The older weatherboard homes around Torquay and Pialba have a lot of character, but the plumbing inside is often original to the build. That means galvanised steel pipes from the 60s and 70s, cast-iron drains, and brass fittings that have been weeping for decades. Here's what we see most often and what it costs to fix.
Galvanised pipe corrosion
Galv pipes corrode from the inside. Water pressure drops year by year as the internal diameter narrows with rust. By the time you notice low pressure at the shower, the pipes might only have a few millimetres of bore left. We typically replace galv with copper or PEX. A full re-pipe for a three-bedroom weatherboard runs $4,500-$8,500 depending on access.
Cast iron drain blockages
Cast iron sewer pipes were standard until the 80s. They last surprisingly well, but the joints corrode and tree roots find their way in. The classic sign is recurring blockages every few months. A CCTV inspection tells us whether you need spot repairs or a full reline. Relining typically costs $300-$500 per metre but avoids digging up your yard.
Weeping shower trays
Older weatherboards often have a tile-over-fibreglass shower base that's started leaking through the floor. You'll see swollen skirting boards or staining on the ceiling below. The fix is usually a new pre-formed shower base plus re-tiling. Don't put it off, the timber damage gets expensive fast.
Original brass tapware
Brass tapware has a 30-40 year service life. Past that, the spindles seize, washers can't seat properly, and you end up with constant drips. Replacement is cheap and easy. We usually quote $80-$120 per tap including labour.
What to do first
If you've just bought an older Torquay or Pialba weatherboard, get a CCTV drain inspection done. It's around $250 and tells you whether you're looking at $500 of spot repairs or $15,000 of full sewer replacement. That kind of clarity is worth a lot when you're planning renovations.