Hallam, for a plumbing job
Waratah Ward
Casey's 2024 ward structure places Hallam in Waratah Ward with Doveton, Eumemmerring and Hampton Park.
Houses and townhouses
In the suburb of Hallam, 77.6% of occupied homes were separate houses and 20.9% townhouses or semis at the 2021 Census (Victoria: 13.9%). 25.9% were rented.
The one metre rule
Council consent is needed for any structure or earthworks within one metre of a Council stormwater asset, easement or not.
South East Water
Hallam is on South East Water's supply list, so its rules govern the sewer and the water meter.
Working near a Council drain
Casey's guideline, endorsed on 2 June 2026, rests on section 148 of the Water Act 1989: building anything or digging within one metre of a Council stormwater pipe or pit needs Council's consent, even where there's no easement on the title. Building over an easement also needs Council's report and consent under regulation 130 of the Building Regulations 2018.
Private drainage pipes are on the list of works Casey won't support inside a drainage easement or within that metre, along with in-ground pools, masonry sheds and fences, and anything built straight over an access pit. If a new private drain has to cross an easement, raise it with Council before the design is settled.
Keep the pits uncovered
No structure can sit within 600mm of a Council stormwater access pit, and pits must stay uncovered. Don't pave or deck over one. If a pit in your yard overflows, ask Casey whether it's a Council asset before paying for it to be cleared; our stormwater page explains the private side.
South East Water's sewer
South East Water owns the sewer as far as the connection point with your land, the inspection opening, which is often near the boundary. From there to the house the pipes are yours. In a townhouse complex, shared private pipes in an owners' corporation are not South East Water's responsibility.
If a blockage could be on its side, the plumber should report it to South East Water instead of clearing it. Reimbursement is refused if a camera, a high-pressure jetter or root cutting was used, and digs to find the inspection point aren't covered. See blocked drains in Melbourne.
What we would do
Before planning a new drain, pool or shed, find out whether a Council pipe runs through or beside your block. If it does, keep everything a metre clear or get Casey's consent first. For a blocked sewer, have the plumber check the inspection opening before doing anything else. Then send us the details and a licence-checked drain specialist can pick it up.