For a suspected public sewer blockage or sewage overflow, contact the sewerage provider for the affected address. If it is Sydney Water, call its 24-hour faults line on 13 20 90. Report an active overflow immediately. If the problem appears confined to private drainage, stop using affected fixtures and contact a licensed plumber.
Is it a private drain or public sewer issue?
The symptoms can suggest where the blockage lies, but only the provider or a licensed plumber can confirm it.
A public sewer issue is more likely when:
- neighbouring properties have similar problems;
- sewage is emerging from a maintenance hole or public land; or
- an overflow continues while no water is being used at the property.
A private blockage is more likely when only one property or fixture is affected, or wastewater backs up when its toilets, sinks or appliances are used. Problems affecting every fixture can still be within the property’s private drainage.
If the source is uncertain or sewage is overflowing, report it to the provider. Check a recent water bill, ask the property manager or use the provider’s official address search. Sydney Water is not the sewerage provider for every NSW address.
Locate the mapped public sewer safely
Use an official sewer network map or asset plan. Never lift a maintenance-hole cover, enter a pit or probe sewer infrastructure.
A Before You Dig Australia enquiry may provide plans of recorded utility assets for the nominated location. Sydney Water also offers property and sewer information through its official services.
- A sewer asset plan generally shows recorded public sewer mains and related assets.
- A sewer service diagram generally records private property drainage and its connection to the sewer.
Plans do not locate a live blockage, guarantee exact asset positions or establish repair responsibility. The provider or a licensed plumber must investigate.
Report the fault and reduce exposure
Give the provider:
- the address or nearest intersection;
- where the sewage is emerging;
- when it started and whether it is still flowing;
- whether neighbours are affected; and
- whether it continues while fixtures are unused.
Do not delay an urgent report to collect every detail. Keep people and pets away from any sewage spill, avoid contact with wastewater, and do not touch or enter sewer access points. Minimise toilet flushing, showers, washing-machine use and dishwasher use if this may reduce the overflow.
Do not attempt clearing, jetting, camera inspection or repairs on public sewer assets. For signs confined to private drainage, our licensed Sydney plumbing team can locate and assess the blockage.