Plumbing News & Articles | Whywait Plumbing

Backyard Flooding After Rain Gold Coast: What’s Causing It?

by Gary Mays | Jan 18, 2026 | stormwater drain

Backyard Flooding After Rain Gold Coast: What’s Causing It? Why It Happens?

Backyard flooding after rain on the Gold Coast usually isn’t “just the weather”. It’s often a stormwater drainage problem that’s been quietly building up underground.

If the water keeps coming back, there’s usually a reason: poor fall, crushed pipework, blocked lines, or a discharge point that can’t cope.

In many homes, once stormwater pipework goes underground, nobody independently verifies it in a way that gives you absolute certainty. No CCTV down the line. No level checks for fall. No proof that the joints are intact. No confirmation that the discharge is actually lawful and working as intended.

So you can own a home for years thinking, “She’ll be right”… right up until the first proper downpour proves otherwise.

Stormwater Drainage: The Hidden Defect Now in QBCC's Top-10

QBCC stormwater drainage defects Gold Coast data shows stormwater drainage pipework has officially made it into the QBCC’s top-10 most common building defects in Queensland.

That is worrying. Because stormwater is the one drainage system nobody inspects properly – yet it protects your home every time it rains.

On the Gold Coast, we witness the fallout every week. Yards flooded. Garages are underwater, and neighbours are in dispute. Insurance nervous.

This blog will walk you through:

⚠️ Why QBCC is now flagging stormwater drainage as a major issue

🧑‍⚖️ Why AS/NZS 3500.3 is not part of the Plumbing and Drainage inspections

🏠 How does that leave your home’s stormwater system largely unchecked

🔍 What to look for, and when to call Whywait Plumbing

QBCC Gold Coast stormwater drainage defects snapshot

When you delve into the QBCC stormwater drainage defects on the Gold Coast, you see a clear pattern.

Stormwater drainage problems are no longer rare mistakes. They are now routine defects.

Most of these complaints do not start with a disaster. They start with something “small” that feels annoying, but fixable:

🌧 A yard that floods every time it really pours

🚪 Water lapping at the garage or front door

🕳 Soft, spongy ground or little sinkholes near paths

🧱 Hairline cracks around retaining walls or slabs

Owners usually try to ignore these for a while.

They blame “that last big storm” or “just bad luck”.

Then one day, there is real damage, or an insurer starts asking hard questions.

That is when we see it move from frustration to formal action.

It becomes another line in the QBCC stormwater drainage defects statistics for the Gold Coast.

Behind every line, there is a family juggling bills, repairs and stress they never planned for.

The hardest part for most people to accept is this. They thought the council had inspected everything.

No one told them AS/NZS 3500.3 sits outside Plumbing and Drainage inspections. So the stormwater system quietly failed in the background for years.

This is why we keep repeating the same message. If something feels wrong with your stormwater, trust that feeling. Get it checked before you become the next QBCC case number.

What QBCC's "complaints and completion" data is really saying

The QBCC’s “Complaints & Completion” information reveals a pattern we are already familiar with on the Gold Coast.

Stormwater drainage pipework has joined issues such as waterproofing, slabs, and driveways in the top-10 defect list.

In plain English, that means:

🧱 Stormwater problems are not rare one-offs

📈 They are cropping up often enough to be tracked as a separate defect category

💸 Many only come to light once there is damage, a dispute or a claim

Every complaint in that list represents real stress. Someone has water through their garage.
Someone is watching their backyard sink. Someone being told “it’s just heavy rain” when they know it’s not.

At Whywait, we sit at kitchen tables on the Gold Coast with owners dealing with precisely these issues.

We know the faces behind the stats.

Stormwater: the "forgotten" plumbing system on your property

Let’s define a few basics first.

Sewer drainage

🚽 Carries wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers

🏭 Goes to treatment plants

Stormwater drainage

☔ Carries rain from roofs, driveways, patios, yards

🌊 Flows straight to creeks, rivers and the ocean

Stormwater is not filtered. It is not treated. Whatever comes off your roof or driveway ends up in local waterways.

Yet most homeowners:

Worry about toilets and hot water

Rarely do people think about stormwater pipes until their yard floods.

Assume “council checked it” at some point.

On our Stormwater Drains page, we refer to stormwater as the most often overlooked part of your plumbing system.

That is not marketing. It’s a lived experience from over 49 years on the Gold Coast.

The uncomfortable truth about AS/NZS 3500.3 and council inspections

Now for the bit that surprises almost everyone.

What is AS/NZS 3500.3?

📘 It’s the Standard for Plumbing and drainage – Part 3: Stormwater drainage

🧮 It covers how stormwater pipes, roof drainage and subsoil drains should be designed and installed

You would expect this standard to be enforced and inspected. But here’s the catch.

What council actually inspects

Council plumbing inspectors work under:

The Plumbing and Drainage Act

The Plumbing and Drainage Regulation

The Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code

These focus mainly on:

🚿 Sanitary plumbing

🚰 Water services

💩 On-site wastewater

They do not routinely inspect your private stormwater drainage system on your lot in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.3.

So:

AS/NZS 3500.3 is not part of the Plumbing and Drainage inspections, and there is no council inspection of the most essential drainage system on your property.

That gap is precisely why so many stormwater issues only appear later as:

Cracking

Subsidence

Flooding

Insurance arguments

There is a standard. But unless your plumber follows it and someone checks their work, your stormwater system is effectively on the honour system.

What Gold Coast stormwater drainage defects look like in real life

We work from Pimpama to Bilambil Heights, day after day. The same stormwater failures continue to recur.

🌳Tree roots in stormwater drains

Tree roots absolutely love stormwater pipes.

They sniff out tiny leaks.

They push into the joints

They eventually fill the pipe.

Typical warning signs:

💧 Yard grates overflowing in light rain

🌪 Gurgling from pits when it rains

🟩 A suspiciously green strip of grass over the pipe route

We explore this more in our blog on Tree Roots in Sewer and Stormwater Drains.

Sometimes we remove roots that have travelled over 40 metres through stormwater drains. By then, the pipe is just a root tunnel.

🛠 Collapsed, cracked or undersized stormwater pipes

Older Gold Coast homes often have:

Thin-wall PVC or even old earthenware

Pipes laid with poor support

Incorrect falls, so water sits in them.

Problems you will see:

🕳 Sinkholes or soft spots in lawns

🚪 Water seeping into garages or under doors

🧱 Cracks appearing in paths or retaining walls

Our Blocked Drains Gold Coast page explains how we use:

High-pressure jet rodding

CCTV drain cameras

Electronic locators

To find these defects without ripping up half your yard on guesswork.

🚫 Illegal or non-compliant stormwater connections

When stormwater is incorrectly connected to the sewer, or can enter through poorly set-up gullies, things get ugly in big storms:

Manholes overflow.

Yards fill with contaminated water.

Sewer networks become overloaded.

We developed the ORC Overflow Relief Cap to stop stormwater from entering sewer drains.

One small illegal connection can create a big neighbourhood problem.

🌿Blocked pits, bioretention basins and open drains

Bodies corporate and commercial sites have more complex stormwater systems:

Bioretention basins

Ponds and swales

Subsoil drainage

When the inflow pits block, the system fails to function.
You get:

Surface flooding in car parks

Erosion around paths

Damaged landscaping

Our Bioretention Basin Maintenance service exists because many of these systems are installed and then essentially forgotten.

Why do so many stormwater issues end up as complaints

We see that QBCC stormwater drainage defects on the Gold Coast usually start with a “small” issue that has been ignored for years.

Stormwater rarely fails overnight. It gets worse quietly, year after year.

Most problems reach QBCC or insurance due to three habits.

💤 “Set and forget” thinking

Once pipes are buried, people assume they will last forever.

Out of sight, out of mind, until the first major flood

👀 No independent inspection

Remember, council is not inspecting your stormwater against AS/NZS 3500.3

If your plumber took shortcuts, you may not discover them until the problem arises.s

🔧 Reactive repairs instead of proactive checks

Repairs typically begin only when water has already entered your home.

By then, you may also have mould, damaged flooring and structural issues.

Our Water Damage Restoration Gold Coast page was created based on this exact pattern.

People ring us when the damage is already done, not when the first warning signs appear.

Simple stormwater maintenance checklist for homeowners

You don’t need to be a plumber to perform a basic stormwater health check. Here is a straightforward checklist you can carry with you.

🏠 Roof, gutters and downpipes

🧺 Clean gutters and downpipes of leaves and debris

💦 Hose test: check water flows freely to every downpipe

👀 Ensure every downpipe connects to a drain, not just onto soil

Link this with our advice on the Stormwater Drains page. Your roof is basically one big catchment.

🕳 Yard grates, pits and surface drainage

🧹 Lift grates, remove leaves, mud and rubbish

🪣 Pour in a bucket of water and watch how fast it drains

⏱ If water sits for more than an hour after rain, something is wrong

Those grates are your first line of defence. If they fail, water has to find another path… usually towards your house.

🪴 Trees and gardens

🚫 Avoid planting large trees directly over known stormwater lines

🌱 Keep thirsty species away from drainage easements

🟩 Watch for lush green strips above pipe routes – classic leak sign

Our root intrusion blogs explain why trees often prevail over cracked pipes.

🧱 Levels, slopes and overland flow

🔍 Walk your yard after heavy rain

👣 Watch where water naturally wants to run

🧱 Check garden beds and paths are not trapping water against walls

Even a beautiful new garden can create drainage problems if the levels are wrong.

🎥 Professional CCTV inspection

This is where we get very direct.

If you have never had your stormwater drains inspected with a CCTV camera, you are taking a guess. At Whywait, we recommend:

📍 A baseline CCTV inspection when you buy a property

🌪 A check after major storm events or flooding

🏗 An inspection before pool construction or major landscaping

Our CCTV Drain Camera Inspections service is designed for precisely this. It’s the only way to see the actual internal condition of your stormwater network.

When to call Whywait Plumbing

Please do not wait until the next summer storm hits and you are moving furniture at midnight.
Call a licensed stormwater specialist if you notice any of the following:

🌊 Repeated yard flooding in the same area

🚪 Water entering garages, downstairs rooms or under doors

🧱 Damp, mould or musty smells at the base of walls

🤝 Neighbours complaining about water from your property

🧾 Insurer asking questions about “adequate drainage”

Whywait Plumbing offers:

✅ Fully licensed QBCC plumbers and drainers

🗺 Over 49 years of local Gold Coast stormwater experience

🎥 CCTV cameras, high-pressure jet rodding and precise electronic locating

🔄 Long-term, code-based repairs, not band-aid fixes

We care about avoiding that awful “we should have done something earlier” feeling.
Because we see it too often.

You can contact us from any page on our website, including:

Stormwater Drains

Blocked Drains Gold Coast

With the rising number of QBCC stormwater drainage defects on the Gold Coast, getting your drains inspected now is the safer choice.

Quick stormwater FAQ

❓ Does the council inspect my stormwater drains?

No. Council plumbing inspections do not routinely cover your private stormwater drainage system in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.3. That is why many defects only become apparent later as damage or disputes.

❓ Why is stormwater drainage in the QBCC top-10 defects?

Because:

Many systems are poorly designed or installed
Stormwater is rarely inspected or maintained.
Defects only become apparent once actual damage occurs.

QBCC’s complaints and completion data are simply confirming what homeowners and plumbers already feel.

❓ How often should I maintain my stormwater drainage?

As a guide:

At least once a year: clean gutters, downpipes and pits
After major storms: visual check of grates, yard and walls
Every few years: CCTV inspection of stormwater drains

High-risk homes – such as those with steep slopes, numerous trees, or older plumbing – should be inspected more frequently.

❓ What is the most important thing to remember?

This, really:

AS/NZS 3500.3 does not apply to Plumbing and Drainage inspections. No council inspector is checking the most crucial drainage system on your property.

So you must take responsibility for it. With a reputable, experienced, stormwater-literate plumber at your side.

❓Why don’t I know I’ve got a defect until it’s bad?

Because most of the system is underground. Small issues become big issues slowly, then show up suddenly in heavy rain.

❓What’s a legal point of discharge?

It’s the approved point where stormwater is meant to discharge to avoid causing impacts. Gold Coast guidance covers requirements around stormwater drainage and legal discharge within private property works.

Water Facts That Actually Help at Home | 5-Minute Water Checklist

by Gary Mays | Jan 11, 2026 | Water Leaks

💧 H2-Oh Really? 18 Water "Facts" You've Heard Before (and the Bits Everyone Leaves Out)

Water facts are the internet’s favourite party trick.

They’re short. They’re shareable. They make you feel clever for 6 seconds. And they’re often missing just enough context to be mildly dangerous… like a “small” leak behind your vanity.

So here’s the Whywait version: common water “facts” + the truth + the homeowner takeaway (because your home doesn’t run on trivia. It runs on pipes, valves, pressure, and luck).

✅ Direct takeaway: Most water facts are true-ish. Your plumbing problems are real. Let’s focus on the ones that actually help you.

💧 Fact 1: "97% of Earth's water is salty. Only 3% is fresh."

Basically right, rounded for humans. Oceans hold about 96.5% of Earth’s water.

So, yes, we live on a water planet… with a drinking water problem.

✅ Takeaway: Freshwater isn’t “infinite”, even if your teenager treats the shower like a meditation retreat.

💧 Fact 2: "Most freshwater is trapped in ice."

Also yes. Most freshwater is stored in glaciers and ice caps.

Which means the “easy” freshwater we rely on is a tiny slice of a small slice.

✅ Takeaway: If you can stop wasting water at home (leaks, dodgy toilets, high pressure), you’re doing more than you think.

💧 Fact 3: "Only ~0.3% of freshwater is in lakes and rivers."

This one is the real mind-bender. Surface freshwater is a tiny fraction.

✅ Takeaway: When you’re paying for water… you’re paying for something genuinely scarce and expensive to supply. That constant toilet “top-up” isn’t cute.

💧 Fact 4: "Antarctica holds about 70% of Earth's freshwater."

Often cited and directionally true (freshwater stored as ice is massive).

Either way, the point stands: a massive chunk of freshwater is locked away where you can’t plumb it into your kitchen.

✅ Takeaway: Freshwater exists… but mostly in places that are hard to attach a garden hose to. So we look after what we’ve got.

💧 Fact 5: "Pure water has no taste or smell."

In a lab, sure. In real life, your water tastes like what’s dissolved in it (minerals, treatment residues, etc.).

✅ Takeaway: A stable “tap taste” is typical. A sudden change is worth attention (hot water unit issues, corrosion, disturbed pipes, sediment).

(And yes, “my water tastes like a coin” is a real sentence we hear.)

🔍 Want better-tasting drinking water? (Taqua)

If your water tastes “pool-ish” or you’d just like cleaner drinking water from the kitchen tap, you don’t need a personality transplant; you need a filtration plan.

Taqua is a built-in filtered tap option designed to improve the taste at the point where you actually drink from (your kitchen), without requiring you to live on bottled water.

📍 Gold Coast • Tweed • Tamborine

✅ Direct takeaway: If the goal is better-tasting drinking water without the bottle habit, Taqua is a practical upgrade. Not a gimmick.

🔗 Related reading

🧾 https://whywait.com.au/taqua-water-filter-taps/

🧾 https://whywait.com.au/inside-the-taqua-water-filter-what-it-removes-and-why-it-matters/

🧾 https://whywait.com.au/what-chemicals-are-in-the-water-i-drink-and-shower-in/

🧾 https://whywait.com.au/taqua-water-filter-taps-supply-and-installation

💧 Fact 6: "Fog is just a cloud touching the ground."

True. Fog is basically a cloud in contact with the ground.

✅ Takeaway: If your bathroom looks like fog every morning and stays that way, that’s not charming coastal ambience. That’s ventilation failing and mould preparing its resume.

💧 Fact 7: "It takes 140 litres of water to make one cup of coffee."

This one is true, but often phrased in a way that suggests a trick is being played.

A widely cited estimate is that about 140 litres of water are required to produce a 125 ml cup of coffee (that’s the water footprint across growing and processing, not just what you pour from the kettle).

✅ Takeaway: Your biggest water use isn’t always what you can see. That’s why it’s extra silly to waste the water you can control (leaks, pressure, inefficient fixtures).

💧 Fact 8: "Hot water freezes faster than cold water."

Ah yes. The Mpemba effect: the internet’s favourite science grenade.

Can it happen? Sometimes, under specific conditions. Is it reliable? No.

✅ Takeaway: Don’t worry about whether hot freezes faster. Worry about the part that always matters…

💧 Fact 9: Water expands when it freezes (and it's not polite about it)

Water’s volume is approximately 9% greater when frozen than when it is liquid.

That expansion creates pressure that can crack fittings and cause pipes to burst. It’s not dramatic. It’s physics.

✅ Takeaway: If you get cold snaps, pipe protection beats pipe replacement. Also, be aware of the location of your main shut-off valve. Future-you will write a thank-you card to you.

And yes, pipes and solar panels can freeze in severe frosts on the Gold Coast, Tweed and Tamborine in winter.

💧 Fact 10: "Higher water pressure means a better shower."

Sometimes. Often, it means “a better shower” right up until something lets go.

High pressure can stress pipework, wear out valves, and turn small leaks into big ones.

And it can trigger water hammer (banging pipes), which is your plumbing shouting into the void.

✅ Takeaway: The goal is stable, appropriate pressure. Not “fire hose mode”.

💧 Fact 11: "A small drip is no big deal."

This one isn’t a fact. It’s a lifestyle choice. And the lifestyle is called “mystery water bills”.

A drip is rarely just a drip:

❌ It can signal worn washers or cartridges

❌ It can hint at pressure issues

❌ It can be the start of corrosion or damage in cabinetry

✅ Takeaway: Fix the small stuff early. That’s the whole game.

💧 Fact 12: "If it's hidden, it's not urgent."

Hidden leaks are the most expensive leaks because they get a head start.

They quietly damage: cabinetry and plaster, flooring, paint, framing, and your mood.

✅ Takeaway: If you smell damp, see staining, or your water bill jumps, don’t “monitor it” for six months like it’s a pet goldfish.

💧 Fact 13: "Water covers about 71% of Earth's surface."

True. Which explains why water is so confident.

✅ Takeaway: Water is everywhere by nature. Your job is to keep it only where it’s meant to be inside your house.

💧 Fact 14: "Your body is mostly water."

Also true. Which is why dehydration feels awful, and plumbers stay busy.

✅ Takeaway: If you care about what goes in your body, it makes sense to care about the water coming out of your kitchen tap (taste changes, odours, sediment).

💧 Fact 15: "Water is the 'universal solvent.'"

Water dissolves more substances than most liquids. It’s basically nosy.

✅ Takeaway: That’s why water can pick up minerals, metals, and flavours from pipes and fixtures over time. It’s not “water being dramatic.” It’s chemistry doing admin.

💧 Fact 16: "Ice floats."

It’s weird, and it matters. Ice is less dense than liquid water (because of how it expands).

✅ Takeaway: The same “weirdness” that lets ice float is the reason frozen water can split a pipe. Water physics is fun… until it’s in your wall.

💧 Fact 17: "Boiling water doesn't remove everything."

Boiling can help with some microbes, but it doesn’t remove dissolved minerals and won’t magically fix every contamination scenario.

✅ Takeaway: If you’re worried about taste/odour/quality, the solution isn’t always “boil it more.” Sometimes it’s filtration, sometimes it’s plumbing materials, sometimes it’s the hot water system.

💧 Fact 18: "Most water waste at home is silent."

The loud stuff gets attention (burst pipe). The expensive stuff often doesn’t (running toilets, seepage, pressure stress, slow leaks).

✅ Takeaway: If you only react when you see water, you’ll always be late.

🎁 Free download: 5-Minute Home Water Health Checklist

Print it. Stick it on the fridge. Use it once a quarter. It catches the boring stuff before it becomes the expensive stuff.

✅ What’s inside: shut-off check, under-sink scan, toilet dye test, meter leak check, pressure clues, hot water warning signs.

Plus, what’s DIY vs let’s “call a licensed plumber”?

⚠️ The "small leak" that isn't small (AquaTrip)

If you’ve ever had a water bill surprise, you already know this truth: water doesn’t need much time to become expensive.

AquaTrip is a leak detection + automatic shut-off system designed to catch the stuff you don’t see (or don’t notice until the bill arrives, dressed for a gala).

📍 Gold Coast • Tweed • Tamborine

✅ Direct takeaway: If you’ve ever said “we’ll keep an eye on it,” you’ve described a process that has never once worked in the history of water.

🔗 Related reading

🧾 https://whywait.com.au/aquatrip-water-leak-detection-system/

🧾 https://whywait.com.au/how-much-will-a-leak-add-to-your-gold-coast-water-bill/

🧾 https://whywait.com.au/how-to-check-for-an-underground-or-a-concealed-water-pipe-leak/

🙂 Soft CTA (because you're a homeowner, not a hostage)

If the checklist reveals anything suspicious, damp smells, meter movement, banging pipes, or hot water issues, you don’t need to panic. You need clarity.

📍 Gold Coast • Tweed • Tamborine

❓ FAQ: Home water health, leaks, pressure and “should I worry?”

✅ Quick note: This is written for Gold Coast • Tweed • Tamborine homeowners who want clarity without drama.

❓ How do I know if I have a hidden leak?

✅ If your water bill jumps, you hear water when nothing’s on, or you notice damp smells/staining, treat it as suspicious.

Fast DIY test:

Turn off all taps and appliances (including the dishwasher and washing machine).
Check your water meter and take a photo.
Wait 15–30 minutes without using water.
Check again. If it moved, you’ve likely got leakage somewhere.

⚠️ If you’re not sure where the leak is, that’s the point. Hidden leaks are sneaky.

❓ What’s the easiest way to spot a leaking toilet?

✅ Do a dye test (it’s old-school and it works):

Put a few drops of food colouring in the cistern.
Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing.
If colour shows up in the bowl, the toilet is leaking.

A “quiet” toilet leak can waste a surprising amount of water over time.

❓ My water tastes different. Should I panic?

✅ No panic. But don’t ignore sudden changes.

Taste and smell can change due to supply/treatment changes, disturbed sediment, ageing plumbing, or issues with the hot water system. If it’s sudden and persistent, it’s worth investigating, especially if only one tap is affected.

❓ Is high water pressure actually a problem?

High pressure can:

stress fittings and flexi hoses
increase leak risk
reduce the life of valves and appliances
cause of water hammer (banging pipes)

The goal is stable, appropriate pressure, not “fire hose mode”.

❓ Is boiling water enough to “fix” water quality?

✅ Boiling can help with some microbes, but it doesn’t remove dissolved minerals and won’t solve every water quality concern.

If your issue is taste/odour or you want improved drinking water at the kitchen tap, filtration is usually the better tool.

❓ Do I need a filtered water tap, or is a jug filter fine?

✅ Jug filters can help with taste, but they’re limited—and they rely on you actually using them (and changing cartridges on time).

If you want a cleaner, consistent solution at the point you drink from most (your kitchen), a built-in filtered tap like Taqua is the “set and forget” option many homeowners prefer.

🔍 Taqua info:
https://whywait.com.au/taqua-water-filter-taps/

❓ What is AquaTrip, and when does it make sense?

It makes sense if you:

have had bill shock before
want protection for holidays/airbnbs/second homes
have older plumbing or lots of flexi hoses/appliances
simply prefer prevention over panic

⚠️ AquaTrip info:
https://whywait.com.au/aquatrip-water-leak-detection-system/

❓ How often should I run a home water health check?

✅ Monthly is ideal, quarterly is still good.

Most issues are inexpensive when they’re caught early and expensive when they’re ignored.

❓ I found something weird. What’s the next step?

✅ Don’t “monitor it” for months like it’s a houseplant.

If you’re in Gold Coast • Tweed • Tamborine, book in and we’ll help you confirm what’s going on and what it will take to fix it.

📅 Book online:
https://whywait.com.au/contact-whywait-plumbing/

🏠 Lead Free WaterMark Plumbing Products on the Gold Coast: ABCB’s 2028 Deadline Explained

by Gary Mays | Dec 26, 2025 | lead free taps

🔥 Lead Free WaterMark Plumbing Products Are the New Normal (But the ABCB Just Delayed Enforcement)

✅ Direct takeaway: The ABCB has agreed that existing non-lead-free WaterMark products can still be installed until 1 May 2028.

😬 That means the lead-free shift just got slower, easier to dodge, and harder to police.

🔧 First, what "lead-free" actually means

🟦 “Lead-free” does not mean zero lead.

🟦 Under the Plumbing Code of Australia 2022, lead-free means ≤ 0.25% weighted average lead content for products that contact drinking water.

💡 That limit exists because water isn’t “just water”. It’s tea, ice, baby bottles, the lot.

🧱 What the ABCB decided (the dates you must remember)

📌 The ABCB Board met on 15 December 2025.

📌 The Public Record was published on 19 December 2025.

Here’s what they locked in.

📅 The new timeline (simple, blunt, important)

🏭 From 1 May 2026, manufacturing non-lead-free lines stops
If a product line does not hold a Lead Free WaterMark, it can’t be manufactured under current arrangements.

🧾 From 1 May 2026 — licences can be suspended
Any product line not recertified with a lead-free WaterMark by 1 May 2026 can have its WaterMark licence suspended.

If suspended, it becomes unable to be installed.

🔁 From 1 May 2026 to 1 May 2028 — “sell-down installs” continue
Only existing stock in hand from current WaterMark-certified product lines can continue to be installed.

This is specifically to support the sell-down of stock already in the market.

⛔ No more extensions
The Board confirmed no further extensions beyond 1 May 2028.

😡 The real issue: the risk got pushed downstream

👷 The extension sounds “reasonable” until you see who carries the burden. It’s the Licensed Plumber. Again.

⚠️ That creates a nasty grey zone:

✅Two products that look identical

🔥One is legal, one isn’t

🔥Same supplier, same shelf, same jobsite pressure

🔥And a clock ticking while the client stands there watching.

On busy sites, people rush. That’s when mistakes happen.

🔍 "So what should I look for?"

✅ Look for the Lead Free WaterMark trademark.

✅ Check the WaterMark licence number against the official register.

✅ If it touches drinking water, don’t guess. Verify.

🧠 Simple rule: If you can’t confirm it, don’t install it.

Not worth the stress. Not worth the comeback. Not worth the reputation hit.

💥 Why this extension can backfire hard

📦 Long sell-down windows invite “creative” stock movement

❌ Surplus stock finds a home.

❌ It gets discounted.

❌ It gets redirected.

❌ It pops back up where it shouldn’t.

🌏 There’s also a real risk of surplus stock being redirected into Australia, including from New Zealand.

❌ That’s not drama. It’s how markets behave when deadlines loosen.

🐢 It rewards delay

❌ Some brands already did the hard work.

❌ They invested. They retooled. They recertified.

❌ This extension gives slower operators more time to keep moving old products.

At every level, this is frustrating. And honestly, it’s not fair, as enforcement will be legislated back to the plumber on the job doing the installation.

Plumbers are once again being forced to be the bad cop.

🏠 What this means for Gold Coast homeowners and property managers

💧 If you’re renovating, upgrading a bathroom, fitting a fridge line, or replacing mixers, every aspect of this matters.

😬 Real-world risks you want to avoid:

❌ Paying for “new” tapware that is actually old stock

❌ Mixed cartons and swapped products on site

❌ Compliance headaches later

❌ That lingering doubt when your kids fill a bottle.

Water is personal. And once doubt is there, it doesn’t leave easily.

✅

Whywait Policy: Lead-Free Valves & Taps

From 1 January 2026, every valve and tap we install will be Lead Free WaterMark certified. Because it touches your drinking water, and we won’t gamble with that.

This also removes confusion around old stock, mixed cartons, and shifting deadlines. If it’s not Lead Free WaterMark, we won’t fit it.

Want peace of mind? Ask our plumber to show you the Lead Free WaterMark on the packaging before install.

✅ What we recommend (fast, practical, no fluff)

🧍 If you’re a homeowner

📌 Ask this before work starts:

“Will every drinking water product be Lead Free WaterMark-certified?”

📸 Ask for proof:

Packaging photos before install (tapware, valves, mixers)

🛒 Avoid risky buys:

Cheap online tapware with vague certification claims

⏸️ Pause if unsure:

One day delay beats years of second-guessing

🏢 If you manage strata or rentals

🧾 Add one line to scopes:

“Lead Free WaterMark required for all drinking water contact products.”

🧩 Request simple evidence:

A short compliance note on invoices

🔁 Standardise where possible:

Same approved product lines across the building.
Less confusion. Fewer mistakes. Cleaner audits.

👷 If you’re a builder or installer

🧰 Build a “2026–2028” site checklist

Keep it in the ute

Share it with apprentices

🧾 Verify every time

Check the mark, then confirm the licence number

Don’t rely on “supplier said”.

🗃️ Quarantine older stock

Label it clearly

Keep it separate.

Old stock drifting between jobs is how trouble starts.

🧡 Where Whywait stands

🤝 We understand supply pressure. However, we don’t like grey areas that penalise good plumbing businesses.

Lead free WaterMark plumbing is ultimately about health. In reality, plumbing is a vital component of the healthcare system.

We want:

✅ Clear guidance for licensed plumbers

✅ Strong consumer protections

✅ A fair playing field.

Because “close enough” plumbing can look perfect…

Right up until it doesn’t.

Lead Free WaterMark Plumbing Quick FAQ's (scannable, helpful, honest)

✅ Can non-lead-free WaterMark products still be installed after 1 May 2026?

Yes, but only existing stock in hand and only until 1 May 2028.

✅ What happens if a product line isn't recertified by 1 May 2026?

The WaterMark licence may be suspended, and that product line can't be installed.

✅ What should I look for?

The Lead Free WaterMark trademark and a valid licence number

✅ Does "lead-free" mean zero lead?

No. It means a weighted average lead content of < 0.25% for drinking water contact products.

Heading Away This Christmas? Turn Off Your Water | Gold Coast | Whywait Plumbing

by Gary Mays | Dec 21, 2025 | emergency plumber Gold Coast

💧 Turn Off Your Water Supply

Heading away this Christmas? Please turn off your water supply at the council meter before you go.

If you’re wondering whether to turn off the water before going on holiday, the safest answer is yes, especially if nobody will be home.

✅ It’s quick.

✅ It’s free.

✅And it can save you from coming home to soaked floors, swollen cupboards, and that damp smell that hangs around. Horrible.

Also, consider isolating your hot water system if it suits your setup. That means the water feeding it, plus power or gas (done safely).

Key terms

🏠 Water meter/main tap: Shuts off water to the entire home.

🚰 Isolation valve: Small shut-off valves are located under sinks, behind toilets, and at appliances.

🔩 Flexi hose: A braided flexible connector under basins, sinks, and toilets.

💰 Why turning off the water matters

Leaks don’t wait for a convenient time. They wait for you to leave.

When you’re home, you notice early. When you’re away, water can run for hours. Sometimes days. Sometimes weeks.

That’s when floors buckle. Cupboards swell. Mould starts. And that’s when people panic.

Imagine how you would feel coming home from your extended Christmas and New Year holiday to water flowing out of your front door.

🏚️ What usually fails when nobody's home

Here’s what we see most often on the Gold Coast:

🚽 Toilet inlet valves that keep refilling

🧺 Washing machine hoses that split and then leak 5 litres of water every minute

🚰 Fridge water connection hoses burst, flooding the house with 6 litres of water every minute

🔩 Flexi hoses under sinks or vanity basins that suddenly fail and flood your house with 9 litres of water every minute

🚿 Hidden bathroom leaks behind walls

🫧 Small drips that turn into a constant flow from a worn tap washer

It happens in older homes. It also occurs in newer homes. No shame, just risk.

🌏 The 60-second checklist before you leave

Do this right before you head off:

✅ Turn off the main water at the meter

✅ Open one cold tap briefly (release pressure)

✅ Confirm water stops

✅ Turn off the washing machine and dishwasher taps too

✅ If you can’t use the meter, shut isolation valves (toilets, sinks, basins, laundry)

🛡️ Also, isolate your hot water system (water + power or gas)

This is the part many people skip. Then regret.

1) Turn off the water supply to the hot water unit

Look for the valve on the cold feed line going into the unit.

🔥✅ Helps reduce risk if a hot line leaks

🔥✅ Stops the unit refilling if something fails

2) Turn off electricity or gas (only if safe)

System type matters. Don’t guess.

⚡ Electric storage: often okay at the isolator or circuit

🔥 Gas storage: many have a “vacation/pilot / off” setting

🌡️ Heat pump / solar/continuous flow: varies a lot

If you’re unsure, call us.

We’ll tell you the safest option quickly. No BS or tech talk.

🚿 The quiet flood risk: flexible hoses

Flexi hoses are a standard product for mixer taps used in sinks, bathroom vanity basins, and toilets. They’re also a frequent cause of sudden floods.

Watch for:

⚠️ Bulging, fraying, kinks

⚠️ Rust or green corrosion

⚠️ Dampness that “comes and goes”

⚠️ Unknown age

🤝 Auto flood-stop valves for burst flexi hoses

Want stronger protection than luck?

Whywait has been installing auto flood-stop valves to sinks and vanity taps, which will quickly shut off water when a flexi hose fails.

That can be the difference between “wipe it up” and “rip it out”.

✅ Want alerts while you're away?

Turning off the water is the best start.

AquaTrip leak detection auto shutoff is the backup plan.

An AquaTrip water leak detection system installed in your home or business will provide you with a lifetime of protection against water leak events.

📞 If you come home to water damage

Don’t wait and see. The first 24 hours can change the outcome.

Many property owners underestimate the seriousness of water damage. Drying up visible water is not enough. It’s also about preventing hidden moisture from causing structural damage, mould growth, and health risks.

Structural damage can begin as soon as 48 hours after a leak or flood.

⚠️ When it's time to call Whywait

Call us before you start your Christmas travel if:

📍 You can’t find the meter

🔧 The main tap won’t shut fully

🚽 Toilets run on and off

🧼 Moisture under sinks

🔩 Flexi hoses are old or unknown

🔥 You’re unsure about isolating the hot water unit safely

You’re not being dramatic. You’re stopping a very real Christmas mess.

Frequently asked questions about whether you should turn off the water before going on holiday.

💡 1.Should I turn off the water before going on holiday?

Yes, if the home is unattended even for a week. Leaks don't wait for a whole week.

🧾 2. Should I turn off the water if I'm away for only 2–3 days?

Yes, if the home is unattended. Leaks don't wait.

🔁 3. Will turning off the water harm anything?

Usually no. Just don't run appliances that need water.

⏱️ 4. What if I have a dishwasher, fridge, water, or an ice maker?

Turn off the main water supply if possible. Otherwise, isolate that appliance.

🚓 5. Should I drain the pipes after turning the water off?

Most homes don't need it. Release pressure by briefly opening one of the cold taps.

🏚️ 6. Should I turn off the hot water system, too?

Often, yes, for longer trips, but the system type is also a factor. Do it safely.

Copper Theft of Copper Pipes on the Gold Coast

by Gary Mays | Dec 7, 2025 | Whywait Plumbing

🧰 Copper Theft of Your Copper Pipes on the Gold Coast

Copper theft is no longer a distant problem. It is happening in homes, rentals, and building sites across Australia.

When thieves rip out copper pipes, they do not just steal metal. They steal your peace of mind. They leave you with flooded rooms, ruined walls, and that awful, heavy feeling in your stomach.

On the Gold Coast, we have witnessed this too. You walk into a property that should be safe. Instead, every accessible copper pipe has been hacked out. Water has gone everywhere.

The worst we have seen was at The Oasis Shopping Centre, where every bit of 100mm copper pipe for the drains in the underground carparks was cut and removed.

We care about that moment. Our job at Whywait Plumbing is to help you avoid it. And to fix it quickly if it has already happened.

🚨 Why copper theft is getting worse

Copper has always been valuable. Now, high prices and cost-of-living stress make it even more tempting.

Scrap yards pay for copper because it can be recycled repeatedly. Thieves know this. They do not need much skill. Just basic tools and a fast exit.

For copper thieves, it is quick cash.

For you, it is days of repairs, insurance claims, and worry.

💰 Why thieves love your copper pipes

To a thief, copper pipes are perfect. They are long, solid pieces of metal that run throughout your home.

They love copper pipes because:

🪫 They are easy to spot on external walls and under houses.

🧱 They can be cut quickly with simple tools.

💵 Scrap dealers still pay enough to make the risk worthwhile.

🧳 Pipes are light enough to carry to a car or ute.

They do not care that those pipes protect your home from water damage.

They do not care that one cut pipe can flood three floors of units.

You are the one left standing in the mess.

🏚️ Where and how copper pipe theft happens

Copper theft is not just a big industrial problem.

It is personal now when the copper thieves creep into your street.

🏠 1. Vacant and rental properties

Vacant homes and rentals between tenants are prime targets for theft.
Thieves watch online listings and “For Lease” signs.

They look for:

❌”Available now” rental properties.

❌Recently vacated homes are awaiting new tenants.

❌Holiday homes often remain unoccupied for extended periods.

They break in and then:

❌Cut copper pipes in ceilings and walls.

❌Rip out pipework around hot water systems.

❌Remove the exposed pipe near the water meter.

You come back to swollen doors, warped floors, and that damp, mouldy smell.

🚧 2. Construction and renovation sites

New work looks attractive to thieves. They know there will be lots of fresh copper.

On the Gold Coast, we see:

❌New homes with copper risers were stolen before handover.

❌Apartments with exposed pipework stripped overnight.

❌Hot water systems installed one week, gone the next.

Every theft means delays, extra labour, and more materials. If it is your future home, that delay feels very personal.

🚿 3. External plumbing that is easy to reach

Most thieves are lazy. They go for what they can see and reach fast.

Common targets are:

❌Pipes running up walls to solar hot water or heat pumps.

❌Copper between water meters and external walls.

❌Exposed pipes under lowset houses or along carports.

If they can reach it in under a minute, they see it as low risk.

🌏 Why this matters so much on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is home to numerous units, townhouses, and duplexes. A single cut copper pipe can affect multiple homes simultaneously.

Water does not respect unit boundaries. It runs through ceilings, down walls, and into electrical cavities.

That can mean:

💧 Flooded ceilings in several units.

⚡ Electrical risks if water reaches switchboards.

🦠 Mould growth that keeps returning if not dried properly.

You might live nowhere near a building site. Yet the same type of copper theft that darkens street lights can wreck your hallway overnight.

🛡️ How to protect your copper pipes

You cannot control scrap metal prices or national laws. But you can make your home or building a more challenging target.

Here is what we recommend as licensed Gold Coast plumbers who see the aftermath.

🔒 1. Make copper harder to see and touch

Small changes can put thieves off very quickly.

🔧 Box in exposed pipes with lockable metal or fibre-cement covers.

🧱 Use cages around hot water systems and meter pipework.

🧩 Avoid long visible runs of copper when renovating.

If a thief cannot see the pipe, they often keep walking.

💡 2. Improve lighting and visibility

Thieves hate bright light and nosy neighbours.

💡 Install motion-sensor lights near meters and hot water units.

🌳 Trim hedges that hide side paths and under-house access.

👀 Ask neighbours to keep an eye on “tradies” at odd times.

You do not need a fortress. You just need to look less inviting than the property down the road.

🏘️ 3. Secure vacant or in-between properties

If you are a landlord, seller, or strata manager, act early.

🔐 Lock side gates and under-house access points.

🕰️ Use timers on a couple of interior lights.

👣 Ask your agent to check plumbing areas regularly.

🚰 Get your plumber to review exposed pipework before long vacancies.

Inform your plumber if the property will remain unoccupied. We can help reduce easy entry points for thieves.

🧱 4. Plan more innovative pipe layouts during upgrades

Plumbing design can quietly reduce theft risk over time.

Where it suits the job and regulations, we can:

✅Run main pipes through the ceilings instead of exposing them on the walls.

✅Keep external copper runs as short as possible and as high as practical.

✅Use approved plastic pipe for some sections, where safe and compliant.

Every property is different. Good design now can save you thousands later.

🚿 What to do if your copper pipes are stolen

That first moment is horrible. You see water, broken pipes, and your heart sinks.

Take a breath. Then follow a calm, simple plan.

1️⃣ Step one: stop the water if it is safe

✅Turn off the water at the front meter if you can reach it safely.

✅Avoid standing water near power points or appliances.

✅If anything feels unsafe, step back and wait outside.

2️⃣ Step two: call a licensed emergency plumber

You need the damage contained fast. When you call Whywait Plumbing, we will:

🔧 Isolate and cap damaged copper pipes.

🧱 Check ceilings, walls, and floors for hidden leaks.

🔥 Make your hot water system safe or arrange replacement.

📋 Document the damage for your insurer.

We know you are stressed. We explain what we are doing and why, in clear and concise language.

3️⃣ Step three: report and record

🚓 Report the theft to the police and get an event number.

📸 Take photos of the damage, but do not move tools left behind.

📞 Contact your insurer as soon as you can.

This helps police track patterns. It also protects your claim.

🤝 How Whywait Plumbing helps Gold Coast property owners

We also live and work on the Gold Coast. We know these are not just “incidents”.

They are your homes, your investments, your memories.

When copper theft hits, we focus on four things:

🕒 Fast response to stop water and limit damage.

🧰 Smart, durable repairs that make sense long term.

🧭 Clear advice so you can make wise decisions.

🤗 Respect – for your time, your budget, and your stress.

For landlords and body corporates, we can:

Review complexes for exposed copper risks.

✅Provide written reports and photos for committees.

✅ Coordinate access with tenants and agents.

✅ Help plan staged upgrades that fit your sinking fund.

We do not believe in scare tactics. We believe in honest assessment and practical solutions.

✅ Simple checklist: reduce your copper theft risk today

You can start on this today, even before you call us.

🚶 Walk around your property and note every visible copper pipe.

💡 Check lighting near meters, hot water systems, and side access.

🧱 Add covers or cages to easy-reach pipework.

🔐 Lock side gates and secure under-house areas.

🏚️ Tell your plumber and agent if a place will be vacant.

👀 Report suspicious activity around infrastructure or building sites.

If you are on the Gold Coast and feel even slightly unsure, talk to us. Sometimes, a brief walk-through with a plumber can prevent a costly night.

You do not have to live in fear of copper theft. But you do need to be prepared.

We are here to help with both.

📞 Ready to protect your copper pipes?

Copper theft will not wait until it is convenient for you. Thieves move fast. Water damage moves even faster.

If you are on the Gold Coast and worried about exposed copper:

👣 We can walk your property and pinpoint weak spots.

🧰 We repair, redesign, and secure vulnerable pipework.

🚿 We handle emergencies when the pipes are already gone.

You do not need to guess what to do next. You just need one clear step.

📲 Call Whywait Plumbing now on (07) 5580 4311.
or
💻 Request a plumbing inspection online by clicking here

The sooner we see your pipework, the more damage we can prevent.

Make a wise, calm decision today, not after a flood tomorrow.

Frequently asked questions about copper theft and your plumbing

💡 1. How do I know if my copper pipes have been stolen?

You may see cut pipe ends, missing sections, or loose fittings. You may notice that there is no water at the taps or toilets. In some cases, you see flooding, damp ceilings, or wet floors. If something appears to be wrong, turn off the water if it is safe to do so. Then call a licensed plumber immediately.

🧾 2. Will my insurance cover copper theft and water damage?

Many home and landlord policies cover theft and resulting water damage. However, every policy is different. You will usually need: A police event number. Photos of the damage. A plumber's report and repair quote. We can help with detailed plumbing reports for insurers on the Gold Coast.

🔁 3. Can I replace copper pipes with plastic so thieves are not interested?

In some areas, plastic piping is a suitable option. In others, copper is still the best material. It depends on: Water pressure and temperature. Location of pipes. Australian Standards and local regulations. We can assess each section and recommend a safe, compliant mix of materials.

⏱️ 4. How quickly can Whywait Plumbing respond to copper theft?

On the Gold Coast, we treat copper theft like any major leak. It is an emergency. We prioritise: Stopping water flow. Making the area safe. Getting you back to basic services quickly. Please phone us and explain that it is suspected copper theft, and we will triage it urgently.

🚓 5. Should I call the police or the plumber first?

If water is still running, call a plumber first to stop the damage. Water must be controlled quickly. Once the property is safe and the leak is contained, call the police. Then contact your insurer with all the details. If you arrive and suspect thieves are still nearby, stay outside. Call the police straight away before anyone enters.

🏚️ 6. How can landlords protect vacant or between-tenant properties?

Landlords are frequent targets, especially between leases. You can: Arrange a plumbing check before and after each tenancy to ensure optimal functioning. Lock side gates and under-house access. Use cages or covers on exposed pipework.Keep some lights on timers when properties are empty. We work with many Gold Coast landlords and agencies. We can create a simple checklist tailored to your properties.

💸 7. Is it worthwhile to spend money on prevention?

Yes. A small prevention cost often stops a massive repair bill. Compare: A modest spend on covers, lighting, and layout changes. Versus thousands in repairs, excess, and lost rent after theft. Prevention also protects your reputation as a landlord or strata manager. Tenants remember how quickly and calmly issues are handled.