Explore drainage and plumbing topics for new builds, repairs and property improvements. Confirm the available scope and any specialist trade requirements when discussing your project, so you know exactly what is and is not included. Reading the relevant page first can make that conversation easier.
The services below cover stormwater, soakwells, blocked drains, sewer and water supply, excavation and more. Browse by category or scroll through the full list, then open any page to see what the work involves and what information to gather before you enquire. Pages are written in plain language.
Choose a service by the decision you need to make. The appropriate scope depends on the site and what is already known.
Investigate an unexplained fault
An inspection or leak assessment can help establish what is happening before the repair scope is agreed. Describe the symptom rather than choosing equipment.
Landscape drainage Brisbane enquiries for waterlogged lawns, garden runoff, patio collection points and drainage planned around outdoor spaces.
Before comparing scopes
Check what happens around the pipework.
A service name does not define every task. Confirm the assessment, installation limits and work by other trades.
Investigation
What evidence supports the proposed work, and what remains unknown?
Access and restoration
Who handles excavation, spoil, backfill and reinstatement of finished surfaces?
Design and permissions
Which plans, approvals or specialist responsibilities need separate confirmation?
Choosing a group
Choosing between service groups on the Brisbane Drainage site
The services index covers a lot of ground. Start with the symptom you can see, then follow it to the group that deals with that kind of problem.
Services span many kinds of pipework.
If water is pooling outside, look at stormwater, gutters and surface drainage. If sinks and toilets are slow or gurgling, start with drain cleaning and inspection. If pipes are cracked or roots are involved, repairs and CCTV are likely relevant. Not sure? Pick the nearest group and read how it describes causes. Many problems cross groups, and the pages explain where one ends and another begins.
01
Water outside
Pooling in yards, driveways or courtyards usually relates to stormwater, gutters, downpipes or surface drains.
02
Slow or smelly drains
Slow sinks, gurgling and odours often point to cleaning or inspection of pipes, either inside or outside.
03
Cracks and roots
Repeated blockages or visible damage suggest looking at inspection and repair pages before cleaning again.
04
When unsure
Choose the nearest group and read its notes on causes, or describe the problem through the contact page.
Four trade types
Drainage, plumbing, gas fitting and civil work compared
The four trade types overlap but differ in what they handle and who regulates them. Knowing the difference helps you ask for the right help.
Drainage deals with water leaving the property.
Drainage work
Water leaving the property: roofs, surfaces, pits, stormwater and sewer lines up to the connection.
Gas fitting is specialised and separate.
Plumbing work
Water supply, taps, toilets, hot water and fixtures, generally inside buildings and in the pipes close to them.
Civil work covers digging and site excavation.
Gas fitting
Gas supply pipes and appliances. This is specialised work, so confirm who is appropriately qualified for the job.
Drainage deals with water leaving a property, through stormwater pipes, pits and sewer connections. Plumbing covers water supply, fixtures and waste inside and around buildings. Gas fitting involves gas supply and appliances, and is specialised work. Civil and excavation work covers digging, trenching and larger site works. Licensing and approvals differ by trade and job, so confirm requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Reading a scope
Reading a drainage or plumbing scope of work
A written scope tells you what you are agreeing to. Knowing what to look for makes it easier to compare options and spot anything missing.
Check that the scope names the location, the work and the finish. Look for access requirements, who removes spoil, and what happens to paving, turf or garden beds afterwards. Note exclusions, such as tree removal or landscaping, and how unexpected findings will be handled. Ask what records you will receive. If any line is unclear, ask for it to be written in plain language before work begins.
Location and work
The scope should say exactly where work happens and what will be done, in terms you can picture.
Restoration and finish
Check whether paving, turf, concrete or garden restoration is included, or whether it is left to someone else.
Exclusions listed
Items such as tree work, landscaping or approvals should be named as included or excluded, never assumed.
Records provided
Ask whether photos, inspection reports or marked-up plans will be provided once the work is complete.
Commercial sites often combine several trades.
Combining trades
Combining drainage with other trades on one project
Renovations and new builds often involve several trades at once. Coordinating them early prevents clashes, repeated digging and finger-pointing when something does not line up.
A bathroom renovation touches waste lines and water supply. A new patio might need drainage, concrete and perhaps gas or electrical services. Sharing a plan with every trade avoids pipes crossing in the wrong place. Decide who leads the project and who coordinates inspections. Sequence matters, because buried work should be inspected and photographed before it is covered. Ask each trade what they need from the others.
One person coordinating
Agree who leads the project so questions, changes and inspections do not fall between trades.
Sequence of work
Underground work usually comes first. Check it is inspected and photographed before concrete, paving or turf covers it.
Shared plans
Give every trade the same current plan, so pits, pipes and services do not clash on site.
Access and shutdowns
Water, gas or power shutdowns affect occupants, so plan them and tell everyone affected in advance.
