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Every Homeowner’s Guide to New Home Plumbing
Planning a renovation or building a new home in Perth? You’ll need accurate drain plans before you break ground. If you’re extending your kitchen, adding a bathroom, or starting from scratch, understanding where your pipes run can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. If plans are incomplete or unavailable, a CCTV drain camera inspection service can help locate your existing drainage system.
Drainage and Plumbing Plans for New Homes
Before starting any construction or renovation, it’s important to understand the different types of drainage and plumbing plans that will be involved in your project. Each plan has a specific purpose, from mapping existing pipes to designing how wastewater will be managed on your property.
Drainage Plans
Drainage plans are detailed diagrams showing the location, depth, and layout of wastewater and stormwater drains or pipes on your property. These documents map everything from your connection point to the Water Corporation sewer main through to individual pipes servicing your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry.
Most Perth councils require drainage plans when you lodge a building licence application. The City of Swan, South Perth, and other local authorities use these diagrams to confirm your proposed construction won’t damage existing pipes or create drainage problems.
You’ve got three main options for obtaining drainage plans:
- Request free utility plans through Before You Dig Australia (BYDA)
- Purchase official as-constructed diagrams from the WA Government portal
- Engage licensed plumbers to conduct an on-site survey using CCTV cameras
Each method has different turnaround times and levels of detail. BYDA plans arrive within minutes but show utility assets at a broader scale, whereas government diagrams provide precise as-constructed details. Professional inspections offer same-day service and can locate pipes that aren’t documented anywhere else.
Property Sewerage Plan
A property sewerage plan is a single-line drawing mandated by the National Construction Code that shows your private wastewater system. This diagram includes the connection point where your property joins the council sewer main, all internal pipes running to wet areas, and the location and depth of inspection shafts.
These plans are particularly valuable in older Perth suburbs where clay or earthenware sewer laterals were common. If you’re planning an extension or major renovation, knowing the exact location and condition of these older pipes helps you decide whether to work around them or replace them with modern materials. Many homeowners pair a property sewerage plan with pipe relining to upgrade ageing infrastructure without digging up their entire yard.
Stormwater Drainage Plans
Stormwater drainage systems manage rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and paved areas. Perth’s intense winter fronts make proper stormwater design critical for preventing flooding and erosion on your property.
Sandy soils around Perth’s coastal plain make stormwater infiltration easier than in clay-heavy areas, but they also create challenges. Tree roots in drain pipes can quickly cause blockages. If you’re experiencing slow-draining stormwater systems, our blocked drains services can identify and clear root intrusions before they cause serious damage.
Stormwater plans show:
- Downpipe locations and pipe sizes
- Soakwell positions and capacities
- Connection points to the council stormwater mains
- Surface grades and drainage paths
- Inspection points for maintenance access
What Is Before You Dig Australia?
Before You Dig Australia (BYDA)
A free national service that provides utility plans showing the location of underground assets, including water, sewer, gas, electricity, and telecommunications. The service was rebranded from “Dial Before You Dig” in 2023, so you might see both names used interchangeably.
Using BYDA is straightforward. Simply enter your property details and submit your request. Within minutes, you’ll receive plans from all utility providers operating in your area. The request is free but non-refundable once lodged, so double-check your property boundaries before submitting.
BYDA plans are essential for any project involving excavation. Even small jobs like installing a garden bed or fence post can hit underground services if you’re not careful. However, keep in mind that BYDA plans only show utility assets at an indicative level. They’re accurate enough for planning purposes, but shouldn’t be your only reference when digging.
What Types of Plumbing Do New Homes Have?
Modern Australian homes use different pipe materials depending on the application. Below lists what you’ll typically find.
Water Supply Pipes
- PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): Flexible, freeze-resistant, and quick to install
- Copper: Durable and long-lasting, but more expensive
- PVC/CPVC: Cost-effective for cold and hot water, respectively
Sewer Pipes
- uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride): Smooth interior prevents blockages and resists corrosion
Stormwater Pipes
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene): Flexible and resistant to ground movement
Each material has trade-offs. PEX offers flexibility and fewer joints, reducing leak points. Copper provides excellent longevity but costs more upfront. PVC keeps expenses down, but can become brittle over time. Your plumber will recommend different pipe types based on your budget, soil conditions, and local regulations.
How to Plan for Plumbing When Building a New Home
Getting your plumbing right from the start saves money and hassle down the track. Here’s what to consider when planning plumbing for a new build:
Layout efficiency
Group wet areas (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry) close together to minimise pipe runs and reduce costs. Every extra metre of pipework adds to materials and labour.
Future flexibility
Install capped connection points where you might add a bathroom or outdoor tap later. It’s far cheaper to include these during construction than to retrofit them.
Compliance requirements
Your plumber must follow the 135 rule, which states that any change in direction in a drainage line shouldn’t exceed 135 degrees total without a cleaning access point. This requirement from the National Construction Code maintains proper flow and allows for future maintenance.
Water efficiency
Consider where to position hot water systems to minimise pipe runs to frequently used taps. Shorter distances mean less water wasted waiting for hot water to arrive.
Ready to Locate Your Pipes With Tunnel Vision?
Whether you need drain plans for a council application, want to verify pipe locations before renovating, or need professional advice on plumbing for your new home, we’re here to help. Our Perth licensed plumbing team provides same-day CCTV inspections, detailed reporting, and expert recommendations for all your drainage needs.
Book online or call us on 1800 631 799 to speak with our team about your drainage plans and plumbing requirements.
FAQ
What are the three types of sewerage systems?
The three main types of sewerage systems are sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and combined sewers. Sanitary sewers transport waste to treatment plants, while storm sewers handle rainwater to bodies of water. Combined sewers are essentially single-pipe systems that collect both.
Is there a tool to find PVC pipe underground?
Because PVC is non-metallic, standard metal detectors won’t work. This is why plumbers use CCTV drain cameras to trace pipe locations accurately. It is commonly used during renovations, when drainage plans are unavailable, and even in the case of a blocked drain or pipe.
Who owns Before You Dig Australia?
Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) is a national, not-for-profit organisation that is governed by a board of utility companies and infrastructure owners across Australia.
Where can I dispose of wrapped asbestos pipe off-cuts?
In Western Australia, any bonded asbestos removal over 10 m² requires a Class B licence. If there’s any risk of the material becoming friable, a Class A licence is mandatory. Even for small sections, it’s safest to engage a licensed professional to ensure compliance and safety.
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Planning a renovation or building a new home in Perth? You'll need accurate drain plans before you break ground. If you're extending your kitchen, adding a bathroom, or starting from scratch, understanding where your pipes run can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
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