Mamone’s Plumbing & Gas Launches Terracotta Pipe Inspection Program
Mamone’s Plumbing & Gas has launched a new Terracotta Pipe Inspection Program aimed at helping Melbourne homeowners identify ageing drainage systems before minor problems develop into major and costly failures.
The preventative maintenance initiative focuses on homes built before 1970, many of which still rely on terracotta drainage and sewer pipes. The program provides CCTV drain inspections, pipe condition assessments and recommendations for preventative maintenance, giving homeowners an opportunity to identify potential problems before emergency repairs become necessary.
Terracotta pipes were widely used in older Melbourne homes and can remain functional for decades. However, as these systems age, they can become vulnerable to cracking, ground movement and environmental stresses. Small cracks and damaged joints can create entry points for tree roots, which may gradually grow inside the drainage system and restrict or block the flow of wastewater.
According to Mamone’s Plumbing & Gas, root intrusion is increasingly becoming a significant cause of drainage problems across Melbourne. Dominic Mamone, licensed plumber and founder of Mamone’s Plumbing & Gas, estimates that around half of the company’s drainage repair work now involves tree-root intrusion.
Older suburbs such as Brunswick, Carlton and Northcote can be particularly vulnerable because of the number of period properties in these areas. However, the issue is not limited to these suburbs. Homes constructed before the 1970s across Melbourne may still contain ageing terracotta sewer infrastructure.
“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.
Once roots enter a damaged pipe, they can continue to grow and create increasingly severe blockages. In some cases, prolonged root intrusion can contribute to structural deterioration and eventual pipe collapse.
“If left untreated, root intrusion can eventually lead to structural failure or collapse of the pipe,” said Mamone.
The new inspection program is designed to identify these issues at an earlier stage. Using CCTV drain inspection technology, plumbers can examine the internal condition of underground pipes without immediately requiring excavation. The footage can help identify cracks, root intrusion, blockages, damaged joints and other potential drainage problems.
For homeowners, early identification can provide an opportunity to address developing issues before they become emergency situations. Mamone recommends that owners of older properties consider periodic CCTV inspections, particularly where there are mature trees close to underground drainage infrastructure.
Homeowners can also look for several warning signs that may indicate an underlying drainage problem. These include recurring blocked toilets or drains, gurgling sounds from pipes, sewage odours in the garden, unusually soggy areas or sinkholes and slow drainage throughout the property.
While these symptoms can have different causes, recurring problems may indicate that an underground pipe requires professional assessment.
The company estimates that a CCTV drain inspection typically costs around $700, while complex emergency drainage repairs can range from approximately $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the location and extent of the damage.
“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.
The company also points out that root intrusion can develop gradually without producing obvious symptoms. Roots may initially enter through a small crack or joint and continue expanding underground for years before a significant blockage or structural failure occurs.
This can make preventative inspections particularly relevant for owners of older homes who may not know the condition of their underground drainage infrastructure.
The issue also extends beyond individual residential properties. Shared drainage systems in apartment buildings and strata developments can present additional challenges because responsibility for maintenance and repairs may involve owners’ corporations and property managers.
Jon Veneziano, Strata Manager at Your Owners Corporation, which manages approximately 4,000 properties across Melbourne, said root intrusion remains 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.
As trees grow and their root systems expand, underground drainage infrastructure can become increasingly exposed to the risk of intrusion. This is particularly relevant when landscaping decisions are made without considering the location of existing sewer and stormwater assets.
Veneziano said owners’ corporations should consider underground drainage infrastructure when planning landscaping projects. He also recommended seeking appropriate advice when selecting and positioning trees near sewer and stormwater systems.
Regular inspection and maintenance can form part of a broader preventative strategy for strata properties. According to Veneziano, CCTV drain inspections are increasingly becoming a common component of proactive building maintenance as property managers and owners’ corporations seek to identify infrastructure issues before they escalate.
For Melbourne homeowners and property managers, the condition of underground drainage systems can be difficult to determine through routine visual inspections. A property may appear to have no drainage issues while cracks, root intrusion or deterioration are developing beneath the ground.
Mamone’s Plumbing & Gas says its Terracotta Pipe Inspection Program is intended to provide homeowners with greater visibility into the condition of their drainage infrastructure. By combining CCTV inspections with professional condition assessments, the program aims to help property owners make informed decisions about maintenance and potential repairs.
For older Melbourne properties, particularly those built before 1970, understanding the condition of terracotta drainage pipes can therefore be an important part of long-term property maintenance. Early detection of root intrusion and other pipe defects may provide homeowners and strata managers with an opportunity to address problems before they develop into more extensive drainage failures.
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