Aussie first home owner lost for words over shocking discovery hidden in bathroom: ‘I was absolutely mortified’

A homeowner has been left shocked after making a disturbing discovery in their newly built home – sparking fresh debate about building standards, compliance checks, and how much trust Australians should place in new developments.

The Australian man who recently moved into the brand-new property built by a developer revealed he found a power point installed directly beneath the plumbing inside the master bedroom – with water taps positioned directly above the electrical socket.

Sharing a photo of the set-up, the buyer asked whether the installation was compliant or safe.

‘I’ve just moved into my first home. Would anybody be able to tell me if this power point beneath the plumbing is considered compliant and safe? It’s under the vanity of the ensuite,’ he wrote on Reddit.

The answer from many Australians was swift – and alarming.

Electrical outlets located directly below water pipes or taps pose a serious safety risk.

If a pipe leaks, bursts or even slowly drips over time, water can enter the socket, dramatically increasing the risk of electric shock, short-circuiting, fire or electrocution.

In wet areas like bathrooms, Australian standards require strict separation between water sources and electrical fittings, as well as additional protections such as residual current devices (RCDs).

For many, the discovery was especially upsetting because the home had already passed its final inspections and received an occupancy certificate.

‘I would be absolutely mortified to see this in my brand-new home,’ one person commented.

‘What on earth makes builders think this is okay? How did this even get an occupancy certificate?’

Others said the issue highlighted broader concerns about how quickly compliance checks are carried out.

‘I remember our pool getting certified. The guy was here for two minutes, took a few photos and left. Sent the approval certificate later. I noticed things that didn’t comply and fixed them myself,’ a man wrote.

Several commenters pointed the finger not at one trade, but multiple.

‘The builder should’ve picked that up. The plumber should’ve raised flags. The electrician absolutely should’ve raised flags. That’s incompetence at three trade levels,’ one wrote.

Another added that even the cabinetmaker bore responsibility, as they would have drilled the holes and threaded pipes and cables through the vanity.

‘They could’ve simply moved the cables down before installing,’ the commenter said.

Some went further, warning the issue wasn’t just sloppy – but potentially unlawful.

‘This isn’t ignorance. It’s a potentially fatal non-compliance with the law. I’d be reporting this to the relevant government body.’

The incident has struck a nerve at a time when many Australians are buying their first homes amid soaring prices and trusting that new builds come with peace of mind.

Instead, some are discovering that ‘brand new’ doesn’t always mean problem-free – and that even basic safety oversights can slip through the cracks.

Experts often advise new homeowners to carry out their own inspections, even after a property has passed official checks, and to raise concerns immediately with builders while warranties still apply.

For this buyer, the moment was a sobering one.

What should have been the excitement of settling into a first home instead became a harsh reminder that in Australia’s booming construction industry, vigilance is still essential – even in the places you least expect to look.