Homeowners and renters are being warned by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) to keep gutters clear to avoid water flooding their homes this spring.
The VBA warning follows the Bureau of Meteorology predicting above average rainfall this season.
State Building Surveyor at VBA, Andrew Cialini said non-compliant roof plumbing was the leading cause of plumbing issues as it increased the risk of leaves and debris getting stuck in gutters and downpipes, which led to a risk of flooding.
“Non-compliant box guttering is one area of roof drainage where problems are regularly identified,” Mr Cialini said.
“While clearing gutters is not regulated plumbing work, any clearing of blockages that requires the gutter or downpipe to be detached or altered must be carried out by a licensed or registered plumber,” he said.
“Trapped, wet leaves that sit in guttering also have the potential to lead to surface damage and corrosion, with leaks making the guttering ineffective.”
Mr Cialini said rectifying installation issues at the outset would reduce the risk of property damage, but blocked or damaged gutters needed to be regularly cleaned and maintained, with corroded or damaged sections replaced.
The State Building Surveyor said installation and replacement of guttering and most roofing components must be carried out by a suitably registered or licensed plumber and, where works cost more than $750, a compliance certificate must be issued at the completion of the works.
“When checking your own gutters with a ladder, you should always follow the ladder safety rules on the WorkSafe website,” Mr Cialini said.
WorkSafe’s five-page ladder safety rules can be accessed at this PS News link.
