Sewer blockages and overflows are usually caused by:

• Tree roots and soil entering damaged or broken pipes.

• Items flushed or poured down toilets or drains — such as wet wipes, nappies, hygiene products, or fats, oils, and grease.

• Stormwater entering the wastewater network and overloading it during heavy rain.

• Works that accidentally damage pipes.

Before You Dig

Always contact Sydney Water's Dial Before You Dig service before doing any excavation work. This helps you avoid accidentally damaging underground pipes.
 

Sewage Spilling from a Neighbour's Property

Where sewage is spilling onto the ground from a neighbouring blocked or damaged pipe, the following steps are recommended:

1. Speak to the neighbour directly in the first instance — they may not be aware that the issue is occurring.

2. Where the matter is not resolved through direct communication, lodge a service request with Council online or visit Council's Contact Us page.

Blockage in Your Own Pipes

Where the blockage is within private sewer pipes on your property, it is your responsibility to contact a licenced plumber.
 

Spill in the Street

Where a spill is occurring in the street or past the property's connection point, contact Sydney Water.
 

Council Street Trees

Where a Council street tree is suspected of causing a blockage, further information is available on Council's Tree Management page.
 

More Information

For further detail, refer to Council's Sewer Overflow Factsheet.