Roof Plumbing.Done Right.

What roof plumbing covers

Roof plumbing includes gutters, downpipes, flashings, valley gutters and the connections that carry rain off the roof and away from the house. It is plumbing work, and in Victoria it is done by licensed plumbers. It works alongside the roof covering but is a separate trade from the tiler or roof fixer.

Common roof plumbing faults

Rusted valleys, lifted flashings, blocked box gutters, loose or cracked gutter joints, downpipes that spill against walls and failed sealant at penetrations are the common faults. Many show up first as a stain on the ceiling or a damp patch on an internal wall after rain.

Flashings and where leaks start

Flashings seal junctions where the roof meets a wall, chimney, skylight or vent. When a flashing lifts, rusts or loses its sealant, water gets under the roof covering. A new roof covering does not fix a failed flashing underneath, so ask about flashings whenever roof work is planned.

Valleys, box gutters and heavy rain

Valleys carry water from two roof planes, and box gutters hidden in the roof can overflow in storms. Leaves build up in them quickly. If an overflow has nowhere safe to go, it runs into the ceiling. A regular clean and a check of the overflow path are cheap protection.

Roof types and materials

Tile, Colorbond-style steel and older corrugated iron roofs each have different flashings, fixings and drainage details. Materials should suit the roof, the climate and the coating. Mixing metals can cause corrosion, so ask which materials will be used.

Safety and access

Roof work is a fall risk. Professionals use fall protection and the right access equipment. Describe the problem from the ground and send photos, and do not climb onto a wet or steep roof to look.

New roof plumbing and replacement work

If you are re-roofing or building, plan the gutters, downpipes and flashings with the roof. Check that the downpipes connect to a legal point of discharge and that the gutter size suits the roof area.

Stormwater connection

A downpipe is only useful if the water has somewhere to go. Check that each downpipe connects to a stormwater pipe or tank overflow, and that pits are clear. See our stormwater drains page for underground connections.

Questions people ask about roof plumbing

Is roof plumbing the same as roofing?

Not quite. Roofing covers tiles and sheets. Roof plumbing covers gutters, flashings, valleys and downpipes.

How do I know if a flashing has failed?

Stains below the junction, rust, lifted edges and gaps in sealant are signs.

Can you work with my roofer?

Yes. Tell us when the roof work is planned and we can coordinate.

Do I need a permit?

Some work, especially in heritage areas, may need approval. Check with your council.

Planning roof plumbing for a renovation or extension

A new extension changes how water leaves the roof. Extra roof area sends more water to existing gutters and downpipes, which may then be too small. Ask your plumber to check gutter size, the number of downpipes and where each one connects, before the builder lines the new roof. A new roof joined to an old wall also needs proper flashings, and these are easiest to fit while the wall is exposed.

Check with your council or building surveyor whether the extension changes your legal point of discharge, because the rules for stormwater can apply to the whole property.

How roof problems are inspected

A plumber looks at the roof from the ground first, then from a ladder or the roof if it is safe. They check valleys, flashings, gutter joints, downpipe connections, fixings and the underside of eaves for water marks. They may run water to find a leak, because rain tests are slow and unreliable. You should get photos of what they find, so you can see the fault for yourself.

Roof plumbing and your insurance

Insurers often distinguish between sudden storm damage and long-term wear. Keep records of maintenance, such as gutter cleaning and flashing repairs, since they show the roof was looked after. After a storm, take dated photos before any temporary repairs, and keep invoices. Ask your insurer what they need before work starts.

Roof types and what each one needs

Metal sheet roofs rely on sound fixings, flashings and sealed overlaps. Tiled roofs shed water through the tile lap, with valleys and ridges bedded and pointed to keep water out. Flat or low-pitch roofs need careful drainage because water sits and finds any weak point. The plumbing parts are the same across them: gutters, valleys, flashings, downpipes and penetrations.

Ask for the type of roof and its age to be noted on the quote. A repair that suits metal may not suit tile, and an old roof may be better served by a larger repair than by chasing small leaks one at a time.

Safe access and why it affects the job

Work at height is risky. A plumber may need ladders, scaffolding or edge protection, and that affects the time and cost. Do not climb onto a wet or steep roof yourself to check a leak. Describe it from inside, take photos from the ground and the roof space, and note where the stain appears.

In bad weather, a temporary fix such as a tarp or a sealant patch may be the safest first step, with the proper repair booked for dry conditions.

Roof drainage and what happens to water after the gutter

Roof plumbing does not end at the gutter. Water has to travel through downpipes into a stormwater connection or a tank. If that connection is blocked or cracked, water backs up and overflows. A roof plumber can check that the downpipes, the first joint to the stormwater line and any pits at the base are working.

If you have a rainwater tank, check the overflow route. Overflow from a full tank needs somewhere to go.

Guides worth reading

• How to Keep Your Gutters and Downpipes Working

Related plumbing services

• Stormwater Drains: Stormwater pipes cleared, repaired and renewed so water leaves your property properly.
• Gutters and Downpipes: Leaking, sagging and blocked gutters and downpipes repaired or replaced.
• Roof Leak Repairs After Storms: Storm-damaged gutters and roof leaks made safe and repaired.
• Emergency plumbing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Talk to GSA Plumbing Services

Call 0401 041 103 or send an enquiry on the contact page. We work across Geelong, Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.