Property Testing & Inspections
A full plumbing inspection of the whole property, top to bottom. Drains, water service, hot water, gas, fixtures, gutters and downpipes, checked and tested while the problems are still small. Most of the expensive jobs we see started as a slow leak or a hairline crack that nobody knew was there. We find it, put it in a written report with photos, and give you the choice of fixing it now on your terms rather than at 2am on ours.
What is included
How we approach it
- A full property plumbing inspection: drains, water service, hot water, gas, fixtures, gutters and downpipes, tested while the problems are still small and cheap to fix
- Water efficiency inspections for rentals: showerheads and taps flow-tested against the 9 litre per minute standard, dual flush toilets and WELS ratings recorded, non-compliant fixtures swapped on the spot if you want them to be
- Backflow prevention device testing by a QBCC backflow-endorsed licensee, with the Form 9 lodged with council and a copy to you within 10 business days
- Thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) testing and servicing to AS 4032.3, with the records kept that childcare, aged care, medical and commercial sites are audited on
- Pre-purchase and pre-sale plumbing inspections: CCTV of the sewer and stormwater, water pressure, hot water system age and condition, gas, fixtures, gutters and downpipes
- Minimum housing standards plumbing checks for Queensland rentals: hot and cold water, drainage, toilets and laundry fixtures
- Gas leak testing and appliance checks on existing gas installations
- Water meter and leak tests when a water bill does not add up
- A written report every time, with photos and a plain list of what passed, what failed and what it would cost to fix
No two jobs are the same. If you are not sure whether what you have is urgent, call and describe it. We would rather tell you it can wait than charge you for an after-hours call you did not need.
How it works
What happens on the day.
Book it
Tell us the property and what it is for: a rental, a purchase, a council reminder letter or an audit. We tell you what the test involves and how long it takes.
Test on site
Most house inspections take about an hour. Flow rates, pressures, valves, camera down the drains where it applies. We photograph everything we test.
Report
A written report, usually the same day. What passed, what failed, what we recommend and what it would cost. Written so a property manager, a buyer or a body corporate can act on it.
Fix or file
If something failed, we quote the fix. If it is a backflow test we lodge the paperwork with council for you. If it is a rental, you keep the report on file for the day a tenant queries the water bill.
For landlords and property managers
Proof on file, before it is needed
- Water efficiency reports that show the property meets the standard, so water consumption can be passed on to the tenant
- Minimum housing standards plumbing checks before a new tenancy or after a complaint
- Annual backflow testing on unit blocks, commercial premises and anything with irrigation or fire services
- TMV servicing on the properties that need it
- One report per property, in the same format every time, so it files straight into your maintenance platform
For buyers, sellers and body corporates
Know what you are buying, or selling
- Pre-purchase plumbing inspections inside your contract inspection period, with the camera footage so you can see the drains yourself
- Pre-sale inspections so the problems get fixed on your terms, not negotiated off the price
- Common property backflow, stormwater and hot water checks for body corporates
- Compliance checks on commercial fit-outs and leased premises
- An independent report if you just want a second opinion on someone else’s quote
Straight answers
Questions we get asked.
Do I need a water efficiency certificate to charge my tenants for water?
Queensland law does not create a certificate. What it requires is that the property is actually water efficient, and that you can prove it if a tenant disputes the bill. Our inspection report, with flow readings and photos, is that proof. If someone is selling you a mandatory certificate, ask them which section of the Act creates it.
What does a water efficiency inspection check?
Showerheads and internal cold water taps at 9 litres per minute or less, dual flush toilets at 6.5 and 3.5 litres with a 4 litre average, and a WELS rating of 3 stars or more on fixtures made from 2005. We test every outlet, record the results, and can fit flow restrictors or replace fixtures on the same visit.
How often does a backflow device need testing?
Once every 12 months, by a licensee with the backflow endorsement, and the results go to council within 10 business days. Council issues a reminder notice at the start of each year. An untested device can attract a fine per device, and the responsibility sits with the property owner.
Does my house even have a testable backflow device?
Most standalone homes do not. They are usually on properties with irrigation systems, fire hose reels or hydrants, commercial equipment, or a rainwater tank with mains top-up. Unit blocks and commercial premises almost always have at least one. If you are not sure, we can tell you in a couple of minutes.
How long does a pre-purchase plumbing inspection take?
One to two hours on site, and the report is with you the same day, so it fits inside a standard contract inspection period. You get the drain camera footage as well as the report.
Can you fix what you find?
Yes, and we quote it separately from the inspection so you can see the two numbers apart. If you only want the report, that is fine too.
Do houses need TMV testing?
Rarely. Thermostatic mixing valves with a 12-monthly service requirement are found in childcare, aged care, medical and commercial buildings. Homes usually have a simpler tempering valve on the hot water system, which we check as part of any hot water or pre-purchase inspection.
What Brisbane says
4.8 out of 5, from 45 reviews.
“The team at Goanna are so good! We had a few issues with an old house, and were concerned with the cost. They came over, sorted each problem, and then helped with some more, and explained everything to us. Amazing service, people and very grateful for Goanna, nothing a problem!”
“Jessy and Tim rang us on time and provided us with updates of their arrival time. I congratulate them on their communication skills and their personability. They were great to deal with and the job they did was efficient and thorough.”
“Highly recommend Goanna Plumbing! They recently installed a new toilet and kitchen tap for us, and the whole experience was fantastic. The team was professional, punctual, and clearly takes pride in their work.”
Also from Goanna
Other things we handle
Blocked drains
Cleared fast with professional jetting equipment, then a camera down the line so you know what caused it.
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Drain relining
A new pipe inside the old one, with no trench through your driveway or garden. Fixes cracked and root-damaged drains for good.
Learn more →
Hot water
Repaired today where we can, replaced properly where we cannot. Electric, gas and heat pump.
Learn more →
General maintenance
Taps, toilets, cisterns, leaks and the long list of small things that stop a property working properly.
Learn more →Got water where it should not be?
Call and you will get a person, not a call centre. Any hour, any day, and we will tell you straight if it can wait.