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.
You should always refer to Hunter Water's website or contact us in the first instance.
If you arrange for a licensed plumber to attend your property prior to contacting us, they may be able to determine if there is a possible blockage within our wastewater system (Hunter Water owned assets), or within your internal pipework (customer owned asset).
If the blockage is suspected to be within our wastewater system, your licensed plumber should contact, or ask you to contact us. We will then attend to carry out the appropriate work.
If the work to determine the blockage was undertaken by a licensed plumber at your request, prior to your contact with Hunter Water to report a suspected blockage, you are responsible for these costs.
In the majority of circumstances, upon notification, Hunter Water will attend a property if the sewer inspection shaft is full or overflowing as this may indicate that there is a blockage in the sewer main or branch line.
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.
If you are experiencing problems with your sewer such as gurgling noises, sinks and toilets are slow to drain or effluent is overflowing from your internal or external gully, please follow the steps below and then contact us.
Initial Steps
Further Steps
Once you have performed these checks please contact us for advice. If you are unable to perform these checks please contact Hunter Water for support.
To apply:
If you require further assistance please contact us on 1300 657 657 or email enquiries@hunterwater.com.au.
House Drainage Diagrams are normally ready for collection or post within 10 working days after receipt of the application.
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.
We use a special foam to inhibit root growth in sewer mains, and, in the case of your own pipes, you can get a plumber to do the same or use an electric eel. Repair and reinforcement of the affected sewer pipes is also a practical option worth considering.
However, in severe cases you may need to consider removing the offending tree. If this is the case it is vital that you correctly identify which tree is causing the damage. You should then obtain a copy of your local council’s Tree Preservation Guidelines, as you will need their approval to remove the offending tree.
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