Melbourne plumbing, answered plainly
What's going wrong?
Pick the problem. Each answer says what you can safely try, what only a licensed plumber may do in Victoria, and who pays.
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Whose pipe is it?
Tap a part of the block to see who fixes it and who to call
Who fixes it: You, the owner, with a licensed plumber.
Who to call: A licensed plumber.
Who fixes it: You: the owner must keep it working. It lets sewage spill outside instead of inside.
Who to call: A licensed plumber, or the water company first if sewage is overflowing.
Who fixes it: You: everything from the connection point to the house is your private pipe.
Who to call: A licensed plumber. Ask the water company first if several houses are affected.
Who fixes it: For Yarra Valley Water, responsibility ends at the inspection opening or up to 1 metre inside the boundary, whichever is less. Ask the utility to confirm your connection.
Who to call: Yarra Valley Water faults, 13 27 62, for most of the north and east.
Who fixes it: The water company.
Who to call: Your water company's faults line (13 27 62 for Yarra Valley Water).
Who fixes it: Yarra Valley Water maintains the main-to-meter pipe, stop tap and meter in the usual setup. Internal pipes, private extensions and private mains can be the owner's responsibility.
Who to call: Water company for a meter or street leak; a licensed plumber for your side.
Who fixes it: You, with a licensed plumber; gas units need a licensed gasfitter.
Who to call: A licensed plumber or gasfitter.
From Yarra Valley Water's repair responsibilities, checked 16 October 2026. This drawing is schematic; connection and meter arrangements vary. Check your bill for your utility and confirm the actual repair boundary.
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Who writes this
Plumbing, Answered publishes source-based answers to Victorian household plumbing questions. It is an editorial guide, not a plumbing service. Answers cite the regulator, water companies or Energy Safe Victoria and show when the sources were checked; regulated work belongs with an appropriately qualified plumbing practitioner. How these answers are checked.