regular hydro jetting or a camera inspection to see what’s going on, our friendly team is ready to help. Visit our commercial drain cleaning page, call us on 03 9012 5111 or email estimating@vicplumbing.com.au to book commercial drain cleaning for your site.

Gas plays an important role in keeping Melbourne businesses running. It’s used in busy commercial kitchens, provides hot water for aged care facilities and keeps classrooms warm through winter. When everything’s working as it should, it’s easy to forget just how much your business relies on it.

But like any essential system, commercial gas installations need regular attention to stay safe, efficient and compliant. Knowing what to look out for can help you identify potential issues early and understand when it’s time to call a commercial gas plumber.

Here’s what business owners and facility managers should know about common warning signs, gas safety and compliance requirements in Victoria.

Signs Your Commercial Gas System Needs Some Attention

Changes in how your gas appliances operate can be an early indication that something isn’t right. These are the clues to keep an eye out for.

A gas smell

Natural gas has no smell of its own, so an odorant is added to help people notice it quickly. If you or your staff catch that familiar rotten egg smell, treat it as a possible commercial gas leak and follow the steps in the next section.

Flames that look different

A healthy burner usually has a crisp blue flame. Lazy yellow or orange flames, or flames that flicker and lift off the burner, are a sign of possible combustion problems that should be checked by a qualified gasfitter.

Pilot lights that keep going out

A pilot light that repeatedly goes out may indicate a problem with the appliance, but it’s often a simple fix.

Soot, scorch marks or extra heat

Dark marks around appliances, flues or vents, or unusually high temperatures around gas equipment, can indicate combustion or ventilation problems that need professional attention.

A hiss near pipework

A quiet hissing sound near gas lines or fittings is a possible sign of a gas leak that requires immediate attention.

Gas bills creeping up

If your gas use climbs without a busier trading period to explain it, a small leak somewhere on site could be the cause. Our commercial leak detection team can track it down.

What to Do if You Notice a Commercial Gas Leak

If you suspect a gas leak, acting quickly and safely is essential. Energy Safe Victoria recommends taking the following precautions:

1. Keep clear of the area, and make emergency calls from a safe location. If there’s immediate danger, call 000.
2. Call the emergency number on your gas bill to report the leak. It’s answered around the clock.
3. Turn off the gas at the meter, or at the cylinder for LPG, if it’s safe to do so.
4. Put out any flames and keep cigarettes and matches well away.
5. Leave electrical switches and devices as they are, so nothing creates a spark.
6. Open doors and windows to let fresh air through.
7. Guide staff and customers to a safe spot away from the area.

Once the immediate situation is looked after, a licensed commercial gas plumber can find the source, carry out the repair and test the system before it goes back into use.

Commercial Gas Fitting Compliance in Victoria

Compliance has a few moving parts, but the basics are simple once you know who does what.

Who looks after gas in Victoria?

Energy Safe Victoria is the state’s gas safety regulator. The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), previously the Victorian Building Authority, looks after licensing and compliance certificates for plumbing and gasfitting work.

Standard and complex gas installations

Gas work falls into two groups, and knowing which one applies to your site makes commercial gas fitting compliance much easier to plan for:

• Standard gas installations cover most domestic and light commercial premises, such as a small café or shopfront.
• Complex gas installations cover other commercial, industrial and public premises, such as larger kitchens, factories, schools and hospitals.
• Type B appliances, like large industrial burners and boilers, are treated as complex gas work, along with the piping that connects to them.

Compliance certificates and acceptance

For standard gas installations requiring certification, your licensed gasfitter issues a compliance certificate once the work is complete. According to Energy Safe Victoria’s gas acceptance scheme, it’s lodged with the BPC and a copy goes to you within five days. This applies to service and repair work valued at $750 or more too.

Complex gas installations and Type B appliances require acceptance from Energy Safe Victoria before gas can be connected. Depending on the work involved, additional compliance documentation may also be required. An appropriately licensed commercial gasfitter can guide you through these requirements.

Keeping Your Gas System in Great Shape

Regular servicing is one of the easiest ways to keep appliances running efficiently and safely. For commercial kitchens, Energy Safe Victoria recommends regular day-to-day care by the people using the equipment, plus annual attention from an appropriately licensed service person.

A planned commercial plumbing maintenance program makes this simple. We can schedule gas appliance servicing, pressure testing and safety checks alongside your other plumbing work, and keep a tidy record of everything for your files.

Commercial Gas Plumbing Services Across Melbourne

From a small repair to a full new fit-out, our team at Vic Plumbing & Drainage looks after gas work for restaurants, schools, aged care facilities, factories and more. Our commercial gas fitting and repairs service covers:

• Gas system design and installation for new builds and refurbishments
• Repairs and replacement of commercial gas appliances
• Routine servicing, safety checks and pressure testing
• Commercial gas leak detection and repairs
• Commercial gas fitting compliance, including certificates and acceptance for complex sites

Our crews head out from Keilor and Mount Waverley each day, so businesses right across Melbourne are within easy reach.

Book a Commercial Gas Inspection

Whether you’re arranging routine maintenance, planning a new installation or need help with an existing gas system, our team is here to help.

We can inspect your system, talk you through what we find and make sure your site is ready for the busy months ahead. Call us on 03 9012 5111 or email estimating@vicplumbing.com.au to book your commercial gas inspection.

Planning a civil construction project in Melbourne? If your work involves connecting to existing water or sewer infrastructure, there’s a good chance you’ll need an accredited contractor to get the job done.

Water authorities have specific requirements for who can carry out work on their networks, and these can vary depending on where your project is located and the type of work involved.

Melbourne is serviced by three main retail water corporations:

• Yarra Valley Water looks after around 4,000 square kilometres across Melbourne’s north and east, stretching from Wallan to Warburton.
• Greater Western Water services Melbourne’s inner city and growing western suburbs.
• South East Water covers much of Melbourne’s south-east, with its own requirements for accredited works.

Not sure which authority your project falls under? The Victorian Government’s Find your water corporation map makes it easy to check. Simply enter your site address to find out.

When Do You Need Yarra Valley Water Accredited Contractors?

A handy rule of thumb is that accredited work comes in whenever your project connects to, or works on, a live asset owned by the authority. The same goes for projects in Greater Western Water’s area. Some everyday examples include:

• Connecting a new property sewer branch to the existing sewer
• Water tapping and connections to reticulation water mains
• Installing or adjusting maintenance structures (manholes)
• Building new water and sewer mains for a subdivision that the authority will look after once it’s finished

Work within the property itself, like internal site drainage and stormwater pits, is looked after by a licensed plumber. Plenty of projects include both, which is why many developers enjoy having one team on board from start to finish.

Accreditation Categories, Explained Simply

Accreditation is organised into categories, and each one has its own scope of work. Here’s a quick look at some common ones from Yarra Valley Water’s live sewer categories and Greater Western Water’s contractor directory:

Category	What it covers
SC7	All live sewer works, including major connections and realignments
SC8	Property service connections to live gravity sewers up to DN300
SC9	SC8 plus short sewer extensions (up to 25 m) and new maintenance structures
SC10	Inspection work such as CCTV and maintenance structure checks
WC1	Reticulation water mains up to DN280

DN stands for nominal diameter, measured in millimetres. Matching your project scope to the right categories early on helps everything line up nicely when it’s time to connect.

Finding the Right Accredited Team For Your Project

When choosing an accredited contractor, it’s worth checking that their accreditation covers the specific work your project requires. Experience with the relevant water authority and the ability to coordinate different stages of the job can also make a difference.

Here are a few questions worth asking before getting started:

• Which authorities and categories? A good team will happily tell you who they’re accredited with and for what type of work.
• Where can I see the list? Yarra Valley Water accredited contractors appear in a PDF list on its website, and Greater Western Water accredited contractors are in an online directory that it refreshes every quarter.
• Who’s on site? Yarra Valley Water asks that any subcontractor on live sewer work is registered in the right category too.
• Can you look after the whole job? One team handling site drainage and the authority connection keeps scheduling simple and handovers smooth.

Working with an Accredited PLumber in Melbourne

At Vic Plumbing & Drainage, we’re proud to hold accreditation with Yarra Valley Water as well as Greater Western Water. You’ll find our categories on our accredited works page. With offices in Keilor and Mount Waverley, we’re nicely placed for sites across the north, east and west.

As an accredited plumber in Melbourne with our own civil crews, the friendly faces laying your sewer and stormwater can usually look after the connection to the authority’s mains too. Our civil drainage contractors take care of excavation, trenching, pits and in-ground pipework. You can explore everything else on our civil and commercial plumbing page.

Get an Accredited Works Quote Today!

Planning a development in the Yarra Valley Water or Greater Western Water area?

Our team can look over your plans, confirm which categories apply and put together a clear quote. Give us a call on 03 9012 5111 or email estimating@vicplumbing.com.au to get your accredited works quote.

For property managers overseeing commercial buildings in Melbourne, commercial plumbing maintenance is one of those things that rewards consistency. A well-maintained system runs quietly in the background. A neglected one tends to make itself known at the worst possible time, usually when a tenant is calling and a tradesperson isn’t available.

This commercial plumbing checklist covers the quarterly, half-yearly, and annual tasks that keep systems running reliably, support compliance, and reduce the likelihood of expensive emergency repairs.

Why Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Pays Off

Most commercial plumbing failures don’t happen overnight. They develop gradually, often over months, and the signs are usually there well before anything goes seriously wrong.

A structured preventative plumbing maintenance schedule catches minor issues before they become major ones. A slow leak under a vanity. A grease trap working harder than it should. A flexi hose that’s been under pressure for several years. None of these announce themselves until they fail, but all of them are straightforward to address when caught early.

Regular maintenance also builds documentation. Completed service records carry real weight when insurance claims, compliance queries, or disputes with tenants arise.

The Commercial Plumbing Checklist

Here’s a practical breakdown by maintenance interval.

Quarterly

These tasks cover the systems your building uses every day and the kinds of issues that tend to emerge over a single season:

• Check accessible taps, fittings, and visible pipework for drips or slow leaks
• Test water pressure at outlets across the building and note significant drops
• Run all floor waste drains to confirm flow and identify any slow drainage
• Clear leaf matter and debris from stormwater grates, pits, and downpipe outlets
• Check hot water systems are delivering water at the correct temperature
• Test that all isolation valves operate correctly and are clearly labelled
• Walk all amenities for running toilets or cistern issues and log anything identified

Half-Yearly

These checks go a layer deeper and are worth timing around the start of summer and the start of winter:

• Inspect hot water unit condition, test pressure relief valves, and assess for sediment buildup
• Service or inspect grease traps in any commercial kitchen facilities on site
• Check flexi hoses under basins, behind toilets, and at appliance connections throughout the building
• Review water meter readings against usage to identify unexplained consumption
• Inspect roof drainage, box gutters, and downpipe connections ahead of peak rainfall periods
• Confirm backflow prevention devices are functioning correctly
• Inspect and test any sump pumps or pump stations on site

Annual

Annual commercial plumbing maintenance typically involves more thorough assessments and certification work:

• Engage a licensed plumber to fully service all hot water systems, including anode rod checks
• Carry out CCTV inspection of sewer and stormwater lines on high-usage or older buildings
• Test and certify backflow prevention devices (required annually in Victoria under AS/NZS 2845.3)
• Review thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) performance and calibration
• Conduct a water audit to identify wastage or inefficiency across the building
• Update and file all service records in readiness for the next maintenance cycle

Fire Services Plumbing Has Its Own Requirements

Fire sprinkler systems, hydrants, and hose reels sit under a separate compliance framework and need their own maintenance schedule. Australian Standards set specific inspection and testing intervals for these systems, and certification is required.

If you manage buildings with fire services infrastructure, coordinating these checks through a dedicated fire services maintenance program keeps everything properly documented and reduces the risk of gaps between service intervals.

Strata Buildings Need a Tailored Approach

Commercial plumbing maintenance in a strata setting carries an extra layer of complexity. Shared pipework, boundary of responsibility questions between owners corporation and individual lot owners, and multiple tenancies create situations a standard plumbing checklist doesn’t fully account for.

A plumber experienced in strata plumbing understands how to navigate these arrangements, document work correctly, and coordinate with body corporates and strata managers. Getting the right team involved from the outset avoids a lot of back-and-forth when issues arise.

Setting Up a Commercial Plumbing Maintenance Program

A checklist is a useful reference, but a structured commercial plumbing maintenance program goes further. It puts a qualified plumber on site at the right intervals, ensures nothing falls through the cracks between visits, and builds a running record of your building’s plumbing history.

That history becomes genuinely valuable over time. It supports capital expenditure planning, helps identify recurring issues before they escalate, and demonstrates due diligence to owners, insurers, and tenants.

Book a Scheduled Maintenance Program

If you manage commercial properties in Melbourne and want a plumbing maintenance schedule that actually gets followed, Vic Plumbing can help.

We work with property managers across Melbourne to set up practical, well-documented commercial plumbing maintenance programs that fit your building type, tenancy mix, and reporting requirements.

Book a scheduled maintenance program with Vic Plumbing today.

And if you’d like a print-ready version of this commercial plumbing checklist to file with your building records or share with your facilities team, download our free PDF checklist below.

Melbourne winters are a good time to get familiar with your stormwater system. Most of the year’s heaviest rain falls between June and August in quick bursts, and that’s when your drainage gets its real test. A system that handles light showers without a hitch can behave quite differently when a proper downpour rolls through. Stormwater drainage problems that have been quietly building tend to show themselves then.

If you’ve noticed water sitting in the yard longer than expected, or heard some gurgling from the drains after rain, this guide is for you.

Here’s what to check if you have stormwater drainage problems, what usually causes it, and how a plumber can help.

Why Melbourne Winters are a Good Test for Stormwater Systems

Melbourne gets the bulk of its annual rainfall between May and October, and a lot of it comes in concentrated bursts. In a short window, your roof, driveway, and paths are all shedding water into the same drainage network.

For a system in good shape, that’s no problem. For one that’s partially blocked or a bit tired from age, you’ll notice.

Plenty of homes across Melbourne’s inner and middle suburbs are sitting on original stormwater infrastructure that’s been doing its job for 50 years or more. Terracotta and older PVC pipes settle and shift over time, tree roots find their way through joints, and sediment gradually builds up in pits. It’s normal wear.

Most systems handle it until a heavier-than-usual rain comes along and gives them a proper test.

Signs of Stormwater Drainage Problems to Watch For

A post-rain walk around the property is one of the better habits a homeowner can develop. You’re looking for:

• Water pooling in low-lying spots in the yard that takes more than a few hours to clear
• Gurgling sounds from stormwater drains or downpipes during or just after rain
• Water overflowing from grates or pits near driveways, paths, or downpipe outlets
• Muddy patches or small erosion channels where water has found its own route
• Damp areas along external walls or near the home’s base
• Downpipes that seem to discharge slowly or back up during heavy rain

Any one of these is worth keeping an eye on. If a few are appearing together after rain, something in the system deserves a closer look.

What Causes a Blocked Stormwater Drain in Melbourne

Blocked stormwater drains in Melbourne are usually the result of gradual buildup rather than one sudden event:

Leaf and debris accumulation

Melbourne’s tree canopy is wonderful, but with it comes a lot of leaf matter through autumn and winter. Gutters and drainage pits pick it up, and over time compacted debris slows the system down noticeably.

Tree root intrusion

Established tree roots follow moisture wherever it leads, which sometimes means into pipe joints. Once a root finds its way in, it grows quickly. This is especially common in older suburbs where both the trees and the pipes have some history.

Pipe deterioration

Terracotta and older PVC pipes do eventually crack or shift. When that happens, water takes a detour rather than following the intended path to the outlet.

Silt and sediment buildup

Rainwater carries fine soil particles that settle in pits and pipes over time. Over years, that gradual buildup reduces the system’s capacity to shift water quickly.

Undersized or outdated pipework

Some older Melbourne homes have drainage that was designed for the property as it was originally built. Extensions, new paving, and larger roof areas can put more load on the system than it was ever sized for.

When to Call a Stormwater Plumber

If the same spot floods after every decent downpour, or you’re regularly clearing overflow from a pit or grate, it’s worth getting a stormwater plumber to take a look. Manually clearing debris is sometimes useful, but it won’t address root intrusion or a settled section of pipe, and those issues tend to come back.

A licensed drainage plumber can use CCTV camera inspection to see exactly what’s going on inside the pipes, clear blockages properly, and let you know whether any repair work is needed.

An inspection is genuinely useful either way, whether it confirms things are fine or turns up something worth fixing.

What a Stormwater Plumbing Actually Covers

A qualified stormwater plumber will generally:

• Check all accessible surface pits, grates, and downpipe connections
• Run a CCTV camera through the pipes to assess internal condition
• Identify root intrusion, cracks, or areas where the pipe has lost its fall
• Flush and clear accessible blockages
• Provide a written report on what they found and what they recommend

For older Melbourne properties especially, a CCTV inspection often turns up things that have been quietly developing for years without any obvious surface signs.

Water Near the Foundation Is Worth Checking Too

If water is sitting close to the base of the house rather than draining away from it, that’s worth paying attention to. Moisture that lingers against external walls, under a slab, or in subfloor spaces tends to be slow to show itself.

Water leak detection can take the guesswork out of it and tell you exactly where the moisture is going.

Larger Sites and Commercial Stormwater Management

For commercial, industrial, or multi-residential properties, stormwater management is a bit more involved than a standard residential job. Drainage contractors can assess the full drainage network, work through capacity requirements, and carry out civil drainage works to the right standard.

If water management affects your operations or compliance obligations, winter is a good time to get a clear picture.

Book a Stormwater Drainage Inspection This Winter

Winter is actually a great time to get your stormwater drainage problems sorted. You’re seeing the system under real conditions, which makes it easy to spot what needs attention.

Contact Vic Plumbing for stormwater drainage inspections and head into the rest of the season knowing where things stand.

Both homeowners and landlords should pay close attention to heater safety, particularly if they have gas heating. Carbon monoxide poisoning remains one of the most serious risks associated with poorly maintained gas heaters.

The Building and Plumbing Commission and Energy Safe Victoria recommend servicing gas heaters at least every two years, ideally before Winter.

What Victorian Law Requires

If you’re a Victorian landlord, biennial gas safety checks are a legal requirement. Ensuring that your rental property has a compliant fixed heater is part of the state’s minimum rental standards.

For homeowners, regular servicing is strongly recommended to protect against carbon monoxide exposure and maintain safe operation.

Service gas heaters at least every 2 years

The Victorian Government and health authorities recommend that all gas heaters  – including ducted heating, wall furnaces, space heaters, gas log fires and central heating systems – be serviced at least every two years by a licensed gas-fitter who can test for carbon monoxide spillage. Ensure that carbon monoxide testing is included and don’t ignore warning signs such as unusual smells, noises or flame colour changes.

Gas heater servicing, repairs and installations should only be performed by licensed gas professionals. Unlicensed work can be dangerous and may affect your insurance coverage.

Signs your heater needs attention

We advise arranging an inspection if you notice:

• a yellow flame instead of a blue flame
• unusual noises from the heater
• signs of poor performance
• an older heater that has not been serviced for several years

What a proper heater service should include

According to O’Shea, a gas heater service typically includes:

• safety and installation checks
• cleaning burners, fans and filters
• flue inspection
• burner pressure testing
• heat exchanger checks
• operational testing
• carbon monoxide testing

Safe operating practices

We also recommend:

• allowing fresh air into the home when using open-flued heaters
• avoiding the use of exhaust fans at the same time as some gas heaters
• not leaving gas heaters running overnight
• considering a carbon monoxide alarm as a back-up safety measure
• replacing very old or poorly maintained heaters where appropriate

Watch for carbon monoxide risks

Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and poisonous. Symptoms can include:

• headaches
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• shortness of breath
• unusual tiredness

If multiple household members experience these symptoms when the heater is running, stop using the appliance and arrange an urgent inspection.

Open-flued gas heaters need extra attention

Open-flued gas space heaters are a higher-risk appliance. Existing units can continue to be used, but they should be serviced at least every two years and operated with adequate ventilation. Since August 2022, non-compliant open-flued gas space heaters cannot legally be sold, supplied or installed.

Additional obligations for Victorian landlords: Mandatory gas safety checks every 2 years

For rental properties with gas installations or appliances, landlords must arrange a gas safety check at least every two years by a licensed or registered gas-fitter. This applies to heaters, cooktops, ovens and gas hot-water systems.

The safety check must include inspection and testing of gas appliances and confirmation that Type A appliances have been serviced in accordance with relevant Australian standards.

Keep records

Landlords must:

• retain records of gas safety checks
• provide the most recent gas safety check record to tenants within 7 days of a written request
• disclose the date of the last gas safety check before entering into a rental agreement

Heating is a minimum rental standard

All Victorian rental properties must have a fixed (non-portable) heater in the main living area that is in good working order. For rental agreements entered into from 29 March 2023, that heater must be energy efficient. Acceptable options include:

• reverse-cycle air conditioners / heat pumps (2-star+)
• gas space heaters (2-star+)
• ducted or hydronic systems
• solid-fuel heaters such as fireplaces or wood stoves

If an existing heater is not energy-efficient, landlords generally need to upgrade it when required under the regulations.

Heater breakdowns are urgent repairs

In a rental property, a failure of a supplied heating appliance is considered an urgent repair. Landlords must respond immediately. If they don’t, tenants may have rights to arrange repairs and seek reimbursement, subject to the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act.

Practical recommendations

Even where the law does not require it (for owner-occupied homes), we recommend that you:

1. service gas heaters every 2 years, preferably before winter
2. ensure flues and chimneys are inspected
3. keep ventilation openings unobstructed
4. consider replacing older open-flued heaters with modern reverse-cycle heating systems
5. install carbon monoxide alarms where appropriate for additional peace of mind (while noting they do not replace professional servicing)

Regular inspections and maintenance are important because neglected gas heaters can create potentially dangerous situations.

The team at O’Shea provide servicing, repairs and installation for gas space heaters, ducted gas heating and other gas appliances across Melbourne.

Not Sure If You’re Compliant?

O’Shea has been looking after Melbourne homes and rental properties for over 45 years.

Whether you need a new heater installed, an existing heater tested, or just some honest advice, the team at O’Shea are available 7 days a week with no call-out fee on weekdays for jobs that proceed.

Call us on (03) 9900 1010 or book a quote online. Upfront pricing, licensed technicians, and work you can trust.