Fremantle facts that change a plumbing job
A real mix of homes
At the 2021 Census, the suburb of Fremantle's occupied homes were 39.9% separate houses, 32.1% townhouses, terraces or semis and 27.4% flats or apartments. 41.5% were rented, against 27.3% across WA.
Heritage listing means approvals
Being on the City's Heritage List means planning approval for many kinds of works, including some that would be exempt on an unlisted home. Listing isn't meant to stop all change, and some works are exempt under the City's Local Planning Policy 1.7.
23 heritage areas
The City has 23 local heritage areas, among them Central Fremantle, North Fremantle, South Fremantle and Hilton, where special planning controls apply. The West End and Arthur Head are on the State Register.
Rain stays on your lot
The City says stormwater falling on a property must be contained there. It suggests soak wells, infiltration trenches, permeable paving, pebble paths, lawn, garden beds and swales.
Plumbing on a heritage-listed home
The City's heritage pages don't list which plumbing jobs need approval. So if your home is listed or sits in a heritage area, check with the City before anything visible changes outside, such as a new hot water unit on a street-facing wall or new downpipes on the front.
Replacing a water heater is also major work under WA plumbing rules. The licensed contractor gives notice before starting and must give you a certificate of compliance within five working days of finishing. Our hot water replacement page for Perth covers the choices.
Water in the street, leaks in the flat
Water bubbling up from under the road surface belongs to Water Corporation, and the City asks you to report it there. Other drainage problems in the street go to the City of Fremantle.
Renting? Water Corporation says tenants generally pay for the water they use, but the cost of leaks and repairs falls on the owner unless the rental agreement says otherwise. Report a running cistern or a dripping tap early, in writing.
On the sewer, the owner's share runs from the overflow relief gully and inspection shaft to the junction on Water Corporation's main. For a blocked toilet or sewer, see blocked drains in Perth; for hidden water loss, leak detection in Perth.
What we would do
On a listed home, talk to the City before the plumber books any outside work, not after. In a terrace or apartment block with a blocked sewer, find the gully and inspection shaft first and tell the plumber whether neighbours have the same problem. Then let us match you with a drain specialist.