Victor Harbor facts
City of Victor Harbor
In the ABS 2021 boundaries, the town sits entirely within the City of Victor Harbor's council area.
Empty homes and older residents
22.3% of private dwellings were unoccupied on Census night, against 10.8% across South Australia. The median age was 59.
Mostly owned
73.3% of occupied homes were separate houses and 19.5% semis or townhouses. 43.3% were owned outright and 27.8% rented.
Pressure sewers in parts
SA Water says pressure sewers are used in parts of Victor Harbor. Wastewater runs into a small tank on the property and a pump sends it to SA Water's main.
Leaving the house empty
Before you lock up for a few weeks, turn off the water at the meter, and check the hot water system's manual for what to do with it. When you come back, turn the water on with every tap closed and watch the meter for a few minutes. If it moves, something is leaking.
Our leak check tool walks you through the meter test, and leak detection explains how a plumber finds a hidden one.
Hot water for older households
South Australia's plumbing code limits hot water at bathroom fixtures in homes to 50°C. Its explanatory note suggests a lower temperature where the people living there are older adults or young children.
When a water heater is replaced, a tempering valve is required only if one was fitted before, while solar installations always need one. Our hot water temperature guide and Adelaide hot water page go further.
If you're on a pressure sewer
Not every home in town has one. If you see a tank lid near the house, ask SA Water which parts it maintains before anyone works on it, and keep wipes, oil and cat litter out of the toilet.
What we would do
If the house sits empty between visits, shut the water off at the meter when you leave and read it when you arrive. For an older household, ask the hot water specialist about delivery temperature and whether a tempering valve makes sense. And keep the compliance certificate from every job in one place.