Reservoir: what the records say
Lots of attached homes
At the 2021 Census, 32.5% of occupied homes in the suburb of Reservoir were semis, terraces or townhouses, against 13.9% across Victoria. 63.2% were separate houses.
Your pipe, even under the driveway
Darebin says private pipe under a driveway or vehicle crossing belongs to the owner, and Council can require it to be maintained or replaced if it restricts flow.
A permit to dig the nature strip
Connecting a house drain to a Council pit or easement drain, or digging less than 8.5 m2 of Council land, needs a Road Opening Permit.
Large trees are protected
Darebin's local law covers trees taller than 8m with a trunk circumference over 100cm, measured 1.5m above ground.
Before anyone digs
A drain repair in Reservoir often crosses the front boundary. If the trench runs under the footpath or nature strip, Darebin wants a Road Opening Permit, and a larger dig needs a Works within Road Reserve Permit. Ask whether the quote includes arranging it.
Old plans help too. Darebin's engineers don't hold internal stormwater plans for private properties, but the Building Department may have them in building permit documents from when the house was approved. A CCTV drain inspection fills in what the paperwork leaves out.
Roots, trees and paperwork
If roots from a large tree are breaking your pipes and you want the tree removed, Darebin asks for a report from a licensed or suitably qualified person, and it names a plumber as one example. A drain specialist's findings can therefore form part of your application.
Since 15 September 2025, Clause 52.37 may need a planning permit for some canopy trees. Where it does, Darebin doesn't ask for a local law permit as well. Our page on tree roots in drains shows how roots get in.
Sewer trouble
Yarra Valley Water says that if a blockage is your responsibility, you arrange and pay for a licensed plumber. How much of the connecting pipe is yours depends on the property, so get Yarra Valley Water to confirm before work starts near its main.
What we'd do in Reservoir
Ask the plumber to sketch where your pipe runs and where it meets Council's drain or the sewer before you approve any digging. Anything past your boundary needs a Darebin permit, and removing a tree may need their written report as well. With that settled, hand us the job and a licence-checked drain specialist can price it properly.