How to find your sewer shaft
Are your sewer pipes gurgling, your sinks or toilets slow to drain, or wastewater overflowing outside?
There may be a blockage in your sewer pipes or Hunter Water’s sewer system.
In these situations, knowing where your sewer shaft is can help our crews respond faster and fix the issue safely.
Here’s how to find your sewer shaft, and what to do if you’re not sure where to look.
What is a sewer shaft?
A sewer shaft is a pipe that leads to a Hunter Water sewer main.
The opening is round, usually encased in concrete and may have a white plastic or metal lid. All sewage from your home flows to our sewer main via your sewer shaft.
Below are examples of both types of sewer shafts to help you know what to look for.
Where are sewer shafts located
Your sewer shaft will be in either your front or back yard, close to the ground and usually at the lowest point of the block.
It can be easy to miss as it is sometimes hidden under landscaping, garden beds or paving.
If you need to check your sewer shaft
You may need to unscrew or lift the lid to check.
If you see any signs of sewage or feel any pressure, stop immediately.
Contact us 24/7 on 1300 657 000
Have you experienced damage to your property?
We work hard to minimise property damage for our customers. But sometimes a water main breaks or a sewer overflows, causing damage.
If you have been affected, read our fact sheet to find out what to do next and how we may be able to help.