External Plumbing Pipes Need Checking
External Plumbing Pipes Need Checking is a high-severity plumbing defect SURE inspectors have documented across 211 inspection reports. Highest concentration in Ellenbrook.
Causes
- Not specified, general wear/tear over time
- Limited scope of building inspection
- General maintenance recommendation
- General wear and age (implied)
- Potential unseen wear and tear
Symptoms to look for
- No specific defects noted, but professional assessment recommended due to inspection scope
- External plumbing pipes appear serviceable but haven't been professionally checked
- None visually identified, but professional expertise recommended for verification
- None specific visible, but general recommendation for professional check
- Not explicitly stated, implies pipes are not new or perfectly maintained
Remedies
- Have external plumbing pipes checked by a qualified plumber.
- Should be checked by a qualified plumber.
- Have checked by a qualified plumber.
- All plumbing pipe installation should be assessed by a licensed plumber
- Have a licensed plumber assess all plumbing pipe installations
Where we see this most
These suburbs show the highest concentration of external plumbing pipes need checking in our inspection data (minimum five observations). Click a suburb to see its full defect profile.
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Curated entries in Plumbing
- Curated 2–4/5Air Conditioner Overflow Not Diverted
The condensate overflow pipe from the air conditioning unit is discharging at or near the building perimeter rather than into a drain or away from the structure. Persistent moisture against the slab or wall base creates conducive conditions for termite ingress and can accelerate mortar deterioration over time.
- Curated 2–4/5Hot Water Overflow Not Sufficiently Drained
The TPR (temperature pressure relief) or overflow pipe from the hot water system discharges near the building perimeter rather than into a dedicated drain, directing water against the slab edge and creating sustained moisture - a recognised conducive condition for subterranean termites. AS/NZS 3500.4 requires relief valve discharge to be piped to a safe, visible location away from the structure.
- Curated 2–4/5Galvanic Corrosion from Mixed Metal Pipework
I traced the potable water pipework and found dissimilar metals joined directly - most often copper connected to older galvanised steel with no dielectric break. Reference: AS/NZS 3500.1. In my experience the galvanic cell at the junction accelerates corrosion, narrowing the bore, discolouring the water, and eventually causing pinhole leaks. I see this most on partial re-pipes over an older galvanised system.
- Curated 3–5/5Polybutylene Pipework in Potable Water System
I identified grey polybutylene pipework in the dwelling, installed during the late 1970s to mid-1990s window. The product was the subject of successive Plumbing Code advisories following widespread failures at acetal junction fittings. In my experience the risk of sudden splits and connection blow-outs rises sharply past 20 years of service, and I know insurers routinely flag or exclude cover on homes still running the system.
- Curated 3–5/5Stormwater Cross-Connected to Sewer Drain
I investigated a sewage odour reported after rain and traced a downpipe, surface drain, or sub-soil line into the sanitary sewer - an illegal cross-connection. Reference: AS/NZS 3500.3. In heavy rain the extra hydraulic load surcharges the sewer main, and in my experience sewage can back up into the house through floor wastes and gully traps. Owners also face penalties from the water authority.
- Curated 3–5/5Hot Water System TPR Discharge Pipe Non-Compliant
I followed the temperature and pressure relief valve discharge line from the storage hot water unit and it does not match the reference requirements I work from in AS/NZS 3500.4. I commonly record over-long runs, no visible air gap at the termination, upward runs that trap water, or the line terminating inside a cupboard or roof space. A failed discharge path stops the valve venting safely if it sticks - a scald and pressure hazard in my view.