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Gutter Repair

Gutter Repair · Guide

Where the water from your downpipes is allowed to go

On Sydney Water’s network, roof water belongs in the stormwater system, and the rule is written in one line: “You mustn’t allow rainwater or stormwater to enter your wastewater system.” From the downpipe, the water often runs through the owner’s private stormwater pipes towards the street gutter, which local councils operate, and on into larger channels, pipes and creeks.

Follow the water down

Each stop below is a place where someone is responsible for the water. The descriptions come from Sydney Water, which serves Greater Sydney, and from Victoria’s Building and Plumbing Commission.

  1. The roof

    Hard surfaces such as roofs, roads and footpaths stop rain soaking into the ground, and that creates stormwater. Sydney Water notes that stormwater carries whatever collects on those surfaces, from leaves and twigs to animal and bird droppings.

  2. The gutter and downpipe

    Victoria’s practice note defines a downpipe as a pipe that carries roof water from gutters and the roof catchment to drains or storage tanks, and counts both vertical and horizontal runs.

  3. A rainwater tank, if there is one

    Sydney Water asks tank buyers to consider how the tank connects to the home’s downpipes and then to the stormwater pipes, and says maximising the roof area flowing to the tank is the best way to maximise water savings, whatever the tank’s size.

  4. The property’s own stormwater pipes

    Owners are responsible for the pipes and fittings on their property up to where they connect to Sydney Water’s water, wastewater and stormwater networks, called the point of connection. That includes private stormwater pipes, pipes shared with other properties, and private pipes serving the property that run across a neighbour’s land.

  5. The street gutter

    Stormwater often flows from property drains to street gutters operated by local councils.

  6. Channels, pipes and creeks

    Street gutters may connect to large channels, pipes and creeks. Sydney Water’s stormwater systems serve about 645,000 properties in Greater Sydney, across 73 catchments and 458 kilometres of channels and pipes, and it works with local councils and other agencies to manage Sydney’s stormwater.

The connection that must not be made

Sydney Water runs water, wastewater and stormwater as separate networks. Sydney Water’s page on typical connections repeats the same sentence under each type of wastewater system it shows: “You mustn’t allow rainwater or stormwater to enter your wastewater system.”

It explains why. Wastewater pipes are designed to allow for extra flow in wet weather, but during very heavy rain that may not be enough. The extra water finds its way in through four routes: cracks in pipes, faulty joints between pipes, gaps around maintenance hole lids, and stormwater pipes connected straight into the system. Heavy rain is a common reason for wastewater overflows.

Sydney Water lists stormwater entering and overloading its wastewater network during heavy rain among the usual causes of blockages, alongside tree roots, wet wipes, and oils and fats. When wastewater backs up, it can overflow into homes, yards and local waterways.

If you see an overflow

Sydney Water’s advice: “For your own safety, stay clear of wastewater overflows.” Its wastewater blockages page has the number to report one.

In Victoria: the legal point of discharge

In Victoria, roofing stormwater work, a licensed class of plumbing, includes joining stormwater piping to an on-site retention tank or to a stormwater drain below ground. The Commission’s fact sheet on box gutters says a property’s stormwater drainage should be directed to the legal point of discharge nominated for that property.

Overflows are held to the same boundary. Victoria’s box gutter practice note says a box gutter’s overflow devices must discharge to the open air and be clear of neighbouring properties and public areas.

When the downpipe feeds a tank

A tank adds a few rules to the top of the run. Sydney Water’s installation checklist includes:

  • check that the roof and guttering are suitable to collect rainwater
  • don’t collect from a roof that has lead-based paint or lead flashing, bitumen-based products, or exposed treated wood
  • fit gutter guards or downpipe screens so that overhanging trees do not cause blockages
  • make the tank’s inlet and overflow mosquito proof, with no other point of entry
  • use a first-flush device, which lets only the cleanest water into the tank.

Sydney Water recommends hiring a licensed plumber who is experienced with rainwater tank installations, and notes an electrician may be needed for a safe power supply to the pump. In Victoria, downpipes collecting roof water for a tank used for drinking water must comply with AS/NZS 4020, the standard for products in contact with drinking water.

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