Plumbing checklist for Melbourne homebuyers

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most Australians will ever make — and plumbing problems are consistently among the most expensive surprises buyers encounter after settlement. A building inspection covers some plumbing, but often not in enough detail. Here's what to look for specifically in a Melbourne home.

Why Melbourne homes need extra scrutiny

Melbourne has a number of factors that create unique plumbing risks: highly reactive clay soils that move with seasonal moisture changes, ageing housing stock with original galvanised iron or copper pipes in many inner-city suburbs, large established trees that can infiltrate drainage systems, and water quality variations across different council areas.

The 10-point plumbing checklist

1. Check the age and material of the pipes

Ask the agent or check the vendor's statement. Galvanised iron pipes (common in homes built before the 1970s) corrode from the inside, reducing water pressure and eventually causing leaks. They have a finite lifespan and may need full replacement. Copper pipes from the 1970s–90s are generally still good. Modern PEX or CPVC is fine. If you're looking at a pre-1970 home in suburbs like Fitzroy, Brunswick, Collingwood, Richmond, or St Kilda, pipe condition is worth checking closely.

2. Run every tap, shower, and toilet

Test water pressure at multiple fixtures simultaneously. Low pressure across the board can indicate corroded pipes, a pressure-reducing valve issue, or a supply problem. Flush every toilet and watch that it refills and stops correctly. Run the shower and check the drain clears quickly.

3. Look under sinks and around wet areas

Open every cabinet under sinks and look for signs of past or current leaks — water stains, swollen particleboard, mould, or rust on pipes and fittings. Check the silicone seal around the bath and shower base. Any cracked or missing silicone is a potential water ingress point.

4. Inspect the hot water system

Find the hot water system and note the brand and age (usually on a sticker). Systems over 10 years old may be near end of life. Check for rust, corrosion, or water staining around the base of the unit. Ask if there's a service history.

5. Check for signs of water damage throughout the home

Look at ceilings, especially below bathrooms and laundries on upper floors. Water stains, paint bubbling, soft spots, or fresh paint patches on ceilings can indicate past or ongoing leaks. Check walls near wet areas for similar signs.

6. Ask about the stormwater and sewer connections

Ask whether the drainage system has been inspected recently. In Melbourne's older suburbs, clay sewer pipes from the early 1900s are still in use under many homes. Tree roots are a significant risk in suburbs with large European trees — Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell, Malvern, Brighton, and similar areas.

7. Check the outdoor taps and irrigation

Run the outdoor taps. Check for any garden irrigation system and ask about its condition and whether it's connected to mains or tank water. Old or poorly maintained irrigation can waste significant water and drive up bills.

8. Look at the water meter

Do the simple leak test: turn off everything inside the home and check whether the water meter dial is moving. If it is, there's a leak somewhere in the supply line between the meter and the house — a potential significant cost.

9. Check for adequate ventilation in wet areas

Bathrooms and laundries need proper exhaust ventilation to prevent mould. Check that exhaust fans are present, functioning, and vent to outside (not into the roof cavity — a common defect in older Melbourne homes).

10. Commission a pre-purchase plumbing inspection

For older homes, heritage properties, or any property with established trees nearby, consider commissioning a dedicated pre-purchase plumbing inspection including a CCTV drain inspection. This costs $300–$600 but can reveal thousands of dollars in issues not visible to the eye or covered in a standard building inspection. It's one of the best investments a buyer can make.

Flow Now Plumbing offers pre-purchase inspections across all Melbourne suburbs. We provide a written report you can use to negotiate with the vendor or budget for repairs. Call us before you sign.