Plumbing facts for Butler
Houses and renters
At the 2021 Census, 95.9% of the suburb's occupied homes were separate houses. 34.5% were rented, against 27.3% across WA, and 51.1% were owned with a mortgage.
Runoff includes the pool
The City of Wanneroo says owners must keep runoff within their boundaries. That covers water from an overflowing or emptied pool as well as roofs and paving.
Soakwell setbacks
As a guide, set a soakwell back from buildings and boundaries by at least its width, so the hole doesn't undermine fences, retaining walls or footings.
Downpipe spacing
Wanneroo's sheet calls for about one downpipe per 15 square metres of roof, spaced no more than 12 metres apart under the Building Code of Australia.
When the soakwells overflow
Wanneroo warns that heavy rain can overflow soakwells, depending on whether the ground is sand, clay or limestone. The system should send the overflow away so it doesn't pond against, or get into, your house or the neighbour's.
Soakwells aren't recommended in tight gaps between a house and the side fence, because there isn't enough ground for the water to drain into. If water lies along a side wall after rain, ask a stormwater specialist to check the downpipes and soakwells.
Leaks and the leak allowance
For hidden leaks, Water Corporation's leak allowance can be up to 50% of the estimated water lost. It doesn't cover the repair. A licensed plumber has to fix the leak within 60 days of detection, and leaks from taps, cisterns, appliances, pools and spas don't qualify. Keep the invoice: the form goes in within 6 months of the repair.
Blocked sewer? Your pipes run as far as the junction with Water Corporation's main, and clearing them is your cost.
Check any plumber on the WA Online Licence Search, which covers plumbing and gas fitting. Next steps: Perth leak detection, blocked drains in Perth or pool leaks.
What we would do
Emptying the pool? Plan where the water goes first, because Wanneroo counts pool water as runoff you have to keep on your block. If the water bill jumps, do a meter test before calling anyone, then ask for a plumber who specialises in hidden leaks, since that's what the leak allowance is for.