Blocked pipes

The type of individual connections to the Canberra sewerage system vary according to the requirements of each block. It is the responsibility of the leaseholder, under ACT regulations, to maintain the sanitary drain and clear access to the sewerage and stormwater systems and to ensure stormwater runoff is not connected to the household sanitary drainage system.

ActewAGL is responsible for maintaining the system, clearing blockages and repairing damage and deterioration. This includes sewer ties where the household system joins the main system up to the lease boundary.

Why blockages occur:

• roots from trees and shrubs tapping into pipes
• hot fat being tipped down sinks, cooling and solidifying
• objects entering the system
• breaks to pipes from excavations and heavy vehicles driving over pipes.

What to do if a blockage occurs:

• report overflowing sewer access chamber covers to ActewAGL
• report overflowing external grates to ActewAGL only if they continue to overflow when no household fixtures, such as toilets, are running
• check inspection risers for water and, if present, report this to ActewAGL
• a private drainer or plumber should be contacted in all other cases.

If the drainer believes the obstruction is in the sewer system ActewAGL must be contacted to attend at the site before the blockage is cleared. ActewAGL is prepared to reimburse the drainer and householder for all reasonable costs only if ActewAGL staff have attended the site.

Further information

For information on clearing blocked sewers and drains contact ActewAGL faults and emergencies 13 11 93 (24 hours).