Why can't you connect my downpipe into the sewer?
It can seem like the obvious fix: the sewer pipe is right there, and the stormwater runs the long way to the street. But in Sydney, rainwater from roofs, downpipes and yard drains must never go into the sewer. The sewer is built for wastewater from inside the house, not for storms. Here's why the rule exists, what happens when it's broken, and how we connect stormwater properly instead.
Why stormwater can't go into the sewer
Sewers overflow in storms
A single roof can send thousands of litres into a pipe during heavy rain. Multiply that across a street and the sewer fills up and overflows, sometimes out of overflow gullies in people's yards.
It overloads treatment plants
Every litre of rain in the sewer has to be pumped and treated at plants like Malabar. See where does sewage go?
It's against the rules
Sydney Water does not allow stormwater connections to the sewer. Illegal connections can lead to orders to fix them.
It can flood your own home
In heavy rain, an overloaded sewer can back up into your yard gully or even inside the house.
Signs your stormwater may be in the sewer
- The overflow relief gully near the house overflows during heavy rain.
- Drains gurgle or toilets bubble when it's raining hard.
- A downpipe disappears into the ground right next to a sewer pipe or gully.
- An old home with no visible stormwater pits but downpipes that go into the ground.
How we fix it
We trace where each downpipe goes with a camera and locator, and if any are connected to the sewer, disconnect them and run them to the stormwater system, the kerb, or an approved alternative where there's no fall to the street. You get clear options and a fixed price before any work starts. See stormwater and our stormwater rules guide.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Some older homes in Matraville, Botany and Maroubra still have downpipes connected into the sewer decades ago, before the rules were enforced as they are now. We often find them when a yard gully keeps overflowing in storms.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Can I connect my downpipe to the sewer?
No. In Sydney, stormwater from roofs and yards must not be connected to the sewer.
Why does my yard gully overflow when it rains?
Stormwater may be getting into the sewer, overloading it, or the sewer line may be partly blocked.
Where should my downpipes go?
Into a stormwater system that drains to the street kerb, a council drain, or an approved alternative such as an absorption system where allowed.
How do I find out where my downpipes connect?
A camera inspection and locator trace each downpipe to see where it goes.
Related help: stormwater, stormwater rules guide, where does sewage go?, gurgling drains and CCTV drain inspection. Local pages: Matraville, Botany, Maroubra and Pagewood.