Clarkson facts that matter
Houses, mortgages, renters
At the 2021 Census, 89.3% of the suburb's occupied homes were separate houses and 9.8% townhouses, terraces or semis. 51.8% were owned with a mortgage and 30.6% were rented.
You own the damage
Wanneroo's nature strip guidelines make the adjoining owner responsible for damage to water, gas, sewerage, electricity or phone services in the road reserve.
Retic rules
Verge irrigation pipes go 150mm to 300mm deep, at least 250mm back from the verge edge and footpath, with every valve inside your property and the water drawn from it.
Runoff stays home
Owners must keep runoff on their own land, using soakwells, spoon drains or similar for the water from gutters and downpipes.
Before anyone digs on the verge
The City recommends a Before You Dig check to find the services in the nature strip. Water Corporation says those plans show water mains, sewer mains and sewer junctions.
If a utility digs up your nature strip, it puts the soil back but not your retic or landscaping.
Planting a verge tree? Water Corporation asks for a Before You Dig Australia check first, because roots can rupture water pipes and get into wastewater pipes through cracks.
Garden leaks, house leaks and the sewer
Water Corporation says leaks in irrigation are a job for a Waterwise Garden Irrigator, not a regular plumber. Leaks in the house pipes need a licensed plumber.
From the house to the junction on Water Corporation's main, the sewer is yours, along with the overflow relief gully, the inspection shaft and the cost of clearing them.
Related pages: blocked drains in Perth, leak detection and outdoor taps.
What we would do
Before you trench for retic or a new path, get the Before You Dig plans, since a nicked water service in the road reserve is the owner's cost. Keep every valve inside your boundary, as Wanneroo requires. If the meter moves with everything off, work out whether the leak is in the house pipes or the garden system: that decides whether you need a plumber or an irrigation specialist.