What Is a CCTV Drain Inspection? A CCTV drain inspection involves feeding a waterproof camera on a flexible rod through your drain pipes to visually inspect them from the inside. The camera transmits live footage to a monitor so our plumber can see exactly what's happening — cracks, joint separations, root intrusion, pipe collapse, grease build-up, and foreign objects are all clearly visible. It's the diagnostic equivalent of an X-ray for your drainage system. When Do You Need One? We recommend a CCTV inspection for any drain that has blocked more than once in 12 months, any unexplained slow drainage that doesn't respond to DIY clearing, before buying an older property (pre-purchase inspection), when multiple drains are slow simultaneously, and when you suspect tree root intrusion. Without a camera, a plumber is guessing at the cause — and guessing costs you money in the long run. What Can a CCTV Camera Find? A drain camera reveals tree root intrusion at specific joints, cracked or broken pipe sections, joint separations where pipes have shifted or settled, pipe bellying (sagging sections where waste pools and blockages form), foreign objects lodged in the pipe, incorrect fall or grading, and connections to the wrong drainage system. Pre-Purchase Drain Inspections A CCTV drain inspection before purchasing an older Melbourne property is one of the most valuable things a buyer can do. Drain replacement or relining is a significant expense — knowing the pipe condition before you sign gives you negotiating power and avoids nasty surprises after settlement. ATC Plumbing provides written reports suitable for use in property negotiations. How Much Does It Cost? A CCTV drain inspection typically costs $150–$300 for a standard residential inspection. When combined with high-pressure jetting on the same visit, many plumbers offer a combined price. ATC Plumbing carries camera equipment on every van — we can inspect on the spot when attending a blocked drain call. Call 1300 282 758 for same-day CCTV drain inspection across Melbourne's south-east. Related reading: pre-purchase plumbing inspections · stormwater drainage problems in Melbourne · the complete guide to blocked drains

Published May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. If you've had a plumber attend a problem, paid for the job, and found yourself calling again within weeks because the same issue returned — you've experienced the difference between a plumber who clears a problem and one who fixes it. That difference comes down to diagnosis. This post explains what diagnostic-led plumbing actually involves and why it matters for recurring problems that other plumbers couldn't resolve. The Difference Between Clearing a Problem and Fixing It Clearing a blocked drain removes the material causing the obstruction. Fixing a blocked drain identifies why the obstruction formed at that point and addresses the underlying condition so it doesn't reform. Both involve the same initial action — jetting or snaking the drain — but only one involves the follow-up: the CCTV camera inspection that shows whether a root entry point, a pipe crack, or a structural problem is the actual cause. The same principle applies across plumbing. A leak that gets patched without identifying where the water came from may have caused damage inside a wall cavity. A hot water system that's reset without understanding why it tripped will trip again. An intermittent pressure problem that's dismissed without investigation is a symptom of something that will eventually fail completely. Diagnostic-led plumbing doesn't skip straight to the fix — it establishes the cause first, with equipment, not guesswork. Real Example: Oakleigh Recurring Sewer — Three Plumbers Hadn't Found It In February 2026 we attended a home in Oakleigh where the owner had called three different plumbers over 18 months for a repeatedly backing-up sewer. Each visit had resulted in the drain being cleared and the plumber leaving. Nobody had put a camera through the pipe. When we did, we found a 40mm section of completely collapsed pipe approximately 4.5 metres from the access point — invisible to jetting, invisible to a visual check at the access point, but accumulating waste on every flush. We relined that section in a single visit. The drain has not failed since. This is not an unusual story. The pattern — multiple plumbers, repeat clears, no camera — is the most common scenario we encounter on jobs that come to us as a last resort. The fix, once the cause is found, is usually straightforward. The challenge is that no one looked for it. The Diagnostic Tools That Find What Others Miss Ridgid CCTV drain camera — feeds through the pipe and records real-time footage of the pipe wall, joints, root masses, fractures and collapsed sections. The only reliable way to find a structural drain problem without digging. Sewerin Aquaphon A200 acoustic leak detector — a ground-contact microphone that locates the sound signature of pressurised water escaping through a pipe, even beneath a concrete slab. Used for concealed leaks that produce no visible surface sign. Thermal imaging camera — detects heat differentials that indicate hot water leaks beneath slabs or within wall cavities, before any concrete or wall lining is opened. Combustion gas analyser — measures CO levels in the heated air stream from a gas heater, detecting heat exchanger leakage that is invisible to a visual inspection. These tools are the reason we can give a definitive answer rather than an educated guess. Fast arrival → accurate diagnosis → permanent fix: the sequence only works if the diagnosis step is genuine — equipment-based, not assumption-based. What to Look For When Choosing a Plumber for a Recurring Problem Do they carry a CCTV drain camera on the van, or does it need to be booked separately as a second visit? Do they explain what they found after clearing a drain, or just say 'all clear' and leave? Will they provide a written report of what was found and what was done — not just a tax invoice? Can they give you a fixed-price quote before starting work, or is it time-and-materials with no upfront figure? Common Questions: My drain has been cleared three times in a year — what should I do? Insist on a CCTV camera inspection before the next clear. If no one has put a camera through the pipe, no one actually knows what's causing the recurring blockage. The camera inspection will either confirm the pipe is structurally sound (and the blockage cause is behavioural) or identify the structural problem that needs a permanent fix. I have a leak that no one can find — what's the next step? An acoustic leak detector and thermal imaging camera can locate a concealed leak — in a slab, under a path, or within a wall cavity — without opening anything. If your water bill is rising with no visible leak, or you can see damp but not the source, this is the right next step. Is a second opinion worth getting on a plumbing problem? Absolutely — particularly if the first plumber couldn't explain what caused the problem, or if the recommended fix is expensive and no camera footage or written diagnosis was provided. A genuine diagnosis should be documentable: camera footage, a written report, specific findings. If you don't have that, you don't have a diagnosis. Do you provide written reports after jobs? Yes — for every job involving a diagnosis (CCTV, acoustic detection, gas heater integrity test), we provide a written report of findings and recommendations. This is useful for insurance claims, property sales, VCAT proceedings, and body corporate documentation. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand. Related reading: choosing a trustworthy emergency plumber

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. A fair plumbing quote is one you can understand and rely on before any work begins: a clear written scope of what will be done, a price that is fixed rather than open-ended wherever the job allows, and full transparency about call-out fees, after-hours rates, parts and GST. Across Melbourne's south-east, transparent pricing isn't about being the cheapest plumber, it's about no surprises on the final invoice. Here is how plumbing pricing actually works, how to read a quote, and the red flags that mean you should ask a few more questions before you agree. What does a fair plumbing quote actually look like? A fair plumbing quote sets out the scope of work in plain language, states a price you can rely on, and makes clear what is and isn't included. It should itemise the parts of the job you're paying for, disclose any call-out fee and after-hours loading, include GST, and note any warranty on the workmanship. Crucially, it should tell you whether you're being given a fixed price or an open-ended estimate, because those are not the same thing. What's the difference between a quote and an estimate? This catches a lot of people out. A quote is a fixed, binding price for a defined piece of work: agree to it, and that's what you pay. An estimate is an educated guess that can change once the plumber gets into the job. Both are legitimate, but you're entitled to know which one you're being given, in writing, before work starts. Around The Clock Plumbing provides a fixed-price quote for defined work, so the figure you approve is the figure you pay. Fixed price or hourly: which is fairer? Neither model is automatically fairer, but they protect you in different ways. A fixed price gives you certainty: you approve the total before any work happens, and the risk of the job running long sits with the plumber, not you. Charging by the hour, or time-and-materials, means you pay for the actual time plus parts, which can suit jobs of genuinely unknown complexity but leaves the final cost open-ended. The key is that a fair plumber explains which model applies and why. An honest fixed price only works when it follows a proper look at the problem. The sequence that protects you is simple: fast arrival, accurate diagnosis, then a permanent fix at a price agreed up front. A plumber who quotes a large job without first diagnosing it, or who can only say "we'll see when we get there" with no framework at all, is asking you to sign a blank cheque. How should call-out fees and after-hours rates be explained? A call-out fee covers the plumber's travel and the initial attendance and assessment, and is usually charged whether or not work goes ahead. After-hours, weekend and public-holiday rates are typically higher because someone has to be on call, and that's reasonable. What matters is disclosure: the call-out fee and any loading should be told to you in writing before you book, not revealed on the invoice. Be a little cautious with "free call-out" or "zero call-out" offers, too. The attendance cost doesn't disappear, it usually reappears inside the labour rate or the parts markup. A transparent plumber is happy to show you how the price is built. You can see how Around The Clock Plumbing structures its rates in the Melbourne plumbing pricing guide. How do I read a plumbing quote or invoice? A clear quote or invoice should let you see exactly what you're paying for. Look for: Scope of work — a plain description of what will be done, not just a single lump sum. Labour basis — whether it's a fixed price or an hourly rate, and any minimum charge that applies. Parts and materials — a reasonable markup on parts is standard industry practice; an unexplained figure far above retail is worth questioning. Call-out fee — listed separately and disclosed before the booking. After-hours loading — shown clearly if the work was outside business hours. GST — included and identified. Compliance certificate — for the categories of plumbing and gas work in Victoria that legally require one, it should be accounted for. Warranty — what guarantee covers the workmanship after the job is done. What are the red flags of unfair plumbing pricing? If you see any of the following, slow down and ask more questions: No written quote, and only "I'll see what I find" with no price framework at all. Both a call-out fee and a separate first-hour fee that weren't disclosed when you booked. Parts billed well above their normal retail price with no explanation. Pressure to approve a large, expensive job before anyone has actually diagnosed the cause. Cash-only with no invoice, or no ABN and licence details when you ask. Vague verbal numbers that quietly creep upward once the work is underway. Why an honest quote starts with a proper diagnosis You can't fairly price a job you haven't properly looked at. For a recurring blockage or a hidden leak, that means using a CCTV drain camera or acoustic leak detection to find the real cause first, then quoting the actual work, rather than guessing high to be safe. That's the heart of diagnostic-led plumbing: diagnose, then fix the cause once. It's also why choosing carefully matters in the first place, which we cover in how to choose a trustworthy emergency plumber. Common questions about plumbing quotes and pricing: Is a plumbing quote legally binding? A quote is a fixed, binding price for the work described, while an estimate is a non-binding guess that can change. You're entitled to know which one you're being given, in writing, before the work begins. Should a plumber charge a call-out fee? A call-out fee is legitimate and covers travel and the initial attendance, but it should always be disclosed up front. A fair plumber tells you about it before you book, not when the invoice arrives. Why do after-hours plumbing rates cost more? After-hours, weekend and public-holiday rates are higher because a plumber has to be on call to attend urgently. That's reasonable, provided the loading is explained to you in writing before the work goes ahead. Should I always choose the cheapest quote? Not necessarily. The cheapest quote can leave out costs that reappear later, or skip the diagnosis that prevents a repeat problem. Compare the scope, what's included, the warranty and whether the price is fixed, not just the headline number. Do I get a compliance certificate, and is it included? Certain categories of plumbing and gas work in Victoria legally require a compliance certificate, and a fair quote should account for it. If you're unsure whether your job needs one, ask, and check that your plumber is licensed to issue it. You can verify Around The Clock Plumbing's licences and accreditations here. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin, founder of Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Related reading: pre-purchase plumbing inspections · what to expect during an emergency call-out

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. A slab leak or concealed hot water leak is one of the most damaging — and most commonly missed — plumbing failures in Melbourne homes. Water escaping inside a concrete slab or within a wall cavity can run undetected for months, lifting tiles, rotting framing, driving up water bills and causing mould before a single visible wet patch appears. This guide covers the warning signs and explains how acoustic leak detection pinpoints the source without unnecessary excavation. Warning Signs of a Slab Leak or Concealed Hot Water Leak Slab leaks are difficult to detect precisely because the leak is inside concrete — hidden from direct view. The signs are indirect, and easy to dismiss as other problems: Unexplained spike in your water bill — with no visible leak, dripping tap or running toilet to account for it. Warm or hot spots on the floor — particularly on tiles or polished concrete, often the first sign of a hot water slab leak. Tiles lifting or cracking with no obvious cause — water pressure from below breaks adhesion. Damp or mouldy smell — particularly in rooms without obvious moisture sources, or along a wall cavity. Water meter moving when every tap is off — a definitive sign of an active leak somewhere in the system. Hot water slab leaks are particularly common in Melbourne homes where copper hot water lines were laid in or under the slab during construction. As copper ages and the concrete moves with seasonal temperature changes, pinhole leaks develop at stress points. Because the water is under pressure and hot, it spreads further and faster than a cold-water leak before it's detected. How Acoustic Leak Detection Finds a Slab Leak Without Breaking Concrete Acoustic leak detection uses a highly sensitive ground-contact microphone to listen for the sound signature of pressurised water escaping a pipe — even through a concrete slab. We use the Sewerin Aquaphon A200, a professional-grade instrument that filters background noise and isolates the specific acoustic frequency of a leak. The technician walks a systematic grid across the slab surface, listening at each point until the signal peaks — indicating the leak's location directly below. The result is a precise location — typically within 200–300mm — which means any excavation needed is targeted and minimal. This is a fundamentally different outcome from the old approach of breaking up a large section of slab, hoping to find the leak, then restoring the whole area. Thermal Imaging as a Second Layer of Confirmation For hot water slab leaks, thermal imaging provides a second, non-invasive confirmation. A thermal camera shows the temperature differential between the warm wet area spreading from the leak point and the surrounding cooler slab — often making the leak's position visible as a distinctive heat plume on the camera image before any concrete is touched. We use thermal imaging in combination with acoustic detection on concealed hot water leak investigations. A Real Example: Acoustic Detection at an Oakleigh Commercial Site In September 2025 we were called to a commercial property in Oakleigh where the owner had reported a rising water bill with no visible source. Using the Sewerin A200, we located a pressurised leak in a cold-water main running beneath the concrete floor — in a position that would have required significant slab removal to find by inspection alone. The targeted repair took half a day. Fast arrival → accurate diagnosis → permanent fix, with minimal disruption to the site. What Happens After the Leak Is Found? Once the leak is located, your options depend on the pipe type, depth and condition. For an isolated pinhole in otherwise sound copper, targeted repair with minimal excavation is usually the right call. For aged copper that's already failed at one point and is likely to fail at others, rerouting the hot water line above the slab — rather than repairing in-slab — is often the better long-term decision. We'll give you an honest assessment of both options and their respective costs before any work begins, with a fixed-price quote. Common Questions About Slab Leaks and Concealed Leak Detection How do I know if I have a slab leak? The most reliable early indicator is an unexplained rise in your water bill. Combine this with any warm floor spots, lifting tiles or damp smells, and a slab leak is the likely cause. Turning off all taps and checking whether your water meter is still moving is a useful first test. Does detecting a slab leak require breaking the concrete? Detection does not require breaking concrete. Acoustic detection and thermal imaging locate the leak from the surface. Concrete is only opened at the confirmed location — and only for the repair, not the investigation. What is the Sewerin A200? The Sewerin Aquaphon A200 is a professional acoustic leak detection instrument used by water utilities and specialist leak detection plumbers. It uses a ground-contact microphone to pick up the sound of escaping pressurised water through solid surfaces, including concrete slabs, asphalt and compacted ground. Can a concealed leak affect a building's structure? Yes. Long-running concealed leaks can saturate the ground beneath a slab, cause subsidence, rot timber framing within wall cavities, promote significant mould growth and — in heritage brick buildings — progressively damage mortar. Early detection prevents structural damage that is far more expensive than the leak repair itself. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand. Related reading: water leak detection in older homes · plumbing in heritage and older homes

Landlord plumbing compliance in Victoria comes down to a simple duty: you must provide a rental property that is in good repair, safe, and meets the Residential Tenancies minimum standards, which include a working toilet, a connection to hot and cold water, and a functioning bathroom, and you must arrange urgent plumbing repairs, such as a burst pipe, blocked drain, or a blocked toilet, without delay. This is a plain-English overview from Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South, for landlords across Melbourne's south-east. It is general information, not legal advice; the current, binding rules sit with Consumer Affairs Victoria, so always confirm the details there. What does landlord plumbing compliance in Victoria actually require? Victoria's rental minimum standards set a baseline that every property must meet. The plumbing-related ones are straightforward: A bathroom with a washbasin and either a shower or a bath. A reasonable supply of hot and cold water connected to the required fixtures. A water-efficient shower head rated at least three stars. A toilet in good working order, located in a separate room (or as part of the bathroom or laundry). Adequate ventilation in the bathroom, toilet, and laundry, meeting the requirements of the Building Code of Australia. A key change to note: since late November 2025, a property must meet the minimum standards from the moment it is advertised for lease, not just by the day the renter moves in. One heritage footnote that matters in older suburbs: heritage-listed properties may be exempt from some minimum standards, but you must disclose the heritage listing before renting. Because these rules are updated from time to time, treat this as a starting point and check the current list with Consumer Affairs Victoria. What are a landlord's urgent plumbing repair obligations? Under the Residential Tenancies Act, certain plumbing failures are classed as urgent repairs, and a landlord must arrange them without delay. The urgent list includes a burst water service, a blocked or broken toilet, a serious roof leak, a gas leak, flooding or serious flood damage, and a failure or breakdown of the hotwater system, water or gas supply (or an essential appliance that provides them). If a renter cannot reach you, they may be able to arrange an urgent repair themselves and seek reimbursement, up to a capped amount set by law, another reason to be contactable. Non-urgent repairs are generally expected to be done within 14 days of a written request. This is where being able to get a real plumber in Melbourne out quickly genuinely protects you as a landlord: fast arrival, an accurate diagnosis of the actual fault, and a permanent fix mean an urgent repair is properly closed the first time, rather than patched and reopened. Around The Clock Plumbing answers calls 24/7 from a real person, helping landlords, including interstate owners, meet that "without delay" obligation. The standard of service we commit to is set out in our customer care charter. Does Victoria require routine gas and electrical safety checks on rentals? This is widely misunderstood, and getting it wrong is risky. For any rental agreement entered into or renewed since 29 March 2021, Victoria does require routine safety checks. The rental provider must arrange a gas safety check every two years, carried out by a licensed gasfitter endorsed for Type A appliance servicing, and an electrical safety check every two years by a licensed electrician; smoke alarms must be checked every twelve months. You must keep written records and produce them if a renter asks. If no gas check has been done in the previous two years when a renter moves in, you must arrange one as soon as practicable. This is more than paperwork; a cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide, which is odourless and dangerous, so the before-winter heater check genuinely matters. Any gas work must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter; we hold a Type A gas licence under BPC #50694 (you can read what a Victorian Type A gas licence means and how to verify it). The government has also flagged extending these checks to all rentals regardless of lease date, so it is worth confirming the current detail with Consumer Affairs Victoria and Energy Safe Victoria. Who pays for plumbing repairs — landlord or tenant? As a general rule, the landlord pays to keep the property in good repair and compliant — that covers ageing pipes, a failed hot water unit, worn fittings, and most wear-and-tear faults. A tenant generally pays only where they caused the damage, for example a drain blocked by flushing wipes or foreign objects. The grey area is usually "fair wear and tear versus misuse," which is exactly why a clear diagnosis matters: a CCTV drain inspection Melbourne that shows tree roots in an old clay pipe tells a very different story to one that shows a nappy. We quote a fixed price before any work starts, so you can approve the cost up front. Our transparent approach to pricing is explained here in our pricing guide. What documentation protects you in an insurance claim or VCAT dispute? Good records turn a "he-said-she-said" into a closed file. When licensed plumbing or gas work is done, a Certificate of Compliance is issued — keep it, along with a written report of what was found and done, and dated invoices. If an insurer or a VCAT matter ever questions whether the property was maintained, that paper trail is what protects you. We provide this documentation as standard, including VCAT-grade reports, and our Melbourne strata plumbers work with strata and body corporate managers such as MBCM Strata, Ace Body Corp and Civium. The paperwork side, what each certificate and report is for, is covered in detail in our guide to compliance certificates, VCAT reports and strata documentation. You can also confirm our full credentials in our licences and accreditations summary; we also carry $20M public liability cover. Frequently asked questions What plumbing does a Victorian rental have to have? At a minimum, a bathroom with a washbasin and a shower or bath, a connection to a reliable supply of hot and cold water, a three-star water-efficient shower head, a toilet in good working order in a separate room, and adequate ventilation. Check Consumer Affairs Victoria for the current full list. What counts as an urgent plumbing repair in a rental? Urgent plumbing repair in Melbourne includes a burst water service, a blocked or broken toilet, a serious roof leak, a gas leak detection, flooding, and a failure of the hot water, water leak, or gas supply. A landlord must arrange these without delay. Does Victoria require annual gas safety checks on rental properties? Yes. For rental agreements entered into or renewed since 29 March 2021, a gas safety check must be carried out every two years by a licensed gasfitter endorsed for Type A appliances, and an electrical safety check every two years by a licensed electrician; smoke alarms must be checked every twelve months. Keep the records; renters can request them, and if no gas check has been done in the last two years, arrange one as soon as practicable when a renter moves in. Confirm the current rules with Consumer Affairs Victoria and Energy Safe Victoria. Who pays for a blocked drain in a rental — landlord or tenant? Generally, the landlord pays to keep the property in good repair, including ageing pipes and worn fittings. A tenant usually pays only for damage they caused, such as a blockage from flushing wipes or other foreign objects. Get help from a blocked drain plumber in Melbourne. What records should a landlord keep for plumbing work? Keep the Certificate of Compliance issued for licensed plumbing or gas work, a written report of what was done, and dated invoices. This documentation supports an insurance claim or a VCAT matter if one ever arises. Written/reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Updated May 2026

For a property manager, good plumbing comes down to three things: a reliable plumber who turns up fast, fixes the problem so it does not come back, and hands you clean documentation for the owner and the file. Plumbing for property managers is really about reducing the number of things that can go wrong on your watch.Late-night tenant calls, repeat visits to the same leak, and missing paperwork when an owner or insurer asks. Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South, works this way for rental portfolios, owners corporations and commercial managers across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside: one number, a real person answering it, and a fixed-price quote before anything starts. What do property managers need from a plumber? The day-to-day needs of a property manager are different from a homeowner's. You are juggling tenants, owners, budgets and compliance at once, so the local plumber behind your maintenance list has to make your job easier, not harder. In practice that means: A single point of contact and a real 24/7 line. When a tenant calls at 11pm about water coming through a ceiling, you need an emergency plumber who answers — not a call centre that takes a message. ATC's after-hours line is answered by a real person, every time. Fast triage of urgent versus routine. Not every job is an emergency. A good plumber tells you straight away whether something must be made safe tonight or can wait until tomorrow, so you are not paying after-hours rates for a dripping tap. Direct liaison with the tenant. We book access directly with the tenant, confirm the appointment and keep them informed, which means fewer missed appointments and far fewer 'the plumber never showed' calls back to your office. Documentation that lands in your inbox. Photos, a plain-English description of what was found and fixed, a compliance certificate where one is required, and an itemised invoice tagged to the right property. That last point — the paperwork — is worth its own read. We cover which certificates and reports you should expect, and when, in our guide to what property managers need from a plumber. How fast should a plumber respond to a tenant's plumbing problem? Speed protects you on two fronts: the tenant stays happy, and you stay on the right side of Victoria's rental rules. Urgent plumbing repairs — a burst pipe, no hot water, a blocked toilet in a single-bathroom home, a serious gas leak or a gas fault — must be dealt with quickly under those rules, while non-urgent jobs run on a written-request timeframe. We explain the landlord and manager side of that in what landlords need to know about plumbing compliance in Victoria. ATC arrives within about an hour across Melbourne's south-east in genuine emergencies, often sooner. Just as important, we make the property safe first — isolating water, gas or power — before working out the permanent repair, so a small failure does not become a flooded unit. For a realistic picture of arrival times and what affects them, see emergency plumber response times: what's realistic. How do good plumbers keep tenant disruption to a minimum? Every hour a tenant is without water, or stuck waiting at home, can turn into a complaint. Minimising disruption comes down to two habits. The first is getting the diagnosis right the first time: our Melbourne plumbers work diagnostic-led, using a Ridgid CCTV drain camera or a Sewerin acoustic leak detector to find the actual cause rather than guessing. So the job is done in one visit instead of three. That fast arrival → accurate diagnosis → permanent fix approach is the single biggest thing that keeps tenants off your phone. The second habit is simple respect: arriving when we said we would, using drop sheets and shoe covers, explaining the work, and leaving the place clean. For apartments and multi-storey buildings, we ahve a specialist team of Strata plumbers in Melbourne. They're equipped with the knowledge where one blockage can affect several units and access is shared, and the approach differs again. See apartment and multi-storey plumbing: why it's different and who you need. Managing plumbing across a whole portfolio If you manage more than a handful of properties, having one plumber who knows them all is a quiet advantage. We keep a history for each address, so the plumber attending a recurring blocked drain can see it has happened before and fix the cause .Relining a cracked pipe, for instance, rather than clearing it again on the owner's money. Invoicing is tagged per property, so owners' statements stay clean. And where the same issues keep recurring, scheduled maintenance catches them before a tenant notices. ATC carries $20 million public liability cover and a 6-year workmanship guarantee, holds BPC Licence #50694, and is a Master Plumbers Association member ,the credentials owners corporations and commercial owners expect to see on file. Common questions from property managers Can a plumber bill us per property across a portfolio? Yes. We tag every job and invoice to the specific address and tenancy, so your owner statements and end-of-month reconciliation stay clean, even across dozens of properties. Will you book access directly with our tenants? Yes. We contact the tenant, arrange a suitable time, confirm the appointment and keep them updated, which dramatically reduces missed appointments and follow-up calls to your office. How quickly can you attend an urgent tenant repair? In genuine plumbing emergencies we arrive within about an hour across Melbourne's south-east, often sooner, and make the property safe before arranging the permanent repair. Do you provide compliance certificates and reports for the owner's file? Yes. Where a job legally requires a compliance certificate we issue one, along with photos and a plain-English report. The full detail of what to expect is in our property-manager documentation guide. Can you help reduce repeat call-outs to the same property? That is the goal. We diagnose the actual cause with CCTV and acoustic equipment and fix it permanently, and for problem properties we can set up scheduled maintenance & plumbing inspections so faults are caught early. Written/reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Updated May 2026 Related reading: commercial plumbing maintenance plans

Plumbing Health Checks Every 2-3 Years: Why They're Essential for Melbourne Homes (Eastern Suburbs Guide 2026) If you live in Oakleigh South, Clayton, Mulgrave, Glen Waverley, or anywhere across Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs, there's a good chance you only think about your plumbing when something goes wrong — a burst pipe at 2 am, a mysteriously high water bill, or brown water trickling from the tap. I get it. As a licensed plumber who's been running ATC Plumbing from Oakleigh South for over 15 years, I've walked into thousands of homes where a small, hidden issue has snowballed into a major repair. That's exactly why I recommend plumbing health checks every 2-3 years for every Melbourne home. Think of it like a car service — you wouldn't skip that for a decade, and your plumbing system deserves the same attention. Regular plumbing health checks every 2-3 years catch the problems you can't see before they become the emergencies you can't ignore. In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly what a plumbing health check involves, what it costs here in Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs in 2026, the warning signs that mean you shouldn't wait, and practical DIY tips versus when to call a professional. Why Plumbing Health Checks Every 2-3 Years Are Beneficial So why every 2-3 years? It's not a random number. It's based on how plumbing systems actually age and what I see daily across homes in the Monash area and surrounding suburbs. Catching Hidden Leaks Before They Cause Damage Many leaks happen behind walls, under slabs, or in subfloor areas where you simply can't see them. We recently caught a hidden leak during a routine check in Glen Waverley — water had been seeping behind the shower wall for over a year. The homeowner had no idea until we pressure-tested the system. Left another 12 months, that would've meant ripping out the entire bathroom wall and dealing with mould remediation. Protecting Against Melbourne's Reactive Clay Soil If your home sits on Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs clay soil — and most do — your underground pipes are under constant stress. Reactive clay expands when wet and contracts when dry, and this cycle of movement can crack pipe joints, shift connections, and create root entry points. Properties built in the 1960s–80s (the classic brick-veneer homes in Oakleigh, Clayton, and Mulgrave) are especially vulnerable because they often have original earthenware or early PVC drainage that's now 40-60 years old. Plumbing health checks every 2-3 years are the best way to catch soil-related pipe damage before it leads to a sewer backup or a collapsed drain. Keeping Up with Ageing Infrastructure Melbourne Water has been replacing aging water mains across the Monash area — including sections running from Mitcham through to Syndal and Glen Waverley — because pipes that are 80-100 years old eventually fail. Your home's internal plumbing ages too. Galvanised steel pipes corrode from the inside out, copper develops pinhole leaks, and even plastic fittings degrade over decades. A 2-3 year check cycle catches deterioration at a manageable stage. Meeting Gas Safety Requirements Here in Victoria, all types of gas heaters — including central heating, space heaters, wall units, and gas log fires — should be serviced a minimum of every two years by a licensed gasfitter to check for carbon monoxide (CO) spillage. This isn't just a recommendation; the Victorian Government and Energy Safe Victoria strongly advocate for it after multiple fatal CO poisoning incidents. Rolling your gas heater service in Melbourne into a broader plumbing health check makes good sense and keeps everything on one schedule. Insurance and Resale Value I've seen insurance claims knocked back because the insurer argued a homeowner "failed to maintain" their plumbing. Having documented, regular plumbing health checks every 2-3 years creates a paper trail that shows you've been looking after your property. When it comes time to sell, a recent plumbing inspection report can give buyers real confidence — especially in the Monash area where many homes are 40+ years old. What's Included in a Professional Plumbing Health Check So what does a plumbing maintenance check include in Victoria? Here's what I cover when I do a comprehensive plumbing health check for homes across Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs: Water Supply System Pressure testing — I check your mains water pressure with a gauge. Ideal range is (500 kPa). Low water pressure in areas like Clayton and Mulgrave is more common than you'd think, often due to corroded galvanised pipes internally restricting flow, or issues with the water authority's supply mains. Tap and valve operation — Every tap, isolation valve, and the mains stop valve are tested. A seized mains tap can be a disaster in an emergency. Visible pipe condition — Checking exposed pipework for corrosion, leaks, or damage. I look at joints, connections, and any signs of weeping. Hot Water System Temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve test — Required under AS/NZS 3500 for safety. A faulty TPR valve is a genuine explosion risk. Anode rod condition (for storage systems) — The sacrificial anode protects the tank from corrosion. Once it's spent, the tank itself starts to deteriorate. Replacement every 3-5 years is typical. Sediment check — Hard water areas in parts of Victoria mean mineral buildup inside the tank, reducing efficiency and shortening its lifespan. We flush and inspect. For more on hot water systems, see our Hot Water Systems Melbourne page. Drainage and Sewer System Visual inspection of floor wastes, gully traps, and overflow relief gullies (ORGs) — The ORG is your last line of defence against sewage backing up into your home. I'm amazed how many homes have ORGs that are buried, blocked, or non-compliant. CCTV drain camera inspection (recommended every second check or if symptoms are present) — This lets me see inside your underground drains to spot root intrusion, cracks, joint displacement, and buildup. Drain flow testing — Running water through the system and observing drainage speed and any gurgling sounds checking for any signs of blocked drains. Gas System Gas pressure test — Checking the system holds pressure and there are no leaks on the pipework. Appliance inspection — Ensuring all gas appliances (cooktops, heaters, hot water) are operating safely, with correct flame colour and no CO spillage. Ventilation assessment — Especially critical for open-flued gas heaters, which require adequate room ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. For gas fitting services, visit our Gas Fitting Melbourne page. Stormwater and Gutters Gutter and downpipe condition — Checking for rust, sagging, or blockages. Stormwater pit inspection — Ensuring pits are clear and stormwater drains away from the property, not towards the foundation. Compliance Check All work references the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and AS/NZS 3500 standards. I'll flag anything that doesn't meet current requirements, especially if it relates to safety — like non-compliant tempering valves on hot water systems or missing backflow prevention devices. Signs You Need Plumbing Health Checks Sooner While every 2-3 years is a solid baseline, certain signs you need a plumbing check in Oakleigh (or anywhere across the Eastern Suburbs) shouldn't wait: Unexplained Increase in Water Bills If your water bill jumps and your usage hasn't changed, you likely have a hidden leak. Even a slow drip behind a wall or under a slab can waste tens of thousands of litres a year. I had a client in Oakleigh South whose bill tripled — turned out a supply pipe joint under the slab had failed. The leak was invisible from inside the house. Discoloured or Smelly Water Brown or rusty water usually points to corroding pipes — either your internal galvanised lines or sediment disturbed in the mains. A yellow or sulfur smell can indicate issues with the hot water system anode or bacterial growth. Don't ignore it. Persistent Low Water Pressure If you're experiencing low water pressure in Clayton or Mulgrave, the cause is often internal pipe corrosion narrowing the bore of the pipe, a partially closed valve you don't know about, or a failing pressure-limiting valve (PLV). It's rarely just a "council problem." Gurgling Drains or Slow Drainage Gurgling sounds when you flush a toilet or empty a basin often signal a partially blocked or poorly vented drain. Left alone, partial blocks become complete blocks — and sewer backups in a home are as unpleasant and expensive as they sound. Damp Patches, Mould, or Musty Smells Any unexplained dampness on walls, ceilings, or floors could indicate a leaking pipe. In older brick-veneer homes across the Monash area, I frequently find leaks that have been silently damaging the structure for months. Your Home Is 20+ Years Old and You've Never Had a Check If your home was built in the 1960s, '70s, or '80s and the plumbing has never been professionally assessed, don't wait for the 2-3 year cycle — book one now. These homes often have a combination of aging materials, outdated configurations, and wear that needs professional eyes on it. For urgent issues, see our Emergency Plumber Melbourne Eastern Suburbs page. What to Tell Us? Sharing Your Concerns for the Best Check To get the most out of your plumbing health check, it really helps when homeowners share what they've noticed — even small things. Here's what I'd love to know before or during the appointment: Water pressure changes — Has the shower felt weaker? Does the kitchen tap not flow like it used to? Any dripping, staining, or dampness — Even if it seems minor or intermittent. Noises from pipes — Banging (water hammer), gurgling drains, hissing sounds near the hot water system. Age and history — When was the hot water system installed? Has any plumbing work been done recently? Any known issues from previous owners? Specific concerns — Maybe you've heard about burst pipes in winter and want to know if your home is at risk. Or perhaps you're worried about your old gas heater before winter hits. Renovation plans — If you're thinking about a bathroom or kitchen renovation in the next year or two, a health check can identify what needs upgrading before you start tiling and cladding. The more you tell us, the more thorough and targeted we can make the inspection. There are no silly questions — I'd much rather check something that turns out to be fine than miss something because you thought it was "too small to mention." Plumbing Health Check Costs in Melbourne 2026 One of the most common questions I get is about plumbing inspection cost in the Eastern Suburbs in 2026. Here's a straight-up guide based on what's typical for the Melbourne market: Standard Plumbing Health Check Service Typical Cost (incl. GST) Basic visual plumbing inspection (1-2 hours) $250 – $450 Comprehensive health check with written report $400 – $650 CCTV drain camera inspection (add-on) $250 – $500 Gas safety check and CO testing $180 – $350 Combined plumbing + gas health check $500 – $850 These figures reflect standard Melbourne plumber rates in 2026, with hourly rates typically sitting between $90-$180/hour during business hours, plus a call-out fee of $100-$180. Specialist work like gas fitting can be at the higher end. What Affects the Price? Size of the home — A 2-bedroom unit takes less time than a 4-bedroom house with multiple bathrooms. Access — Subfloor access, manhole access, and whether ORGs and pits are accessible all affect the time involved. Age and complexity — Older homes with mixed pipe materials, outdated layouts, or no existing plans take longer to assess. Add-on services — CCTV inspection, thermal imaging, or water quality testing are valuable extras but add to the cost. My honest take: A $400-$650 health check that catches a failing pipe joint or a slow gas leak is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. I've seen single emergency callouts for burst pipes or sewer backups cost $2,000-$10,000+ when you factor in the plumbing repair, water damage restoration, and lost time. Prevention really is cheaper than the cure. DIY Tips vs. When to Call a Professional Plumber There are some basic plumbing maintenance tasks you can handle yourself between professional plumbing health checks every 2-3 years. But there are also clear lines where you need a licensed plumber. What You Can Do Yourself Test your taps and toilets regularly — Run every tap in the house (including outdoor ones) monthly. Flush all toilets. Listen for running water after flushing — a running cistern wastes thousands of litres. Check your ORG — Find your overflow relief gully (usually in the backyard, near the laundry or bathroom). Make sure it's not buried under soil or mulch and that the grate is clear. Insulate exposed pipes before winter — This is key if you want to prevent burst pipes during winter in Melbourne. Foam pipe lagging from the hardware store is cheap and easy to fit onto exposed pipes in garages, under the house, and on external walls. Clear gutters and downpipes — Blocked gutters cause water to overflow and pool around your home's foundation, which accelerates soil movement and can damage subfloor plumbing. Monitor your water meter — Turn off all water inside the house, then check the meter. If it's still ticking over, you've got a leak somewhere. Flush your hot water system — Once a year, open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank for 30-60 seconds to flush sediment. Do this carefully (the water is hot!) and check your manufacturer's instructions first. When to Call a Licensed Plumber Any gas work — By law in Victoria, all gas fitting work must be done by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC). No exceptions. Drainage or sewer work — Anything involving your sewer or stormwater drains requires a licensed plumber who can issue a compliance certificate. Hot water system repairs or installation — Tempering valves, TPR valves, and connections all need to meet AS/NZS 3500 and be done by a licenced plumber. Water pressure issues — While you can check for obvious causes (like a partially closed valve), diagnosing and fixing low water pressure in Clayton or Mulgrave properly often requires pressure testing equipment and experience with the local network. Anything behind walls or underground — If you suspect a leak inside a wall or under a slab, call a professional. Opening up walls without knowing what you're doing can cause more damage than the leak itself. Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing Health Checks How often should I get plumbing health checks undertaken to my home in Melbourne? For most Melbourne homes, plumbing health checks every 2-3 years is the sweet spot. It's frequent enough to catch developing issues — like corrosion, root intrusion, or failing valves — before they become emergencies, but not so frequent that you're spending unnecessarily. If your home is older (pre-1990) or you have known issues like reactive clay soil movement, leaning towards every 2 years is wise. Newer homes (under 10 years old) can usually stretch to every 3 years. What does a plumbing maintenance check include in Victoria? A thorough plumbing maintenance check in Victoria covers your water supply system (pressure, pipes, taps, valves), hot water system (TPR valve, anode, sediment), drainage and sewer (flow, ORG, CCTV if needed), gas system (pressure test, appliance safety, CO check), and stormwater/gutters. Everything is assessed against AS/NZS 3500 standards and the Plumbing Code of Australia. A good plumber will also provide a written report with photos and recommendations. How much does a plumbing inspection cost in Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs in 2026? In 2026, expect to pay between $250 and $650 for a plumbing health check in Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs, depending on the scope. A basic visual inspection runs $250-$450, while a comprehensive check with a written report is typically $400-$650. Adding CCTV drain camera inspection adds $250-$500. Combined plumbing and gas safety checks are generally $500-$850. These figures are based on standard Melbourne plumber rates of $90-$180/hour plus call-out fees. Why should I get a plumbing checkup every 2-3 years in Melbourne? Melbourne's combination of ageing housing stock (many Eastern Suburbs homes are 40-60 years old), reactive clay soils that move and stress underground pipes, hard water that causes mineral buildup in hot water systems and pipework, and harsh winter temperatures that risk burst pipes makes regular plumbing health checks every 2-3 years particularly important. Prevention consistently costs a fraction of emergency repair. Can plumbing health checks help prevent burst pipes in winter in Melbourne? Absolutely. During a plumbing health check, I specifically look for exposed or poorly insulated pipes that are at risk of freezing — outdoor taps, pipes in garages, along external walls, and in subfloor areas. Melbourne winters regularly drop below freezing overnight, and when water in a pipe freezes and expands, the pipe bursts. Identifying and insulating vulnerable pipes before winter hits is one of the most practical outcomes of a plumbing health check. Do I need a gas heater service as part of my plumbing health check? I strongly recommend it. In Victoria, all gas heaters should be serviced at least every two years by a licensed gasfitter, including a test for carbon monoxide spillage. Tragically, people have died from CO poisoning caused by poorly maintained gas heaters in Victoria. Rolling your gas heater service into your plumbing health check keeps everything on one schedule and ensures nothing gets forgotten. If you're renting, your rental provider is legally required to arrange gas safety checks every 2 years. What are the signs I need a plumbing check in Oakleigh or surrounding suburbs? Key warning signs include: unexplained increases in your water bill, discoloured or smelly water, persistent low water pressure, gurgling or slow drains, damp patches or mould on walls or ceilings, and water hammer (banging pipes). If your home is in Oakleigh, Oakleigh South, or any older Eastern Suburbs area and hasn't had a plumbing assessment in over 3 years, I'd recommend scheduling one as a baseline. Book Your Plumbing Health Check Today Regular plumbing health checks every 2-3 years are one of the smartest things you can do as a Melbourne homeowner. They catch hidden leaks, identify ageing pipes before they fail, ensure your gas appliances are safe, and give you peace of mind that your home's plumbing system is in good shape. At ATC Plumbing, we've been looking after homes and businesses across Oakleigh South, Oakleigh, Clayton, Mulgrave, Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Dandenong, and the wider Monash area for over 15 years. We're licensed, insured, and we genuinely care about getting it right — not upselling you on work you don't need. Ready to book? Give us a call or visit www.atcplumbing.com.au to schedule your plumbing health check. We'll give you an honest assessment, a written report, and clear recommendations — no surprises. Related reading: plumbing for property managers · commercial plumbing maintenance plans

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. Not all gas heater services are equal. A proper annual gas heater service is a methodical safety and performance check that takes 45–90 minutes and produces a written report. A cheap or cursory service may involve little more than a visual look and a filter clean. This guide sets out exactly what should be included in a gas heater service, what cheaper services commonly skip, and how to tell the difference before you book. What a Proper Gas Heater Service Should Include A thorough gas heater service — the kind that meets Victorian gas safety standards and gives you genuine assurance heading into winter — covers all of the following: Heat exchanger integrity test — checks for cracks that can allow combustion products, including carbon monoxide, to enter the living space. This is the single most important safety check and the one most commonly skipped by cheap services. Combustion gas analysis — confirms the heater is burning gas cleanly and efficiently. A heater out of tune produces excess CO even with an intact heat exchanger. Flue inspection and flue gas test — checks the flue for blockage, damage and adequate draw to exhaust combustion gases safely. Gas pressure check — verifies the appliance is operating within the manufacturer's specified pressure range. Burner and ignition inspection — checks the burner for fouling and the ignition system for reliable lighting. Thermostat calibration — confirms the thermostat is reading and controlling temperature accurately. Filter clean — removes dust and debris from the air intake filter, which affects both efficiency and air quality. Written service report — a record of what was checked, what was found, and any recommendations. Essential for rental compliance and useful for insurance purposes. What Cheaper Services Commonly Skip The heat exchanger integrity test is the most commonly omitted step in budget services. It takes equipment and time, and a cracked heat exchanger isn't visible to the eye — only a proper test reveals it. Combustion gas analysis is also frequently absent from cheap services, as is the flue gas test. A service that skips these three checks is primarily cosmetic — it cleans the unit but doesn't confirm it is safe. In August 2025 we serviced a ducted gas heater in Bentleigh that had been 'serviced' by another provider the previous year. Our heat exchanger integrity test identified a crack — a fault that the prior service had either missed or not tested for. The heat exchanger was replaced the same day with a Brivis unit. The homeowner had been running the heater with a compromised heat exchanger for at least one winter season. What to Ask Before You Book a Gas Heater Service Before booking any gas heater service, ask the following questions. A reputable gasfitter will answer all of them clearly: Do you perform a heat exchanger integrity test? (Not a visual check — a pressure or combustion test.) Do you carry out combustion gas analysis and a flue gas test? Will I receive a written service report? Are you licensed under a Type A gas licence? (Type A covers domestic appliances — Type B is industrial. Confirm BPC licence number.) ATC Plumbing holds BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas. All our services include every step in the checklist above, and you receive a written report after every job. That's the standard we apply regardless of heater type or age. How Often Should a Gas Heater Be Serviced? Annually is the recommended interval for heaters in regular use, and every two years is the legal minimum for rental properties under Victorian tenancy regulations. For heaters that are 10 or more years old, or those that haven't been serviced in several years, a service as soon as possible — before winter — is the right call. Older units are more likely to have heat exchanger deterioration and are less likely to have been inspected properly in recent years. Fast arrival → accurate diagnosis → permanent fix applies to gas heater servicing too: we don't just service the unit and leave if we find a fault. We diagnose it, explain what we found, and either fix it on the day or give you a clear written recommendation for what's needed. Common Questions About Gas Heater Servicing What does a gas heater service checklist cover? A thorough service covers heat exchanger integrity testing, combustion gas analysis, flue inspection and flue gas test, gas pressure check, burner and ignition inspection, thermostat calibration, filter clean, and a written report. Services that omit heat exchanger testing and combustion analysis are incomplete from a safety standpoint. Can a gas heater produce carbon monoxide even if it looks fine? Yes. A cracked heat exchanger or a heater running out of tune can produce elevated carbon monoxide with no visible sign of a problem. The heater may light, heat, and cycle normally. Only combustion gas analysis and a heat exchanger integrity test will confirm CO-safe operation. How long does a gas heater service take? A thorough service on a standard ducted or wall heater takes 45–90 minutes. If faults are found and repair parts are required, additional time may be needed — but you'll be given a clear explanation and a fixed-price quote before any repair work proceeds. Is gas heater servicing required for rental properties? Yes. Victorian tenancy law requires gas heaters in rental properties to be serviced every two years by a licensed gasfitter, with a record kept. ATC Plumbing provides service records and compliance documentation suitable for property management purposes. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand.

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. When a drain has been cleared multiple times and keeps failing, there's a decision to make: keep clearing it, reline it, or replace it. That decision isn't always obvious — and the wrong call costs money. This guide explains how to think through reline versus replace, what CIPP pipe relining can and can't fix, and when excavation and replacement is genuinely the better answer. What Is CIPP Pipe Relining? CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) relining installs a structural liner inside an existing pipe without excavation. A flexible liner saturated with resin is pulled or inverted into the damaged pipe, expanded to conform to the pipe wall, and cured — either by heat, UV light or ambient temperature depending on the system used. The result is a new pipe wall formed inside the old one, sealing cracks, closing root entry points, and restoring structural integrity. Our relining work carries a 35-year structural warranty. When Pipe Relining Is the Right Choice Relining is the right answer when the pipe has the right failure profile — damage that a liner can seal — and when the alternative (excavation) involves significant disruption or cost. The conditions that suit relining well: Cracked or fractured pipe — CIPP seals cracks and bridging fractures, restoring the pipe wall without removing the pipe. Root entry points — relining closes the joints and cracks roots are entering through, permanently eliminating the entry point without cutting the roots back repeatedly. Pipe under concrete, paving, driveways or structures — where excavation would mean breaking up expensive or complex surfaces, relining eliminates that cost entirely. Older clay or concrete pipes that are deteriorating but not fully failed — relining extends service life by decades from the inside. When Excavation and Replacement Is the Better Answer Relining has limitations, and a plumber recommending it for every situation isn't giving honest advice. The conditions where excavation and replacement is genuinely the right call: Complete pipe collapse — a fully collapsed section has no internal geometry left to support a liner. Excavation and replacement of that section is required. Significant pipe offset or belly — a severe joint offset or a section where the pipe has dropped and holds pooled water may not be correctable with relining alone. Wrong pipe diameter — extremely small-diameter pipes or those with significant deformation may not allow liner insertion. Where the pipe run is short and accessible — in cases where excavation is straightforward and the pipe is in open ground, the cost difference may not justify relining. The Right Process: Camera First, Decision Second The reline vs replace decision cannot be made without CCTV camera footage. The footage shows pipe material, crack type and extent, collapse depth, joint condition, and whether a liner can physically be inserted. Without that footage, any recommendation is a guess. Our process: fast arrival → accurate diagnosis via CCTV camera → honest recommendation for the permanent fix that fits the actual pipe condition, with fixed-price quotes for both options where applicable. A Real Example: 65m Reline Under a Carpark in Carnegie One of our flagship relining jobs involved a 65-metre drain run beneath a commercial carpark in Carnegie. Excavating 65 metres of carpark would have meant weeks of disruption and significant reinstatement cost. CCTV confirmed the pipe was cracked and had multiple root entry points but retained sufficient structural integrity for a liner. We completed the reline without a single core drill into the surface. The carpark remained in use throughout. This is exactly the scenario relining exists for — a permanent structural fix where excavation would have been disproportionately disruptive and expensive. Common Questions: Pipe Relining vs Replacement How long does pipe relining last? CIPP pipe relining carries a 35-year structural warranty. The liner is chemically resistant and does not provide the entry points for root intrusion that older clay and concrete pipe joints do. Is pipe relining always cheaper than replacement? Not always. For short, accessible pipe runs in open ground, excavation and replacement may be comparable in cost. Where relining delivers the biggest cost advantage is under concrete, driveways, landscaping or structures — where excavation reinstatement cost is significant. Can any pipe be relined? No. Completely collapsed sections, severely offset joints, and some very small-diameter pipes cannot be relined. A CCTV inspection confirms suitability before any relining is quoted or started. Will pipe relining reduce the internal diameter of my pipe? Slightly — a liner adds a few millimetres to the pipe wall. In practice this has no meaningful effect on flow capacity in residential or light commercial drain sizes, and the smoother internal surface of the cured liner often improves flow compared to the deteriorated original pipe wall. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand. Related reading: stormwater drainage problems in Melbourne

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. A cracked heat exchanger is the most dangerous fault a gas heater can develop — and the hardest to detect without the right test. It produces no smell, no error code, no unusual noise. The heater lights, heats, and cycles normally. The only reliable way to find it is a heat exchanger integrity test carried out by a licensed Type A gas fitter with the correct equipment. This post explains what the test involves, why most cheap services skip it, and what a cracked exchanger actually means for the people in the home. What Is the Heat Exchanger and What Does It Do? The heat exchanger is the component that separates the combustion chamber from the air blown into your living space. Hot combustion gases — including carbon monoxide — pass through it on one side, transferring heat to the room air on the other. As long as it's intact, combustion gases exhaust safely through the flue. If it cracks, those gases can leak directly into the air delivered to your rooms. Heat exchangers crack from thermal stress — repeated heating and cooling cycles over years cause metal fatigue at stress points. The risk increases significantly in heaters over 10 years old, in units running long daily cycles, and in heaters that have never been properly serviced. How the Heat Exchanger Integrity Test Works A proper heat exchanger integrity test is not a visual inspection. Hairline cracks are invisible to the naked eye in a fully assembled unit. The test uses one or more of these methods: Combustion gas analysis — a probe in the air stream measures CO levels delivered to the room. Elevated CO with no other source indicates exchanger leakage. Pressure differential test — the combustion side is pressurised; any pressure drop indicates a breach. Smoke or tracer gas test — tracer introduced to the combustion side that appears in the air stream if a crack is present. The test takes equipment, training and time — which is exactly why services priced purely on speed tend to skip it. A visual inspection of the casing is not an integrity test. A Real Example: Bentleigh, August 2025 In August 2025 we attended a ducted gas heater in Bentleigh that had been serviced by another provider the previous year. Our heat exchanger integrity test identified a crack — a fault not detected by the prior service. The heater had been running through the previous winter with a compromised heat exchanger. We condemned the unit on the day, replaced the heat exchanger with a Brivis unit, and had it running safely the same afternoon. The family had been entirely unaware of the risk. This is the fault profile behind most residential CO incidents: a heater that appears to work normally, with an invisible flaw no one tested for. What Happens If a Cracked Heat Exchanger Is Found? A heater with a confirmed cracked heat exchanger must be taken out of service immediately. Depending on age and parts availability, options are exchanger replacement or whole-heater replacement. Our approach: fast arrival → accurate diagnosis → permanent fix. We'll give you honest advice and fixed-price quotes for both options before any work starts. Common Questions About Heat Exchanger Cracks and CO Risk Can I tell if my heat exchanger is cracked without a test? No. Hairline cracks are not visible during normal operation or to the naked eye. Only an integrity test — combustion gas analysis, pressure test, or tracer test — will reliably detect them. How does carbon monoxide from a cracked heat exchanger present in a home? CO is colourless and odourless. Early symptoms — headache, nausea, fatigue — are often mistaken for illness. The classic indicator is symptoms that improve when leaving the house and return inside. A CO detector will trigger at dangerous levels, but a developing fault may produce sub-threshold chronic exposure before activation. How often should the heat exchanger be tested? Every annual service should include a heat exchanger integrity test. For heaters over 10 years old this test is particularly critical. If your last service didn't include it — ask specifically whether it was performed and how. Should I install a CO detector if I have a gas heater? Yes — a CO detector is a sensible additional safeguard but does not replace annual servicing. A slowly developing fault may produce sub-threshold CO for extended periods before triggering an alarm. Annual servicing with a proper integrity test is the primary protection; the CO detector is the backup. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand.

Melbourne's Residential Plumbing Specialists-Residential Plumber Melbourne We're Around The Clock Plumbing — a licensed, family-run plumbing business based in Oakleigh South. Our Melbourne plumbers operate exclusively across Melbourne's south-east, which means when you call us, you're getting a local team that knows your streets, your infrastructure, and your suburb. We handle the full range of residential plumbing — from blocked drains cleared the same day to pipe relining that carries a 35-year structural warranty. Whether it's a 2am burst pipe or a routine hot water service, we're available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No call centres. No franchises. Just licensed plumbers who show up, explain the problem honestly, and fix it properly. Call us on 1300 282 758 anytime — day or night. What We Do — Residential Plumbing Services Blocked Drains A blocked drain can go from inconvenient to seriously damaging in a matter of hours. We use CCTV drain cameras to find the root cause — not just clear the symptom — then fix it properly the first time. Most blocked drain plumbing jobs across Melbourne's south-east are cleared the same day. If the camera reveals structural damage to the pipe, we can reline the drain without excavation using our CIPP pipe relining system. Common causes we deal with include tree roots, grease and fat buildup, collapsed pipes, foreign objects, and sewer overflows. Hot Water Systems No hot water is a household emergency, especially in a Melbourne winter. We repair and replace all types of residential hot water systems — gas storage, gas continuous flow, electric storage, and heat pump systems. For most standard replacements across Melbourne's south-east, we can complete the job the same day — from the first call to hot water restored. We carry common units on our vans and work with Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, Bosch, and Thermann. Find out how long hot water services last. Gas Heater Servicing Your gas heater should be serviced every two years minimum — not just for efficiency, but for safety. A cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to enter your home without any visible warning signs. We service all types of ducted and wall-mounted gas heaters across Melbourne's south-east. Every service includes a safety check of the heat exchanger, flue, burner, and controls. We recommend booking before May — our schedule fills quickly once winter starts. If your heater is over 15 years old or needs major repairs, it may be worth reading our guide on when to replace a gas heater in Melbourne before booking a service. Pipe Relining If your drain keeps blocking, the problem is usually structural — tree root intrusion, cracked pipes, or joint displacement. Pipe relining fixes the underlying issue without digging up your garden, driveway, or floor. We use CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) relining technology. A resin-coated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe and cured in place, creating a seamless new pipe inside the old one. The result is stronger than the original, root-resistant, and backed by a 35-year structural warranty. Most residential relining jobs are completed in a single day. Water and Gas Leak Detection Hidden leaks cause more damage the longer they go undetected — rising water bills, structural damage, and mould. We use acoustic sensors, thermal imaging, and pressure testing to locate leaks precisely without unnecessary excavation. We also provide gas leak detection for residential properties. If you smell gas, leave the building immediately, don't use any switches or appliances, and call us on 1300 282 758. Emergency Plumbing — 24/7 Plumbing emergencies don't wait for business hours. We answer our phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week — and when we say 24/7, we mean a real licensed plumber picks up, not a call centre that takes a message. We aim to be on-site within 60 minutes for plumbing emergencies across Melbourne's south-east. Burst pipes, sewer overflows, gas leaks, complete loss of hot water — we respond to all of them around the clock. Independent Plumbing Inspections Buying a property? Dealing with a plumbing dispute? We provide independent plumbing inspections with written reports — suitable for pre-purchase decisions, insurance claims, and VCAT proceedings. Our inspection reports include CCTV drain footage, photographic evidence, written findings, and clear recommendations. We're not affiliated with any real estate agency or builder — our findings are genuinely independent. Why Melbourne Homeowners Choose ATC Plumbing as the preffered Residential Plumber Melbourne We're genuinely local. Based in Oakleigh South, we service Melbourne's south-east suburbs — Cheltenham, Bentleigh, Clayton, Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Hampton, Moorabbin, Caulfield, Mentone, Highett, Parkdale, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Wantirna South and surrounding areas. When you call us, we know where you are. We're honest about pricing. We give you a clear quote before we start. If something changes mid-job, we tell you before we proceed — not after. No invoice shock. We fix it properly. We use CCTV cameras, pipe relining, thermal imaging, and acoustic leak detection — because it lets us find the real problem and fix it permanently rather than patching something that will fail again. We're licensed and insured. BPC Licence #50694, issued by the Victorian Building Authority. ABN 49 159 059 702. $20M public liability insurance. All work carries compliance certificates where required by law. We're available when you need us. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including public holidays. 1300 282 758. Your Local Residential Plumber Melbourne Frequently Asked Questions Do you charge extra for after-hours or weekend callouts? We have transparent, upfront pricing. Call us on 1300 282 758 and we'll give you a clear indication of costs before we come out — day or night. How quickly can you respond to a plumbing emergency? We aim to be on-site within 60 minutes for emergency plumbing callouts across Melbourne's south-east. Response times depend on your suburb and current demand, but we'll always give you an honest ETA when you call. Are your plumbers licensed in Victoria? Yes. ATC Plumbing holds BPC Licence #50694 issued by the Victorian Building Authority. All our plumbers and gasfitters are fully licensed. We are fully licensed plumbers in Melbourne. We can provide our licence details on request. Do you provide written quotes before starting work? Yes, always. We assess the job, explain what's needed, and give you a written quote before any work begins. If the scope changes, we tell you before we proceed. Can you fix a problem that another plumber has already looked at? Yes — second opinions and independent plumbing assessments are something we do regularly. If you're unsure about a previous diagnosis or quote, call us and we'll give you an honest assessment. What areas do you service for residential plumbing? We service Melbourne's south-east including Oakleigh & Oakleigh South, Clayton, Bentleigh, Brighton, Carnegie, Cheltenham, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Murrumbeena, Hampton, Mentone, Caulfield, Moorabbin, Parkdale, Highett, and Wantirna South. Do you offer pipe relining for residential properties? Yes — CIPP pipe relining is one of our specialities. We carry relining equipment on our vans and can complete most residential jobs in a single day. Our relining carries a 35-year structural warranty. Ready to Book or Have a Question? Call us on 1300 282 758 — we answer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd | 16 Fulton Street, Oakleigh South VIC 3167 | BPC Licence #50694 | ABN 49 159 059 702

The Problem- Case Study: 65m Pipe Reline Under a Carpark in Carnegie The owners of a small commercial property in Carnegie had been dealing with periodic stormwater overflow for two seasons. After heavy rain, water would pool near the rear of the carpark and take hours to clear. They'd had the drain jetted twice by other contractors — each time it improved temporarily, then returned. They called ATC Plumbing for a second opinion. We came out with the CCTV camera. What the Camera Showed Case Study: 65m Pipe Reline Under a Carpark in Carnegie. The stormwater drain ran approximately 65 metres from the rear of the property to the street connection — the entire run passing under a sealed asphalt carpark. The CCTV revealed significant pipe degradation across roughly 40 metres: joint separations, partial collapses, and heavy root intrusion at three separate points. This pipe couldn't be simply jetted again and expected to perform. It needed structural repair. The Options Excavation of a 65-metre run under a sealed commercial carpark would have meant breaking up a large section of asphalt — significant cost, and the business would have needed to close parking for several days. We proposed CIPP pipe relining: inserting a resin-impregnated liner through the existing pipe, inflating it against the pipe wall, and curing it in place with UV light. No excavation, no asphalt damage, no business disruption beyond a single planned access point. The Job We completed the reline in two days. Access was through a single cleanout point at each end of the affected run. The carpark remained open throughout. The relined pipe carries a 35-year manufacturer warranty and is now root-resistant. The property owners saved considerably compared to full excavation and their business wasn't disrupted. Recurring drain problems or a drain that needs structural repair? Call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758. Related Reading How does pipe relining work? Is pipe relining worth it? How long does pipe relining last? See our pipe relining service at atcplumbing.com.au/services/pipe-relining.