{"id":1409,"date":"2023-07-05T15:18:24","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T15:18:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdlplumbdraingas.com.au\/?p=1409"},"modified":"2023-08-02T13:46:01","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T13:46:01","slug":"who-is-responsible-for-blocked-sewer-pipes-in-the-newcastle-area","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdlplumbdraingas.com.au\/cdlblog\/who-is-responsible-for-blocked-sewer-pipes-in-the-newcastle-area\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert Advice from CDL Plumbing & Drainage in Who is Responsible for Blocked Sewer Pipes in Newcastle & NSW"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a homeowner, it's essential to understand the factors that contribute to sewer blockages and the corresponding responsibilities. When faced with a sewer blockage, it's crucial to determine who bears the responsibility for addressing the issue. In this article, we will explore the key factors involved in sewer blockages and shed light on the responsibility for resolving them in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The Anatomy of a Sewer Blockage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sewer blockages can occur due to various reasons, including tree root intrusions, foreign objects, debris buildup, or structural defects. Understanding the causes <\/a>can help you prevent future blockages and determine the appropriate party to address the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Responsibility: Homeowners vs Local Authorities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Newcastle, the responsibility for sewer blockages is generally divided between homeowners and local authorities which for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and in fact all of NSW is Hunter Water<\/a> which is a state-owned service<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a homeowner, you are typically responsible for maintaining and addressing blockages within your property's private sewer pipes, also known as the wastewater service pipes. On the other hand, the local water and sewerage authority is responsible for the main sewer lines and infrastructure beyond your property boundary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So knowing the location of the blockage in relation to the boundary is crucial in knowing who is responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing Your Boundaries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is where things can get tricky. You\u2019ll likely need the expertise of local drainage contractors to locate the blockage accurately as this isn\u2019t always very easy for most homeowners. You\u2019ll also need to know where your property boundaries are which should be relatively easy to find out on your property deeds. If the blockage is safely beyond your property boundary your local plumber may well be authorised by Hunter Water to clear the blockage even if it requires excavation<\/a> or Hunter Water themselves will have it unblocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private Sewer Pipes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Private sewer pipes refer to the pipes connecting your property to the main sewer line. Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and any blockages occurring within these pipes. It is crucial to ensure that these pipes are well-maintained and regularly inspected to avoid potential blockages that could cause inconvenience and costly repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identifying the Blockage Location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you encounter a sewer blockage<\/a>, determining the exact location is crucial to establish responsibility. Suppose the blockage is within your private sewer pipes. In that case, you, as the homeowner, should contact a professional plumber, such as CDL Plumbing & Drainage, to investigate and accurately locate the blockage usually with CCTV cameras<\/a> and other professional plumbing technology. This is the same technology used in leak detection.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if the blockage is located outside your property's boundaries, it becomes the responsibility of the local water and sewerage authority which for Newcastle & NSW is Hunter Water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional Plumbing Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dealing with sewer blockages requires specialised knowledge and equipment. Hiring professional plumbers, such as CDL Plumbing & Drainage in Newcastle<\/a> & Lake Macquarie<\/a>, is highly recommended. These experts possess the necessary skills to diagnose and resolve sewer blockages efficiently. They can conduct thorough inspections, utilise high-pressure water jetting or mechanical cutting tools, and provide long-term solutions to prevent future blockages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preventive Measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While blockages are inevitable, adopting preventive measures can significantly reduce the occurrence of sewer blockages. Some effective preventive steps include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n