My neighbour's tree roots are in my Duncraig drain. What can I do?

Joondalup says you may cut and remove roots that cross onto your land, up to the boundary, as long as you don't harm the tree unnecessarily. Telling your neighbour first is a good idea.

How do I check for a hidden leak?

Turn off all taps and water-using appliances, note the three red numbers on the meter, wait 15 minutes and look again. If they've moved, Water Corporation says there's a leak.

Plumbers in Duncraig: hidden leaks, tree roots and runoff

Plumbers in Duncraig Leaks, roots and runoff.

Duncraig is a suburb of houses, most owned outright or with a mortgage and few rented. In the City of Joondalup, street trees belong to the City, and the runoff from your block stays with you. Describe what's going on, and we'll match you with a licence-checked plumber who specialises in that problem.

Duncraig facts for a plumbing job

Few renters

At the 2021 Census, only 11.9% of the suburb's occupied homes were rented, against 27.3% across WA. 41.2% were owned outright and 91.8% were separate houses.

One of Joondalup's 22

The City of Joondalup lists Duncraig among its 22 suburbs, so the City's rules on verges, trees and runoff apply here.

A neighbour's roots

If roots from a neighbour's tree cross your boundary, Joondalup says you may dig them up as far as the boundary line, but not on their side without agreement.

Hands off City land

It's an offence to interfere with the soil on City land or to prune or remove a street tree. Only the City or its licensed contractors may remove one.

Signs of a hidden leak

Water Corporation lists the signs: a patch of lawn much greener than the rest, spongy lawn, damp walls, or the meter still turning with everything off.

For a leak you can't see, ask for a plumber who specialises in leak detection. Our Perth leak detection page covers testing and Water Corporation's leak allowance.

Sewer trouble follows a different line: your pipes run to the junction with Water Corporation's main, and clearing them is your cost.

Runoff from roofs and pools

The City says owners must keep runoff within their own boundaries, and that includes water from an overflowing or emptied pool. When soakwells overflow, the water has to be steered away from the house and the neighbours.

Joondalup treats interfering with the soil on local government property as an offence, so if a drain or water service job reaches the verge, ask the City what applies first.

In WA you may clear a blocked fixture or waste pipe with a plunger yourself. Most other plumbing needs a licensed plumber. See also burst pipes and blocked drains in Perth.

What we would do

If the bill jumps or a patch of lawn stays green and soft in summer, read the meter with everything off before you call anyone, and note the result for the plumber. For roots from next door, talk to your neighbour first, then have the roots cleared on your side of the fence only.