Sewer Pipes – Are They A Homeowner’s Responsibility?

First things first: what is a sewer pipe?

A sewer pipe is the waste pipe from your house to the local Council network connection. It is a privately owned service until it reaches the community sewer, which is also known as the “invert.”

 

This pipe can be constructed from PVC plastic, earthenware clay, cast steel, or FC fibro cement. It is commonly sized at 100mm in diameter but it can be larger depending on the volume of waste or fixtures required to service that pipework.

What part of a sewer pipe is Council responsible for?

The answer depends on where your property is located. 

 

In southeast Queensland, we have the Logan, Redlands, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, and Moreton Councils. Each of these regions will have a different criteria with regards to the exact point of connection or responsibility between the private and public connection point.

 

A general rule of thumb is that your responsibility ends where your boundary line ends however this may vary by up to 1.5m either way depending on where your property is.

What are common faults for a sewer pipe?

The most common sewer pipe faults are:

  • Tree roots entering the pipe from cracked, fractured, or broken pipework
  • Backfall, flat drains, or drips in the drains such that the water doesn’t fall in the correct direction
  • Fats, grease, or food scraps stuck in the drains
  • Foreign objects in the drains such as baby wipes, toys, plastic products, or sanitary items
  • Excessive toilet paper

How do I know if a sewer blockage is my fault or Council's?

It can be hard to tell who or what is responsible for a sewer pipe blockage without a drain camera inspection. After the drain has been cleared, we can arrange a drain camera inspection to locate and identify the cause of the problem and the appropriate next steps.

 

If the fault is Council-related, we can identify it here and you may be eligible for reimbursement through your Council after paying your invoice.

How do I fix a sewer problem after my drains have been cleared?

Depending on the location and type of break there are generally two options to repair the pipework.

The two most common types of drain repairs:

Relining

With the use of advanced technology, we can assist with relining the existing damaged pipework. This can save money and time compared to digging up and repairing the affected pipework. This product and repair also comes with a 25 year manufacturer warranty.

Dig up repairs

Sometimes the best option, despite how expensive it can become, is to excavate, expose, and repair the affected pipework. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be the best option.

Our qualified plumbers can offer advice and costings on what is the best and most cost-effective way to repair any drain faults or defects. 

 

Get in touch today to fix your sewer pipe.