Sewer Blockages

Problems in the sewerage system generally occur within the pipes, stopping the flow of sewage away from your home.

The wastewater treatment works are designed to treat only degradable sewage. Therefore only degradable items should be placed do your toilet, sink and drains.
What can I put down the sink or drain?

Responsibility for the maintenance of this network of pipes is shared between you and Hunter Water. See our diagram to understand your sewer pipe responsibilities.

What to Do

If you are experiencing problems with your sewer, please contact us in the first instance.

You may be asked some questions to confirm that the blockage is within our pipes. If it is, we will attend your property and carry out the appropriate work.

If we find that the blockage is within your pipes, you will be advised to contact a licensed plumber or we can refer to First Call Plumbing - our plumbing referral service.
 
If you are unsure if the blockage is within our system or is within your own pipes, please contact us. If we are unable to determine where the blockage is, we will organise for a crew to come and assess the blockage. If the blockage is within our system, our crew will clear the blockage. 

If it is determined onsite that the blockage is within your pipes, our crew will advise you to contact a licensed plumber.

Things that indicate that there may be a blockage in our pipes:

  • Sewerage continuously spilling and no fixtures, like taps, the toilets or shower are being used
  • If you have a slowly draining toilet, sink or shower
  • If you hear a bubbling sound from your fixtures and none are being used
  • If your inspection shaft has liquid within the pipe

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    • Where are my sewer pipes located?

      Answer

      The location of our sewermains and your pipes can be hard to identify without plans, although you can usually find an inspection shaft cover somewhere in your yard.

      We can provide you with a plan of your property showing where our sewer mains are located (which includes a fee) or contact Dial Before You Dig. A qualified plumber can provide you with a basic plan of where your sewer pipes are located.

    • What happens when a blockage occurs?

      Answer

      This will depend on the severity of the blockage. Some may only cause sinks to drain more slowly, others can cause sewage to spill from gully traps outside or even spill from the toilet or basin inside the house.

    • What should I do if I have a sewer blockage?

      Answer

      If you are experiencing problems with your sewer, please contact us in the first instance.

      You may be asked some questions to confirm that the blockage is within our pipes, if it is, Hunter Water will attend your property and carry out the appropriate work. If it is found that the blockage is within your pipes, you be advised to contact a licensed plumber or we can transfer you through to First Call Plumbing - our plumbing referral service.

      If you are unsure if the blockage is within our system or is within your own pipes, please contact us. If we are unable to determine where the blockage is, we will organise for a crew to come and assess the blockage. If the blockage is within our system, our crew will clear the blockage.  

      If it is determined onsite that the blockage is within your pipes, our crew will advise you to contact a licensed plumber.

    • What if I call a plumber and the sewer blockage is in Hunter Water pipes?

      Answer

      You should always contact us in the first instance.

      If you arrange for a licensed plumber to attend your property prior to contacting us, they will determine if the blockage is within our pipes or your own pipes.

      If there is a blockage in our pipes, the plumber will contact or ask you to contact us. We will then attend to carry out the appropriate work.

    • How do tree roots damage pipes?

      Answer

      Some species are not suitable for planting near sewer pipes - their roots can infiltrate and eventually destroy pipes, causing significant inconvenience and costly repairs. Roots anchor and support trees, but they also seek and supply moisture and nutrients for continued growth.

       

    • What does an Overflow Relief Gully (ORG) look like?

      Answer

      The shape and size can vary greatly. Generally they are between 100mm and 150mm in diameter and are either made of plastic or metal alloy. In some properties there are fittings that may look like an ORG that are called ‘disconnector gullies or gully traps’. These can easily be converted to an ORG, provided it is lower than any other waste outlets in the home.

News

View All