Who pays to fix a leak in an Armadale rental?

The owner, as a rule. Water Corporation puts leak and repair costs on the property owner unless the rental agreement says something different; the tenant generally pays for water used.

Will the City remove a street tree that keeps filling my gutters?

Usually not. The City of Armadale generally doesn't accept leaves, flowers, nuts or bark in gutters and downpipes as a reason to remove an established street tree, so regular gutter clearing is the practical answer.

Plumbers in Armadale: rentals, street trees and storm-ready drains

Plumbers in Armadale Renters, trees and storms.

Four in ten Armadale homes were rented at the last Census, so many jobs start with a message to the landlord or agent. The City of Armadale looks after street trees and approves on-site effluent systems, and Water Corporation runs the mains. Tell us the fault and we'll match it to a licence-checked plumber who specialises in that work.

Armadale at a glance, for plumbing

40.5% rented

At the 2021 Census, 40.5% of the suburb's occupied homes were rented, against 27.3% across Western Australia. 67.4% were separate houses and 30.7% townhouses, terraces or semis.

Street trees stay put

Pruning or removing a street tree without the City's approval is an offence under its local laws. Leaves and nuts landing in your gutters and downpipes generally won't get one removed.

Damage claims go in writing

If a street tree damages a fence, footpath or crossover, the City assesses it. Getting the damage repaired needs a formal written claim to the City.

Effluent systems need approval

The City of Armadale approves and inspects on-site sewage and effluent disposal systems. Putting one in starts with an application to the City.

Renting in Armadale

Water Corporation says tenants generally pay for the water they use, but not for leaks. Leak and repair bills fall to the owner, unless the lease puts them elsewhere.

So if a tap drips, the toilet keeps running or the meter ticks over with everything off, tell the landlord or agent in writing and keep a copy. Ask before booking anyone yourself.

Before the winter storms

The City's storm checklist includes clearing gutters and downpipes so they don't overflow after heavy rain. Water Corporation adds one for the yard: keep the overflow relief gully above the surrounding ground and its loose grate clear of pot plants and leaves, so stormwater can't get into the sewer.

If a pipe bursts, the mains tap sits near the water meter, usually by the verge. Turn it clockwise to close it.

Water Corporation's sewer main ends at the junction. From there back to the house the pipes are the owner's, and so is the cost of clearing a blockage in them. Pages to start with: emergency plumber, leak detection and hot water.

Use a licensed plumber

In WA it's an offence to knowingly engage an unlicensed person to do plumbing work, with a $5,000 penalty. Look the plumber up on the WA Online Licence Search before work starts.

What we would do

Renting? Report the fault to your landlord or agent first, in writing, with a photo. Owners: before winter, have the gutters and downpipes cleared and make sure the overflow relief gully isn't buried under mulch. If a street tree's roots are lifting your crossover or fence, put it to the City in writing rather than cutting anything yourself.