My Cannington rental has a high water bill. Do I pay for the leak?

Generally not. Water Corporation's position is that tenants pay for the water they use, while leaks and repairs are the owner's cost unless the rental agreement says otherwise.

Do I need a permit to keep building materials on the verge?

Yes. The City of Canning needs a verge permit from anyone using its verge during building, demolition or development work, whatever the value of the job.

Plumbers in Cannington: rentals, units and City of Canning drains

Plumbers in Cannington Renters, units and the river.

Most Cannington homes are rented, and over half are townhouses, semis or flats, so the first question is often whose pipe it is and who pays. The City of Canning looks after the street drainage and Water Corporation the water and sewer mains. Say what's gone wrong, and we'll match you with a licence-checked plumber who specialises in that fault.

Cannington facts for a plumbing job

57% rented

At the 2021 Census, 57.0% of the suburb's occupied homes were rented, more than double the 27.3% across WA.

A real mix of homes

46.2% were separate houses, 36.0% townhouses, terraces or semis and 16.8% flats or apartments.

Drains to the river

The City of Canning calls Cannington its oldest suburb, named after the Canning River. The City's drainage carries water to the river or to places where it can soak into the ground.

Verge permits

Using a City of Canning verge during building or demolition needs a verge permit, whatever the job's value. The City says such works often damage verge drains, kerbs and street trees.

Renting: who pays for the leak

Tenants usually cover the water they use. Under Water Corporation's guidance, though, the owner carries the cost of leaks and their repair, unless the lease says otherwise.

Report a dripping tap, running toilet or damp wall to the agent or owner in writing. For a leak nobody can see, Water Corporation recommends a licensed plumber who specialises in finding hidden leaks, because not every plumber has the training or the tools.

Units, shared pipes and old tanks

In a townhouse or unit block, one sewer line can serve several homes. Water Corporation's part starts at the sewer junction on its main. Everything on the property side is private, so ask the strata manager which owners share the line before a plumber is booked.

Buying in Cannington? The City of Canning says any septic system must be decommissioned once a property is on sewer, that new owners are responsible after a sale, and that buyers should check it has been done.

In WA, homeowners may change a shower head, repair an ordinary tap or swap a cistern washer. Anything more needs a licensed plumber or permit holder. More help: Perth leak detection, emergency plumber and blocked drains.

What we would do

Tenants: report it, don't fix it, and keep a copy of the message. Owners and landlords: for a leak you can't find, book a leak detection specialist rather than a general plumber. And if the property ever had a septic tank, track down the decommissioning paperwork before you sell.