Melbourne-based drainage specialist urges preventative CCTV inspections to help avoid repair bills that can reach $30,000
MELBOURNE, Australia--BUSINESS WIRE--
Mamone's Plumbing & Gas today announced the launch of its Terracotta Pipe Inspection Program, a preventative maintenance initiative designed to help Melbourne homeowners identify drainage failures before they can lead to repair bills that may reach $30,000 in severe cases.
The program provides CCTV drain inspections, condition assessments and preventative maintenance recommendations, with a particular focus on Melbourne homes built before 1970, many of which still have ageing terracotta drainage pipes.
Many homes built before the 1970s still rely on terracotta pipes, which can crack over time due to soil movement and environmental stress, allowing tree roots to penetrate and cause blockages or structural failure.
Dominic Mamone, licensed plumber and founder of Mamone's Plumbing & Gas, estimates that around half of the company's drainage repair work now involves root intrusion.
He notes that period homes in Brunswick, Carlton and Northcote are often vulnerable, as are many other Melbourne homes built before the 1970s that were fitted with terracotta sewer pipes.
“Terracotta pipes were built to last, but over time they can become brittle as the ground shifts. Even tiny cracks can allow tree roots to penetrate the system,” said Mamone.
“If left untreated, root intrusion can eventually lead to structural failure or collapse of the pipe,” said Mamone.
Mamone says homeowners should watch for the following warning signs:
- Recurring blocked toilets or drains
- Gurgling sounds in pipes
- Sewage smells in the yard
- Soggy patches or sinkholes in the garden
- Slow drainage throughout the home
He recommends regular CCTV drain inspections as a cost-effective prevention measure.
“Based on our experience, a CCTV inspection typically costs around $700, while complex emergency repairs can range from around $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the extent of the damage,” said Mamone.
Mamone said early-stage root intrusion can develop unnoticed for years before homeowners experience obvious drainage problems, making regular CCTV inspections a valuable preventative measure.
The strata sector has also been affected, with tree root intrusion issues often escalating before remediation is approved and funded. Jon Veneziano, Strata Manager at Your Owners Corporation, which manages approximately 4,000 properties across Melbourne, said root intrusion is an under-recognised issue for many apartment buildings.
“People frequently worry about water ingress, but root intrusion in shared drainage is not something many people immediately think about when they buy an apartment. We are seeing more leaks, ground movement and water emerging through concrete as trees mature,” said Veneziano.
Veneziano said owners' corporations should take underground drainage infrastructure into account when planning landscaping projects and seek appropriate advice when selecting and positioning trees near sewer and stormwater assets. He added that regular CCTV drain inspections are becoming a common part of proactive building maintenance.
Homeowners are encouraged to schedule preventative inspections. For more information contact the team at Mamone’s Plumbing & Gas.
About Mamone’s Plumbing & Gas
Mamone’s Plumbing & Gas is a Sunshine-based Melbourne plumbing service provider specialising in drainage, gas fitting and emergency plumbing solutions.
The company serves residential and strata clients across metropolitan Melbourne.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260917850636/en/
Contact details:
CONTACT MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Media Contact
Dominic Mamone
Licensed Plumber (LIC 108860)
Mamone's Plumbing & Gas
Phone: 1300 626 663
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mamonesplumbing.com.au
Additional Industry Contact
Jon Veneziano
Strata Manager
Your Owners Corporation
Phone: 03 9931 0093
Email: [email protected]