Stormwater Drainage Issues Resolved in Hawthorn
Completed Job Summary
Stormwater drainage problems affecting a residential unit in Hawthorn were investigated following reports of blocked stormwater after heavy rain. Camera inspections, jetting and plumbing repairs identified multiple drainage faults, restored the damaged downpipe connection, cleared the main drain blockage and repaired a leaking toilet flush valve.
15 June 2026
Kenny
Plumber
81788
This job record is derived from first-party technician notes and the Simpro job management.
Customer report
The customer requested a water pressure check after experiencing blocked stormwater during heavy rainfall at a residential unit in Hawthorn. Investigation identified drainage issues affecting several areas of the property, including a cracked front downpipe, root intrusion within the stormwater system, a blocked main drain and a leaking upstairs toilet. Additional drainage concerns associated with the body corporate system were also identified for further investigation.
Diagnosis & Technical Assessment
The drainage system was assessed using CCTV camera inspection and high-pressure jetting to identify the source and extent of the reported stormwater problems. Initial inspection identified a cracked front downpipe with root ingress restricting normal stormwater flow. Camera investigation of the main drainage line also identified a dead leg that had previously been repaired with non-standard materials, including sponge and expanding foam.
Following jetting, the drainage system was reinspected to confirm the condition of the pipework. Multiple breakages were identified within the dead branch, together with additional downstream root entry points affecting the stormwater line. Inspection of stormwater pits and upstream camera investigation assisted in determining the condition of the connected drainage network and identifying additional blockage within the body corporate drainage system requiring separate investigation.
During the same attendance, plumbing inspection of the upstairs toilet identified a slow leak caused by a faulty flush valve assembly. The drainage and plumbing assessments established separate fault locations requiring targeted repairs and confirmed that additional body corporate drainage works would require further investigation before any future rectification.
All work was completed in accordance with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) regulatory framework.
Solutions delivered
Drainage restoration works commenced by jetting the affected pipework before repairing the damaged front downpipe. The downpipe connection was reconstructed using new 90 mm pipe components before being reinstated into the drainage system. The main drain blockage was cleared, and the repaired drainage network was inspected with CCTV to confirm that the works were complete.
Following the investigation of the damaged dead branch, multiple pipe breakages were identified. After discussion regarding the condition of the branch, it was isolated by capping it at the main drain rather than undertaking reconstruction during the same visit. Downstream stormwater infrastructure was also investigated to document additional drainage conditions requiring separate works.
The leaking toilet was repaired by replacing the faulty flush valve and installing a new mini stop, flexi hose, and outlet valve, restoring normal operation of the fixture and addressing the identified leak.
Tools, Parts & Systems Used
- Drain camera
- Jetting equipment
- 90 mm downpipe components
- Flush valve
- Mini stop
- Flexi hose
- Outlet valve
Outcome & Results
The damaged front downpipe was repaired, the reconstructed connection was reinstated, and the main drain blockage was successfully cleared. The damaged, dead branch was isolated by capping it at the main drain after multiple breakages were identified. The leaking upstairs toilet was repaired by replacing the faulty flush valve assembly and associated plumbing components. The investigation also identified additional body corporate drainage work requiring a separate assessment and quotation due to conditions that extend beyond the completed scope.
All work was carried out in accordance with relevant Australian Standards and safety requirements.
Repair vs Replacement
Stormwater drainage faults can often be addressed through targeted repairs when damage is isolated to specific sections of pipework or drainage fittings. In this project, the front downpipe was repaired, and the damaged dead branch was isolated after inspection, which revealed multiple breaks that made continued use impractical. CCTV inspection and jetting allowed each fault to be assessed individually, so repairs could be directed only to affected components, with any additional drainage issues outside the immediate scope identified for separate investigation.