The Landlord’s Essential Plumbing & Drainage Maintenance Checklist for Melbourne Rentals

Why Plumbing Maintenance Matters for Landlords

Owning a rental property in Melbourne means balancing tenant satisfaction, legal responsibilities, and maintenance costs. One overlooked leak or blocked drain can quickly lead to expensive repairs — or even a rental breach notice under Victoria’s minimum housing standards.

Whether you manage a single unit in Glen Iris or a property portfolio across the northern suburbs, this plumbing and drainage checklist will help you stay ahead of issues and protect your investment.

1. Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections

Melbourne’s mix of old and new homes means plumbing systems vary widely.

• Inspect every 6–12 months for leaks, corrosion, and water pressure changes.

• Check under sinks, vanities, and around toilets for dampness or mould.

• Have a licensed plumber test taps, drains, and hot-water units.

💡 Plumb Melbourne offers annual inspection plans designed specifically for rental portfolios — helping landlords detect issues early before they become emergencies.

2. Maintain Gutters, Downpipes & Stormwater Drains

Heavy Melbourne rain can overwhelm blocked gutters and downpipes, causing flooding or internal leaks.

Checklist:

• Clean gutters and downpipes before winter.

• Inspect stormwater drains for blockages, especially in leafy suburbs like Camberwell and Preston.

• Ensure downpipes discharge correctly into legal stormwater outlets.

🧯Pro Tip: Ask your plumber to install gutter guards or leaf diverters if your properties sit under trees.

3. Check Hot-Water Systems

A failed hot-water unit is considered an urgent repair under Victorian tenancy law.

Maintenance steps:

• Inspect for rust, leaks, or water pooling.

• Test pressure-relief valves annually.

• Flush tanks every 1–2 years to remove sediment buildup.

• Replace units nearing 10 years old with efficient alternatives (gas, solar, or heat-pump).

4. Prevent Drain Blockages

Tenant misuse is common, but ageing pipes can also cause recurring blockages.

Checklist:

• Remind tenants not to flush wipes or pour fats down sinks.

• Have drains cleaned or camera-inspected annually in older properties.

• Install strainers in kitchen and bathroom drains.

• Address slow drains immediately — they’re early warning signs.

🚿Plumb Melbourne’s drain-camera inspections pinpoint root causes fast, saving time and damage.

5. Inspect Taps, Toilets & Fixtures

Leaky taps and running toilets waste hundreds of litres a day — inflating water bills and damaging cabinetry.

Tasks:

• Replace washers and cartridges at first signs of dripping.

• Check toilet cisterns for silent leaks.

• Inspect flexible hoses behind sinks and toilets — a major burst-risk in Melbourne homes.

• Upgrade old fixtures to water-efficient (WELS 4-star+) options.

6. Roof & Ceiling Leak Prevention

Water ingress from roofs can go unnoticed until it causes ceiling stains or structural damage.

Checklist:

• Inspect roof flashing and tiles annually.

• Clear debris from valley gutters.

• Ensure skylight and vent seals remain watertight.

• Act immediately on tenant reports of ceiling stains or drips.

7. Winter-Ready Maintenance

Melbourne’s cold, wet winters are tough on plumbing systems.

• Insulate external pipes to prevent cracking.

• Check heating units and gas lines for leaks.

• Ensure stormwater pits and sump pumps are clear.

8. Keep a Maintenance Log

Property managers should maintain records of all inspections and repairs.

• Date of inspection and contractor.

• Work completed and next due date.

• Photo documentation for compliance.

📋Plumb Melbourne provides digital service reports and reminders — making property compliance effortless.

9. Understand Landlord vs Tenant Responsibilities

According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, landlords must ensure properties remain in good repair and comply with safety standards. Tenants, however, must not cause damage through negligence.

Landlords are responsible for:

• Burst pipes, leaking roofs, broken hot-water systems, blocked sewerage.

  Tenants are responsible for:

• Misuse (e.g., blocked drains from wipes, intentional damage).

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🔗 Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria – Maintenance & Repairs

10. Partner with a Reliable Plumbing Team

Consistency matters — property managers benefit from one trusted trades partner across all properties.

At Plumb Melbourne, our licensed team services the South-Eastern and Northern suburbs including Glen Iris, Doncaster, Preston, and Oakleigh. Every plumber holds Police Checks and Working With Children Checks, giving your tenants peace of mind and you confidence in professionalism.

✅ Download Your Free Landlord Plumbing Checklist

Want a printable version of this checklist to use across your rental properties?

👉

Plumb_Melbourne_Landlord_Plumbing_Checklist.pdf

Download PDF • 4KB

Plumbing maintenance doesn’t just protect your property — it protects your reputation as a landlord or property manager. With regular inspections and a reliable team like Plumb Melbourne, you’ll prevent emergencies, reduce costs, and keep tenants happy.

🛠️ Need a property maintenance partner you can trust?

GET IN TOUCH With Plumb Melbourne