Hydraulic Engineering

Expert Hydraulic Services For Optimal Building Performance

Protecting You and Your Property From Water Damage

DDEG’s hydraulic engineering consultants deliver performance-based solutions for safe, compliant water management in every building.

We specialise in providing engineered solutions to assess and enhance the drainage performance of roofs, balconies and terraces. Our hydraulic services enable water to move in, out and away from buildings, safeguarding performance and protecting long-term value.

Peace of Mind For Complex Hydraulic Challenges

We specialise in creating performance solutions for hydraulic systems when your design doesn’t fit the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) code provisions.
Our tailored approach helps you meet or exceed compliance, protect your vision, and address your unique hydraulic requirements.

Specialist Hydraulic Engineering Solutions

We provide practical hydraulic engineering services to protect buildings from water-related issues and ensure projects stay on track from project inception through to design, construction and completion.
Hydraulic performance solutions

We create tailored solutions when your project doesn’t fit standard code provisions.

Our hydraulic expertise ensures all plumbing and drainage systems achieve compliance while supporting your design goals. We’re highly experienced with challenging heritage and refurbishment projects.

Risk and feasibility assessments

We identify project risks through detailed analysis.

We consider your project’s entire lifecycle and spot hidden risks that others might miss. This gives you clarity and peace of mind from concept to completion.

Sustainable water reuse strategies

We advise clients on sustainable water re-use strategies to help reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.

Our expertise includes the analysis, design and optimisation of rainwater harvesting and recycled water systems to achieve practical outcomes. Through advanced modelling and data analysis, we support clients in achieving long-term water sustainability goals.

Design reviews and peer reviews

We provide independent technical reviews that identify compliance risks early and give expert assessment of hydraulic designs.

Our reviews ensure projects can move forward with confidence that the designs will be compliant and buildable.

Engineering advice, designs and calculations

We deliver practical engineering advice, innovative designs and precise calculations. Our detailed analysis and creative thinking provide robust documentation for your project needs.

Site inspections

We carry out independent site inspections for buildings under construction or after they are built.

Our engineers visit the site to assess real issues, check system installation and provide clear, practical solutions to problems as they arise.

Hydraulic Systems We Specialise in

Our deep understanding of hydraulic principles is applied to all facets of plumbing and drainage systems requiring a performance-based outcome.
Our key specialisations

We develop compliant and practical stormwater and roof drainage solutions for every project. This covers:

  • Box gutters, eaves gutters, valley gutters, spreaders and concrete roofs
  • Siphonic and high-performance drainage systems for large or complex roofs
  • Charged stormwater systems for difficult site conditions
  • Drainage strategy and design for balconies, terraces, and internal wet areas

Our teams help you prevent water damage, achieve smooth compliance and extend the life of all building types.

Our engineers provide smart designs for removing wastewater safely from buildings. We cover:

  • Sanitary drainage for toilets, bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and all wet areas
  • Sewer drainage connections from individual fixtures through to site mains
  • Advice on compliance, system upgrades and troubleshooting for heritage projects, new builds and refurbishments.

We provide design and documentation for efficient, safe water systems for all buildings. This includes:

  • Drinking water, hygiene systems, equipment operation, and fire safety (both potable and non-potable systems)
  • Rainwater and recycled water systems to reduce mains water usage
  • Heated water supply for kitchens, bathrooms and industrial purposes.

Our solutions suit both new buildings and upgrades for heritage or complex sites.

DDEG Hydraulic Engineering

Why Hydraulic Engineering Matters

Water ingress and drainage failures cause some of the highest insurance claims in Australian buildings, often due to incomplete consideration during the design stage.
Early engagement of a hydraulic specialist ensures issues are addressed proactively, saving time, cost and reputation.
Prevent water damage

Well-designed stormwater and roof drainage systems protect against flooding and costly repair work.

Achieve reliable compliance

Early expert advice ensures all plumbing and drainage systems meet code and regulatory standards.

Support design flexibility

Performance-based approaches allow creative architecture without compromising on water management or compliance.

Secure project certainty

Hydraulic engineering support minimises risk and enables smooth project approvals.

Enhance asset durability

Robust hydraulic systems contribute to the longevity and value of any building.

Why Choose DDEG For Hydraulic Engineering Solutions

DDEG is a trusted partner for specialist hydraulic solutions, relied upon by architects, developers and other building professionals seeking certainty for complex projects and high-performance assets.
Proven expertise across sectors

Our track record spans commercial, residential, education and heritage projects, supporting projects with proven hydraulic strategies.

Responsive, client-focused consultancy

Fast, practical advice and clear communication mean issues are resolved early and projects progress with confidence.

Local knowledge, national capability

As an Australian-owned firm working across the country, we offer deep insight into local regulations and best practices, ensuring compliance in any jurisdiction.

Integrated, multidisciplinary support

Seamless collaboration with our in-house fire, facade, access and ESD teams delivers coordinated, compliant outcomes for the most challenging sites.

Specialist building solutions consultants

Our team’s detailed technical understanding allows us to develop fit-for-purpose hydraulic strategies, whether it’s for performance-based requirements or standard code compliance.

3,000+

Successful
Projects

5+

Years in
operation

25+

Professional
employees

7+

Locations in
Australia

Your Hydraulic Engineering Experts

Our hydraulic engineering team devises innovative, performance-based strategies to resolve complex compliance challenges.

Collaboration

We partner with architects, building surveyors and construction teams to ensure compliance without sacrificing creativity.

Innovation

Our team develops unique pathways to compliance using advanced hydraulic engineering and out-of-the-box thinking.

Service

We prioritise your deadlines, providing prompt, reliable advice and clear communication at every stage.

Expertise

With specialist knowledge across all building disciplines, we deliver tailored solutions for projects of any scale.

Our Approach

We understand the importance of your timeframes and objectives. Our hydraulic engineering services are tailored to deliver the best possible outcomes, providing practical, detailed, accurate and timely advice.
From initial consultation to final approval, we handle the technical details so you can focus on building with confidence.

Here’s how we work together to achieve compliance while maintaining your design integrity and vision.

Tell us about your overall goals and hydraulic compliance challenges.

Receive a fast, tailored and transparent proposal.

We analyse your project’s background so we can deliver a precise, effective solution.

We outline a performance-based pathway tailored to your needs.

All key parties are engaged early for alignment and smooth approvals.

Our consultants handle all modelling, calculations and documentation for you.

Receive a robust, regulator-ready report for building approval.

We’ll submit the final documentation to the authorities, ensuring approvals without any last-minute surprises.

We provide a seamless handover, ongoing support and maintenance to ensure long-term compliance and performance.

What our clients say

It was a pleasure working with Brendan and the DDEG team on our heritage project. Brendan was highly attentive to detail and proactive in finding creative hydraulic engineering solutions.
The entire team was responsive and efficient throughout the process. We look forward to collaborating with DDEG again on future projects.

Our Team

Our hydraulic solutions team includes skilled engineers and consultants based in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Albury.
We have led projects of all sizes and scopes, from residential dwellings to large-scale commercial developments. Our deep understanding of regulations guarantees a smooth approval process every time.
Meet our leaders

Our experienced leaders are qualified and experienced engineers and building consultants. They are closely involved in every project, providing guidance and oversight to ensure we exceed your expectations. Their hands-on approach ensures that you benefit from their expertise at every step.

Michael Dobbs

Director

Kieran Doherty

Director

Paul Mulholland

Director 

Brendan Yeung, DDEG-Hydraulic Engineer
Brendan Yeung

Associate, Hydraulic Engineer

Our Credentials

DDEG’s team of hydraulic engineers and consultants have the following credentials.
Accreditations and Registrations

Members of our team are accredited by these organisations.

  • Chartered Professional Engineer – Engineers Australia (CPEng)
  • National Engineering Register (NER)
  • State-Based Engineering Registrations – VIC, NSW, QLD
Certifications

DDEG is proudly ISO certified.

Our Clients

DDEG partners with Australia’s leading architects, developers, building surveyors, and government agencies to deliver hydraulic engineering solutions for public, private and commercial projects of all sizes.
Who we work with

Architects, building designers, engineers, plumbers and project managers: to unlock compliance pathways and preserve design intent.

Building surveyors and certifiers: to provide robust technical justifications and streamline approvals.

Developers and property owners: to resolve compliance challenges and protect long-term asset value.

Government bodies and councils: to ensure public projects meet the highest standards.

Retailers and commercial property managers: to ensure safety and amenity through innovative design.

ClientIndustry Cladding and Roofing
SectorResidential
LocationSouthbank, Victoria
DisciplineBuilding solutions
Hydraulic engineering
ServicesPerformance solutions
Roof drainage design

DDEG delivered bespoke hydraulic performance solution for the canopy roof of the development, overcoming unique compliance challenges.

Our work preserved the building’s design while ensuring the roof drainage system achieved compliance for effective rainwater management.

Frequently asked questions

Hydraulic engineering focuses on the flow, control, supply, and removal of water and other fluids within buildings and infrastructure. It covers the design, analysis, and management of systems for water supply, wastewater and roof stormwater drainage, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable water movement through our built environment.

A hydraulic engineer designs, analyses, and reviews systems that manage water and waste flows in buildings and infrastructure. This includes developing solutions for water supply, sanitary plumbing and roof stormwater management.

Hydraulic engineers deliver tailored, compliant designs and performance solutions to prevent water-related damage, improve operational efficiency, and support safe, reliable outcomes for architects, builders, owners and facility managers.

Hydraulic plumbing and drainage refer to systems that move water in and around the built environment. This includes:

  • Water supply: for drinking, personal hygiene, equipment operation and fire-fighting purposes.
  • Sanitary drainage systems: to safely dispose of wastewater from buildings.
  • Roof drainage systems: to protect the building and its occupants from extreme weather events.

A hydraulic consultant or engineer provides advice on hydraulic plumbing and drainage systems. Specialist hydraulic engineers provide performance-based solutions, helping you achieve compliance, preserve your design vision and avoid costly delays.

The earlier, the better. Involving the hydraulic expert at the concept or schematic design stage helps identify compliance pathways, avoid costly redesigns, and unlock innovative solutions that align with your vision and regulatory requirements.

Yes. While your other consultants may have overall design responsibility for the project’s plumbing and drainage systems, DDEG can provide specialist solutions to address specific challenges of your project.

Performance-based solutions use advanced analysis and modelling to demonstrate that your building meets the National Construction Code’s performance requirements, even when prescriptive rules don’t fit or are overly onerous.

We can assess and provide hydraulic performance solutions for roof drainage, sanitary drainage and water supply systems.

Yes. Our deep understanding of hydraulic systems means we can provide reliable and informed advice on prescriptive design solutions.

Yes. We provide a range of bespoke solutions to assist in the conservation, restoration and enhancement of heritage buildings and structures.

Our team has extensive knowledge of local and national codes, and we maintain strong relationships with building surveyors and other authorities. We prepare robust, regulator-ready documentation and proactively engage all stakeholders to ensure smooth approvals.

Our fees are very competitive and tailored to the complexity and requirements of your project. We provide clear, upfront proposals with no hidden costs, and we’re always happy to discuss options to suit your budget and timeline.

We typically require your architectural drawings, a project brief, and any known compliance challenges. Don’t worry if you’re unsure. Our team will guide you through exactly what’s needed for an efficient, accurate proposal.

We aim to provide tailored proposals within 2-3 business days of receiving your project details, so you can keep moving forward.

We provide hydraulic solutions across most sectors Australia-wide, including:

  • Aged care
  • Childcare
  • Community and event
  • Correctional
  • Defence
  • Education
  • Existing building upgrades
  • Fitness
  • Healthcare
  • Heritage refurbishments
  • Hospitality
  • Industrial
  • Infrastructure
  • Offices
  • Residential
  • Retail
  • Specialist disability accommodation

Yes, DDEG is registered to practice Australia-wide and holds full professional indemnity insurance for all hydraulic solutions. Please contact us to request a certificate of currency.

Yes. We’re with you from initial concept through to final approval and beyond. We offer ongoing advice and support through construction and occupancy to ensure your building remains compliant and safe.

Keep Your Project Moving With Hydraulic Technical Solutions

Contact us for a tailored solution to complex hydraulic design or compliance challenges.

Get in touch with us

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