Blocked sewer: is it your problem or Sydney Water's?
When the sewer blocks, the first question is usually who's responsible for fixing it. In most cases the pipe on your property is yours to look after, but some blockages are in Sydney Water's pipes, and then they fix it. This guide explains where the line sits, how we find out which side the problem is on, and what happens next. It's written by the local plumbers who clear sewer blockages every week across Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar, Botany and the southern Eastern Suburbs.
Where your pipes end and Sydney Water's begin
Your private sewer pipe
The pipes from your toilets, showers, basins and kitchen, out through the yard to where your line joins Sydney Water's sewer. As the property owner you look after these, including the connection to their pipe.
Sydney Water's pipes
The sewer main, the body of the junction your pipe connects into, and their sidelines. If the fault is in these, Sydney Water is responsible for the repair.
On many older blocks in the southern Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney Water main runs through the back or side yard rather than under the street, so the connection point can be closer than you'd think. A sewer diagram for your property shows where the pipes run.
Signs the problem is yours vs Sydney Water's
- Only your home is affected: one toilet or the whole house backs up, but the neighbours are fine. Usually your private pipe.
- Neighbours have the same problem at the same time: it may be the shared main. Worth checking.
- Sewage coming up from a maintenance hole (a round concrete lid) in the street or a yard: that's Sydney Water's system. Report it to them.
How we find out which side the problem is on
- Clear the blockage: we jet the line from your inspection opening to get you working again.
- Camera inspection: a camera shows where the blockage or damage is and how far along the pipe it sits.
- Locate it: we can trace exactly where the problem is above ground and compare it with the sewer diagram.
- Tell you straight: if it's on your side, you get options and a fixed price. If it's in Sydney Water's pipe, we explain what we found so you can report it with confidence.
If it's in Sydney Water's pipe
Sydney Water will usually inspect and arrange the repair of their pipes. Don't dig up anything that may be theirs without their approval. If the problem is where your pipe connects to theirs, the details matter, so camera footage of exactly what's there is the best evidence to have.
What about tree roots?
Roots are the most common cause of sewer blockages in older local homes, whichever side of the line they're on. See our tree roots guide. If the roots come from a council street tree, a plumber's written report with camera evidence is what council will ask for.
Why locals call us for blocked sewers
- Based in Matraville, close to every southern Eastern Suburbs home
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Camera footage of your pipe is yours to keep
- A fixed price before any work starts
- Licensed plumbers and drainers (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Who is responsible for a blocked sewer pipe in Sydney?
The property owner looks after the private sewer pipe from the house to where it connects to Sydney Water's sewer. Sydney Water looks after the main, the body of the junction and their sidelines.
Will Sydney Water clear my blocked drain?
Only if the blockage is in their pipes. Blockages in your private pipe need a licensed plumber.
How do I know if the blockage is in Sydney Water's pipe?
A camera inspection shows exactly where the blockage is. If neighbours are blocked at the same time, or sewage is coming out of a maintenance hole, it's more likely to be Sydney Water's.
Where does my sewer pipe run?
A sewer diagram for your property shows the layout, and we can trace the exact line with a camera and locator.
Blocked sewer? See our blocked drains and CCTV drain inspection services, our blocked drains guide, or your local page: blocked drains Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar, Pagewood, Eastgardens, Botany and Little Bay. More plumbing guides.