If you’re renovating an older Perth home or dealing with a plumbing issue, there’s a chance you might come across asbestos pipes. It’s not something anyone wants to find, but it’s more common than you’d think. Around one in three Australian homes contain some form of asbestos, and many properties built before 1990 still have asbestos cement pipes running through their plumbing systems.
The good news? Asbestos pipes that are left undisturbed generally don’t pose a health risk. The danger comes when you start cutting, drilling or breaking them, which can release harmful asbestos fibres into the air. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for and what to do if you suspect you’ve found asbestos in pipes on your property.
Asbestos cement pipes were incredibly popular in Australia from the 1920s through to the late 1980s. They were cheap, durable, and easy to manufacture, which made them the go-to choice for water mains, sewer pipes, stormwater drains and vent stacks. In Western Australia alone, asbestos cement pipes still make up around 33% of the Water Corporation’s reticulation network.
These pipes were installed in huge numbers during the post-war building boom, particularly between 1950 and 1980. Suburbs like Innaloo, Morley, Como and Melville in Perth are known to have high concentrations of asbestos pipes because they were developed during this period. The pipes were designed to last around 70 years, but many are now well past that lifespan and starting to fail.
Across Australia, approximately 40,000 km of asbestos cement water mains and 5,000 km of sewer pipes remain in the ground.
Identifying asbestos pipes isn’t always straightforward, but there are some telltale signs you can look for. If your home was built before 1990, there’s a higher chance that asbestos cement pipes were used somewhere in the plumbing system. Here’s what to check:
Colour and texture
Asbestos pipes are usually a dull light grey or off-white colour with a rough, cement-like texture. They’re often painted over, which can make them harder to spot.
Weight
Asbestos cement pipes are noticeably heavier than modern PVC pipes.
Diameter
Domestic asbestos pipes are commonly between 50 mm and 150 mm in diameter. Soil and vent stacks are often around 80 to 100 mm.
Markings
Look for stencilled or embossed letters like “A/C”, “FRC”, “ACM” or “TRANSITE”. You might also see class ratings such as “CL10” or “CL12”.
Location
Common spots include the property boundary water service (the pipe running from your water metre), stormwater drains, downpipes, sewer risers and bathroom floor wastes.
Moss or lichen
Underground sections of asbestos pipe can develop moss or lichen on the exterior due to the porous cement surface.
If you’re still unsure, the safest option is to arrange a CCTV drain camera inspection. At Tunnel Vision, we use advanced camera technology to view the inside of your pipes without any invasive work. Bound asbestos fibres are often visible on the pipe’s inner wall during a CCTV inspection.
For absolute confirmation, a sample can be sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for asbestos testing. Labs like The Asbestos Lab WA, Airsafe and Eurofins offer this service for around $60 to $140, with results typically available within 24 to 48 hours.
This is the question most homeowners ask, and the answer depends on the condition of the pipes. According to the World Health Organisation and the NHMRC Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, there’s no consistent evidence of increased cancer risk from ingesting asbestos through drinking water. The real danger lies in inhaling airborne asbestos fibres.
When asbestos cement pipes are intact and undisturbed, they’re generally safe. The asbestos fibres are bound within the cement matrix and aren’t released into the air or water. Problems arise when pipes are cut, sawed, drilled or broken during renovation or repair work. This can release dangerous asbestos fibres that, when inhaled, can cause serious health issues including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Across Western Australia, ageing asbestos cement pipes are reaching the end of their service life, leading to an increasing trend in burst rates within some networks. Because these assets are prone to sudden failure as they degrade, any repairs or inspections must be conducted by licensed professionals who adhere to the WorkSafe WA Code of Practice to ensure all safety protocols are strictly followed.
If you’ve discovered or suspect you have asbestos pipes on your property, the first thing to do is stop any work immediately. Don’t cut, saw, sand or drill the pipe, and restrict access to the area.
Here’s what happens next:
Verification: Contact a licensed plumber or asbestos assessor to conduct a visual inspection and arrange sampling if needed. Only licensed professionals should handle asbestos.
Laboratory analysis: Your assessor would then send a sample to a NATA-accredited lab for PLM (polarised light microscopy) analysis.
Risk assessment: Once confirmed, you’ll need to decide on the best course of action based on the pipe’s condition.
If the pipe is intact and still serviceable, you may not need to remove it at all. In many cases, the safest and most cost-effective option is to leave the pipe in place and consider trenchless pipe relining. This involves inserting a durable epoxy liner inside the existing pipe, which seals any cracks and extends the pipe’s life without disturbing the asbestos.
Our Nuflow Greenline system is certified for potable water use under AS/NZS 4020 and comes with a 50-year product warranty.
If the pipe is damaged, leaking or needs to be relocated, removal by a licensed asbestos removalist is required. In Western Australia, Work Health and Safety Regulations mandate that any bonded asbestos removal over 10 m² must be carried out by a Class B licensed contractor. If there’s any risk of the asbestos becoming friable (crumbly), a Class A licence is required.
The removal process involves strict controls, including wet-cutting with continuous water spray, use of P2 respirators and disposable coveralls, and immediate wrapping of pipe sections in 200-micron plastic with clear labelling. All asbestos waste must be transported by licensed carriers and disposed of at approved facilities. In Perth, sites like Tamala Park accept small quantities of wrapped asbestos on Sundays free of charge (under 165 kg).
Penalties for illegal asbestos disposal in WA are steep: up to $10,000 for homeowners and $50,000 for businesses.
Western Australia adopted the model Work Health and Safety laws in March 2022, bringing the state in line with the rest of Australia. Under these regulations, cutting or removing asbestos cement pipes is classified as High-Risk Construction Work, and strict safety protocols must be followed. If you’re planning renovation work and suspect asbestos may be present, it’s worth getting professional advice early.
Licensed plumbers and asbestos assessors can help you understand your obligations and ensure the work is carried out safely and legally.
Key requirements include:
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must be prepared before any AC pipe removal work begins.
All asbestos waste must be double-wrapped in 200-micron plastic, taped, labelled with “CAUTION – ASBESTOS”, and registered in the DWER Controlled Waste Tracking system.
Disposal dockets must be kept for five years.
Independent visual clearance and air monitoring are required where friable asbestos work has been conducted.
For rental and commercial buildings, an Asbestos Register must be updated to reflect any asbestos materials on site.
One of the biggest advantages of trenchless pipe relining is that it allows you to repair or rehabilitate asbestos cement pipes without the need for excavation or removal. This means no digging up your driveway, garden or concrete slab, and no exposure to hazardous asbestos fibres.
Pipe relining involves inserting a flexible epoxy liner into the existing pipe, which is then inflated and cured to form a new, seamless pipe within the old one. The result is a structurally sound pipe that can last for decades, all without disturbing the asbestos cement.
At Tunnel Vision, we’ve been using Nuflow’s trenchless relining technology for over 15 years. Our Greenline system is specifically designed for potable water applications and meets all Australian Standards for drinking water safety. We’ve successfully relined asbestos cement pipes in homes, commercial properties and even large-scale municipal water mains across Western Australia.
Trenchless relining can save 30 to 50% compared to traditional open-cut excavation and asbestos removal. It’s faster, less disruptive and often more cost-effective, particularly when pipes are located under buildings, landscaping or other hard-to-access areas.
Our approach is straightforward and designed to give you complete peace of mind:
CCTV inspection
We use state-of-the-art drain cameras to inspect the inside of your pipes and assess their condition. This allows us to identify any damage, blockages or asbestos materials without invasive digging.
Diagnosis and reporting
Once the inspection is complete, we provide a detailed report with video footage and clear recommendations on the best course of action for your property.
Relining or repair
If pipe relining is suitable, we’ll clean the pipe using high-pressure water jetting, then install a certified Nuflow liner that seals cracks, prevents leaks and extends the life of your pipes for decades to come.
We’re a Perth family business with over 20 years of experience in trenchless plumbing technology. Our team is fully licensed, and we’re proud to have won multiple industry awards, including Nuflow Australian Dealer of the Year in 2022 and Project of the Year in 2023.
Discovering asbestos pipes on your property can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and professional support, it’s a manageable issue. The key is to never disturb asbestos materials yourself and always work with licensed experts who understand the regulations and safety requirements.
At Tunnel Vision, we’re here to help Perth homeowners, property managers and businesses assess, repair and reline asbestos cement pipes safely and efficiently. Our trenchless technology means minimal disruption to your property and no exposure to hazardous materials. If you’re concerned about asbestos pipes or need a CCTV inspection, get in touch with our team today. Call us on 1800 631 799 for fast, professional advice.
According to the World Health Organisation and Australian drinking water guidelines, there’s no consistent evidence that ingesting asbestos through water increases cancer risk. The primary health concern is inhaling airborne asbestos fibres when pipes are cut or broken.
Yes. Pipe relining is an approved and effective method for rehabilitating asbestos cement pipes. Our Nuflow Greenline system is certified under AS/NZS 4020 for potable water use and provides a long-lasting solution without disturbing the asbestos.
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.
Asbestos waste must be taken to a licensed disposal facility. In Perth, Tamala Park and Armadale offer free drop-off for small quantities (under 165 kg) on designated days. All asbestos must be double-wrapped in 200-micron plastic and clearly labelled.
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Whether you require emergency response, scheduled maintenance, pipeline inspections or trenchless rehabilitation services, the Tunnel Vision team is ready to assist. Contact us today to discuss your project, request a quote or speak with our experienced team about the right solution for your site or property.
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