Everything You Need to Know About Saving Money on Plumbing

In Sydney’s Upper North Shore and Central Coast

The northern suburbs of Sydney, in particularly the upper North Shore, Hornsby-Kuringai area and all the way up to the glittering Central Coast, boast some of the region’s most beautiful properties. Leafy streets and established homes are often situated near waterways, meaning our suburbs are much sought-after for their pristine beauty. Lucky us – for sure! However, you do need to be aware of a few commonalities when it comes to real estate issues in this area, especially regarding plumbing. Those stunning natural surrounds can have an impact, and here’s a few reasons why:

1. HEAVY RAINFALL: the area can experience heavy rainfall which can overwhelm stormwater systems, especially in sloped or bushland-adjacent areas. Couple this with Sydney’s sandy, shallow soils having poor absorption and you could end up with issues, particularly during weeks of extreme weather. Poor drainage design in older buildings can lead to backyard flooding or water pooling near foundations which can cause serious damage. Water always finds a way to flow – and you don’t want it to find a way to ruin your home.
2. TREE ROOTS: trees seek out water – which is why they seek out pipes at root level. Clay and terracotta pipes that crack easily are especially vulnerable and feature in many old homes. This is the number one reason we find people in our area ending up with major issues and you did need to keep on top of things to prevent major work being necessary (more below).
3. AGING INFRASTRUCTURE: Older homes in our area often stand the test of time structurally however their plumbing systems don’t. The lack modern drainage design and reliance on legacy pipe systems causes constant headaches, leading to leaks, flooding, corrosion, cracks, rising damp, mould damage.

What are some warning signs?

Learning to read the warning signs can be invaluable to saving you undue stress and money. Here are some issues to look out for:

Stormwater & Drainage Issues
• Water pooling near foundations or in the yard, especially after rain
• Overflowing gutters or downpipes, even when recently cleaned
• Musty smells or damp patches in basements or lower levels
• Cracks in exterior walls or driveways, often caused by shifting soil and water pressure

Tree Root Intrusion
• Slow-draining sinks, showers, or toilets that worsen over time
• Gurgling sounds in pipes or toilets, especially after flushing
• Unusually green or lush patches in the garden, indicating underground leaks
• Frequent blockages, even after clearing. Roots may be regrowing

Aging Infrastructure
• Rust-coloured water, especially from older galvanized pipes
• Low water pressure, often due to sediment buildup or pipe corrosion
• Stains, bubbling paint, or warped walls/ceilings, hinting at hidden leaks
• Damp or soft flooring, especially near bathrooms or kitchens
• Unexplained spikes in water bills, even with normal usage
• Constant sound of running water, even when you’ve turned the taps off

What can I do to prevent problems or fix them myself?

There are plenty of things that you do can do to prevent problems and many issues that you could fix yourself with the right tools and care:

Stormwater & Drainage Prevention
• Clear gutters and downpipes regularly
Especially before and after heavy rain. Leaf litter from bushland builds up fast.
• Install gutter guards or leaf diverters
These reduce blockages and overflow during storms.
• Check for pooling water after rain
If water collects near foundations, consider adding surface drains or regrading soil.
• Keep stormwater grates clear
Remove leaves, mulch, and debris to prevent backups.

Tree Root Protection
• Know where your pipes run
Before planting trees or shrubs, check your sewer and stormwater layout.
• Plant trees at least 3 metres from pipes
Especially species with aggressive root systems like figs, willows, and camphor laurels.
• Install root barriers
These redirect growth away from vulnerable pipes and are especially useful near older clay systems.
• Use root-killer treatments sparingly. Rock salt or copper sulphate can help—but avoid overuse, especially near septic systems.

Aging Infrastructure Care
• Watch for early signs
Gurgling drains, slow flow, rust-coloured water, or damp patches can signal trouble.
• Flush only toilet paper
Wet wipes, even “flushable” ones, can clog old pipes fast.
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners
They can corrode older pipes—use a plunger or drain snake instead.
• Schedule annual inspections
A quick CCTV check can catch cracks, root intrusion, or pipe collapse before it becomes a crisis.

When should I call Dream Plumbing?

Professional Plumbing Services for Sydney’s Upper North Shore & Central Coast
Whether you’re dealing with stormwater overflow, tree root damage, or aging pipes, we’ve got the tools, experience, and local knowledge to fix it fast—and fix it right.

What We Do:

• CCTV Drain Inspections
Pinpoint blockages, cracks, and root intrusion without digging
• High-Pressure Water Jetting
Clears stubborn clogs and root masses quickly and cleanly
• Pipe Relining & Repairs
Reinforce damaged pipes without excavation—ideal for heritage homes
• Stormwater System Upgrades
Improve drainage flow and prevent flooding during heavy rain
• Leak Detection & Repairs
Find hidden leaks in walls, floors, or underground systems
• Hot Water System Repairs & Replacements
Gas, electric, solar—we service and install all types
• Emergency Plumbing (24/7)
Burst pipes, sewer backups, or flooding? We’re on call day or night

When to Call Us:

Call us if you notice:
• Water pooling near your home after rain
• Gurgling drains or slow toilet flushes
• Sudden spikes in your water bill
• Rust-colored water or low pressure
• Damp patches, mold, or bubbling paint
• Overflowing gutters or blocked stormwater grates
• Persistent drain blockages—even after DIY attempts
• You’re renovating or preparing your home for sale

Living in a home among the gum trees doesn’t have to come with the stress of plumbing issues on Sydney’s North Shore, Hornsby and Kuringai areas and the Central Coast. With the right care and prevention, along with watching for the warning signs, you can make sure your plumbing works effectively and avoid disaster. Just make sure you also get regular plumbing inspections (yearly) and call us when in doubt. It will ALWAYS be better to fix a problem in the early stages to prevent it worsening and we are experts at every possible issue you may face in this area. After all, we’re locals too.