What happens when my wastewater system has a problem?
When is a wastewater leak the council's responsibility?
- If the lateral is blocked because of a pipe failure outside your property boundary, Council will usually replace the pipe.
- If you call out a plumber and they decide the blockage may be Council's responsibility, your plumber must contact Council to determine who is responsible for repairing the problem. If the blockage is a Council problem, it will be fixed at Council's cost. The plumber will need to apply for a claim using the following form: Plumbers Claim Form - My CODC
When is a wastewater leak the property owner's responsibility?
- If there is a blockage in your wastewater system you need to call your plumber. If the blockage is in your private plumbing, your plumber will need to fix it.
- If a blockage is in the lateral that services your property, whether it is on your property or crossing another property it is usually your responsibility to correct.
- If the problem is caused by tree roots, the problem is the property owners' responsibility.