🧰 Plumbing for Home Businesses – FAQ

If you’re starting a home business such as a beauty salon, barber, dog-wash, food prep area, or any workspace needing a sink or basin, proper plumbing is essential. Below are common questions about connecting hot and cold water and sewerage for a home-based setup.

Do I need council approval for adding a basin or sink?

In most cases, yes. Any new plumbing work that connects to your home’s water supply or sewer system must be completed by a licensed plumber and submitted to the local council (e.g. Melton or Brimbank) via a VBA Certificate of Compliance.
It’s always best to check with your local council before beginning.

How do I get hot and cold water to a new sink or basin?

Your plumber will extend the existing hot and cold lines from the nearest source — usually the laundry, kitchen, or bathroom.

  • Cold water is usually teed off the nearest main line.

  • Hot water can come from your existing storage or continuous-flow unit.
    If the run is long, your plumber may recommend installing a small under-bench heater to ensure quick hot water delivery.

How is the waste (sewerage) connected?

If the basin or sink is below the main drain level — such as in a garage, studio, or detached shed — the wastewater can’t drain by gravity.
In that case, a macerator or pump system (like Saniflo, Reefe, or Davey) is used to pump the waste up into the existing sewer line.
These compact units sit behind or below the sink and automatically activate when water flows, allowing full plumbing functionality even where normal drainage isn’t possible.

Can I install the plumbing myself?

No — not legally in Victoria. Only licensed plumbers can perform water or drainage work.
DIY connections risk contamination, leaks, and fines from the VBA or council.

What does it usually cost?

Costs depend on the setup, distance from existing plumbing, and whether the sink drains by gravity or needs a pump system.
Here’s a general guide for small home-business installations:

  • Standard basin or sink connection:
    $600 – $1,200 (includes hot / cold water, waste, and compliance certificate)

  • With a small under-bench water heater:
    Add $400 – $800

  • With a macerator or pump system (e.g. Saniflo / Reefe / Davey):
    Add $900 – $1,800 depending on model, discharge height, and pipe run

All prices include materials, testing, and issuing a VBA Certificate of Compliance.
We’ll assess your site and provide a fixed-price quote before any work begins.

Do I need a grease trap or backflow prevention?

If your home business involves food or chemicals (hair salon, dog grooming, tattooing, etc.), extra requirements may apply:

  • Backflow prevention device

  • Grease trap (for food or oily waste)
    Your plumber can check the council’s commercial guidelines for your type of business.

How can I get a quote?

Simply send a message through our Contact Us page with:

  • Your business type (e.g. hair salon, food prep, etc.)

  • A photo of the area

  • What you need connected

We’ll assess your setup and provide a fixed-price quote — usually within 24 hours.

Need help setting up plumbing for your home business?
Call Fox Plumbing & Drainage on 0405 900 418 for licensed, council-approved installations across Melton, St Albans, Taylors Lakes, Caroline Springs, and surrounding suburbs.