Adelaide lies in the driest state in the driest continent.
There was no starker reminder of that than during the first five months of 2025 when only 46.8mm were recorded at the Bureau of Meteorology’s West Terrace site.
It represented less than 27 per cent of the historical average.
It’s a valuable lesson regarding the importance of conserving water.
Fortunately, smart plumbing systems can help too.
But maintenance of plumbing systems, smart or otherwise remains vital to keep them in smooth working order and to guard against the development of more serious and expensive problems.
Here’s a look at how to best maintain smart plumbing systems and future proof your house while taking advantage of evolving technologies and changing regulations.
What is smart plumbing?
Smart plumbing is any system that embraces new technologies to optimise water usage and add creature comforts.
Primarily, it helps reduce water wastage and reduce bills.
Smart plumbing works in tandem with established devices such as dual-flush toilets, low-flow faucets and shower heads to help limit water wastage.
Some other smart features are geared more towards enhancing the user’s bathroom experience.
In Australia, the smart plumbing industry was valued at $44.5 million in 2022 and is projected to reach $107.7 million by 2032.
The key components of a smart plumbing system presently are:
Sensors – that detect leaks, monitor water temperature and pressure and even measure water quality.
Smart meters – that measure consumption, identifying times of high usage and potential waste.
Automatic shut-off valves – that detect leaks and shut off supply to prevent excessive water damage.
Remote control and monitoring – apps that allow homeowners to adjust settings and shut off supply.
Smart water heaters – that can heat water to schedule, optimising energy consumption and reducing bills.
Touchless fixtures – equipped with motion sensors that reduce water waste and promote hygiene
AI & Predictive maintenance – forecasts pipe degradation, valve failures and maintenance issues before they occur, saving on repair bills.
Voice-activated features – including showers, lighting, heated towel rails and floors.
Maintenance for smart plumbing systems
Despite their high tech features, smart plumbing systems require maintenance just like regular plumbing systems.
A licensed plumber should conduct a thorough inspection at least annually to check for leaks, ensure drains are free flowing, flush water heaters and replace filters on water filtration systems.
In addition, your licensed plumber will check your system is operating correctly using the latest software and firmware updates, ensuring remote control features are operating correctly.
Why maintenance is better than emergency service
When it comes to your health, prevention is better than cure.
Hence it follows that for your house and its plumbing system, maintenance is better than emergency service.
It stands to reason on two fronts.
Firstly, proper maintenance can extend the lifetime of most plumbing systems by between 30-50 per cent.
And secondly, emergency plumbing calls cost up to four times more than preventative maintenance service.
This holds even more so if you are unlucky enough to require emergency service on a weekend or public holiday.
Changing regulations
Household plumbing regulations are constantly changing in South Australia, geared mostly towards the interests of public health as well as the saving of energy and water.
Rainwater tanks
Since 2006, all new homes and some extensions have required a minimum 1000-litre rainwater tank plumbed to the toilet, hot water service or laundry.
The tank is required to be mosquito proof and equipped with an overflow device.
Water heater efficiency
In 2008, mandatory efficiency requirements were introduced for all domestics hot water heater installations.
These were revised in 2014 to streamline compliance.
The state regulations work in tandem with the National Construction Code which sets minimum energy performance standards for all heating systems including hot water.
Lead-free requirements
From May 1, 2026, all copper alloy plumbing that comes into contact with drinking water must be lead-free, Australia-wide.
‘Lead free’ is defined as less than 0.25 per cent lead.
Pluming products meeting the new requirement will be watermarked as lead free.
Established plumbing systems do not have to be replaced.
Don’t DIY
Unless you are a licensed plumber, do-it-yourself plumbing jobs should be avoided outside of very basic tasks such as changing washers, shower heads or resolving a minor appliance issue.
Unlicensed handymen risk more significant damage to plumbing systems, more expensive repairs and potentially voiding warranties.
Licensed plumbers are trained and have the knowledge to complete work safely and in compliance with all rules and regulations.
This includes testing water pressure, tracing pipe faults and changing fittings safely.
Get expert plumbing help today
There are some exciting as well as dynamic energy and water saving upgrades available for homeowners wanting a smart plumbing experience.
But like everything in life designed to stand the test of time, it requires maintenance.
A little regular TLC goes a long way – be it your own health, your beloved wheels or your smart plumbing system.
Whatever kind of plumbing system you have in your home, you should enlist the services of James Smith Plumbing to ensure it remains in peak working condition.
JSP are one of South Australia’s most dependable and trusted plumbing companies.
They are proud of their reputation for authenticity, reliability and friendly service.
JSP will run the rule over your smart or regular plumbing system to ensure it remains in great working order.
It could potentially save you thousands of dollars in expensive repair bills and water damage.
Best of all, if you do strike a plumbing emergency, JSP is on call 24/7.
Call James Smith Plumbing today on 0411 206 046 at the first sign of a problem and for all your plumbing maintenance needs.
You can rely on JSP for the highest standards of workmanship and a minimum of fuss.