Relining under Melbourne's rules
Get the plan first
South East Water takes online requests for asset and sewerage plans. Yarra Valley Water sells a plan showing the private sewer pipes that connect to its main, and Greater Western Water offers an internal property sewerage plan.
Hands off the company's pipe
South East Water says only it and its approved contractors may repair its pipes. Greater Western Water says it's illegal under the Water Act 1989 to work on or tamper with its assets.
Big trees, permits and trenches
Since 15 September 2025, Clause 52.37 has required a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree in some circumstances. Councils can also have local laws on works near significant trees.
Building near the sewer
South East Water's approval is needed to build over its easements or within one metre of its water, sewer or recycled water assets. Yarra Valley Water sells a plan giving its sewer's depth and offset from the boundary.
Relining or digging, the Melbourne way
A liner needs a pipe that still holds its shape, so a collapsed section usually means a short dig. Our pipe relining page explains how the liner goes in, and our relining or replacement guide compares the two.
When a trench is on the table, two local rules can follow it. Works close to a big tree may need a council permit, and anything built over a sewer easement or within one metre of a South East Water asset needs its approval first. A liner fed in through an existing opening avoids much of that, which can make relining the simpler path under an established garden.
Access matters too. Relining goes in through an inspection opening or a small pit. Greater Western Water notes that some older homes have no inspection shaft at all, and it expects owners to keep shafts above ground, raising a buried one at their own cost.
Before you sign a relining quote
Order the sewerage plan
Ask your water company for the plan of your property's sewer pipes. It shows where your pipes run and where they meet the company's.
Get footage with distances
Camera footage should show each crack or root entry and how far it is from the access point. Compare those distances with the plan.
Check the ends of the liner
The lined section should start and finish on your side. If damage shows up past your boundary point, report it to the water company instead.
Ask about trees
If any digging is planned near a large tree, ask your council what permit applies before work starts.
Questions for the relining specialist
- Does the sewerage plan show this whole section is on my side?
- Where will the liner start and finish, and which branches need reopening?
- Will any digging happen near a big tree, or within a metre of the water company's pipe?
- Are you licensed for this class of work, and who issues the compliance certificate?
What we would do
Never pay to reline a pipe that isn't yours. Get the sewerage plan from your water company, ask for camera footage with the distances marked, and check the lined section ends on your side. If the alternative involves a trench near a big tree or over a sewer easement, talk to your council or water company before you choose. Then use a drain specialist who relines pipes as everyday work and explains the footage plainly. We can match you with one.