While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, blocked drains in Sydney can quickly become serious if they’re not addressed. Blocked drains can be a major headache for homeowners and businesses, as they can cause water damage, unpleasant odours and disruptions to daily life.
However, when it comes to fixing the problem, it’s not always clear who is responsible for the repairs and maintenance. Is it the responsibility of the property owner or the local council?
The answer can be complex and depends on a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the issue of blocked drains in Sydney and help you understand who takes responsibility for repairs and maintenance. Read on to learn more.
Who Is Responsible for What With Blocked Drains in Sydney?
Blocked drains in Sydney can be a frustrating and unhygienic problem that can cause serious health risks if left untreated. Drainage issues can occur when used water from sinks, toilets and drains begins to leak from a pipe, resulting in foul odours and stagnant water. This can create an ideal environment for harmful bacteria and viruses to thrive, putting the health of you and your loved ones at risk.
Raw sewage in particular is a major concern because it contains tiny living things or pathogens that can make people and animals very sick if they touch it or breathe it in. It’s important to address blocked drains as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease and avoid costly repairs.
Your Responsibility
When owning a property in Sydney, you’re responsible for all the water pipes connected to it, even the ones you share with your neighbours. If your neighbours aren’t experiencing a blockage, your drainage isn’t shared with other properties, there’s no flooding in the area and you’re only experiencing an overflow when using water on your property, then chances are, the blockage is in your private pipes.
In such a case, it’s important to contact a licensed plumber in Sydney, particularly if you notice any signs of drainage problems:
- slow drainage
- overflowing sink
- the toilet is taking a long time to empty
- water escaping from an underground pipe
- waste coming out of an inspection chamber
- gurgling sounds or unpleasant odours coming from your drains.
The Role of Local Councils
If you are worried that your neighbours aren’t doing anything to fix a drainage problem or blocked drains in Sydney, there’s a way for the local council to step in and help. They can get involved if there’s a risk to public safety, and if complaints about private drainage aren’t getting resolved by the property owners.
How Sydney Water Can Help
Sydney Water is in charge of the main sewer lines, and they can provide you with copies of the drainage plans so you can see who else shares those pipes. Here are some signs that the issue is in Sydney Water’s pipes instead of your own:
- There’s flooding in the area.
- Your neighbours are also having the same issue.
- The overflow is continuous even when you’re not using water on your property.
- The overflow is happening outside of your property boundary, such as from a maintenance hole on public land.
If any of these apply, it’s best to contact Sydney Water for assistance.
Emergency Drains: Your Local Trusted Sydney Plumbers
If you suspect blocked drains in Sydney, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of a professional plumber who can help you identify and fix the problem quickly and effectively.
Emergency Drains is a locally owned and family-operated plumbing business that offers trusted and reliable services in Sydney. Our team of experienced and professional plumbers has extensive knowledge and expertise in diagnosing and fixing blocked drains in Sydney, no matter how big or small.
Contact us today and let us take care of your plumbing needs!
