Helpful Information About Your Drains
Problems with sewer and stormwater systems generally occur within the pipes, stopping the flow of waste and water away from your property. Responsibility of the maintenance of this network of pipes is shared between you the property owner and your relevant water authority.
If the blockages are within the internal pipes, the property owner is responsible. You are also responsible for all the fittings and pipes within the property boundary to the connection point with your relevant water authorities pipes. Your relevant water authority refers to this point as a “27A” and generally this point will be near the property boundary.
Any pipes and fittings on the owners side of “27A” including the boundary trap and the inspection shaft are the owners responsibility. This means any repairs, replacement, or maintenance costs associated with these are the responsibility of the owner.
What happens if my pipes are not maintained?
If precautions aren’t taken your pipes may become blocked the most common causes of blockages include:
- Tree roots penetrating the pipe/s
- A build up of fats and oils that have been put down sinks or toilets
- Foreign materials such as food scraps or sanitary products that have either been flushed down toilets or put down sinks
- Damaged and/or broken pipes due to tree root intrusion
Tips on maintaining pipes
The best maintenance is preventative maintenance
- Dispose of your waste appropriately
- Not disposing of sanitary products down toilets
- Not disposing of cotton buds or cigarette butts down sinks
- Not pouring fats and oils or disposing of food scraps down sinks or toilets
- When choosing plants or trees always check with your local nursery for planting advice as some plants and trees should not be planted near pipes
Tree roots and sewers don’t mix!
Over 75% of all sewer blockages are caused by tree roots finding their way into our sewer pipes.
Tree roots grow in search of water and nutrients which makes our sewers a prime target. All it takes is for a single hair like tree root to break through a tiny fracture or gap within your pipes. Once inside, a mass of roots can form which will eventually lead to a blockage. The most effective step is prevention, as once the tree roots break through, your pipes will become damaged and will require costly repairs.
Our recommendation is to have your pipes regularly cleaned and maintained.
For preventative maintenance contact us to give your pipes a health check.
What happens when a blockage occurs?
This will all depend on the severity of the blockage. Some blockages may only cause sinks to drain more slowly and give off foul odors, others can cause sewerage to spill from the gully trap outside or even spill from toilets or basins inside the property.
What should I do if I have a blockage?
If you have a minor blockage avoid using the affected sink, toilet or drain and contact us.
If you have a major blockage avoid using all drainage and call us for emergency service.
