Your Sewer Service

Your Sewer Service

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

  Answer

  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.

• 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 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

  • Locate your sewer shaft. This is a pipe that leads to the sewer main. It should be flush to the ground and the lid is approximately the size of a bread and butter plate. This will be located in either the front or back yard.
  • Is the sewer shaft full or overflowing? You may need to unscrew or lift the lid of the shaft to check. If you feel any pressure when you are trying to unscrew or remove the lid, stop immediately and do not attempt to lift or remove the lid any further. If your shaft is full or overflowing please  contact us.

  Further Steps

  • If the shaft is not full, run an internal tap and see if the water reaches the shaft or causes the water to fill up the shaft.
  • If you can located your internal overflow gully, check to see if this is overflowing.

  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.

• 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.

• Do all homes have an Overflow Relief Gully (ORG)?

  Answer

  Most properties constructed after 1976 have an ORG, surrounded in concrete, near an external wall (or in special cases they may have a reflux valve). Buildings connected to the sewer prior to this date do not have an ORG unless additional work has been carried out since 1976. We strongly recommend that all homes have an ORG installed. When it is not possible to install a complying ORG, a reflux valve may be installed.

• Is my Overflow Relief Gully (ORG) covered by regulations?

  Answer

  There are plumbing regulations that apply to the installation of ORG’s (National Plumbing Code AS 3500 1998). If you already have one installed, a licensed plumber should make an assessment as it may need to be repaired or replaced. If you don’t have one, contact a licensed plumber for a quote.

• How do I apply for a House Drainage Diagram?

  Answer

  To apply:

  • Visit any of our Customer Centres
  • Email / Mail or Fax us to request a copy of your house drainage diagram.

  If you require further assistance please contact us on 1300 657 657 or email enquiries@hunterwater.com.au.

  
  

• How long does it take to process a House Drainage Diagram?

  Answer

  House Drainage Diagrams are normally ready for collection or post within 10 working days after receipt of the application.

• 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 about trees causing problems now?

  Answer

  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.