Your sewer service explained
Your sewer service is part of the broader wastewater network operated by Hunter Water. Understand your responsibilities and what to do if there is a problem.
More than 5,000 kilometres of dedicated pipes carry water from homes and businesses to one of our wastewater treatment facilities. There, it is treated to a high standard before being returned to the environment or recycled for non-drinking use.
Understanding your responsibilities
As a property owner, you are responsible for maintaining, repairing and replacing the sewer (wastewater) pipes and fittings on your property, right up to where they connect with Hunter Water’s wastewater system.
This includes the boundary trap and inspection shaft.
If the sewer inspection shaft is full or overflowing, it may indicate a blockage in the sewer main or branch line. Call us immediately so we can act quickly to fix the problem.
Not sure where your connection point is or think it might be outside your property? We’re here to help.
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Stop sewer problems before they start
When the wrong things end up in the sewer pipes, it can cause problems for your home and our network. These items can block your drains, overload or damage the sewerage system and even harm the environment.
Sewer blockages can cause sewage to overflow into homes and waterways, leading to expensive plumbing bills for homeowners and an unpleasant job for our crews to clean up.
There are several fixtures on your property to help move wastewater into the sewer main. Learn how each one works and what you can do to help prevent blockages.
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Standard sewer system (maintenance responsibilities)
This image shows the maintenance responsibilities for a property owner with a standard sewer (wastewater) system.
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Pressure sewer system (maintenance responsibilities)
This image shows the maintenance responsibilities for a property owner with a pressure sewer system.
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Know where our pipes are on your property
Before starting any work on your property, it's important to know where underground pipes and cables are located.
You may also want to know where Hunter Water pipes are if you are planning to build or renovate. A service location plan can help you do this safely and avoid damage to Hunter Water’s assets.
What to do if you have a sewer blockage
Problems in the sewerage system usually happen inside the pipes, stopping sewage from flowing away from your home.
If you have a blockage, there are a few steps you can take to try and fix the problem.
Starting a small business?
If you’re setting up a small business, you may need to install a pre-treatment system that suits your operations.
It’s important to understand your trade waste responsibilities and make sure the right systems are in place to stay compliant when discharging to our sewer network.
Wastewater systems
Ever wondered where your sewage goes after you flush?
Hunter Water’s wastewater system includes the sewer network, treatment processes at our plants, and the environmental safeguards we use to protect waterways and public health.