A number of WA homes fitted with Pro-fit Typlex 1050 resin polybutylene plumbing pipes
(Typlex pipes) have experienced water leaks (plumbing failures).
The Typlex pipes were manufactured by Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd, a company owned by Fletcher Building. The Typlex pipes were installed in approximately 12,000 to 15,000 WA homes constructed or renovated between mid-2017 and mid-2022.
Owners of properties with Typlex pipes have two pathways to seek remediation, depending on which building contractor installed the pipes.
The following advice is for landlords, property managers and tenants where Typlex pipes are present in a rental property.
• Landlords should disclose the presence of Typlex pipes and leak detection units in their
management authority ahead of the property being advertised as a rental by an agent.
• Landlords should disclose to the property manager any current remedial action being
undertaken or scheduled in relation to the presence of Typlex pipes in the rental property
that may affect the tenants’ rental agreement and advise the tenants in writing.
• Landlords and property managers should document in the Property Condition Report
the presence of Typlex pipes and if a leak detection unit is fitted to the property to
reduce damage.
• Tenants are encouraged to ask landlords or property managers if there are plumbing
issues or leak detection units installed at the rental property, and to ensure this is noted
in the Property Condition Report and provided in writing.
• Landlords or property managers are advised to educate tenants on signs of burst plumbing
pipes such as water stains appearing on walls, ceilings and floors, or the sound of water leaking.
• Tenants are advised to check water usage on their bill. Any abnormal increase in water
usage for the rental property, which may indicate a water leak or plumbing failure that
has gone undetected.
• Landlords and property managers should supply written instructions for tenants on the leak detection unit, and what to action in the event of a water leak or plumbing failure including steps to be taken if a flooding event occurs. Also, the landlord and tenant should agree on who will install the app on their smart mobile device to monitor the unit. The unit will send a number of notifications to the app when abnormal plumbing event occurs.
• Tenants are advised to contact their landlord or property manager as soon as possible if a leak or plumbing failure is detected in the rental property.
• Landlords should follow their responsibilities for maintenance and repairs in a rental
property to ensure the health and safety of tenants including the building is structurally
sound and free from hazards.
For more information visit Consumer Protection for information on tenant and landlord
responsibilities under the Residential Tenancy Act 1987, and the Building and Energy website.
