Why balconies leak, and how to fix them properly
The usual causes of balcony leaks, from flat falls to failed door sill junctions, how to diagnose them, what a proper repair involves, and the NCC 2025 changes for balconies.
Waterproofing & Plumbing
Waterproofing, drainage, backflow prevention and the Plumbing Code of Australia.
Waterproofing wet areas: AS 3740 and the NCC explained
How the NCC, Specification 26, Housing Provisions Part 10.2 and AS 3740:2021 decide which wet area surfaces must be waterproof or water resistant, and how to build and prove it.
WELS ratings explained: what the stars mean and who must comply
How the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme works, which products it covers, what the stars and litres figures mean, and what builders and plumbers must check.
Stormwater and water sensitive urban design on building sites
Where stormwater drainage sits in the NCC, what councils add through on-site detention and WSUD, and how to keep sediment and pollutants out of drains during construction.
Rainwater tanks: plumbing rules, design and maintenance
What NCC Volume Three and AS/NZS 3500.1 require when a rainwater tank supplies a building, how to protect the mains, where tanks are mandated, and how to keep tank water safe.
The Plumbing Code of Australia explained (NCC Volume Three)
How NCC Volume Three is structured, how Deemed-to-Satisfy solutions use the AS/NZS 3500 series, what WaterMark certification means, how the states adopt the PCA and license plumbers, and when a Performance Solution is needed.
External waterproofing for roof decks, podiums and planters
What the NCC and AS 4654 require for external above-ground membranes, what NCC 2025 changed for concrete balconies and roofs, and the details that stop roof decks, podiums and planters leaking.
The most common waterproofing defects, and who is liable
The wet area, balcony, planter, below-ground and window failures inspectors find most, the AS 3740 and AS 4654 requirements behind them, and the statutory warranties that decide who pays.
Below-ground waterproofing: tanking, membranes and waterstops
A plain-English guide to waterproofing basements, lift pits and retaining walls: the main systems, how joints and penetrations are sealed, the role of drainage, and who designs it.
Backflow prevention: when you need a device and who tests it
How backsiphonage and backpressure contaminate drinking water, how the Plumbing Code and AS/NZS 3500.1 rate hazards, which devices suit each rating, and who must test testable devices and keep the records.