The big news in Skye right now is the 7.9-acre Boral site at 20 MacBeath Drive — council received a 157-signature petition in March pushing to block development and turn it into a public park. That land sits in the Hills Face Zone, and if it does get subdivided, you're looking at new sewer connections tapping into infrastructure that's already under pressure from the steep terrain. The foothills topography here means gravity-fed drainage systems work hard, and when you add early May rain (14mm on the 2nd, 15mm on the 4th), the reactive clay soils shift and crack rigid pipe runs. Older homes along the lower stretches of MacBeath and surrounding streets are running original earthenware sewers — tree roots love them, especially after wet weather softens the ground. If you're in Skye and your drains have slowed down or you're getting that sewage smell after rain, don't sit on it. Call us any time — we dispatch plumbers who know these foothills and can get to you fast.
City of Burnside notes
“Petition - Large Hills Face Zone Ridgeline in Skye, 20 MacBeath Drive - Protect from Development (Report No 2026-181) — 157 valid signatures received, petition carried C32026/14113”
City of Burnside
If this site gets developed, new sewer and stormwater connections will load infrastructure that's already working hard on steep terrain — properties downhill should watch for drainage changes.
“Ms A Chappel of Skye made a five (5) minute deputation to Council on the Potential Sale of the 7.9 Acre Hills Face Zone Property by Boral”
City of Burnside
Community pressure to block development shows how sensitive this area is — any future subdivision means pipe disturbance and new connection points that can affect neighbouring properties.
●bolsteredSource: City of BurnsideUpdated 2026-04-28
Skye profile
City of Burnside covers eastern Adelaide from the inner suburbs to the Mount Lofty foothills — pre-war sandstone and Federation homes in the older streets, mid-century brick veneer across the main residential areas, and modern infill on larger blocks. Housing stock from the 1920s through 1970s means original galvanised iron supply lines, terracotta sewer pipes, and ageing copper hot water runs are standard. Mature tree canopy across the council area is the primary driver of root intrusion — established gums, figs, and plane trees have had 50-70 years to find every cracked joint in clay and terracotta sewer lines. Foothills terrain creates faster stormwater runoff and puts pressure on ageing pit infrastructure during heavy rain. The council's current capital works program includes traffic treatments and streetscape upgrades that disturb road reserves and expose service connections.
MacBeath Drive and the streets feeding off it sit on some of the steepest residential blocks in the Burnside council area — that gradient means sewer lines run fast when clear but back up hard when roots or debris catch. The homes built before 1970 along the lower reaches are running original earthenware sewers, and the mature gums and eucalypts that make the area look good are the same trees sending roots into every joint. Newer infill on subdivided blocks often ties into those same old mains, so a modern home doesn't guarantee modern infrastructure at the boundary. After wet weather, the reactive clay soils here shift enough to crack rigid PVC connections — if your block has had drainage issues before, expect them to return each May.
When calls come in: Skye calls tend to come through on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings — working households notice slow drains when they're home and using water. After rain events, expect a spike within 48 hours as groundwater rises and exposes root intrusion or partial collapses.
Skye emergency callouts
Emergency Plumber — Burst pipe — water off, flooding riskSkye, SA · 30–60 min
Emergency Plumber — Blocked drain — slow or backing upSkye, SA · 30–60 min
Emergency Plumber — Hot water failure — no heat or pressureSkye, SA · 30–60 min
Emergency Plumber — Sewer backup — sewage at floor wasteSkye, SA · 30–60 min
Emergency Plumber — Leaking tap or fitting — urgent repairSkye, SA · 30–60 min
Emergency Plumber — Gas fitting emergency — isolation requiredSkye, SA · 30–60 min
Skye Plumber FAQ
If the Boral site gets subdivided into residential lots, new sewer and stormwater connections will tie into the existing network. For properties downhill or adjacent, that means increased load on mains that were sized for far fewer homes. Watch for slow drains or gurgling after the development connects — it can indicate the main is struggling. A plumber we dispatch can camera your line to check for backfall or partial blockages before they become full failures.
In Skye, that pattern usually points to tree root intrusion or a partial collapse that only blocks fully when groundwater rises. The reactive clay soils here swell when wet and squeeze pipe joints open, letting roots in. If it clears when the ground dries, the roots are still there — they'll grow back thicker each season. Get a camera inspection now while it's accessible; waiting until it blocks completely means excavation instead of a simple root cut.
Earthenware (terracotta) pipes were standard in Skye's pre-1970s homes. Signs of failure include recurring blockages in the same spot, sewage smell in the yard even when drains are flowing, and wet patches over the sewer line after dry weather. The joints are the weak point — they're not sealed like modern PVC, so roots and soil find their way in. A CCTV inspection shows exactly where the cracks or joint failures are, and a plumber we dispatch can advise whether relining or replacement makes more sense for your block.
In a 1960s Skye home, the sewer is almost certainly earthenware, the water supply is likely galvanised steel or copper, and the hot water unit may still be original or a first replacement. Galvanised pipes rust from the inside out — low pressure at the kitchen tap is often the first sign. Copper develops pinhole leaks after 50+ years, especially in foothills areas with slightly acidic bore-influenced water. Budget for a full repipe in the next decade, and get a plumber to assess which system is closest to failure now.
A blocked sewer clears with a jet or electric eel and stays clear for weeks or months. A collapsed sewer blocks again within days because the pipe wall has caved in and debris catches on the rough edge. The only way to know for sure is a CCTV camera inspection — a plumber we dispatch will run the camera after clearing the blockage to check the pipe condition. If it's collapsed, you'll see the fracture on screen and can plan excavation or relining before the next emergency.
Steep blocks rely on gravity, so any sag or bellied section in the sewer line collects debris and slows flow. Keep large trees away from sewer runs — if they're already established, schedule annual root cutting before winter rains. Avoid flushing wipes or heavy paper products. And if your property has an inspection opening (IO) near the boundary, check it's not cracked or missing its cap — that's a common entry point for roots. A plumber we dispatch can install a root barrier or recommend relining if your line is already compromised.