Sewer blockages

Sewer blockages can be disastrous if left uninvestigated. If you are experiencing a problem such as gurgling noises, or sinks and toilets are slow to drain, we encourage you to reach out to us before you call a plumber. 

If you are experiencing a sewer overflow, call us immediately on 02 4429 3214. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Click on tabs below to learn what causes sewer blockages. 

Tips to avoid sewer blockages

Regardless of what kind of sewerage system your property has, it is in your best interest to avoid costly blockages.

Only the 3 P’s should be flushed down the toilet – Pee, Poo and (toilet) Paper. 

In our experience, the main causes of a sewer blockage include:

  1. Wet wipes (even the ones labelled "flushable"), tissues, kitchen paper, and rags being flushed down the toilet.
  2. Rubbish, children’s toys, tennis balls, nappies, clothing, sanitary pads/tampons, cooking waste, sand, and other wastes not suitable for flushing into the sewer system.
  3. Tree roots infiltrating the property pipes.
  4. Crushed or flattened pipes that have been damaged.
  5. Pipes that have been laid poorly.

Whilst Shoalhaven Water will clear a blockage within the Council mains, your internal drainage lines are your responsibility.

Tree roots and sewers

Tree roots damage sewer lines and can lead to clogged, overflowing, and slow-flowing drains. If this occurs within your property it is your responsibility to contact a plumber and have the tree roots removed, and the pipe fixed.

Root damage can also let stormwater into the pipes. During heavy rain, this extra water can overload the sewer system causing it to overflow into our waterways and pollute the environment.

 

If you are experiencing a non-urgent sewerage related problem, click on the button below and find out how to report the problem. 

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