Typlex Polybutylene Plumbing in WA Residential Properties

 Guidance for Real Estate Professionals, Conveyancers & Property Valuers

Wizard Leak Detection is providing this update to inform homeowners, agents, and property professionals about the current concerns surrounding Typlex polybutylene pipes used in residential plumbing systems throughout Perth, Western Australia.

Typlex pipes, manufactured by Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd, were installed in approximately 12,000 to 15,000 homes across WA. These installations occurred in properties either newly constructed or renovated between mid-2017 and mid-2022.

Impact on Property Valuation & Sales Linked to Typlex 1050 Pipes

1. Properties Possibly Containing Typlex Plumbing

• The use of Typlex piping was widespread in WA homes built or refurbished during the relevant period.
  
• A significant number of builders adopted this product for use in residential projects.
  
• Builders listed in the Industry Response include multiple entities from the BGC Housing Group (BGC), such as:
  
  • BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd
    
  • BGC Construction Pty Ltd
    
  • BGC Modular Pty Ltd
    
  • BGC Residential Pty Ltd
    
  • J Corp Pty Ltd
    
  • Ventura Home Group Pty Ltd
    

2. Key Questions for Property Sellers

To determine whether a home may have Typlex pipes, consider the following:

• What year was the home built or renovated, and who was the builder?
  
• Was any plumbing work completed between mid-2017 and mid-2022 that could have involved pipe replacement?
  
• Have there been plumbing issues such as flooding, visible leaks, water stains, or sounds indicating a burst pipe?
  
• Has there been an unexplained rise in water bills suggesting a potential undetected leak?
  

If Typlex Pipes Are Confirmed in the Property

• How many plumbing issues or water leaks have occurred?
  
• What repair work has been performed to date?
  
• Has a leak detection system been installed?
  
• Is the builder enrolled in the Industry Response programme?
  
• Has a formal complaint been lodged with the Building Commissioner?
  
• Has the builder declined to carry out relevant remedial works?
  

3. Obligation to Disclose to Potential Buyers

• Agents must disclose known information regarding Typlex pipes. If uncertain, disclosure is still recommended if the property was built during the affected time period.
  
• Prospective buyers should be advised of available remediation options and how to access them.
  
• Additional information is available from the Consumer Protection website regarding disclosure of material facts.
  

4. Accessing Remediation for New or Future Owners

Owners of homes with Typlex piping—whether current or new—may be eligible for remediation depending on the original builder.

Industry Remediation Programme

An Industry Response scheme, involving Iplex, builders, and the WA Government, provides support for affected homeowners:

• First plumbing failure: The affected pipe is repaired, and ceiling piping is replaced.
  
• Second failure: The pipe is repaired, and a larger section (“zone”) around the failure is re-piped.
  
• Third failure: A further repair is done, and owners may opt for a full re-pipe or another zone-based re-pipe.
  
• Subsequent failures: If a full re-pipe has not been completed by this stage, one will be undertaken.
  
• Financial assistance may be available for temporary accommodation during major plumbing works.
  
• Homeowners whose builder is participating can coordinate directly with the builder for the agreed remediation programme.
  

Submitting a Building Complaint

If the builder is not part of the Industry Response, a complaint may be lodged with the Building Commissioner. This applies to both original and subsequent owners.

The time limit for submitting a complaint has been extended to 15 years from the date of construction or renovation.

Free Leak Detection Devices

All WA properties identified as having Typlex pipes are eligible for complimentary leak detection units. These systems help minimise damage by automatically shutting off the water in the event of a leak.

Please note:

• Typlex pipes were installed only in homes constructed or modified from mid-2017 onwards.
  
• Properties built prior to this period or with different plumbing systems are not covered under this guidance. A detailed factsheet is available for other pipe-related issues.
  

Wizard Leak Detection, as trusted water leak detectives Perth , encourages all industry stakeholders to stay informed about the risks and responsibilities associated with Typlex plumbing. We specialise in water leak detection Perth and support homeowners across WA in identifying, reporting, and addressing complex plumbing faults linked to problematic installations.

Damian

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