How to prevent leaks: roof, gutter and plumbing maintenance for Melbourne homes

Most leaks Paul repairs were preventable. A blocked valley, a cracked bit of sealant, a gutter nobody's cleaned in two years — small maintenance jobs that are cheap on their own but expensive once they turn into a ceiling full of water. A bit of seasonal upkeep goes a long way in Melbourne's wet months.

Roof and gutter maintenance

• Clear gutters and valleys twice a year: Once before winter and again after autumn leaf drop, so water can actually drain instead of backing up under the roofline.
• Check flashing after storms: Wind-driven rain is what exposes lifted or corroded flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights.
• Replace cracked or slipped tiles promptly: A single displaced tile is a quick fix; left alone, it lets water into the roof space every time it rains.
• Inspect Colorbond roofs for rust at screw points and lap joints: Catching corrosion early avoids a full re-sheet down the track.

Plumbing maintenance

• Watch your water pressure: Pressure that's consistently too high stresses every joint and seal in the house, not just one fitting.
• Check under sinks and around the hot water system: Loose fittings and worn washers are easy to spot before they become a slow drip.
• Reseal bathroom joints every few years: Silicone around the shower base, bath and vanity has a lifespan — reseal it before it cracks, not after.
• Do a quick water meter test if you're unsure: Note the reading, avoid using water for two hours, then check again. A change means something's leaking somewhere in the system.

A simple seasonal rhythm

1. Spring: Clear gutters and valleys, check for winter storm damage.
2. Before winter: Inspect flashing, reseal any bathroom joints showing wear, and confirm downpipes are clear.
3. After any major storm: Do a quick visual check of the roof from the ground and look for new ceiling stains inside.

What Paul recommends

Prevention is always cheaper than repair. If it's been a while since your roof or bathroom seals were checked, Paul can come out for a $140 call-out fee — and if he finds something worth fixing now, you'll get a clear price (materials plus $120/hour) before any work starts, with a guarantee if the same leak ever comes back.