The Western Australian Government is progressing with legislative changes to resolve the problem of Typlex 1050 plumbing pipe leaks, ensuring all affected homeowners can access a consistent remedy.
Amendments to the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011 were introduced to Parliament. It will allow building service complaints related specifically to Typlex 1050 pipes to be lodged with the Building Commissioner for up to 15 years after completing a building or renovation project rather than the usual six years.
“The Cook Government is putting homeowners first in resolving this unprecedented problem,” said Commerce Minister Sue Ellery. “This legislation provides reassurance that all homeowners affected by these distressing pipe leaks can access the same remediation approach regardless of who built their home and when. Impacted homeowners will be on equal footing, whether they seek remediation through the Industry Response or the extended building complaints period.”
The change complements the Industry Response announced by the State Government in August to help homeowners impacted by Typlex 1050 leaks at no cost to those homeowners. An in-principle agreement was reached between the pipe manufacturer, Iplex Australia, participating builders and the State Government to fund a structured remediation program based on the number of leaks experienced.
Homeowners whose builders are not participating and wish to access the same remedies in the Industry Response can lodge a building complaint during the extended 15-year period. As far as reasonably practicable, the resulting building remedy orders will align with the Industry Response’s remediation program.
Typlex 1050 pipes were installed in approximately 12,000 Western Australian homes between 2017 and 2022, meaning the extended timeframe for disputes captures all affected homes. While leaks have not occurred in all 12,000 homes, a significant number have encountered this issue.
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