Where Can I Find Drainage Plans for My House in Melbourne?

When it comes to maintaining or renovating your property, having access to drainage plans is essential. These plans show the layout of your home’s stormwater and wastewater systems, which is crucial for preventing issues like flooding or plumbing mishaps.

Whether you’re building, renovating, or troubleshooting drainage problems, here’s how to locate drainage plans for your house in Melbourne.

For personalised advice, contact our team at Varcon Group today.

The Drainage Systems on Your Property

In an average Australian residential house, drainage systems are designed to manage stormwater and wastewater effectively, ensuring the property remains safe and compliant with local regulations.

Below are the main components of these systems.

1. Stormwater Drainage

This system manages rainwater to prevent flooding and water pooling on the property. Its components include:

• Gutters and downpipes direct rainwater from roofs into the stormwater system.
• Stormwater drains and pipes that transport water away from the property to council mains or designated soakaways.
• Soakwells or detention tanks that collect and slowly release stormwater to reduce pressure on municipal systems.
• Surface drains that capture water from driveways, patios, and lawns.

2. Wastewater or Sewerage Drainage

This system handles sewage and greywater from inside the house. Its components include:

• Sewer pipes that transport wastewater from kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries to the main sewer system.
• Inspection openings that allow plumbers to access the system for maintenance.
• Vent pipes that prevent sewer gases from accumulating in pipes.

3. Combined Drainage Systems

Older homes might have combined stormwater and wastewater systems, though this is less common in modern houses due to environmental concerns​.

What are Drainage Plans?

A drainage plan for a house in Australia is a detailed diagram showing the layout of stormwater and wastewater systems on the property. It includes the positioning of gutters, downpipes, underground drainage pipes, soakwells, and connections to municipal mains.

These plans help manage water flow, prevent flooding, and ensure compliance with local building and environmental regulations. Drainage plans are essential for renovations, maintenance, and legal requirements, providing clarity on how water is directed away from the property​

Why Are Drainage Plans Important?

Understanding your home’s drainage layout is crucial for a number of reasons, including the below.

• If you are renovating, these plans can help ensure compliance with building codes and prevent damage to existing infrastructure.
• Plans may also help with flood prevention by identifying vulnerable areas prone to water pooling or flooding.
• They allow plumbers to locate and resolve blockages or leaks efficiently.
• They ensure that stormwater and wastewater systems meet council and state regulations.

Overall, accessing these plans helps homeowners maintain property value, ensure safety, and prevent costly repairs or regulatory fines.

How Do I Find Drainage Plans and Information?

1. Contact Your Local Council

Local councils maintain records of residential properties, including drainage and plumbing plans. In Melbourne, you can contact the council in your municipality (e.g., the City of Melbourne, Moreland City Council, or Yarra City Council).

Follow these steps for more information:

• Visit the council’s website or contact their customer service team. Most councils offer services like property file searches or drainage diagram requests. Some councils also provide online portals where you can request and download these plans.
• Fees for accessing these records vary but typically range between $30 and $100. Processing times may take a few business days to a week depending on the council.

2. Contact the Victorian Building Authority (VBA)

The VBA oversees building and plumbing work across Victoria. They may have records of drainage plans for properties constructed or renovated in recent decades.

Follow these steps for more information:

• Submit a plumbing or drainage plan request through the VBA’s website. Include details such as your property address and construction year for faster processing.
• Limitations: Not all properties will have records, especially older homes, as mandatory documentation has become more stringent in recent years.

3. Check Your Settlement Documents

When you purchase a property, settlement documents often include information about drainage systems, easements, and connections to the main sewer or stormwater systems.

Follow these steps for more information:

• Review the paperwork you received from your solicitor or conveyancer during the property transaction. Look for plumbing and drainage diagrams or property surveys.
• If you’ve misplaced these documents, your solicitor or conveyancer might still have a copy.

4. Request Plans From Your Water Authority

Water authorities in Melbourne, like Yarra Valley Water, City West Water, and South East Water, maintain records of water and sewerage infrastructure. While they might not provide detailed internal drainage plans, they can supply external connection diagrams.

Follow these steps for more information:

• Submit a property sewerage or water connection request via the relevant water authority’s website. Ensure you provide your property address and account details.
• These plans are helpful for identifying the location of external pipes, easements, or connection points to municipal systems.

5. Contact the Builder or Developer

If your home was built relatively recently, the builder or developer may still have the original drainage plans.

Follow these steps for more information:

• Look for any documentation or warranties provided when the home was built. If the builder’s contact details are available, reach out directly. Builders are often required to submit drainage plans as part of the construction process.

6. Hire a Licensed Plumber or Surveyor

If other methods don’t yield results, hiring a professional is a reliable option. Licensed plumbers or surveyors can inspect your property and recreate drainage plans using advanced tools.

Follow these steps for more information:

• Hire a licensed plumber or surveyor and ask for information including CCTV inspections of underground drains, detailed maps of stormwater and sewer systems, and professional advice on maintaining or modifying your drainage system.
• This service is more expensive, typically costing at least $300, but it provides precise and up-to-date information.

7. Online Resources and Property Portals

In some cases, online property portals or government resources may host drainage plans or related information.

Follow these steps for more information:

• Check Landata Victoria, which provides access to property information, including title plans and related documents.
• Check Melbourne Council GIS Systems. Many councils offer online mapping tools that display stormwater drainage networks.

8. Explore Historical Records

For older homes, historical drainage plans might be archived in libraries or historical societies. For example, the State Library of Victoria and local historical societies in Melbourne’s suburbs may have maps or records.

Follow these steps for more information:

• Contact the State Library of Victoria and local historical societies in the relevant Melbourne suburbs. Ask for any maps or records they may have on file.
• Historical drainage records can guide renovations and inform decisions about replacing or maintaining existing systems.

Discuss Drainage Solutions With Varcon Group

If you are considering building a custom property, renovating an existing property or undergoing a knockdown rebuild project, get in contact with us at Varcon Group. We consult with our clients on a wide range of aspects relating to construction projects, including drainage systems and solutions.

In your first consultation with us, you will meet our experienced Design Manager who will guide you in exploring your idea, requirements, budgets and goals. No question is too big or too small, and we strive to inspire a sense of confidence for the path ahead to your dream home.

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