Recent events have proven that there are some things we can live without. While it’s been difficult, it’s really shone a light on what we need, and what’s “extra”.
One thing that’s firmly in the “essential” category? Your plumbing.
If you’re embarking on a construction or renovation project in the near future, it’s crucial that you do a good job laying the groundwork. In particular, that means ensuring that the plumbing is properly planned out, and that everything works.
In particular, it’s important that you know where your sewers and connections are located before you start work.
And that’s where property sewerage plans come into the picture.
What is a property sewerage plan?
There are countless forms you’ll have to apply for before starting construction. We know, it’s a lot to keep track of.
And because things weren’t confusing enough already, there’s no such thing as a single property sewerage plan - rather, there are 3 different types of sewer plan:
1. Sewer plan: simply maps out sewer mains, size, depth and offset
2. Asset plan: shows sewer and water mains (but in less detail than a sewer plan)Layout
3. Property sewerage plan: shows all internal pipes to your property that connect to your toilet, sink, laundry and more from the mains
Today, we’ll be focusing primarily on the third one, though all 3 are incredibly important if you want to avoid accidentally:
- Hitting a pipe you didn’t know was there
- Connect to the wrong pipe
- Flooding your site before work even starts
To prevent this, you can apply for a property sewerage plan, a detailed map that outlines the sewage pipes on your property, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding plumbing work.
And because things weren’t confusing enough already, there’s no such thing as a single property sewerage plan - rather, there are 3 different types of sewer plan:
1. Sewer plan: simply maps out sewer mains, size, depth and offset
2. Asset plan: shows sewer and water mains (but in less detail than a sewer plan)Layout
3. Property sewerage plan: shows all internal pipes to your property that connect to your toilet, sink, laundry and more from the mains
Today, we’ll be focusing primarily on the third one, though all 3 are incredibly important if you want to avoid accidentally:
- Hitting a pipe you didn’t know was there
- Connect to the wrong pipe
- Flooding your site before work even starts
To prevent this, you can apply for a property sewerage plan, a detailed map that outlines the sewage pipes on your property, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding plumbing work.
The difference between a property sewerage plan and a Dial Before You Dig report
It’s true that there’s some overlap between these two different documents. However, they’re two separate documents, and we strongly recommend getting one of each before you start working.
The purpose of a Dial Before You Dig report is to inform you of all the utilities underneath your property that you might accidentally hit.
Unfortunately, DBYD reports only provide details about public utilities underneath your property. When it comes to pipes, that specifically means the water mains - NOT your internal pipes, as these are not the authorities’ responsibility.
Every time you file an application for one of these reports, Dial Before You Dig automatically makes a request to each of these utility operators.
Since internal pipes are a private affair however, they won’t turn up on a DBYD report.
The purpose of a Dial Before You Dig report is to inform you of all the utilities underneath your property that you might accidentally hit.
Unfortunately, DBYD reports only provide details about public utilities underneath your property. When it comes to pipes, that specifically means the water mains - NOT your internal pipes, as these are not the authorities’ responsibility.
Every time you file an application for one of these reports, Dial Before You Dig automatically makes a request to each of these utility operators.
Since internal pipes are a private affair however, they won’t turn up on a DBYD report.
So, how does a sewer plan report help?
Essentially, a sewer plan report goes direct to your water provider, asking them straight-up for a sewer map for your property.
Not to mention, there are some instances where you simply don’t need all the information that a DBYD report offers. Maybe you already know - alternatively, you’re only looking to get some plumbing work done.
If you ONLY need to know where your sewers are, a property sewerage plan might be what you’re looking for.
Not to mention, there are some instances where you simply don’t need all the information that a DBYD report offers. Maybe you already know - alternatively, you’re only looking to get some plumbing work done.
If you ONLY need to know where your sewers are, a property sewerage plan might be what you’re looking for.
What’s included in your property sewerage plan?
Your sewer layout is surprisingly complicated - it isn’t just a single pipe that all of your wastewater travels out of. Rather, it’s a whole network of different fixtures, pipes and more.
For the plumbing aspect of your building or renovation project to go smoothly, it’s important that you know all about:
- Where existing sewer pipes are located
- Locations of joins, valves and more
- Connection points for your plumbing
If you’re still in the early stages of planning for a construction project, it’s important that you do a little bit of (metaphorical) digging first.
That’s just some of the information that’s included as part of your property sewerage plan.
For the plumbing aspect of your building or renovation project to go smoothly, it’s important that you know all about:
- Where existing sewer pipes are located
- Locations of joins, valves and more
- Connection points for your plumbing
If you’re still in the early stages of planning for a construction project, it’s important that you do a little bit of (metaphorical) digging first.
That’s just some of the information that’s included as part of your property sewerage plan.
Applying for a property sewerage plan in Victoria
So now you know why this particular piece of paper matters, and how it can help you while planning for a construction or renovation project.
Now for the big question: how do you get a property sewerage plan, anyway?
To obtain a sewer layout report, you need to go directly to your water company.
And you know what that means: lengthy email chains and a lot of time spent on hold!
If you’re currently planning for a construction or renovation project, you simply don’t have the time to put up with all of this extra work. Frankly, you have bigger decisions and more important matters to attend to.
That’s where PSI Global comes in.
Now for the big question: how do you get a property sewerage plan, anyway?
To obtain a sewer layout report, you need to go directly to your water company.
And you know what that means: lengthy email chains and a lot of time spent on hold!
If you’re currently planning for a construction or renovation project, you simply don’t have the time to put up with all of this extra work. Frankly, you have bigger decisions and more important matters to attend to.
That’s where PSI Global comes in.
Getting your property sewerage plan is easier than ever before
As veterans when it comes to collecting planning information, we know that the process of getting all the information you need to start construction can be:
- Time-consuming
- A huge distraction
- Kind of boring!
In an ideal world, the process would be fast and stress-free. And with PSI, it is!
Using an automated system and direct connections with councils and utilities operators, we’re able to get property documents and information faster. The best part? After engaging our team, you won’t have to lift a finger yourself.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about your home or you run a plumbing contractor business, good information - including a property sewerage plan - is the foundation.
Make yours as strong as possible - click here to order your property sewerage plan
click here to order your property sewerage plan (03) 8527 6300 or click here to get in touch online.
- Time-consuming
- A huge distraction
- Kind of boring!
In an ideal world, the process would be fast and stress-free. And with PSI, it is!
Using an automated system and direct connections with councils and utilities operators, we’re able to get property documents and information faster. The best part? After engaging our team, you won’t have to lift a finger yourself.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about your home or you run a plumbing contractor business, good information - including a property sewerage plan - is the foundation.
Make yours as strong as possible - click here to order your property sewerage plan
click here to order your property sewerage plan (03) 8527 6300 or click here to get in touch online.
The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. As with all things property, we strongly recommend consulting a professional to ensure that all stages of your building project (including the Title search) go smoothly.